EVENTS
Experience Art at Mainframe: First Friday open studio festivities,
artist-led workshops, public gatherings and more.
FIRST FRIDAY OPEN STUDIOS: Occurring on the first Friday of every month these themed open studio events are your chance to tour up to 180 artist studios, enjoy special exhibitions, food and live music. Always free and open to the public.
DECEMBER FIRST FRIDAY: Dualities
December First Friday: Dualities
Join us at Mainframe Studios on December 5th, 2025, from 5-8 pm for First Friday!
NOVEMBER FIRST FRIDAY - State of the Arts: Iowa’s Artist Fellows
November First Friday - State of the Arts: Iowa’s Artist Fellows
Join us at Mainframe Studios on November 7th, 2025, from 5-8 pm for First Friday!
OCTOBER FIRST FRIDAY: PEN & INK
October First Friday: Pen & Ink
Join us at Mainframe Studios on October 3rd, 2025, from 5-8 pm for First Friday!
SEPTEMBER FIRST FRIDAY: LEAN ON ME
September First Friday: Lean on Me: Latin Art & Culture
Join us at Mainframe Studios on September 5, 2025, from 5-8 pm for First Friday!
AUGUST FIRST FRIDAY: MAINFRAME IN MOTION
August First Friday: MAINFRAME IN MOTION
Join us at Mainframe Studios on August 1, 2025, from 5-8 pm for First Friday!
This month’s theme is Mainframe in Motion. Guests can enjoy special exhibitions, open artist studios, live music, delicious food and drink options, and engaging entertainment across all five floors. Always free and open to the public.
With expanded overflow parking and free shuttle service, getting here is easy and convenient. First Fridays are a fun, accessible way to experience Des Moines’ vibrant creative community.
Mark your calendar - more details coming soon!
Friday, August 1, 2025
5:00 PM 8:00 PM
Mainframe Studios
900 Keosauqua Way Des Moines, IA, 50309
June’s First Friday: The Nonprofits of Mainframe
Join us at Mainframe Studios on June 6th 2025, from 5-8pm for First Friday!
This month will be an exciting celebration of all the incredible nonprofits at Mainframe Studios: ArtForce Iowa, Arts Festival, Central Iowa Blues, City Sounds, Civic Music Association, KFMG, M/A/S/S,
Momentum, Oak Studio Teen Tech Center.
As always guests can enjoy open studios, live music, delicious food and drinks, interactive activities and so much more.
With expanded overflow parking and a free shuttle service, getting here has never been easier. Mark your calendars, this special collaboration is not to be missed!
May's First Friday: THE ENVIRONMENT
Join us at Mainframe Studios for an unforgettable First Friday on May 2, 2025, from 5-8 pm! This months theme, THE ENVIRONMENT, will feature a special exhibition curated by Diane Kunzler exploring humankind's relationship, interaction, and impact on the natural world.
Enjoy open studios, live music, delicious food and drinks, interactive activities and so much more.
With expanded overflow parking and a free shuttle service, getting here has never been easier.
April's First Friday: DIVERSE BY DESIGN
April's First Friday: DIVERSE BY DESIGN | ART + ACCESSIBILITY
Join us at Mainframe Studios on April 4, 2025, from 5-8 pm for a groundbreaking First Friday event! We're excited to present the DIVERSE BY DESIGN | ART + ACCESSIBILITY exhibition, which explores the intersection of art, diversity, and accessibility through multisensory engagement and inclusive design.
Curated by Jill Wells, an Iowa-based interdisciplinary artist and advocate, this exhibition provides an opportunity to connect more deeply with art in ways that are both accessible and inclusive. It’s a celebration of diversity, accessibility, and human connection, creating a multi-modal experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
In addition to the exhibition, enjoy open artist studios, live music, delicious food and drinks, and creative entertainment across all five floors of the building. With expanded overflow parking and free shuttle service, getting here is easy and convenient.
Don’t miss out on this unique event, and come celebrate art, community, and accessibility with us this April! See you there!
March’s First Friday
Join us at Mainframe Studios for an unforgettable First Friday on March 7, 2025, from 5-8 pm! Explore the incredible work of youth artists from Des Moines Public Schools, showcasing their talent across all five floors of our building.
Enjoy open studios, live music, delicious food and drinks, dynamic dance performances, and so much more.
With expanded overflow parking and a free shuttle service, getting here has never been easier. Don’t miss out, and come be a part of this exciting community celebration! See you there!
Layered // February First Friday
Join us on February 7th from 5-8 PM for an exciting night filled with art, food, music, and community at Mainframe Studios February First Friday the Layered Exhibition.
Layered Exhibition
Layered is an exhibition curated by Brittany Brooke Crow. The exhibition is the result of Mainframe Studios first ever call for entries for a First Friday. Mainframe Studios received a record of 286 entries by 123 artists living and working in Greater Des Moines, and 57 objects by 48 artists were selected. Layered will be on exhibit throughout the month of February.
Art is located in our 1st, 2nd, and 4th-floor gallery spaces. Check out the Within the Layers exhibition in the 3rd floor Gallery space which features art from Iowa State University Students.
Color Photography MASS Group Exhibit
The Inaugural Community Group Exhibit - Color Photography - Hosted by MASS. January 3 from 5 - 8pm. MASS Gallery Suite 245
January First Friday
Join us on January 3rd, 5-8 pm, to celebrate AAPI arts and culture!
Last Call
The holidays are just around the corner! Do you still have some shopping to do? Join us at Mainframe Studios from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm for our Last Call! This is your chance to do any last-minute shopping and get amazing hand-crafted gifts for your loved ones. Explore and shop 180 artists’ studios before the holidays.
First Friday
Join us on December 6th from 5pm-8pm for May's First Friday event at Mainframe Studios. Explore 5 floors of art and artists' studios.
If you would like to help support First Friday, you can Volunteer..
Small Business Saturday
Come to Mainframe Studios and support small businesses this Small Business Saturday from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm! Mainframe Studios is home to 220 maker spaces and many of our artists offer a range of goods available for purchase and are available for commissions.
ELSEWHERE Poetry & Music Feat: Michaela Mullin & Jean-Marie Salem
Join us on Saturday, Nov. 23rd, 1-3 PM for ELSEWHERE Poetry & Music featuring Michaela Mullin & Jean-Marie Salem.
ELSEWHERE Video Screening Feat: Charlie Borowicz & Rachel Merrill
Join us Friday, Nov. 15th, 6-8 PM in Studio #245 for the ELSEWHERE Video Screening featuring Charlie Borowicz & Rachel Merrill.
ELSEWHERE Artist & Curator Talk
Join us Saturday, Nov 9th, 1-3 PM in studio #245 for the Artist and Curator Talk for the ELSEWHERE exhibition.
First Friday
Join us on November 1st from 5pm-8pm for May's First Friday event at Mainframe Studios. Explore 5 floors of art and artists' studios.
First Friday
Join us for Mainframe’s October First Friday – A Night of Growth and Recovery! In partnership with Momentum and the Community Support Advocates, First Friday will feature art from individuals living with disabilities with a focus on the benefits of art. There will be featured art from Momentum artists, food, drinks, and art activities. Join us Friday, October 4th from 5-8 pm for a night that celebrates our differences and explores the power of art.
First Friday
Join us on September 6th from 5pm-8pm for September’s First Friday event at Mainframe Studios. Explore 5 floors of art and artists' studios.
If you would like to help support First Friday, you can Volunteer..
Inhale…. Exhale…. Dedication Ceremony
Join us Friday, August 2nd at lot #301 in the Oakridge Neighborhood for the dedication of Mainframe’s newest rooftop installation, “Inhale…. Exhale….” by artist Jordan Weber.
First Friday
Join us on August 2nd from 5pm-8pm for May's First Friday event at Mainframe Studios. Explore 5 floors of art and artists' studios.
First Friday
Join us for a community-wide celebration of Latino art and culture on First Friday, July 5th from 5-8pm at Mainframe Studios. There will be art, food trucks, piñatas, lowriders and art activities – all designed and organized by artists Seso Marentes and Siricasso. Explore 5 floors of open artist studios and view works on exhibit by Miriam Alarcon Avila, Anthony Arroyo, Ashley Guzman, Linda Eclat, and a powerful exhibition, “smile now, cry later,” by Siricasso.
Únete a nosotros para un evento de arte celebrando la cultura latina el próximo viernes 5 de Julio de 5 a 8 pm en Mainframe Studios. Tendremos exhibiciones de arte, camiones de comida, piñatas, lowriders, y actividades gratis artísticas, todos diseñadas y organizadas por los artistas Seso Marentes y Siricasso. Explora nuestro edificio con cinco pisos llenos de estudios con artistas exhibiendo su arte, incluyendo las obras de Miriam Alarcón Ávila, Anthony Arroyo, Ashley Guzmán, y Linda Eclatt. Además habrá una exposición muy especial, ¨sonríe ahora, llora después¨ de Siricasso.
If you would like to help support First Friday, you can Volunteer..
First Friday
Experience the works of Iowa Artists at Mainframe Studios' free First Friday event on June 7 from 5pm-8pm. Galleries will feature works by Micah Ferin, Cody Hickock, Amee Ellis, Anne Tochka, and ISU artists. Enjoy food and music, explore 181 artist studios, support local creatives, and experience our diverse cultural community. Free shuttle available from Crocker & 8th Street parking lot to Mainframe's Atrium entrance.
If you would like to help support First Friday, you can Volunteer..
How Galleries Work by Susan Watts
10:30-12:30 | Happy Home Coffee
11-12 | How Galleries Work by Susan Watts of Olson-Larsen
2nd Floor Gallery | Mainframe Studios
This will also serve as a time where you can connect with Mainframe staff on ways we can support you at Mainframe.
Questions?
Contact julia@mainframestudios.org
Social Media Isn't Scary by Derek Frank
10:30-12:30 | Happy Home Coffee
11-12 | Social Media Isn’t Scary by Derek Frank
2nd Floor Gallery | Mainframe Studios
This will also serve as a time where you can connect with Mainframe staff on ways we can support you at Mainframe.
Questions?
Contact julia@mainframestudios.org
Marketing by Keesha Ward
10:30-12:30 | Happy Home Coffee
11-12 | Marketing by Keesha Ward
2nd Floor Gallery | Mainframe Studios
This will also serve as a time where you can connect with Mainframe staff on ways we can support you at Mainframe.
Questions?
Contact julia@mainframestudios.org