Tallgrass: The Des Moines Festival of Ideas 2026

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!