FAQs

Curate

Large event space with tables, guests, and "CARVING STATION" projected on a wall.
Map of Historic East Village with parking info, nearby businesses, and State Capitol location.

Have a catering or event space-related question? We have the answer. Check out these FAQs and give us a call today for more information!

  • How do I park at Curate?

    There are several convenient options for parking in the East Village. For more information about event venues in Des Moines, IA and the surrounding area, call Curate today.


    Parking Lot

    -Curate has a parking lot for use by Curate clients. Additionally, the parking lot directly to the north of Curate is available to our clients after 5PM on weekdays and all hours on weekends.


    Nearby Ramps

    -The City of Des Moines parking garage located at 402 E. 2nd Street is very close to Curate!

    -Ramp parking is also available at 312 E. 6th Street.

    -Free parking is available at the State of Iowa Parking Ramp at 637 Des Moines St.

    -There's also a ramp on East Fourth Street, across the street from Zombie Burger at 501 E Fourth.


    Additional Options

    -Curate partners with several downtown hotels that offer free shuttle service, both to and from the hotel, to Curate and other downtown destinations!

    -Curate has a relationship with Keck Parking to provide Valet Parking services.

    -Curate manages the event, makes sure the parking meters in front of Curate are blocked, and we'll manage the valet staff. Let us know if you'd like a quote; pricing varies by the number of attendees you expect for your event.

  • What are the details of The Gallery Room and The Studio Room?

    Our new Studio Room opened in 2024. This elegant space offers 2,000 square feet and several unique features! Check out details about two of our event venues in Des Moines, IA and beyond below!


    The Gallery Room

    Opened in December of 2017, The Gallery Room boasts 6,000 square feet on a single level and a 450 square foot wedding party suite upstairs in a private area. The Gallery Room has hosted hundreds of weddings, corporate parties, political events, and fundraiser galas. We're very thankful to the clients who have trusted us with these special days.


    The Gallery Room Improvements

    -The addition of a textured marble tile wall with a brass surround provides a beautiful backdrop for a wedding ceremony, photo wall or lounge area.

    -The Gallery Room has gotten a fresh new paint makeover with a warmer, more welcoming shade of white. This includes the entire ceiling and our distinctive metal trusses. The result is a cleaner look with ultimate decorating flexibility.

    -Our Gallery Room Wedding Party Suite has been upgraded with a full-height wall providing additional privacy. The Wedding Party Suite also has a pair of narrow windows for a great view of the event space below.

    -Additional brass chandeliers have been installed, adding an elegant lighting option for events.

    -Our movable white walls are ready to provide great options for backdrops and signature drink walls, Moscow Mule wall, anyone?!


    The Studio Room Features

    Our beautiful textured marble feature wall, with brass highlights graces the north wall of The Studio Room. This wall is great for ceremony backdrops and lounge areas.

    We've included a photo nook with a beautiful wall covering for great event snapshots. We've also included a ceiling mounted electrical outlet to make plugging in a lighted sign super easy!

    Glass garage doors on the south and east end of The Studio Room make enjoying our wrap-around patio space easily accessible. Fresh air and cocktails!

    Submersive music and custom playlists fill the room with music of your choice.

    Overall Curate Features


    New elegant white cocktail tables are included with the rental.

    -White art gallery pedestals are also available for decoration or cocktail tables.

    -The two rooms are connected via a pass-through hallway that is open for events using both spaces and closed with soundproofing for independent events in each room.

    -Access to the restroom facilities is available to each room independently.

    -Beautiful new patio lighting has been installed on both The Gallery Room and The Studio Room patios along East Court Avenue.

    -60 Round Tables

    -Silver Chiavari Chairs with White Seat Cushions

    -Curate provides the Setup and teardown of items provided by Curate

    -Reasonable Fees for A/V Needs (Projector/Microphones)

    -Curate partners with several hotels and parking providers in the East Village.

    -We can host any event - providing event space, catering and bar service along with advanced technical services to make your event a smash!

  • What payment options are available through Curate?

    Payment will be made via check or credit card. The deposit (50%) is due at the time of booking. The remainder of the event space rental will be due 90 days before the event. Curate will also collect a refundable damage deposit at this time. Contact us for your corporate events in Des Moines, IA and beyond today!

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    The cancellation policy is outlined in our Rental Agreement.


    Rental Deposits are non-refundable. For a reception in Des Moines, IA and beyond, give us a call.

  • Who should we contact to book an event at Curate?

    The best way to contact us is to complete our Contact Form - fill this out, and we'll contact you promptly.


    You may also contact us at events@curatedsm.com or by calling us at 515-523-0147. We'll get in touch with you to discuss your needs. Call us today for event venues in Des Moines, IA and the surrounding area.

  • Do I need to contact Taste! To Go separately for catering and bar service?

    The last thing we want to do is to make things complicated! Since Curate is owned by Taste! To Go we can be a single contact for ALL of your needs! We're more than just event venues in Des Moines, IA and beyond.


    Our team will guide you through the rental and proposal process and bring in Taste! To Go when it is appropriate so that you don't have to worry about which team member to contact!


    Taste! To Go has been catering in the Des Moines area for over 20 years. Our professional and courteous staff has experience providing the perfect custom menu for your event. Our client-driven approach is to get to know you and discuss your needs, then provide a custom menu based on what we learn.


    -


    If Curate is not the right fit for your event, please visit our Catering website at http://tastetogo.net. You can contact us at sales@tastetogo.net or call us at 515-277-8646.

  • What is the alcohol policy at Curate?

    Curate and Taste! To Go provide a full bar service.


    -Taste! To Go has years of experience providing bar services

    -Curate and Taste! To Go have a liquor license for the space, so no special arrangements need to be made.

    -Curate has a number of popular cocktails, wine and beer choices to choose from.

    -We're known for our adventurous specialty cocktails - we have fun working with you on creative ideas!

    -Bringing alcohol into Curate is not permitted.


    When you need a wedding reception venue in Des Moines, IA and the surrounding area, call us today.

  • Are there any hotels near Curate?

    Curate is conveniently located along East Court Avenue in the Historic East Village of Des Moines. Many hotels operate within an easy walk, or hotel shuttle ride, from Curate!


    Here are the hotels nearby listed in order of distance from Curate.


    -Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown

    -Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown *Shuttle Service

    -AC Hotel by Marriott Des Moines East Village *Shuttle Service

    -Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel *Shuttle Service

    -Des Moines Marriott Downtown *Shuttle Service

    -Des Lux Hotel *Shuttle Service

    -Hotel Fort Des Moines (Hilton Curio) *Shuttle Service

    -Fairfield Inn - Downtown

    -Holiday Inn Des Moines DTWN - Mercy Area

    -Holiday Inn Express & Suites Des Moines Downtown

    -Residence Inn by Marriott Des Moines Downtown

    -Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown

    -Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center

    -Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown


    Host your corporate events in Des Moines, IA and the surrounding area with us!

  • Is there a private area?

    The Gallery Room has a private area that can be accessed via stairs for the Wedding Party. This room is 450 square feet and is totally private to the event space!


    Curate's new Studio Room (2,000 square feet) can be rented as a luxurious bridal suite for a larger group.


    Additionally, our neighbors in the building (Molly's Frozen) have cake decorating classrooms that we can transform into Bridal Suites!


    Additional rental fees apply to all of these rooms. Learn more about our event venues in Des Moines, IA and the surrounding area today.

  • What are the decoration options at Curate?

    Curate was designed to be a clean, artistic canvas for your event.


    Crisp white walls, polished concrete floors, beautiful arched ceilings, and modern amenities make Curate the best venue for you to express yourself!


    We'd love to collaborate with you for simple decor that really pops in Curate. Simple candles and floral can make a big difference.


    You are welcome to decorate the room yourself; we have limited restrictions on decorations!


    Curate includes custom uplighting adjustable to your event's style.


    If you'd like some help, Curate recommends these fantastic floral / decor vendors to work in Curate:


    Bella Flora


    Something Chic


    White Willow


    Wild Flower


    Curate recommends these great decor vendors to work in Curate:


    Beyond Elegance


    Vintage Love


    Call us today for event venues in Des Moines, IA and the surrounding area.

  • What is included when booking Curate?

    Rental includes:

    • All setup & tear down: All that is required of you is for you or your decor vendor remove the decorations at the end of the event. Room flip charges may apply for ceremony and reception.
    • Cocktail tables
    • Artistic white cube pedestals for decorating and for use as cocktail tables
    • 60" Round tables and 85" square white or black linens (upgrades available)
    • 6' and 8' Banquet tables with floor length white or black linens for gift table, head/kings table and DJ table
    • Steel Chiavari chairs with white seat cushions

    The beautiful space also includes:

    • Beautiful spacious restrooms, no waiting!
    • Access to a robust WiFi network
    • Beautiful custom lighting
    • Projectors available for event use rental
    • Built-in audio system with wireless microphones

    Catering and bar service is expertly provided by Taste! To Go

  • How do I park at Curate?

    Curate offers several convenient parking options in the East Village. We have our own parking lot for clients, and the lot north of us is available after 5 PM on weekdays and all weekend. Nearby parking ramps include the City of Des Moines garage at 402 E. 2nd Street, 312 E. 6th Street, and a free ramp at 637 Des Moines St. Street parking is also available. For added convenience, we partner with downtown hotels offering free shuttle services and can arrange valet parking through Keck Parking. We'll manage the details, including blocking parking meters in front of Curate for your event.

  • What are the details of The Gallery Room and The Studio Room?

    Our Gallery Room, opened in 2017, offers 6,000 square feet of event space and a 450 square foot wedding party suite. It's recently been upgraded with a textured marble tile wall, fresh paint, additional brass chandeliers, and improved privacy in the suite. Our new Studio Room, opening in 2024, provides 2,000 square feet with unique features like a marble feature wall, photo nook, and glass garage doors leading to a wrap-around patio. Both rooms offer state-of-the-art amenities, including submersive music systems, white cocktail tables, and art gallery pedestals. We provide 60" round tables, silver Chiavari chairs, and handle setup and teardown. A/V equipment is available for a reasonable fee.

  • What payment options are available through Curate?

    We accept payment via check or credit card. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your date. The remaining balance for the event space rental is due 90 days prior to your event. At this time, we also collect a refundable damage deposit.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    Our cancellation policy is detailed in the Rental Agreement. Please note that rental deposits are non-refundable.

  • Who should we contact to book an event at Curate?

    To book an event, please complete our Contact Form on our website for the quickest response. Alternatively, you can reach us via email at events@curatedsm.com or by phone at (515) 523-0147. Our team will promptly get in touch to discuss your event needs.

  • Do I need to contact Taste! To Go separately for catering and bar service?

    There's no need for separate contacts as Curate is owned by "Taste! To Go." We serve as your single point of contact for all event needs. Our team will guide you through the rental process and bring in "Taste! To Go" at the appropriate time. With more than 20 years of catering experience in Des Moines, our professional staff will work with you to create a custom menu tailored to your event.

  • What is the alcohol policy at Curate?

    Curate and Taste! To Go provide comprehensive bar services for your event. We hold the necessary liquor license for the venue, eliminating the need for special arrangements. Our offerings include a variety of popular cocktails, wines, and beers. We're known for our creative specialty cocktails and enjoy collaborating on unique ideas. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted in the venue.

  • Are there any hotels near Curate?

    Curate is conveniently located in Des Moines' Historic East Village, with numerous hotels within walking distance or a short shuttle ride away. Some nearby options include Staybridge Suites, Embassy Suites, AC Hotel, Renaissance Savery Hotel, Des Moines Marriott Downtown, and Des Lux Hotel. Many of these hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to and from Curate.

  • Is there a private area?

    Yes, we offer several private area options. The Gallery Room features a 450-square-foot private wedding party suite accessible via stairs. Our new Studio Room can be rented as a spacious 2,000-square-foot bridal suite for larger groups. Additionally, we can transform our neighbor Molly's Frozen's cake decorating classrooms into bridal suites. Please note that additional rental fees apply for these private areas.

  • What are the decoration options at Curate?

    Curate provides a clean, artistic canvas for your event decorations. Our space features crisp white walls, polished concrete floors, and arched ceilings. We offer custom, adjustable uplighting to match your event's style. You're welcome to decorate the room yourself, with minimal restrictions. For those seeking assistance, we recommend several local floral and decor vendors who are familiar with our space. These include Bella Flora, Something Chic, White Willow, Wild Flower, Beyond Elegance, and Vintage Love.

  • What is included when booking Curate?

    Rental includes: •All setup & tear down: All that is required of you is for you or your decor vendor remove the decorations at the end of the event. Room flip charges may apply for ceremony and reception. •Cocktail tables •Artistic white cube pedestals for decorating and for use as cocktail tables •60" Round tables and 85" square white or black linens (upgrades available) •6' and 8' Banquet tables with floor length white or black linens for gift table, head/kings table and DJ table •Steel Chiavari chairs with white seat cushions The beautiful space also includes: •Beautiful spacious restrooms, no waiting! •Access to a robust WiFi network •Beautiful custom lighting •Projectors available for event use rental •Built-in audio system with wireless microphones •Catering and bar service is expertly provided by Taste! To Go