The 12th Annual 80/35 Festival in Des Moines, Iowa

With a new look and location in 2019, 80/35 fest brought their guests two stages full of national and international acts over the course of July 12 and July 13 in Des Moines, Iowa. With acts like Metric, Elle King, Misterwives, and Portugal. The Man, the weekend was full of dancing, drinks, and fun. Even if you didn’t grab tickets, there was still plenty to enjoy with three free stages, including a Gen Z stage full of young, talented artists, food trucks, and art vendors.

Starting Friday, July 12 at 4pm, people came from all over and withstood the blistering heat to enjoy the various music playing throughout the fest grounds. Though some attendees were upset with the cancellation of the main stage opener YUNGBLUD, the fest didn’t disappoint when Des Moines local soul band Maytags took their place, bringing a light, heartwarming start to the festival weekend.

Others who took the main stage Friday evening was the Canadian rock band Metric and the country and blues star Elle King, both who drew large crowds and made the night one to remember.

Saturday morning the crowds started flooding in around noon for the last day of the festival. People brought shade tents and chairs so they could enjoy the day despite the heat that started in the morning and lasted into the night. The main stage started with performances by And The Kids, XL, Dessa, and Liz Phair. Misterwives came through with some belting vocals and dancing tunes that got us ready for the last act of the weekend: Portugal. The Man.