Jazzin in the Junction 2026

Jazzin in the Junction 2026

by | Sep 4, 2026 | Events, People

Jazzin in the Junction 2026

Spoken Word, Shared Roots and Live Jazz

Jazzin in theJunction – Fri., September 4

The Spoken Word has become a cherished tradition in our celebration and a powerful way to connect as a community. By definition, Spoken Word is an oral poetic performance art that blends the beauty of language with the presence and style of the performer. It carries an ancient oral tradition into the present day, bringing history, culture, and personal experiences to life. Come by for a casual night inspired by the voices of talented storytellers who will share their art.

In past years, Jazzin in the Junction has featured powerful performances that bring Valley Junction’s voices to life through their emotional performances. Notable past participants include Dr. Eric Johnson, Alonda Long, and Cesar Chavez.

Jazzin in the Junction

Friday, September 4th

Starts at 6:00 pm

Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge

2500 Grand Avenue

West Des Moines, IA 50265

Events are FREE and

Open to the Public. All are welcome.

On Friday, September 4th, we celebrate the Spoken Word and Live Jazz. For those of you who have never experienced our Spoken Word event, prepare to be amazed. It’s a casual evening of local poets, music and songs. Those in attendance share stories of ancestors and special historical happenings in Valley Junction. Some are first-hand memories, while others are stories handed down for generations.

2026 All Festival Details Here!

The Junction Speaks 2026

The Junction Speaks 2026

by | Sep 1, 2026 | Events, People

The Junction Speaks 2026

The Junction Speaks: Stories that built a community!

The Junction Speaks – Sept. 3, 2026

The Multicultural Festival begins on Thursday with The Junction Speaks from 6pm to 8pm.

Since 2013, the event has revealed and preserved the rich multicultural oral histories of the families that created a tight-knit community integrated because of humanity, not desegregation legislation. A rich evening history through storytelling, slideshows, presentations, video and open mic.

Five families will be honored in 2026. Thank you to our Junction Speaks sponsor, the Val Air Ballroom.

More about the 2026 Festival here

The Junction Speaks 2026

Thursday, September 3

6pm – 8pm

Val Air Ballroom

301 Ashworth Road

West Des Moines, IA 50265

Events are FREE and

Open to the Public. All are welcome.

Watch this space for more details!

There’s always time to be a part of the Taste of the Junction Multicultural Festival event. Connect with us at [email protected]

For more stories about the families

who settled the historic Valley Junction,

check our Descendants page

?
Descendants Family Origin Stories

…thank you for joining us at the Junction Speaks!

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2026 Multicultural Festival

by | Apr 28, 2026 | Events

2026 Multicultural Festival

Labor Day Weekend!

Taste of the Junction!

Celebrate community, culture and connection – Labor Day Weekend!

Join us for three vibrant days filled with incredible flavors, rich traditions, and family fun!

The Junction Speaks

on

Thursday, September 3

followed by . . .

Jazzin in the Junction

on

Friday, September 4

followed by . . .

Multicultural Street Festival

on

Saturday, September 5

LIVE Music on the Main Stage!

Dapper Donnie & Friends will be on the main stage at 4:00pm

Saturday, September 5th!

The Get Down Band on the main stage at 6:00pm

Saturday, September 5th!

Guitarras ATM Band will be headlining Saturday, September 5th – 8pm to 10pm

Events are FREE and

Open to the Public. All are welcome.

The Junction Speaks – Sept. 3rd

The Junction Speaks opens the Multicultural Festival weekend. Since 2013, the event has revealed and preserved the rich multicultural oral histories of the families that created a tight-knit community integrated because of humanity, not desegregation legislation. A rich evening of history through storytelling, slideshows, presentations, video and open mic.

6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Val Air Ballroom 

301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, IA 50265

2026 Junction Speaks Details

Jazzin in theJunction – Sept. 4th

On Friday, September 4th, we celebrate the Spoken Word and Live Jazz. For those of you who have never experienced a Spoken Word event, you should come and see what it’s all about. It’s a casual evening of local poets, music and songs. Those in attendance share stories of ancestors and special historical happenings in Valley Junction. Some are first-hand memories, while others are stories handed down for generations. starts at 6:00pm.

Starts at 6:00pm at Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge

2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50265

2026 Jazzin' in the Junction Blog

Multicultural Street Festival – Sept. 5th

On Saturday, September 5, from 2:00pm to 10:00pm is the annual Taste of the Junction Multicultural Street Festival.

2:00pm to 10:00pm at Railroad Park Pavilion

401 Railroad Place

West Des Moines, IA 50265

LIVE Music, Food & Beverage Tents, Arts and Crafts Vendors, Kid Zone and more. Fun for the entire family! Bring your lawn chairs and your dancin’ shoes. It’s going down in the Junction!

Saturday, September 5th

LIVE Music 2pm to 10pm

Welcome our 2026 headliner:

Guitarras ATM Salsa Band!

at 8pm

 

Throughout the day will be:

Live Mural Painting!

 

Cultural Food Court

Authentic dishes from global cuisines.

Locally famous barbecue and smoked meats.

Freshly baked specialty pies, cobblers, and cakes.

Cultural Food Court

Kid Zone

Inflatables and creative crafts.

Face-painting.

Family-friendly fun for all ages!

Live Entertainment Line-up:

 

Youth Performers & DSM Metro with DJ Taz

2pm to 5:30pm  •  Street & Mid Stage

 

Dapper Donnie & Friends

3:30pm to 5:30pm  •  Ground Stage

 

The Get Down Band

6pm to 7:30pm  •  Main Stage

 

Headliner: Guitarras ATM Salsa Band

8pm to 10pm  •  Main Stage

Sept. 5th – Saturday Schedule

Fun for the whole family begins at 2:00pm with Kid Zone, Face Painting, Live Mural Painting, Inflatables, Creative Crafts, Cultural Food Court, Ice Cold Beverages, and High-Energy Street Performances.

LIVE Performers and Music begins at 2:00pm.

Kid Zone

Arts & Crafts Vendors

Cultural Food Court

Youth Performances

Dapper Donne & Friends

The Get Down Band

Guitarras ATM Salsa Band

2:00pm – 7:00pm

2:00pm – 7:00pm

2:00pm – 7:00pm

2:00pm – 3:30pm

3:30pm – 5:30pm

6:00pm – 7:30pm

8:00pm – 10:00pm

Street 

Street 

Street

Street

in front of the Main Stage

Main Stage

Main Stage

Kid Zone

2pm to 7pm – Street

Arts & Crafts

2pm to 7pm – Street

Cultural Food Court

2pm to 7pm – Street

Youth Performances

2:00pm to 3:30pm – Street

Dapper Donnie & Friends

3:30pm to 5:30pm – Ground Stage

The Get Down Band

6pm to 7:30pm – Main Stage

Guitarras ATM Salsa Band

8pm to 10pm – Main Stage

Some of our Vendors and Exhibitors

Some of our Vendors and Exhibitors

Caricatures by Steph

Face Painting by Sheryl Ebert

Da Fashion 360 Photo Booth

TOTJ Popcorn

Aurielle’s Kid Zone

Sweet Stitch Boutique

Ladie Lex Candles

LeeTy Delights

by TOTJ Tent

Kid Zone Area

Between Main Stage & Restroom on grass

Kid Zone

In Front of Restrooms

Street

Street

Street

Caricatures by Steph by TOTJ Tent

Face Painting by Sheryl Ebert – Kid Zone Area

Da Fashion 360 Photo Booth between Main Stage & Restroom on grass

TOTJ Popcorn  – Kid Zone

Aurielle’s Kid Zone in front of Restrooms

Sweet Stitch Boutique Street

Ladie Lex Candles Street

LeeTy Delights Street

…thank you for joining us at the Multicultural Festival!

Kid Zone

Face painting is a Favorite Every Year!

Face painting 2025

Bring a Lawnchair and enjoy the free music in the park!

Cotton Candy anyone?

Taste of the Junction Headliner about to begin

Artists & more

Kid Zone fun!

Kid Zone fun!

Enjoy the 14th Annual Taste of the Junction Multicultural Street Festival!

NO PETS and NO FIREARMS are allowed at the event. 

Thank you for helping to keep everyone safe.

Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Matt McCoy Supervisor
First District
Silver Sponsor
Pop Up History Museum Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Venue Sponsor
Community Sponsors

McIntyre Plecas Family Trust

Individual Sponsors

Senatory Renee Hardman

Matt and Mallory McKinney

Valora James

Shirley Ramirez

Cecilia (Diaz) Johnson

Mary Painovich

Alonda J. Long

Wallace and Sheila Pedigo

Margaret Long

Dan Rocha

Dr. Mary Sconiers-Chapman

Morris “Skip” Smith III

Al and Sara Womble

Nubian Holiday Bazaar

Nubian Holiday Bazaar

by | Nov 13, 2025 | Events

Nubian Holiday Bazaar

Shop the Santa Collection 

Dec 6th & 7th

‘Tis the Season! You are invited to shop and explore the captivating Nubian Holiday Bazaar. In the spirit of Teree Caldwell Johnson, discover the Nubian Santa Collection, featuring Santas, Nutcrackers, Essential Oils, Candles, and more!

Taste of the Junction is dedicated to keeping her tradition alive in our community. Enjoy a variety of amazing products from local vendors. Light refreshments will be served.

Join us on Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 1 PM to 5 PM.

Special thanks to:

Renee Hardman, West Des Moines At Large Council Member

Eddie Davis Community Center

Hip Hope Inc.

MoMere

Reike Plecas & Tim Alston

Your Support Matters

Thank you for your support. Our location is especially important as we continue our mission to create a space for the community to come together to share, preserve, and celebrate the ever-changing, culturally rich history of Valley Junction.

Curation & Preservation • Community Building • Cultural Education
Spread the word

We love it when you like and share our posts! Please help us get the word out.

Jazzin in the Junction 2025

by | Jul 30, 2025 | Events

Jazzin in the Junction 2025

Spoken Word, Shared Roots and Live Jazz

Jazzin in theJunction – Fri., August 29

The Spoken Word has become a cherished tradition in our celebration and a powerful way to connect as a community. By definition, Spoken Word is an oral poetic performance art that blends the beauty of language with the presence and style of the performer. It carries an ancient oral tradition into the present day, bringing history, culture, and personal experiences to life. Come by for a casual night inspired by the voices of talented storytellers who will share their art.

In past years, Jazzin in the Junction has featured powerful performances that bring Valley Junction’s voices to life through their emotional performances. Notable past participants include Dr. Eric Johnson, Alonda Long, and Cesar Chavez.

2025 Festival Details Here!

Jazzin in the Junction

Friday, August 29

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Tallgrass Theatre Company

2019 Grand Ave. Suite 100

West Des Moines, IA 50265

Events are FREE and

Open to the Public. All are welcome.

…thank you for joining us at Jazzin in the Junction 2025!

Spread the word

We love it when you like and share our posts! Please help us get the word out.

The Junction Speaks 2025

by | Jul 30, 2025 | Events

The Junction Speaks 2025

The Junction Speaks: Stories that built a community!

The Junction Speaks – Aug. 28, 2025

This year, the festival begins on Thursday with The Junction Speaks from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Junction Speaks opens the Multicultural Festival weekend. Since 2013, the event has revealed and preserved the rich multicultural oral histories of the families that created a tight-knit community integrated because of humanity, not desegregation legislation. A rich evening history through storytelling, slideshows, presentations, video and open mic.

More about the 2025 event here

The Junction Speaks 2025

Thursday, August 28

5:30pm – 8:30pm

TPK Event Center

1208 Grand Ave,

West Des Moines, IA 50265

Events are FREE and

Open to the Public. All are welcome.

…thank you for joining us at the Junction Speaks 2025!

Spread the word

We love it when you like and share our posts! Please help us get the word out.