Outdoor Concerts in the Des Moines Area 2023

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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.

Looking for another fun, family-friendly activity? Check out this giant list of outdoor movies!

Tuesday

Nights in the Heights

Located at Colby Park. Tuesday’s 7 to 9 p.m. from June through August. Learn more!

Johnston Farmers’ Market

On select Tuesdays this season catch live music after the Johnston Farmers’ Market. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. Please bring chairs or blankets to enjoy the entertainment in the Yard.

• June 6- Bruce Day Rocks
• July 11- Orphan Annie
• August 1- The Savage Freds
• September 12- The Sons of Gladys Kravitz

Wednesday

Zoo Brew at the Blank Park Zoo

Wednesdays in June, and July (excluding July 5, 2023), 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

Thursday’s June through July from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the AMP in Ankeny, Iowa. Learn more!

Music in the Garden at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Thursday’s beginning June 15 – September 28

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 own 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

6 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

Select Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.

Join Polk County Conservation on the back patio of the Jester Park Nature Center for their 2023 Prairie Stomp Summer Music Series.

– June 15 | Buckmiller Schwager
– July 20 | Grill and Kane
– August 3 | Joshua Sinclair

Summer Music Series at Gray’s Station

Thursday, May 11, June 8, July 13, and September 14 from 5 to 7 p.m.

• May 11 – Andrew Hoyt
• June 8 – Avey Grouws Band
• July 13 – Brad & Kate
• September 14- Cory Waller and the Wicked Things

Camp Dodge Summer Concert Series

Thursdays in June from 7 to 9 p.m. Food trucks at 6 p.m.

• June 1 – Jason Brown
• June 8 – Standing Hampton
• June 22 – Pianopalooza Duelling Pianos
• June 29 – 34th Army Band

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.

• May 11- Brother Trucker
• May 18- Brian Herrin Band
• May 25- The Schmidt Brothers
• June 1- Decoy
• June 8- Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
• June 15- The Maytags
• June 22- Damon Dotson Band
• June 29- The Nadas
• July 6- Dueling Guitars
• July 13- Pianopalooza Band
• July 20- B2wins
• July 27- Dazy Head Mazy
• Aug 3- Not Quite Brothers

Friday

Food Truck Friday at Campbell Recreation Park in Clive, Iowa

May 12 through June 16; August 25 and September 8

Friday’s 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Join Clive Parks & Recreation on Fridays for Food Truck Friday. This family-friendly Friday night kick-offs 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 12 Dueling Guitars: Brian Congdon and Brad Seidenfeld
• May 19 Damon Dotson 
• May 26 The Snacks 
• June 2 Orphan Annie Band 
• June 9 Savage Freds 
• June 16 Dick Danger Band 
• August 25 Randy Burk and the Prisoners 
• September 8 Brian Herrin Trio

Middlebrook Farm: Friday’s on the Farm; 4300 Cumming Avenue, Cumming

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. Join them every Friday beginning May 19 through July 28.

Penoach Vineyard & Winery; 26759 N Ave Adel, IA 50003

Every other Friday beginning June 17 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Wine and beer sales are what make it possible to have concerts at the winery. Outside-purchased alcoholic beverages are not permitted. All concerts are from 7 to 10 p.m. $5 cover charge. Food will be available at each event. Every other Friday beginning June 17 through August 12. Take a look at the details and a list of performers.   

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! More details to come.

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 own lawn chairs and blankets. Reservations required.

Saturday

Winterset Cidery

Details not released.

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 4 and through September 3.

Summerset Winery: Sunday Tunes; 15101 Fairfax Street, Indianola

Sunday’s 2 to 5 p.m.

Sunday Tunes Concerts take place every Sunday May-October, and once a month November-April. 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

Sundays June 11 – 16; 7 to 8:30 p.m.

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

Sundays beginning June 25 (no July 2) through September 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.

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 7-8 at Western Gateway 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.

Adventureland Free Concerts Weekends in June

Enjoy free, live music every weekend in June while you play at Adventureland Park. The concert is included in your admission. Snag a summer pass to rock all summer long.

Cork 50131- The Yard Summer Concert Series

Located at 6245 Merle Hay Rd., Johnston
Catch musical acts from across the country at The Yard this summer. The concerts are free and begin at 7 PM. More information is available here. 

• Friday, June 23 – 90s Rock Show
• Saturday, July 22 – Jay Allen
• Saturday, August 26 – Mixtape

Greenbelt Music Festival

Kick off your summer early with the inaugural Greenbelt Music Festival, on May 19th and May 20th. This new outdoor festival takes place on a secluded grass field, off the lively Greenbelt Trail in Clive, Iowa, just west of Horizon Events Center.

Headliners include the following:

• Grammy-winning band The Infamous Stringdusters
• Jameson Rodgers
• Here Come the Mummies
• Tigirlily Gold
• Read Southall Band
• 20+ other artists!

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! 

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 4-6.

Iowa State Fair

How could we forget the Iowa State Fair?! Beginning August 10 through August 20 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!