Contact:
Nathan Beacom
Executive Director, The Lyceum Movement
nbeacom@lyceummovement.org
(515) 554-8669

The First Annual Des Moines Festival of Ideas to be Held August 6

DES MOINES, IA (July 17, 2023) – After more than a century, the Des Moines Lyceum is bringing back a summer festival of ideas to the city.

On August 6th, Tallgrass: The Des Moines Festival of Ideas will be held in downtown Des Moines. The event will feature nationally known speakers, like the Atlantic’s Shadi Hamid and Aspen Institute’s Sam Kimbriel, a live podcast recording, an Ideas Contest, film premiere and much more.

“We’re excited to bring a kind event to our city that is often reserved for bigger, coastal cities, but with an Iowa touch. You can sort of imagine a TedTalks event, but where it’s much more interactive and attendees get to be a part of the conversation, where there’s local art, food, and beer.” Said Executive Director, Nathan Beacom.

The event is hosted by the Des Moines Lyceum, a local nonprofit that hosts social, festive events that explore the big ideas of art, philosophy, history and more. In an age where so much of our time is consumed by the anxiousness of online life, the Lyceum creates spaces where neighbors can slow down, meet face to face, and have better conversations.

“Iowa has a rich history of this kind of thing. Iowans have always loved getting together to talk about big ideas. A hundred years ago, a man from Indianola, Kieth Vawter, started the tradition of a summer festival featuring the best of ideas and culture. His idea was so popular that hundreds of cities copied it and millions of people attended events like his. We believe people still want to get together, maybe now more than ever, to enjoy good food, big ideas, and great conversations.” Beacom said.

Tickets to this all ages event are available now through August sixth. Other speakers include longtime broadcaster Dave Price, filmmaker Pete Davis, philosophers Scott Samuelson and Kate Padgett-Walsh, chef Nadia Ahissou, and others.

WHERE: 901 Cherry Street, Des Moines IA 50265

WHEN: Sunday, August 6th, 2023 11:00 AM -9:30 PM, attendees may come and go.

TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/662609251107

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For more information, visit www.lyceummovement.org/tallgrass

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