Drake Neighborhood ASSOCIATION

For the last two years the Drake Neighborhood Association has hosted the Magic of the Night Lantern Parade and Night Market. We're excited for it to return again in 2026! 

Here are some highlights from years past. Thanks again to our evemt sponsors, Invest DSM, Group Creatives, and the Polk County Board of Supervisors, as well as our Drake Neighborhood Sponsors. 

Who makes these puppets?

Brant Bollman, the director of Theatre Arts at William Penn University and puppetmaster at Uplifting Puppet Co., is the lead creative of the event. Bollman and Group Creatives collaborated with members of the Drake neighborhood in Des Moines to create additional creatures of the night puppets to participate in the parade. The evening also featured another Night Market with an eclectic mix of vendors, culinary delights, and captivating entertainment, culminating in a mesmerizing lantern puppet parade down Kingman Boulevard. Here are some photos of the event:

The Parade:

Central to the parade is the magnificent Moon Goddess puppet crafted by Bollman and his team of students and neighborhood creatives. This stunning focal point of last year’s parade was joined by additional creatures of the night: moths, owls, and more, all created in the Drake Neighborhood by residents. Music, dancers, and members of the community are invited to join in this shared endeavor. 

The Night Market:

Numerous artists from the Des Moines community set up to showcase their work. Come see beautiful fine art, sculpture, jewelry, and more for sale at the event. Food from neighborhood restaurants is also availble.

It will be magical!

This event is sponsored in part through membership in the Drake Neighborhood Association. Support is also provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.