Tallgrass: The Des Moines Festival of Ideas 2026
Schedule
Fri Aug 07 2026 at 06:00 pm to 09:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Sheslow Auditorium/The Shop | Des Moines, IA
About this Event
For the fourth annual Des Moines Festival of Ideas, and in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, this year's theme will be "The Pursuit of Happiness"
In a time of political fracture, dizzying technological development, and increasing social isolation, what does it mean to pursue happiness?
To answer this question we will delve into the meaning of human happiness. What is it we really want? What are the modes of culture, ethics, and common life that make happiness possible? What did this country's founders mean when they said that the pursuit of happiness is an inalienable right of every human being?
Philosophers, historians, journalists, and artists will join us to explore these questions in a two-day celebration of ideas and culture.
FRIDAY EVENING AUGUST 7 THROUGH SATRUDAY AUGUST 8
Featuring
Tyler Austin Harper, Staff Writer at The Atlantic
Valerie Pavilonis is Ideas editor of The Dispatch.
John Sandy is a Judge on the Iowa Court of Appeals. He formerly served as 1st Assistant Public Defender for the State of Minnesota
Roscoe Jones is dean of Drake Law School
Scott Samuelson is a professor of philosophy at Iowa State University, and the author of several books including Rome as a Guide to the Good Life and Seven Approaches to Pointless Suffering
Brian Billion is a concert pianist and Phd in piano performance
Susan Laehn is a professor and political theorist at Iowa State University
Alison Lynch clinical professor of psychiatry, University of Iowa
Nazanin Ash CEO of Welcome.US
Dallas Terry political theorist at Missouri State
And much more!
Where is it happening?
Sheslow Auditorium/The Shop, 2507 University Avenue, Des Moines, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 55.20
