ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Admire the arts
The Indianola Summer Arts Festival
Stroll Buxton Park, a historic botanical garden, and shop an eclectic mix of works from artists near and far — fiber, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, wood and so much more! The Summer Arts Festival takes place each year during the National Balloon Classic.
Create your own masterpiece
On the west side of the square, you’ll find Indianola Glass Creations. It’s the perfect place to explore your creative side. There’s a workspace for you and some friends to give glass art a go. You can use onsite tools to make a fused-glass or stained-glass creation. You can shop for pieces by actual glass artists too!




Insta-worthy murals
The Indianola town square features a number of cool murals, perfect for social media snaps! Capture your Indianola experience and share it!
- 114 W Ashland Ave.
- 208 W Ashland Ave.
- 204 W Salem Ave.

Wonder on Buxton
“Wonder on Buxton” is a plan to transform a portion of North Buxton Street into a place that celebrates our community, connects the town to the college, invites people to gather together, tells the “story” of Indianola, and inspires an overall sense of curiosity and wonder. We will do this by installing a series of amenities and art along 2.5 blocks from the Square to Simpson College.
"Wonder on Buxton" includes:
- Telling our story through art – Sculpture Series
- Sharing our culture and history – Storytelling Tour
- Bringing the community together – Outdoor Gathering Spaces
- Connecting and branding the path – Light Pole Art & Sidewalk Inlays
Find your rhythm
Summer Nights Live – Street Party
There’s nothing like live music, great food and cold drinks on a warm summer night! Each month during the summer, the square is the place to circle around. The Summer Nights Live Street Party brings some of the best local and regional talent to the stage. Food and drinks are plentiful from local restaurants and bars. It’s free and family friendly. Bring your own chairs/blankets.
Live Music
Indianola has several local bars and restaurants deliver big weekend energy with great live music! Grab a cold brew, some hot apps and tune in. But one of Indianola’s top draws for live music— the National Balloon Classic! Some of the best local and regional bands and performers hit the stage as the sun sets. There’s nothing quite like the sounds of a great band against a vivid backdrop of colorful hot air balloons.
The Des Moines Metro Opera
Immerse yourself in culture, music and drama! The Des Moines Metro Opera summer opera festival takes over the stage in the Pote Theater at the Blank Center for the Performing Arts every May through July. Some of the nation’s most elite performers gather to deliver bold, brilliant performances, sure to leave you mesmerized.



