Drake Neighborhood Buzzes During Relays Week

Top dining and drinking spots to check out in Des Moines during the annual track and field event.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:43am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen illustration featuring repeating icons of a coffee cup, beer glass, and plate of food, conceptually representing the vibrant dining and drinking scene in the Drake neighborhood during the annual Relays event.The lively dining and drinking options in Des Moines' Drake neighborhood keep visitors fueled during the annual Drake Relays track and field competition.Des Moines Today

As the Drake Relays track and field competition returns to Des Moines each April, the Drake neighborhood comes alive with an influx of athletes, coaches, and fans. The local restaurants, bars, and cafes in this vibrant part of the city offer plenty of dining and drinking options to fuel the festivities.

Why it matters

The Drake Relays are a major annual event that draws thousands of visitors to Des Moines, providing a significant economic boost to local businesses in the Drake neighborhood. Highlighting the top dining and drinking spots in this area helps readers make the most of their Relays experience and supports the local community.

The details

The Des Moines Register's 2025 Essential Restaurants guide features several standout options in the Drake neighborhood, including the farm-to-table fare at Django, the craft cocktails and live music at The Lift, and the cozy atmosphere and homemade pastries at Smokey Row Coffee. These establishments and others in the area cater to the influx of Relays attendees each spring, offering special menus, extended hours, and lively atmospheres to complement the athletic competition.

  • The Drake Relays take place annually in late April.
  • The 2025 Des Moines Register Essential Restaurants guide was published last year.

The players

Drake Relays

An annual track and field competition hosted by Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa that draws athletes, coaches, and fans from across the country.

Des Moines Register

A daily newspaper serving the Des Moines metropolitan area, which publishes an annual guide to the city's essential restaurants.

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What they’re saying

“The Drake Relays are such an exciting time in Des Moines, and the Drake neighborhood really comes alive with all the energy and activity.”

— Jenna Wilcox, Resident of Des Moines

The takeaway

The Drake Relays are a beloved annual tradition in Des Moines, and the local restaurants, bars, and cafes in the Drake neighborhood provide the perfect backdrop to fuel the festivities and support the community.