Home Tour

Season of Lights Home Tour

Celebrate the season inside River Bend’s historic homes!

About the Tour

For nearly thirty years, River Bend has opened its historic homes for a walking tour each September. This year, we’re doing something new: for the first time, the tour moves to December, with the neighborhood decorated for the holidays.

Spend a weekend afternoon exploring River Bend and stepping inside some of the oldest homes in Des Moines — many built in the 1870s — fully trimmed and decorated for the season. You’ll see grand historic houses up close, restorations in progress, and the kind of holiday details that make each home feel warm and welcoming, with festive touches around the neighborhood to match.

New this year: architect Steve Wilke-Shapiro of Sequel Architecture + Interiors hosts a fireside chat. Bring a photo, an idea or a question about your own home. Additional details coming soon.

The Home Tour is the River Bend Neighborhood Association’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and every ticket supports the community events and neighborhood improvements we put on all year round.

This year’s tour is scheduled for December 5 & 6, 2026.
Purchase your ticket today!

Tickets

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Volunteer

The Home Tour is run entirely by volunteers. Help make this community event a success by signing up for a shift. Volunteers receive one free ticket for each shift worked. 

Volunteer sign-ups are open! Volunteers receive a free ticket. Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/RBNATourVolunteer

Our Sponsors 

We are grateful to our sponsors for making the Home Tour possible each year. If you or your business would like to sponsor the tour, we’d love to hear from you. 

Learn About Sponsorship Opportunities Contact Us About Sponsorship

2026 Information

Tour details:

  • Dates: Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, December 6th
  • Time: 10 AM – 4 PM on both days
  • Self-guided tours will take place rain, snow, or shine

Tickets and tour booklets:

  • $20* on the day of the event (available online or at the ticket booth)
  • $15* in advance (deadline for advance purchase: November 30)
  • *An automatic payment processing fee is added to all online ticket purchases
  • Pick up your tour booklet and route map at our ticket booth in the Carriage House, 1790 6th Ave, courtesy of the 6th Avenue Corridor. The booth is open 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, Dec 5 and Sunday, Dec 6. Booklets can’t be picked up early.

Parking, transportation, and accessibility:

  • Visit the homes in any order, at your own pace — on foot or by car
  • Park anywhere in the neighborhood, or along the street near each home
  • A limited-capacity courtesy shuttle service will be available during the tour
  • Many homes are historic and may have stairs or other features that limit accessibility. Contact the River Bend Neighborhood Association for specific questions or concerns

Etiquette and guidelines:

  • Host homes are private residences; respectful conduct is required at all times
  • Ask permission before taking photos inside the homes
  • Wear provided booties or remove shoes when entering homes
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times

Amenities and experience:

  • Complimentary water will be available along the tour route (limited supplies)
  • Some homes will be in varying states of restoration, showcasing progress year after year
  • Take your time, ask questions, and visit local businesses for a complete River Bend experience

Enjoy the tour! Discover the rich history and charm of the River Bend Neighborhood during your visit.