Summer Festival - History

The Spirit Midwest Christian Music Festival was birthed in 2006, when a simple "concert in the park" with a local band exploded into an eight-band festival with inflatable games, food vendors, merchandise and more! While no one knew exactly what God was doing as the events unfolded, His hand was apparent and Spirit Midwest was born.

The second year saw another expansion in the number of bands, vendors, inflatables and attendance - it was evident that we had already outgrown our beautiful facility in Ankeny, so for the third year we relocated to the Ankeny Sports Complex. This afforded another fantastic expansion to the festival - we were able to add our Coffeehouse Stage! What a hit! It was the perfect place to sit and relax in the shade, drinking coffee (iced!) or enjoying ice cream while listening to numerous acoustic acts.

Our fourth year afforded additional growth as we nearly doubled our bands, vendors and sponsors and the feedback we continually received was extremely positive. However, shortly after that festival, we learned of an opportunity at the grounds we had been praying over and around for several years: Jordan Park Camp. While we had no funds to purchase this property, God has laid it on our hearts as the perfect venue for a festival - and for our fifth year, He made it a reality! We were thrilled! That year, we not only added more bands, but we had the opportunity for a third stage! And not just any stage, but an indoor, fully air-conditioned stage! It was just as we had dreamed!

Now, for our sixth year, we are looking forward to adding another stage, an expanded inflatable village with lots of water activities for those who can't take the heat, and so much more! This year is sure to be the best festival yet!

Along with all these changes in the festival, Spirit Midwest Ministries has also grown in its overall offerings to the community. Through partnerships with local and international ministries, as well as numerous businesses, churches and individuals, we are taking the Good News into the streets of Iowa and the world. Spirit Midwest Ministries strives to preach this Good News to families everywhere - proclaiming freedom to all who hear the message of the Lord.

Whether it be through the music, games, speakers, street teams, soup kitchens, housing projects or missions trips, Spirit Midwest Ministries is proclaiming the year of the Lord's favor for all who will hear. Join our team! Give us a call!

Al - 515.334.8000    -    Julie - 515.577.8035