Events at Des Moines, Des Moines

About Des Moines

Des Moines is Iowa’s capital city – a midsized Midwestern hub of about 214,000 people (investinthemidwest.com). It’s the political and economic center of the state, home to large insurance and finance companies (for example, the headquarters of Principal Financial and Nationwide are here (investinthemidwest.com)) as well as healthcare and manufacturing firms. The city grew around its river valley location and became state capital in the 1850s. Downtown Des Moines blends historic sites (like the ornate five-domed State Capitol with its gilded dome) with modern architecture. Notable buildings include the Des Moines Civic Center (opened 1979) – a landmark Brutalist-style concrete performance hall that won an architectural excellence award (www.iowaarchfoundation.org) – and the Iowa Events Center. The Civic Center’s main theater seats 2,734 and was designed so that “no seat is more than 145 feet” from the stage (www.iowaarchfoundation.org), giving every patron a clear view and excellent acoustics. The nearby Wells Fargo Arena (now Casey’s Center) is a modern 16,980-seat arena (www.arenaiowa.net) built in 2005 (replacing the old Veterans Memorial Auditorium) and hosts the largest indoor events in Iowa. In addition to its government role, Des Moines has earned a reputation as a friendly, “Iowa nice” city with a vibrant arts and music scene – from annual festivals to a lively theater and brewery culture in its downtown districts.

Events and Programming

Des Moines offers year-round entertainment and events. Its major venues host everything from touring rock/pop concerts to Broadway shows, sports and community events. For example, Des Moines Performing Arts manages the Civic Center (221 Walnut St.), which frequently hosts Broadway touring musicals, symphonies, comedy, dance and family shows (www.theaterdesmoines.com). The Wells Fargo Arena stage brings in big-name acts – in 2023 it hosted the Eagles’ Hotel California tour and Journey with Toto, as well as family shows like Disney on Ice (www.iowaeventscenter.com). Other uranium events have included monster truck rallies, rodeos and WWE wrestling nights. Hy-Vee Hall (adjacent to the arena) is used for trade shows, expos (like RV, boat and home shows) and conventions.

The city also has unique local festivals and annual classics. Des Moines is famous for the Iowa State Fair each August (the largest state fair in Iowa) – a tradition since 1854 that draws more than one million visitors yearly (www.axios.com). The fair’s Grandstand stage presents nightly country, rock and pop concerts (recently New Kids on the Block, Ludacris, and The Chicks have headlined). In summer the Western Gateway and Simon Estes amphitheaters host outdoor concerts (until 2019 the “Nitefall on the River” series was a popular Thursday-night free concert at Water Works Park, and 2026 is planned for its restart (www.axios.com)). The celebrated 80/35 Music Festival – held downtown for years – moved to Water Works Park in 2024 due to construction (www.axios.com). That festival (drawn by headliners like Killer Mike) features camping, art vendors, a hammock grove and stages for rock and EDM. However, the 80/35 organizer recently dissolved amid financial challenges (www.axios.com), throwing its future in question. Other local happenings include the grassroots Porchfest DSM (where neighbors host live bands on their front porches; the 2023 event featured about 23 performers in a day (www.axios.com)) and the Downtown Farmers Market (May–October on 5th Street).

Sports and annual competitions are also big in Des Moines. The Wells Fargo Arena is home to Iowa State University’s hockey team (around 36 home games each winter (www.iowaeventscenter.com)) and minor-league Iowa Wolves basketball (NBA G-League) – their 2023–24 seasons had 36 home games at the arena (www.iowaeventscenter.com). It also hosts 24 indoor football games for the Iowa Barnstormers each season (www.iowaeventscenter.com). Nearby Principal Park is the AAA baseball stadium for the Iowa Cubs, offering summertime baseball most evenings from April through September. The city also stages part of the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials, annual cycling events (like stages of RAGBRAI, the famous Iowa bike ride), and has even hosted NCAA basketball first-round tournament games. In short, between major concerts, touring plays, festivals and sports, there are dozens of events in Des Moines every year.

Tickets and Booking

Tickets for Des Moines events can be bought through official box offices and authorized sellers. For example, Civic Center tickets are sold through Des Moines Performing Arts (via their website or at the box office at 221 Walnut) (www.theaterdesmoines.com). Similarly, Wells Fargo Arena events are ticketed by the Iowa Events Center. The Civic Center notes that shows “sell pretty fast” once announced (www.theaterdesmoines.com), so it’s wise to buy popular shows well in advance. Sign up for email alerts from the venues or local promoters to know when sales start. Student and group discounts are sometimes available – group rates, season subscriptions and “rush” tickets (limited number at the box office on showday) are offered for many DMPA events (www.theaterdesmoines.com). Ticket prices vary widely by event: small niche concerts, lectures, or comedy shows might start around $20–$30, whereas big-name concerts and Broadway shows often range from $50 up to $200+ for premium seats. Box offices typically open with ticket sales months before the show date. It’s usually safer and cheaper to buy direct than via third-party inventory. (If an event is sold out, resale tickets do exist, but be cautious of fees and scams.) Remember that state fair tickets are sold differently – you can get daily admission or season passes at the fairgrounds in August, and fair-related concert tickets are usually sold by the Iowa State Fairgrounds separately.

Seating and Layout

The layout depends on the venue. The Des Moines Civic Center’s main theater has a single-level, fan-shaped auditorium seating about 2,734 people (www.iowaarchfoundation.org). Its continental seating (no center aisles) means even side seats have unobstructed views – and because of the design, every seat is within about 145 feet of the stage (www.iowaarchfoundation.org). The best seats for shows here are generally center orchestra (10–20 rows back) for a close stage view, but the hall’s excellent acoustics mean even rear seats sound great. (Side seats are still fine in this theater since the stage is visible from nearly everywhere.)

At Wells Fargo Arena (nearly 17,000 seats (www.arenaiowa.net)), seating is multi-tiered. Lower-bowl seats near center court/ice are best for sports or mid-range concerts. Floor seating for concerts is often general admission (no assigned seats) right by the stage, so arriving early can score front-row spots. The arena also has club-level and box seats for premium viewing. During end-stage concerts (stage at one end of the arena), side seats at the very ends or behind the stage are sometimes partially obstructed, so those are less desirable. Upper-deck seats offer a wide overview of the show and usually good sound, and yawning if high but safe views of the stage performance. The Wells Fargo Arena scoreboard (center-hung) can interfere if you’re seated too close to the court edges, but is mostly a benefit (replays, etc.) for sports.

Principal Park (Iowa Cubs baseball) is an outdoor ballpark of roughly 11,000 capacity. The best seats there are along the first-base side or behind home plate – these offer a view of downtown’s river skyline beyond the outfield. The outfield lawn and picnic areas allow casual viewing on grass (often general admission). For any general-admission zones (lawn concerts, festivals), it’s wise to get there early for a good spot by the stage or in front of the main area. In summer outdoor concerts at Water Works Park (now Lauridsen Amphitheater), there is sloped lawn seating on the hill and fixed seats near the stage, allowing both relaxed grassy viewing and some reserved seats up front.

Getting There and Parking

Des Moines is very car-friendly, intersected by I-235 (east-west loop), I-35 (north-south) and I-80 to the east. Fly-in visitors use Des Moines International Airport (DSM) five miles north of downtown – rental cars and ride-shares are readily available there. If driving downtown, be aware that many nearby streets are metered. In the downtown core, metered street parking is free in the evenings and on weekends (www.theaterdesmoines.com). Recommended parking garages/ramp lots around the Civic Center include the 4th & Grand ramp and the 3rd & Court ramp (www.theaterdesmoines.com). Other convenient parking structures are ABM Parking (210 2nd Ave) and Liberty Garage (222 6th Ave) (www.theaterdesmoines.com). The city’s Center Street Park & Ride (downtown bus lot near 8th & Center) can also be used and is a short walk. For Wells Fargo Arena and the Events Center, several official lots are just north of the arena (with entrances from 3rd St and 5th Ave). These Event Center lots charge about $13 per car (cashless payment only) (www.iowaeventscenter.com) and include an ADA-accessible lot on Crocker St off 5th Ave (www.iowaeventscenter.com). Note that the big Mulberry Street garage (at 8th & Mulberry) used to be free, but as of 2025 it now charges for evening and weekend parking (www.axios.com). Street parking and smaller lots around downtown fill up fast on event nights, so plan to arrive early. Security cameras and parking apps (ParkDSM, ParkMobile) help manage parking on big event days.

Public transit is run by DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit). Multiple bus lines serve downtown; a single-ride fare is about $1.75. (The former free downtown shuttle – known as the D-Line or “Link” – was discontinued in late 2024 (www.axios.com), so you now ride a standard bus route instead.) Buses from suburbs bring visitors into downtown, and some Park & Ride lots link to express buses on game days. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) and taxis are widely available in town. Designated rideshare pick-up points are typically near each major venue (for instance, outside the Civic Center on Walnut Street or at the main entrance of the Events Center on 3rd St). Many hotels in downtown offer shuttle service (for example from the Airport or Prairie Meadows). The downtown area is quite walkable once you park – for example, the Capitol building, Civic Center and East Village shopping area are all within a 10-minute walk of the Wells Fargo Arena.

Inside the Venue

Each venue is well-equipped for a comfortable visit. Upon arrival, expect a security screening: major concert halls and arenas typically check bags or use metal detectors. Small clear-day bags and purses are usually allowed, but large backpacks and outside food/drink (beyond a sealed water bottle) often are not. Arrive 20–30 minutes early (www.theaterdesmoines.com) so you have time to queue, find restrooms, or grab a drink without missing the show start. Many venues (like the Civic Center) have soft-concession stands serving snacks, sodas and local craft beers; for example, the Civic Center has contained a taproom-style lounge offering Iowa microbrews during performances. At sporting events and fairs there are multiple concession stands selling hot dogs, pizza, popcorn and iconic fair foods (funnel cakes, corn dogs, etc.). Merchandise booths or team stores are usually located in the lobby areas – look for them near the main entrances to buy souvenirs, T-shirts or programs.

Facilities include ample restrooms (with family/child-friendly options) on every level. Most venues have coat-check counters by the main lobby (for a small fee) if you need to stow jackets or bags. Connectivity-wise, cell-phone service generally works fine inside the arena and theater; some venues may have a public Wi-Fi network or event app, but you’ll have phone signal in most areas. All venues are ADA-accessible: elevators and ramps connect levels, and they offer wheelchair seating areas with companion seats. (For instance, Des Moines Performing Arts notes that the Civic Center “provides accessible seating and accommodations” for guests with disabilities (www.theaterdesmoines.com).) Hearing assistance devices or closed-captioning (if needed) can usually be requested through the venue box office. Smoking is not allowed inside any indoor venue, but designated smoking/vaping areas are typically outside. In general, the atmosphere is family-friendly. People tend to dress casually or smart-casual – think jeans or khakis rather than suits or shorts – unless the event specifically notes a dress code. If you’re attending an indoor performance in winter, the buildings will be well-heated; for outdoor events in summer, dress for warm weather and consider bringing sunscreen or a hat.

Nearby Amenities

Downtown Des Moines has plenty of options for dining and lodging near the big venues. Within a few blocks of the Civic Center and arena you’ll find a variety of restaurants and bars. Pre-show dinner favorites include Zombie Burger (gourmet burgers), Fong’s Pizza (creative pizzas), Centro Woodfired Pizzeria (Italian), and 801 Chophouse (steakhouse). You’ll also find brewpubs like Court Avenue Brewery and Exile Brewing, plus casual choices like El Bait Shop (pub food), Shuca Tacos or Noodles & Company. For coffee or a quick bite, local chains like Einstein Bros or Scooter’s Espresso are convenient downtown. Bars near the entertainment district range from arcade/arcade bars (Up-Down 80s arcade bar) and cocktail lounges (Brightside) to laid-back taverns (e.g. Drag Show Bar, El Bait Shop). The East Village (only a few blocks east of the Civic Center) has trendy spots like Raccoon River Brewing and Taco places, great for dinner before a show. Late-night eats can include 24-hour spots like Jethro’s BBQ or Pizza Ranch.

As for accommodations, the downtown area has many hotel options. Examples include the downtown Marriott (connected by skywalk to Wells Fargo Arena), the Westin Downtown (near the Capitol), and independent boutique hotels like the Historic Des Lux Hotel or the newer Hotel Renovo (in the East Village). All are within walking distance of major venues. Corporate chains (Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn & Suites downtown) also serve business and leisure travelers. For big events, it’s best to book hotels early. Other lodging clusters are a bit outside downtown – e.g. West Des Moines (Grey’s Lake area) – where shuttles or a short drive can still get you downtown.

In general, plan to arrive early. On busy weekend nights or fair days, downtown traffic can slow to a crawl, and parking lots fill up. Getting to a downtown event 30–45 minutes before start time is wise (the Civic Center recommends at least 20–30 minutes (www.theaterdesmoines.com)). If you’re taking public transit, check schedules note that service tapers off after around 10 pm. For late-night return trips, rideshare or a planned cab ride may be needed, as buses may end. The city’s one-way streets can be confusing – use a GPS or local maps app. One insider tip: bring a portable phone charger or power bank, as taking pictures and texting at events can drain battery. Also, most venues do not have in-house coatrooms in summer, so if it cools off after the show, have a light jacket handy.

What Makes This Venue Special

As Iowa’s capital, Des Moines has a unique blend of political heritage, Midwestern culture and modern revitalization. The golden-domed Capitol is often called “Iowa’s most beautiful building,” and its hilltop grounds offer skyline views of downtown. Des Moines has invested heavily in arts and public spaces: the Pappajohn Sculpture Park downtown (with 21 giant contemporary sculptures) and the Guthrie Green civic plaza help draw crowds. Architecturally, the city has gems from different eras – for example, the iconic Brutalist Civic Center contrasts with newer glass towers and the classic Art Deco Ingersoll building. The city has also welcomed its history: historic buildings like the Hippodrome Theater (on Ingersoll Avenue) and the restored Ruan Center bring vintage charm.

Des Moines has also become known for event traditions. For decades the Iowa State Fair has been the one of the state’s signature events, contributing over a million in annual visitors (www.axios.com). The city’s place in national politics (the first-in-the-nation Iowa Caucus) makes January nights in downtown the scene of lively debates and packed caucus gatherings. Many performers say that Des Moines audiences are energetic but polite, giving a hometown-like welcome to acts passing through. Local patrons of the arts often proudly cite the Civic Center’s acoustics – indeed, its architects earned a design award for how well the hall projects sound (www.iowaarchfoundation.org). Artists and teams appreciate Des Moines because it’s a clean, well-organized city where crowds come eager to enjoy the show. In short, what makes Des Moines special is this combination of historical significance, cultural investment (to see how a midwestern capital has grown its theater and music programs), and genuine hospitality – along with iconic experiences like the State Fair, which celebrate Iowa’s community spirit and economy (www.axios.com).

Visitor Tips and Information

Accessibility: All major Des Moines venues are ADA-compliant. Wheelchair seating, elevators, and accessible restrooms are provided at the arena, theaters and fairgrounds. (For example, the State Fairgrounds’ new Variety Star Playground and Family Plaza were built to be fully accessible for all abilities (www.axios.com).) Service animals are allowed inside venues. If you have special needs, contact the venue’s guest services in advance to reserve assistance or seating.

What to Bring/Not Bring: It’s wise to carry a photo ID (especially if you plan to buy alcohol or for any age-restricted areas). Use a small clear bag or purse to speed entry. Prohibited items usually include weapons, large backpacks, outside food/drink (except sealed water bottles), laser pointers, and professional camera equipment. Check the specific venue’s policy before visiting. Do bring weather-appropriate clothing: Des Moines summers can be hot and humid (bring sunscreen and water) while winters are very cold (dress in layers and a warm coat). Comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll likely walk and stand a lot at events. Packing a portable phone charger is often helpful.

Common Mistakes: Some visitors assume downtown parking is free – it isn’t after hours – or that a free shuttle will always be running (the free downtown LMRT shuttle stopped in late 2024 (www.axios.com)). Don’t forget to budget for parking, especially for big events. Also, arriving at the last minute is risky: venues advise giving plenty of time for traffic and security queues (www.theaterdesmoines.com). Lastly, remember that Iowa tends to tip in restaurants and for service – so carry cash or use card for tips.

Age Restrictions and Dress: Most Des Moines events and venues are family-friendly. There are rarely strict age limits, except for 18+ club shows. The State Fair welcomes all ages (with children under 5 free, and family entertainment). Dress is informal for virtually all events – jeans, shorts or casual dresses are common. Only formal galas or high-end banquets (rare) require dressier attire. Concertgoers often dress casually, but some fans like to wear band T-shirts. In cold months, coat-checks are usually available for a small fee at theaters and arenas.

Connectivity: Des Moines has good cell service downtown, but networks can slow when a venue is packed. Many venues do not offer free public Wi-Fi, so it’s best to use your own data or purchase event Wi-Fi pass if needed. If you rely on online maps or tickets on your phone, charge up beforehand.

Local Customs: Iowans are known for friendliness. Greeting staff often say hello or ask about your experience; you’ll find polite, helpful attitudes at shows and venues. If you’re visiting for the State Fair, it’s customary to try classic fair foods (corn dogs, funnel cake, caramel apples) and fairground rides. A fun local tradition is trying the famous Maid-Rite loose-meat sandwiches or Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich, which people often recommend after a big show.

Frequently Asked Questions