Details
About 80/35
What is 80/35?
80/35 is a multi-day festival celebrating music and the people who support music—artists, venues, DJs, and, of course, fans. 80/35 launches July 4 & 5, 2008 as an open-air music festival in Western Gateway Park in Des Moines, Iowa.
Multiple national bands will play the main stage. And, regional and local supporting acts will rock the smaller side stages for continuous sonic stimulation. At the rest of the fest you'll find tons of activities including interactive art, merch vendors, kid's spots, resting places, food and beverage sales, and, dare we say, a few surprises.
Where is it?
The 80/35 music festival is in the heart of Iowa's capital city, Des Moines. The performances will be in Western Gateway Park at 13th and Locust, just a few blocks from the many restaurants and bars of the famous Court Avenue District. While Western Gateway Park is in the city, you'll find plenty of green space for walking, relaxing or just sitting and enjoying the show.
Nearby, you'll also find trendy shopping and up-scale restaurants in the East Village, as well as the friendly art galleries and neighborhood pubs on Ingersoll Avenue. Or, if nature is more to your liking, you're just a 10-minute walk to Grey's Lake Park where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the water.
Check our maps for detailed directions and a map of places to park or stay.
What types of music?
At 80/35, you'll hear all types of music. From hip-hop to rock to blues to punk. This is music for adults, kids, and adults who act like kids. The goal of 80/35 is to celebrate music and culture in Greater Des Moines. Whether you purchase tickets to see the national headliners on the two featured stages, or you choose to see the broad range of local and regional talent on the two free stages, we're pretty sure you'll always hear something you like.
View the lineup and schedule.
Who is behind all of this?
80/35 was founded by the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition to raise awareness of the thriving local music scene. The DMMC is a nonprofit organization of musicians, promoters, venues, businesses, community leaders and live music fans that are committed to building a stronger live music economy in Greater Des Moines. Since we're a non-profit, that means every dollar from every 80/35 ticket will go directly back into bolstering the music scene- to bands, to venues, to promoters, to studios- you get it.
What's with the name?
80/35 is the famous junction of two prominent interstates (I-80 and I-35) that meet at the corners of Des Moines. Locals call it eighty-thirty-five. We figured it's the perfect name for a fest that brings together a variety of music genres, musicians and people.
What can I get without a ticket?
A lot. In addition to the spectacular national headliners who will appear on the Mediacom Main Stage at 80/35, there's a super colossal list of fun things for the entire family to do for free- art, music, fireworks, crafts, feasting and more feasting. Check it out.
- Two free music stages & Sideshow Entertainment
- Interactive Sidewalk Painting
- Kids Zone Saturday with inflatables, an instrument zoo, and musical performances
- U.S. Cellular Mobile Tour: Competitive gaming challenges, prizes and activities
- Homer's Meet 'N Greet: Meet and mingle with real live 80/35 bands
- Des Moines Partnership YPC Do More Village
- Do-It-Yourself Craft Fair
- Fireworks Finale at 11 p.m. Saturday, July 5, presented by The Principal Financial Group
- Beverages from Olde Main Brewing Co.
- Food from your favorite local eateries.
- Official band and 80/35 merch at the Des Moines Music Coalition Booth
Tickets to the paid portion of the festival are available at IowaTix.com at $50 for two-day passes and single day passes are $30. Day of tickets will sell for $60 for two-day or $35 for single day.
FAQ
Rules and Regulations
- No illegal drugs, weapons or fireworks are allowed on the grounds. Violators will be ejected from the park and subject to prosecution under local, state, and federal laws.
- No pets allowed on festival grounds.
- Unauthorized vending is not permitted.
- Underage drinking is prohibited.
- Park only in designated parking areas. If your vehicle is found in an unauthorized area it will be towed to the on site tow lot and a fee will be assessed.
- Keep the festival grounds clean. Use trash and recycling bags provided by the festival.
- Smoking is NOT permitted in the paid, gated area. Smoking is allowed in the free area.
Weather
What's the weather like?
There is no such thing as typical weather in Iowa. However, temperatures in Des Moines in early July are warm. Normal high temperature: mid-80s; Normal low temperature: mid-60s.
Venue: Festival Grounds
What can I bring into the show?
All entries will need to go through physical search for unsafe items or items not allowed. You are allowed to bring the following items into the festival grounds: blankets, small, non-frame backpacks, 1 empty water bottle per person, factory sealed water, small snack, empty camelbacks, personal pocket-size point & shoot only cameras, and disposable cameras. You are not allowed to bring: lawn chairs, coolers, umbrellas, large frame backpacks, or professional photography equipment or SLRs.
Can I leave the venue and come back in?
Yes, but in order to do so, you'll need your wristband. Keep your wristband with you at all times.
What is the taping policy?
Audio Taping is NOT permitted. Video Taping is NOT allowed.
Are cameras allowed on festival grounds?
Personal pocket-size point and shoot cameras, and disposable cameras only, no SLRs or professional photography equipment.
What's the layout of the festival grounds?
Please view the festival grounds map.
What food can I buy, how much is it?
Papa John's Pizza, When Pigs Fly BBQ, Los Primos, Smiles & Gyros, Asian Sensation, Scornovacca's Ristorante, Olde Main Brewing Co., Gazali's Mediterranean Foods, Billy and Mack's Coney Shack. Food ranges between $3-10 and is purchased with cash.
What can I drink, how much is it?
Drink tickets will be purchased for beer, soda, and water. Beer is $4 each or 3 for $10. Water is $1 and Pop (Pepsi and Gatorade) is $2. Olde Main Brewing Co. will supply all the beer. Microbrews at the festival include Long Face Amber Ale, Off Kilter Scottish Ale, Clone Pale Ale,Dinkey Wheat, and Gryphonbrau It.
Can I use my credit card?
Admission tickets and drink tickets can be purchased with a credit card. ATM machines will be on festival grounds.
Tickets
Can I bring my kids? Do they have to pay?
Children are welcome to 80/35. Children under 12 will be admitted free when accompanied by a parent or guardian possessing a ticket. 2 children per adult. Children 12 and older will be charged regular admission price and will be required to have a valid ticket for entry.
When will tickets be sent out?
Please contact iowatix.com for any ticket inquiries.
How can I check the status of my ticket or change the mailing address?
Please contact iowatix.com for any questions related to the delivery of your tickets.
What should I do when I get there?
If you already have a ticket, you simply present it at the gate where you will receive a wristband. If you did will call through IowaTix, pick up your ticket at will call and exchange it at the gate for a wristband. If you did not purchase your ticket in advance, you may purchase a one-day pass for $35 or two-day pass for $60 with cash or credit card at the gate.
Green Initiatives
How is the festival reducing its impact on the environment?
Recycling containers will be placed throughout the festival grounds. 80/35 is requiring that vendors use products that can be recycled whenever possible to minimize our impact on the environment.
What can I do to help?
With a little initiative and some planning you can enjoy the music and minimize your impact on the planet. We're partnering with Bike Iowa to award people who pedal to the fest. And, special rewards are available for those who carpool, too. Check back for details.
Misc.
What security will be in place?
Event security will be positioned throughout the festival grounds during the event. If you have an emergency, locate a staff person or security personnel, or go to an information or medical tent immediately.
How do I contact the festival with questions?
Send an email to info@desmoinesmc.com
Schedule
Download the schedule in pdf format.
Friday, July 4
Mediacom Main Stage
- 5:00 p.m. - Des Moines Boyz
- 5:45 p.m. - Ingrid Michaelson
- 7:00 p.m. - Andrew Bird
- 9:00 p.m. - The Flaming Lips
American Trust DJ Stage
- 5:30 p.m. - Al Brown
- 6:30 p.m. - Al Brown
- 8:15 p.m. - Flatform
Bravo East Stage
- 5:00 p.m. - Headlights
- 6:00 p.m. - Euforquestra
- 7:15 p.m. - Diplomats of Solid Sound
- 8:15 p.m. - Mr. Baber's Neighbors
Meredith West Stage
- 5:00 p.m. - The Dig Angees
- 5:45 p.m. - Colourmusic
- 6:45 p.m. - Rock Plaza Central
- 8:00 p.m. - Cracker
Saturday, July 5
Mediacom Main Stage
- 12:00 p.m. - Public Property
- 1:15 p.m. - Dirty Little Rabbits
- 2:30 p.m. - Drive-By Truckers
- 4:00 p.m. - Jakob Dylan
- 5:30 p.m. - Black Francis
- 7:00 p.m. - Yonder Mountain String Band
- 9:00 p.m. - The Roots
American Trust DJ Stage
- 12:45 p.m. - DJ Flash
- 2:00 p.m. - Jade Reed
- 3:30 p.m. - TouchNice
- 5:00 p.m. - Tim Grimes
- 6:30 p.m. - Brad Goldman
- 8:15 p.m. - DJ Diverse
Bravo East Stage
- 12:00 p.m. - The Ben Lehl Band
- 1:00 p.m. - David Zollo and The Body Electric
- 2:00 p.m. - North of Grand
- 3:00 p.m. - Neva Dinova
- 4:00 p.m. - The Autumn Project
- 5:00 p.m. - Brother Trucker
- 6:00 p.m. - Family Groove Company
- 7:15 p.m. - The Poison Control Center
- 8:15 p.m. - Pieta Brown
Meredith West Stage
- 12:00 p.m. - The Vandon Arms
- 12:45 p.m. - GaiDen Gadema
- 1:30 p.m. - Deanna Devore
- 2:30 p.m. - KaiserCartel
- 3:30 p.m. - MooseKnuckle
- 4:45 p.m. - Ezra Furman & The Harpoons
- 5:45 p.m. - Maxilla Blue
- 6:45 p.m. - Radio Moscow
- 8:00 p.m. - The Envy Corps
Des Moines/Activities
Art / Dining / Shopping / Travel
Des Moines Register Dining Guide - Enter "des moines" as the keyword and search within 5 miles to find great eats downtown.
Downtown Community Alliance - Everything you need to know when visiting downtown Des Moines.
The East Village - Shops, galleries, restaurants, clubs- the East Village has a lot to offer.
Ingersoll Business Association - You'll find a number of shops and eats lining Ingersoll Avenue.
Like the music you heard at 80-35? Stop by ZZZ Records or Homer's to pick up the CD. Support local music!
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority - Gas is expensive. Take the bus. DART busses are clean, reasonably priced, cover the greater metro area, and have front mounted bike racks so you take your wheels along for the ride.
If you'd like to picnic instead of dine out, try Campbell's Nutrition, Dahl's, The Downtown Farmer's Market (every Saturday morning), Hy-Vee, Fareway, The Gateway Market, or try Yelp for listings on a number of other small markets and convenience stores.
Parks / Recreation
Des Moines Parks and Recreation - Look under "Fun in the Great Outdoors" for trails, parks, and other recreational facilites in Des Moines.
Water Works Parks - Located accross from Gray's Lake, the parks maintained by the Des Moines Water Works feature miles of trails, fishing, sports fields, disc golf, and several picnic areas with grills and tables.
Blank Park Zoo - An AZA accredited zoo whose mission is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education and recreation.
Des Moines Botanical Center - Featuring a Geodesic Dome conservatory and a number of surrounding gardens.
After the Festival
The festival may end at 11pm, but there is still plenty to do in Des Moines. Whether you are interested in listening to some more live music, grabbing a beer or a bite to eat, or looking for a place to sleep, here is a list of some of the hottest places to see and stay when the stages are cleared.
Live Music
The Grand Piano Bistro, 506 East Grand Avenue (515) 243-2380 - Des Moines best piano bistro ever! Come and listen to live music Wednesday thru Saturday.
The Vaudeville Mews, 212 4th St.(515) 243-3270 - A venue for live music, DJ events, film, and poetry readings that's located in the hub of Des Moines' entertainment district.
The House of Bricks, 525 East Grand Ave. (515) 727- 4370 - Des Moines' best live music.
People's Court, 216 Court Ave. (515) 422-5128 - A huge stage with local and national acts playing Wednesday thru Saturday.
Blues On Grand, 1501 Grand Ave (515) 244-3092 - Live blues Tuesday thru Saturday.
Bars and Food
The Lift, 222 Fourth St. (515) 288-3777 - With walls covered with local art, the DJs, and great drinks, The Lift is a place you can't pass up if you are in the area.
Royal Mile, 210 4th St (515) 280-3771 - Irish bar and restaurant.
101 Lounge, 101 Third St. (515) 283-1014 - An American, neighborhood bar.
Flanagan's Restaurant & Lounge, 2120 Ingersoll Ave. (515) 243-3333 - A great Irish pub with a hearty breakfast on Sunday mornings.
Carl's Place, 1620 Woodland Ave. (515) 243-9727 - One of the best neighborhood bars in Des Moines.
Zimm's Food and Spirits, 3124 Ingersoll Ave. (515) 277-9929 - Pool, games, and drinks, plus a full menu with great food.
High Life Lounge, 200 SW 2nd St. - Located close to Principal Park, the bar's deck is a popular pre-game meet-up spot, with Old Style on tap and cans for $2.
El Bait Shop, 200 SW 2nd St. (515) 284-1970 - The only 1970's and fishing themed Mexican BBQ you'll run across- ever.
Restaurants
Buzzard Billy's, 100 Court Ave.(515) 280-6060 - Specializing in incredible Cajun Creole food, large beer selections and a funky atmosphere.
Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing Co., 309 Court Ave. (515) 282-2739 - Stop in to experience award-winning cuisine, highly quaffable beer in a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.
Johnny's Hall of Fame Sports Bar, 302 Court Ave. (515) 280-6679 - Traditional American fare at reasonable prices in a sporty, down home atmosphere.
Spaghetti Works, 310 Court Ave. (515) 243-2195 - Located in Historic Court Avenue District. Family-oriented, casual atmosphere and quality pasta entrees.
Gateway Market, 2002 Woodland Ave. (515) 280-5410 - A fun and fresh place to eat, shop and hang out.
Big Tomato Pizza Co., 2613 Ingersoll Ave. (515) 288-7227 - Pizza by the slice and open late.
Chicago Dog & Deli & Pizza, 1733 Grand Ave (515) 243-3085, An inexpensive delicatessen and pizzeria.
Palmer's Deli and Market, 2843 Ingersoll Ave. (515) 274-4004 - Fresh food served daily.
Accommodations
Hotels
Hotel Fort Des Moines - The official hotel of 80/35.
1000 Walnut St. (515) 243-1161 or (800) 532-1466 www.hotelfortdesmoines.com
Special 80/35 Rates - $89 standard, $149 suite
Ammenities - Closest Hotel to the show. Standard guestrooms and Suites: coffee makers, hair dryers, iron/ironing board, complimentary high-speed Internet, voice mail and use of the 60' indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool and exercise equipment. Suites include: a mini refrigerator, sofa, microwave and standard guestroom amenities listed above. There are three restaurants located at the Hotel: Django - French food without the attitude. Raccoon River Brewing Company - Great food and our own micro-brewed beers. Alexander's - Fresh breakfast buffet with made to order waffles and omelets.
Holiday Inn-Des Moines Downtown
1050 6th Ave . (515) 283-0151
Marriott-Des Moines Downtown
700 Grand Ave. (515) 245-5500 www.marriott.com
Renaissance Savery Hotel
401 Locust St. (515) 244-2151 www.marriott.com
Suites of 800 Locust
800 Locust St. (515) 288-5800 www.800locust.com
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines
101 East Locust St. (515) 244-1700 www.embassysuitesdesmoines.com
Quality Inn & Suites
929 3rd St. (515) 282-5251 www.qualityinn.com
A complete guide of hotels in the Des Moines area.
Camping
Yellow Banks Park
6801 SE 32nd Ave. Pleasant Hill, IA 50317 515-266-1563 conservationboard.org
Iowa State Fair Campgrounds
Centrally located just off I-80 and I-35 East 30th Street and East University Avenue. 515/262-3111 x284 iowastatefair.org
Adventureland Campground
305 34th Ave NW Altoona, IA 50009 (515) 266-2121 adventurelandpark.com
Maps and Directions
Des Moines
Des Moines Maps for trails, skywalks, the Downtown Farmer's Market, and more.
Parking
Find Parking Near the Festival Grounds. All parking ramps will be free.
Directions
From the West on I-80
- Take I-80 to I-235 east
- Take I-235 to Downtown Des Moines
- Exit at Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and take a right. Travel south on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and follow roadway east (take a left) along the south side of Downtown Des Moines after passing over Ingersoll and under Grand Ave. Along Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway there are several parking options.
From the East on I-80
- Exit I-80 onto I-235 west (left-hand exit)
- Take I-235 to Downtown Des Moines
- Exit at Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and take a left. Travel south on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and follow roadway east (take a left) along the south side of Downtown Des Moines after passing over Ingersoll and under Grand Ave. Along Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway there are several parking options.
From the North on I-35
- Take I-35 to I-235 west
- Take I-235 to Downtown Des Moines
- Exit at Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and take a left. Travel south on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and follow roadway east (take a left) along the south side of Downtown Des Moines.
From the South on I-35
- Exit I-35 onto I-235 east
- Take I-235 to Downtown Des Moines
- Exit at Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and take a right. Travel south on Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and follow roadway east (take a left) along the south side of Downtown Des Moines.