The 80/35 music festival celebrates its tenth anniversary at Western Gateway Park this Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8. There are almost 50 acts both local and regional set to perform on a multitude of stages, as well as multiple activities set up for all ages.

Tickets for the event are $80 for two days or $45 for one day and there is also many free activities and acts set up to take part in.

Founded in 2008 by the non-profit Des Moines Music Coalition, the 80/35 music festival celebrates its tenth year continuing to further the vision of growing Des Moines’s music economy by “thinking outside of the box to further enhance a creative, vibrant culture.”

The purpose of the festival is to bring together the music community of Des Moines and beyond through creating a space for people to come and perform and showcase their passions in hopes that the momentum for people coming out to shows will continue year round in the Des Moines community.

“We believe in the power of music. To wake the spirit of the people and stir the street,” the Des Moines Music Coalition said.

This year, the festival will have larger acts performing on the Hy-Vee Main Stage, two other stages with free entertainment, the Gen Z Showcase for high school acts, many different vendor options for food and drinks, beer of all kinds, wine from Jasper Winery, Languita’s Lounge for an assortment of drinks and a documentary of the festival over the years made by Ben Godar.

Headlining the festival will be indie rock stalwarts The Shins and psych popsters MGMT — with the hip hop expertise of Action Bronson, the “Screaming Eagle of Soul” Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, the transcendental folk stylings of Elephant Revival and the funky jams of The Motet.

There will also be a series of free performances of indie rock, hip-hop, bluegrass, jam, pop and more, featuring Tropicalia-infused psych rockers Chicano Batman, am jam and funk group Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Along with Iowa-based performers and Iowa Public Radio Live Sessions will also be hosting multiple lives sessions and interviews with 80/35.

Any other activities at the festival will be free and open to the public. These activities include YUP! Kids Zone, Wells Fargo Community Village, Ice Cold Coca-Cola Experiential Tour, Trondoll Painted Bodies, Michael Watson Photo Booth and many more. 

Visit 80/35’s website for more information.