Outdoor Concerts in the Des Moines, Iowa Area
Enjoying summer concerts outdoors is one of our family’s favorite things to do. It is a great time for the entire family (except for Zoo Brew). Whether you enjoy classic rock, jazz, or pop there are many options. Listen to great music, play games, meet friends, pack a picnic dinner, and have fun. There are a ton of options to enjoy an outdoor concert and support local artists. Some may require tickets and some are free. Take a look at this giant list of outdoor concerts in the Des Moines area this summer.
Take a look at these other fun guides to plan for summer in Des Moines, Iowa:
Tuesday
Nights in the Heights
Located at Colby Park select days this summer.
- June 25 – Drive Thirty5
- July 4 – FL Funk
- July 9 – Cover that Band
- July 16 – Jana West & RetroSpect
- July 23 – Funkytown Inc.
- July 30 – The Sons of Gladys Kravitz
- August 6 – Burnin’ Sensations
Wednesday
Zoo Brew at the Blank Park Zoo
{Official dates and details for 2024 have not been released yet!}
Wednesdays in June, and July and the first two Wednesdays in August from 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Wednesday night the camels aren’t the only ones celebrating HUMP DAY! On select Wednesdays in the summer, the Zoo comes to life after hours for those 21 and over. This popular fundraising event features a variety of live music, summer brews (including lots of craft beer options), and a stroller-free environment to see the animals! When you buy a brew, you support the Zoo. Take a look at our fun experience. The perfect summer evening date.
Must be 21 and over to enter. Must present valid ID at the door. Animals will be out until 30 minutes before sunset.
Thursday
Beats and Eats
{Official dates and details for 2024 have not been released yet!}
Thursday’s June through July from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the AMP in Ankeny, Iowa.
Music in the Garden at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Thursday’s June through August
6 to 9 p.m.
All concerts will be held in the outdoor Koehn Garden. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music begins at 6:30 p.m. Music in the Garden attendees are encouraged to bring their folding, outdoor seating, or picnic blankets. Trellis Café will be serving grilled items in the Koehn Garden area for guests to purchase. Tickets are sold at the door and are first come, first served.
Music in the Junction in Valley Junction
Thursday’s beginning in May to September
5 to 8:30 p.m.
Music in the Junction is the place to be in central Iowa on Thursday nights from May through September. Railroad Park and the beverage garden are open at 5:30 p.m. with live free music from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Join us for a great season in Historic Valley Junction for this free weekly summer music series!
Prairie Stomp Summer Music Series at Jester Park Nature Center
{Official dates and details for 2024 have not been released yet!}
Select Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
Join Polk County Conservation on the back patio of the Jester Park Nature Center for their 2024 Prairie Stomp Summer Music Series.
Summer Music Series at Gray’s Station
{Official dates and details for 2024 have not been released yet!}
Camp Dodge Summer Concert Series
{Official dates and details for 2024 have not been released yet!}
Tunes at Twilight; Yard Summer Concert Series
Tunes at Twilight will be held on select Thursday nights this summer from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the yard. Admission is completely free, and no tickets are required.
- Thursday, July 18
- Thursday, August 8
- Thursday, September 12
Summer Concert Series at Jasper Winery
Thursday’s 6 to 9 p.m.
Join Jasper Winery on Thursday nights for their annual Summer Concert Series. Bring blankets, lawn chairs for outside seating, and a yard game for some extra fun! This is a free concert series for the public. Burgers and brats will be available from the grill and wine and beer is available for purchase. Take a look at all the family fun we have had.
Friday
Food Truck Friday at Campbell Recreation Park in Clive, Iowa
May 17 through June 21; September 6 & 13
Friday’s 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Join Clive Parks & Recreation on Fridays for Food Truck Friday. This family-friendly Friday night kicks off the weekend for many! Bring the family to Campbell Park in Clive for food trucks that may include ice cream, fun, and live music. There is plenty of space and lawn seating for families to spread out and enjoy the evening. Follow the Clive Parks & Recreation Facebook page for details.
- May 17: Dueling Guitars w/ Brian Congdon & Brad Seidenfeld
- May 24: Damon Dotson
- May 31: Brian Herrin Duo
- June 7: The Unfortunate Sons
- June 14: Lucas Beebe
- June 21: Sons of Gladys Kravitz Lite
- September 6: Dick Danger Band
- September 13: TBA
Middlebrook Farm: Friday’s on the Farm; 4300 Cumming Avenue, Cumming
{Official dates and details for 2024 have not been released yet!}
Friday’s 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Enjoy live music, food, drinks, vendors, and more on Iowa’s first agri-hood at Middlebrook Farm. This cute developing farm is located in Cumming, Iowa. It offers beautiful views and plenty of room to run and play.
Rendezvous Riverview at Riverview Park
5:30 to 9 p.m.
Every Friday in June and July, we’ll be bringing live music back to Riverview Park where we will showcase a variety of bands!
- 6/7 – Faculty Lounge
- 6/14 – B2wins
- 6/21 – Punching Pandas
- 6/28 – Stark Raving Madge
- 7/5 – The Pork Tornadoes {FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA!}
- 7/12 – Son of Gladys Kravitz
- 7/19 – Mike Moody & The Outlaws
- 7/26 – Flying Silos
The Wallace Centers of Iowa: Pizza on the Prairie; 2773 290th Street, Orient
Friday’s 5 to 9 p.m.
Come to the prairie on Friday nights for handmade-from-scratch brick oven pizza packed with straight-from-the-farm veggies & local meats! Live music from 5 to 9 p.m. Walk the prairie path and enjoy the outdoor art along the way. Sides, desserts, beer, wine, and soft drinks are available. Seating is limited, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Reservations required.
Saturday
Winterset Cidery
Details not released.
Sounds of Summer; The Yard Summer Concert Series
Come and be part of an exciting summer of music at the Yard Summer Concert Series! Sounds of the Summer will be on select Saturday nights from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on the Yard.
- Saturday, June 8
- Saturday, June 29
- Saturday, August 24
- Saturday, September 28
Sunday
Summer Sundaze at Jamie Hurd Amphitheater in West Des Moines, Iowa
Sunday’s 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Summer Sundaze is back for its yearly series of free outdoor concerts. Summer Sundaze is a relaxing concert series featuring local bands and fun! Food can be purchased from food trucks, and lawn games will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Starts June 23 and through September 8.
Summerset Winery: Sunday Tunes; 15101 Fairfax Street, Indianola
Sunday’s 2 to 5 p.m.
Sunday Tunes Concerts take place every Sunday May-September. Bands play from 2:00 pm- 5:00 pm and weather permitting the bands will perform outside. In winter months or on rainy days we bring the music inside to perform in our banquet hall. The cover charge is $5 per person. Pay via cash at the entrance, or buy tickets ahead of time. Kids get in FREE!
Music Under the Stars
{Official dates and details for 2024 have not been released yet!}
Four of this summer’s concerts will take place on the West Capitol Mall. However, for the first time in the concert band’s history, Music Under the Stars will relocate to the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Des Moines Water Works Park on July 9 and July 16.
Live at the Creek
{Official dates and details for 2024 have not been released yet!}
Head to Jordan Creek Towncenter for live music at the creek. Every Sunday. Do not miss the kickoff party on June 25 with fireworks and food trucks. Take a look at the lineup for each week here.
Other Outdoor Music Opportunities
80/35 Music Festival
Save the date for July 12-13 at Water Works Park. Every summer music goers come together to celebrate music and culture. The entire weekend is filled with fun for all ages. Purchase tickets and take a look at this year’s schedule.
The Ruckus
Head to Adventureland Park for this new concert coming to the Des Moines metro area. The Ruckus is held Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8. Learn more and purchase tickets.
Greenbelt Music Festival
Kick off your summer early with the inaugural Greenbelt Music Festival, on May 17th and May 18th This outdoor festival takes place on a secluded grass field, off the lively Greenbelt Trail in Clive, Iowa, just west of Horizon Events Center.
Enjoy live music on our outdoor AND indoor stages while you explore the many food vendor options and enjoy tasty beverages. Between sets, participate in activities for all ages, including a silent disco, laser tag, rock climbing walls, a mechanical bull, and more! Learn more about headliners and purchase tickets.
Hinterland Music Festival
Head a little south of Des Moines to St. Charles for an epic weekend full of music, camping, and fun! Take a look at the Hinterland Music Festival or full lineups of music and entertainment for the weekend. This year’s festival is scheduled for August 2-4.
Iowa State Fair
How could we forget the Iowa State Fair?! Beginning August 8 through August 18 multiple concerts and bands of various genres perform at the Iowa State Fair. Some are free concerts and some cost. Take a look at what is in store this summer.
Water Works Park
Water Works Park was made for outdoor concerts! You do not want to miss a concert on the newly constructed Lauridsen Amphitheater. There are many fun concerts scheduled. Take a look and grab tickets for your favorite!
Yankee Doodle Pops
Join the Des Mones Symphony in Downtown Des Moines to celebrate the Nation’s birthday. This is Iowa’s largest single-day concert. Grab your blankets, and chairs and listen to music. After the concert watch the area’s premier fireworks display over the downtown Des Moines skyline. It is all free!
Please update calendar to reflect Clive Food Truck Friday changes.