SAVE THE DATE – DSM Book Festival — Saturday, May 2, 2026
We are proud to announce the date for next year’s festival so you can add it to your calendar! We have received wonderful comments and suggestions, plus plenty of ideas for next year! Readers and book lovers in central Iowa will be thrilled to find an outstanding array of authors appearing at the 2026 DSM Book Festival.
The free, fun-filled event, presented by Beaverdale Books and Beaverdale Neighborhood Association, will be held at the Franklin Event Center, located at 4801 Franklin Avenue in Des Moines. In addition to author programs, panels, workshops, and children’s activities, the event will offer attendees the opportunity to have their books signed, visit with publishers, and enjoy mingling with fellow booklovers.
We have already started planning for 2026, to ensure that we produce the exciting, high-quality event you have come to expect. We are partnering with publishers to bring in an impressive slate of featured authors and we are proud to announce that we will be partnering with the Des Moines Public Library to host children’s activities throughout the day. We are also partnering with the Des Moines Public Library to feature an author as part of their AViD Author Series. Stay tuned for more information. It promises to be another spectacular event for readers, writers and everyone who loves books!
Questions? If you have any other questions about the DSM Book Festival, please feel free to email dsmbookfestival@gmail.com.
Sign up for 2026! If you are an author or vendor, wishing to participate at the 2026 DSM Book Festival, use this link to reserve your spot.
Did you attend our 2025 DSM Book Festival? Big thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, and all the authors who made it such a special day. If you weren’t able to attend, here’s a link to a PHOTO GALLERY featuring many of the folks who participated.
Donation to the Des Moines Book Festival
Do I need a ticket to attend? The DSM Book Festival is free and open to the public.
Where is The Festival held? Franklin Event Center, located at 4801 Franklin Avenue.
What time is The Festival open? 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. A full schedule will be available soon.
Where do I park? Free parking is located to the south, west, and north of the venue.
Is the venue accessible? Ramps to enter Franklin Event Center are available at the north and northeast entrance. A map showing entrances will be available soon.
Will books be available for sale and signing? Beaverdale Books will have a great selection of books available at the Festival Store, offering books by our headline authors plus books by most of our panelists. In addition, there will be Vendor Authors set up throughout the day in the
East Gymnasium and they will have their books available for purchase and signing at their booths. Dozens of authors will be attending, so be sure to visit the vendors throughout the day as each author will be rotating every 90 minutes.
Will food be available? We are planning to have food trucks parked near the south main entrance.
Are there any age restrictions? The Festival will offer something for everyone, including children’s activities, hosted by the Des Moines Public Library.
How can I support the Festival and ensure that it continues annually? Donations are welcome and will be used to continue the festival will be offered again in 2026. Click on the Donate tab for more information on how to become a sponsor.
If you would like to be a part of The Festival, review the forms below and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Did you attend our DSM Book Festival? If so, thanks for your support. We were thrilled to offer such a fascinating day filled with outstanding authors and books and people who love to read! We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please take a minute to fill out this EVALUATION FORM.
Until we begin planning the 2026 Festival, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Thank you for supporting our community!
