Events at Wooly's, Des Moines

About Wooly’s

Wooly’s is a locally owned live music venue in Des Moines’ Historic East Village. The building was originally a Woolworth’s five-and-dime store in the 1950s, and after decades as other businesses (including Occupy Des Moines HQ), it was renovated into a concert hall in 2012 (jhsblackandwhite.com) (venuemaps.net). The owners (including entrepreneur/promoter Sam Summers) chose the name “Wooly’s” in nod to the old Woolworth’s, even leaving a “Woolworth’s” stone embedded in the wall (jhsblackandwhite.com). The space holds about 680–700 people (venuemaps.net) (www.eventticketscenter.com), filling a unique niche between small bars and large theaters. The venue’s character is industrial-chic: you’ll see exposed rafters and steel columns alongside vintage murals, posters and even old streetlights on beams – a vibe that local media described as “vintage streetlights, posters littering the walls…welcomed]…despite the little light” ([jhsblackandwhite.com) (venuemaps.net). Modern sound and lighting systems have been added to this open wood-floored hall, along with a full bar and backstage green rooms for artists (venuemaps.net) (jhsblackandwhite.com). In short, Wooly’s matter s in Des Moines because it’s a rare mid-size live venue on a historic site: it gave rising bands room to grow and helped fuel the city’s music scene. (Even city officials have noted that losing Wooly’s would “absolutely devastate” the neighborhood’s growth (www.kcci.com).)

Events and Programming

Wooly’s schedule is packed with all kinds of live shows. You’ll find everything from indie rock and metal to country, blues, hip-hop, comedy, and EDM on its calendar (jhsblackandwhite.com) (www.dsmpartnership.com). In a typical month there can be 12–20 concerts and events, mixing hometown talent with regional and national touring acts (jhsblackandwhite.com) (www.dsmpartnership.com). Notable past performers include rock and pop acts like Ice Nine Kills, Andrew McMahon, Jade Bird, Grouplove and The Struts (www.firstfleetconcerts.com), metal legends like Exodus, stand-up comics like Gary Gulman, and country singers like Conner Smith (www.dsmpartnership.com) (www.dsmpartnership.com). The venue also hosts themed or recurring shows – for example, local promoters run hip-hop showcases such as the “A Family Affair” series, and tribute/cover nights pop up regularly. Ticket prices vary by show but smaller local gigs often start under $20, while touring headliners typically range $20–$50 (though big-name acts can be more). Wooly’s announcements and ticket listings are posted on its official site and local event listings; many shows sell out, so local fans often watch for presales or news from the venue’s social media. After the long shutdown in 2020–21, Wooly’s saw a “packed 2023 calendar” as live music returned full force (www.dsmpartnership.com), and that momentum continues with several shows per week. Whether you like rock, funk, jazz, country or comedy, there’s likely something happening most nights at Wooly’s.

Tickets and Booking

You can buy Wooly’s tickets online (through AXS.com) or in person. The built-in box office at 504 E Locust opens Fridays from noon–5pm (cash only), and it also opens at the venue on each show day when doors open (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). Importantly, Wooly’s offers “Fee Free Fridays” – tickets purchased in person on a Friday have no extra service fee (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). If you miss the Friday window, you can still get tickets at the door on show night (unless the show is sold out). For popular concerts, advance online tickets often sell out, so many fans sign up for Wooly’s newsletters or follow its social accounts for presale alerts. Prices depend on the act, but expect something like ~$15–30 for most shows, up to $50 or more for bigger tours. When booking, note that VIP booths or reserved seat add-ons may be offered (and can be selected when buying tickets) (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). In general, the venue recommends arriving early for popular events to secure your spot, since seating is limited and latecomers may be waiting in line.

Seating and Layout

The main concert hall at Wooly’s is mostly open-floor, general-admission space. There aren’t fixed seats on the floor: early arrivals can stand near the stage for the closest view. In total the venue holds around 683 people (venuemaps.net) (www.eventticketscenter.com), making it larger than most bars but smaller than an arena. Behind the standing area is a shallow riser or sloped floor with a few rows of reserved seats (sometimes called the “pit” or seating section). At the back is a raised balcony for VIPs – a small elevated section with table seating overlooking the crowd. VIP ticket-holders often get priority entry and a private upstairs bar (www.eventticketscenter.com). The sightlines are generally good: even the bar area has view of the stage. Acoustically, Wooly’s is well-regarded for a club venue – fans note that sound clarity is high and the room’s height gives a lively reverberation (wanderlog.com). If you want the best experience, center-front on the floor is ideal for energy and sound. Avoid the extreme side edges or far back corners (especially behind the balcony) if possible, as the view and sound get slightly less direct. But overall, because of the intimate size, most spots in the hall have a decent vantage. Seasoned visitors often arrive early to claim the front-middle space or snag the best available seats once doors open.

Getting There and Parking

Wooly’s is at 504 E. Locust Street, Des Moines, IA, in the heart of the East Village (www.firstfleetconcerts.com) (eastvillagedesmoines.com). This address can be set in GPS or map apps for easy navigation. Coming by car, you’ll find paid street parking all around. Downtown meters in Des Moines cost about $1-2 per hour and run roughly 9am–9pm (Mon–Sat) (www.firstfleetconcerts.com), after which on-street parking becomes free. There is a nearby public lot (the Iowa Capitol Complex lot on East 7th & Locust) that is free to visitors (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). Several municipal ramps are also within a short walk— for example the 5th & Walnut and the 4th & Grand garages are about 5–10 minutes’ walking distance (typically $2/hour). Because parking can fill up on concert nights, many patrons prefer ride-share. Wooly’s even designates a drop-off/pick-up point at its own address (504 E. Locust), making it easy for Uber/Lyft (www.eventticketscenter.com). Public transit is another good option: the nearest bus stop is just one block north at East Locust & 5th Street (www.eventticketscenter.com), served by several DART routes. If you stay downtown, the venue is walkable from most central hotels, or just a few blocks east of the Court Avenue nightlife district. Overall, plan to allow extra time for parking or traffic downtown, and consider rideshare to avoid the chase.

Inside the Venue

Expect a straightforward club atmosphere once inside Wooly’s. There is a simple entryway where staff scan tickets and check IDs for anyone drinking alcohol (so have your ID ready) (www.eventticketscenter.com) (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). Security will pat-down or wand-check patrons and inspect bags. The interior walls are decorated with concert posters and the famous “Woolworth’s” stone, giving it a gritty charm. The main lighting is supplied by stage and ceiling rigs, but some booths and tables have vintage-style streetlamp fixtures for ambiance (jhsblackandwhite.com). CAMERAS: Remember that professional cameras (with detachable lenses) and recording devices are not allowed (www.firstfleetconcerts.com); only small point-and-shoot or phone cameras (no flash) are okay. COAT CHECK: In cold months, a coat check is available (first-come, first-served) near the back (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). THE BAR & AMENITIES: The venue has a full-service bar serving water, soda, domestic and craft beers, wine and liquor (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). Credit cards are accepted (though some fees may apply) and there’s an on-site ATM (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). Note that Wooly’s does not have its own kitchen or food service (www.firstfleetconcerts.com), so eating before or after is advised (nearby restaurants cover that gap). The restrooms are on the ground floor, and aren’t fancy but are kept clean. Overall, the staff are friendly and used to concert crowds – you’ll likely see merch tables at the front, colorful lights on during shows, and attentive bartenders. (Customers often say the bar has a “great beer selection” among its highlights (wanderlog.com).) Finally, Wooly’s can get thirsty and loud by the peak of a show, so plan on spending a few bucks on drinks and perhaps bringing ear plugs if you’re sensitive to loud gear.

Nearby Amenities

The East Village around Wooly’s is packed with dining and lodging options. Right on Locust Street you can find casual eats: for example, Locust Tap (434 E. Locust) is just a block over and offers pizza and Iowa craft beers, and “’85 Bar” (432 E. Locust) has burgers and pub fare. A block north on 5th Avenue is the Iowa Taproom brewpub, and bars like ABGB or Finley’s Restaurant are a few minutes’ walk. If you want a quick snack, many people grab a slice or sandwich at these spots before the show. Hotels are also close by: the AC Hotel Downtown (2nd & Locust) and the Hyatt Place (3rd & Locust) are within easy walking distance (wanderlog.com). Several bigger hotels like the Hilton, Des Lux, or Marriott plan are a few blocks closer to Main Street. Be sure to give yourself time – some fans suggest eating in the area or picking up food (many also share Lyft or taxi info to plan late-night trips). In short, whether you want fine dining or late-night bar food, you won’t have to go far. As one local guide notes: “Explore nearby affordable dining options before or after” your show (wanderlog.com). After the event, rideshares and cabs are readily available on Locust, and the scene remains lively all evening.

What Makes This Venue Special

Wooly’s stands out thanks to its blend of history, community support, and intimate concert experience. It is literally built on the city’s past (a former Woolworth’s was here) while championing new music. For years Wooly’s has been the go-to mid-sized stage for Des Moines—owner Sam Summers put it well: a 700-capacity club is “how much of a role” bands need to build a career (jhsblackandwhite.com). This role isn’t empty words: local arts boards have written letters saying that losing Wooly’s would “absolutely devastate” the East Village’s growth (www.kcci.com). Artists love playing Wooly’s because of its energetic crowds and good sound, and audiences love it for its “dive bar” charm with a real stage setup (wanderlog.com). Unlike a big arena or a tiny bar, Wooly’s gives fans an enveloping experience: you can often be three feet from the band or a stone’s throw from the bartender, yet still feel like part of a big event. The venue also has seen memorable concerts – from high-octane shows with multitudes on stage (e.g. St. Paul & The Broken Bones with a tight horn section (jhsblackandwhite.com)) to sold-out country nights. During the pandemic the team even hosted livestreams and distanced gigs, and by 2023 they reported a “new energy” and a fully booked schedule (www.dsmpartnership.com). All these factors – the vintage aesthetic, the crucial 700-capacity size, and a proven track record of great shows – give Wooly’s its unique character. It’s more than a bar or a stage; it’s become a cultural hub for music in Des Moines.

Visitor Tips and Information

When planning your trip to Wooly’s, here are some practical pointers. Arrive Early: Doors often open about an hour before the show. Giving yourself extra time (30–60 minutes) lets you park, pick up tickets, and get a good spot (www.eventticketscenter.com). Fans recommend arriving early on busy nights to avoid lines and pick a prime viewing spot. Bring ID and Money: Even if it’s an all-ages event, bring a government-issued photo ID in case you buy alcohol (www.eventticketscenter.com). The venue’s bar is cash-and-card, but having cash is handy (an onsite ATM is available) (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). Bag Policy: No backpacks are allowed – only small clutches or cross-body purses (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). Anything bigger might be rejected. Dress Code: There’s no formal dress code; casual (jeans, t-shirts, jackets) is standard. It can get chilly inside once the show is in full swing (the hall is air-conditioned), so bring a light jacket or sweater if you tend to feel cold (www.eventticketscenter.com). Age Rules: Most Wooly’s events are all-ages. Children 12 and under usually require an adult; infants under 1 often get in free (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). Note that minors cannot re-enter once they leave (over-21 patrons might get a different wristband to re-enter) (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). Photo/Recording: As noted, professional cameras or audio recording gear are prohibited (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). Cellphone photos without flash are fine. Accessibility: Wooly’s does offer accommodations for patrons with disabilities. While the floor is standing-room, staff can provide a folding chair or early entry for wheelchair users (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). If you need assistance, ask at the door. Parking and Transit: If you’re driving, remember that downtown meters are paid 9am–9pm. (After 9pm street parking is free.) The free Capitol Complex lot on 7th & Locust is a good free option (www.firstfleetconcerts.com). Otherwise, rideshare drop-off at 504 E Locust is convenient (www.eventticketscenter.com). DART buses stop one block north on Locust if you prefer transit (www.eventticketscenter.com). What Not to Do: Avoid common mistakes like buying expensive VIP seating if you just want to stand up front. (In one fan review, a party paid $75 for a VIP booth but noted GA floor would’ve been fine (wanderlog.com).) Also check AXS in advance for potential processing issues to avoid last-minute problems mentioned in reviews. Finally, follow Wooly’s on social media or sign up for their newsletter; they often update show times, presales, and any lineup changes. With tickets, ID, and comfy shoes in hand, you’ll be set to enjoy what Wooly’s has to offer.