About me
Stephen King has spent his life engaged with the arts. Originally from Houston, Texas, Stephen began his professional career directing, acting, and managing live theatre productions throughout the Houston area. In 1995, he turned this passion for the arts toward non-profit arts administration and the festival and event industry. Since then, he has produced hundreds of arts, live music, and cultural celebrations across the country.
Throughout his career, Stephen’s work in festivals and events has earned more than 400 industry awards from organizations including the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA), Texas Festivals and Events Association, and the International Downtown Association.
Before dedicating his full attention to the Des Moines Arts Festival® in July 2011, Stephen served as executive director of Downtown Events Group from 2006 to 2011, where he produced the World Food Festival, Holiday Lights Des Moines, Skywalk Golf, and ImaginEve! Before arriving in Des Moines, he served as president and CEO of Celebrate Fairfax, Inc. in Northern Virginia. Earlier in his career, Stephen was director of the Festivals and Events Division of Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas, where he produced the nationally recognized MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival.
Stephen is an active leader of the global festivals and events industry. He is past director of the IFEA World Board and proudly chaired the organization in 2017. He is a past director of Bravo Greater Des Moines and chaired the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Arts & Culture Reopening Festivals and Live Music Venues Task Force. Stephen also served as a director of the National Association of Independent Artists and the IFEA Foundation Board of Directors. Stephen is a co-founder of ZAPPlication™, the art fair industry’s universal online application system.
In 2026, Stephen is being inducted into the IFEA Hall of Fame.
