What's New in Des Moines

 Iowa Events Center, Des Moines, Iowa

We are really excited about having our 3rd Annual AQS Quilt Show at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa, October 6 - 9. Here are some of the quilting stars who will be presenting special events there -- Eleanor Burns (who will have us all Down on the Farm), Joe Cunningham (who can pluck that guitar), Jim Shore (famous for his collectibles featuring quilt patterns), and Flavin Glover (who is famous for her Log Cabin quilts and who will give us treatment remedies for being quiltaholics).

As you make your plans to attend the show, don't miss taking a walk across the new Center Street Bridge, a 400-foot span usable by pedestrians and bicyclists that connects the east and west sides of the Des Moines River. This is part of the Principal Riverwalk project that will ultimately include 1.2-mile trails on each side of the Des Moines River between the Center Street Dam to the north and the retrofitted Union Pacific Railroad Bridge south of Court Avenue. Here's a photo to show you this beautiful new landmark in downtown Des Moines.

Center Street Bridge for pedistrians and bicyclists

Also, don't forget the AQS-sanctioned events:
Iowa Hall of Pride: These wonderful interactive exhibits of people and groups related to Iowa are located right there in Hy-Vee Hall in the Iowa Events Center - the same building where the quilt show is located. If you are a history buff, a sports enthusiasts, or just want to have some fun, check out the Iowa Hall of Pride.

These Iowa personalities are included in the Hall of Heroes: Nile Kinnick, Peggy Whitson, Andy Williams, Meredith Wilson, Dr. Frank Spalding, Donna Reed, John Wayne, Glenn Miller, Grand Wood, Mauricio Lasansky, James Van Allen, Roger Williams, and a lot more. Check it out! You can purchase your tickets when you register for the show.
 
Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center: The Botanical Center will feature quilt-themed displays on the grounds, plus a special exhibit of quilts in the Northwing Gallery, lobby and Show House corridors. Admission is free with your AQS name badge. Open daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Riverwalk Cafe serves lunch Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. You can jump on the free shuttle bus to get there.

Historic Valley Junction welcomes you to the Quilter's Open House: Free bus service from the Iowa Events Center will take you to Valley Junction in West Des Moines. Stores will showcase quilts in their front windows, and there is a special Quilt Walk from Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A special Quilter's Open House will be on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. (shuttle service is extended on Thursday evening until 8 p.m.) Free admission.

To learn more about these sanctioned events or to register for the show, click here.

The leaves on the trees are usually really pretty in early October in Iowa - a perfect time and place for a fall trip.