Enjoy a free evening of connecting with arts and community! Ballet Des Moines is coming back to Brucemore as part of their summer Transformations tour. This special event will feature two performances, community arts activities, and local food vendors. Join us for a vibrant celebration of the arts designed to bring together people of all ages.

Event Schedule:

• 5:00 – 6:30 PM: Community Activities
  • Take part in family-friendly activities presented by community partners. Make crafts, experiment with musical instruments, and create tracks to race toy cars.
• 5:15 – 6:00 PM: Brucemore’s Artisan Studio Performance
  • Explore the theme of transformation with music and original spoken word works, all performed by local artists.
• 6:00 – 6:30 PM: Community Dance Class
  • Take the stage in a community dance class. You and your family will participate in a free community dance class to learn more about ballet, contemporary dance, and how dance can create a more connected and joyful community.
• 6:30 – 7:45 pm : Ballet Des Moines Performance
  • Celebrate the joy of dance with highlights from Ballet Des Moines’ 2025-26 season. Take your seats for an astounding performance of classical and contemporary ballet, including excerpts from Cinderella and a collection of new contemporary works by some of the most exciting choreographers today.

Event FAQs

Where will the event take place? – The performance and activities will be on the First Avenue lawn.

How will seating work for this event? – All guests will need to bring their own blankets and chairs to enjoy the performance.

Can I bring my pet? – Pets are not allowed at this event, excluding service animals.

Will food be available during the event? – Food vendors will be available during the event. We encourage all guests to support these local businesses, but you are also welcome to bring your own food and drink. BYO wine and beer is allowed.

Where should I park? – Parking will be available near Brucemore’s Carriage House. Please be aware that there is a short walk from the Carriage House to the event space.  A golf cart shuttle will be available for guests who need assistance getting to the event space. Overflow parking may be available in the Bradley and Riley parking lot, located next to Brucemore on First Avenue.

Where do I enter the event? – The gate to the Brucemore property off Linden Dr. SE will be open for you to enter the property for the event.

Do I need to reserve tickets? – This free event does not require any tickets or reservations.

Do I need to attend the full event? – We encourage all guests to enjoy the full schedule of activities and performances, but you are welcome to come for any part of the event that interests you. Guests will be able to enter and exit the property at any time during the program. To respect the performers, we ask that you do not leave in the middle of the performance unless it is an emergency.

Will the mansion be open during this event? – The mansion will be open for limited, free self-guided tours from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

Will this event be held during rain or inclement weather? – Safety of everyone involved will be a priority. The event may be adapted or canceled due to weather. This could include holding a portion of the event. Any changes will be communicated here and via social media.

Will there be an ATM? – There will not be an ATM available at the event. The closest ATM is located at the 1st Avenue Hawkeye Convenience Store.

Photography and Video Notice: 

At this event, photography and videos may be recorded. By attending this event, you may be included in these photos and videos. Your attendance at this event grants your permission to be in these photos or videos, which may be used for educational, archival, or promotional purposes. If you have concerns about your likeness appearing in these photos and videos, please talk to a staff member when you check in for the event.