Missing live music? Us too. No worries – we central Iowans find a way to have fun no matter the circumstances. Whether you're ready to be out and about, dance from a distance, or prefer to get your music fix virtually, we've got you covered. Find opportunities to support local musicians and get your toes tappin'.
Venues Hosting Live Shows
Covered Bridges Winery – Pack a picnic and bring your lawn chairs for a relaxing afternoon sipping on local wines and enjoy tunes from local favorites like Dueling Fiddles and Jason Walsmith, a founding member of the Nadas. Find the event schedule here.
Knoxville Raceway – Regularly hosting live music before race events, Knoxville Raceway is a great place to escape and get your adrenaline pumping. Check the schedule for special race days with live entertainment.
Noce – Reopening for live-audience shows on July 11, Noce hosts jazz vocalists and big band acts in a beautiful, cozy, club atmosphere. Check out the show schedule here.
Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack & Hotel – Join Prairie Meadows all summer long for "Trackside After 5," a live music series at 5 p.m. (before horse racing) on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy cover bands paying tribute to classic rock, country and pop music. See who's playing each week here.
Smash Park – Known as Iowa's largest patio, Smash Park hosts "Friday Night Live" every week in The Yard with live music acts like The Sheet and Josh Sinclair.
Dance at a Distance
Brazilian Twins – Crack a smile and cut a rug while listening to the lively Brazilian Twins as they take over the 'burbs. Coming to a neighborhood block party near you, watch for announcements of upcoming community shows and "Quarantunes" here.
Butter Cow Festival – Are you ready to hang out with friends at an event while enjoying music, good food, and Iowa Craft Beer? Social distance as much as you desire at the first annual Butter Cow Festival on August 14-15 at Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park. This family-friendly event is designed for you to enjoy live music, your favorite fair food stands, and Iowa Craft Beer. Attendees can purchase a personal space for eight people at the event. Watch for details here.
Listen Digitally
Des Moines Metro Opera – Des Moines Metro Opera is teaming up with Iowa PBS to present the transformed 2020 Virtual Festival with online and televised presentations of recent productions of Billy Budd, Rusalka, Manon, Le Comte Ory and Bon Appétit! Find the schedule of events for the Virtual Festival here.
DSM TV Live – Started by a group of local musicians and production folks, DSM TV LIVE streams live performances by local artists, cooking and crafting demonstrations, and wellness presentations. Enjoy "Music in the Garden" performances with local artists streamed from the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. View the schedule and watch past programming here.
Civic Music Association – Join CMA for live-streamed music weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and "Get Music, Get Happy Hour" every Friday at 6 p.m. Enjoy live-streamed concerts to end your week on a positive note. See who's playing this week here.
Iowa Public Radio's Studio One Tracks: 80/35 – Look back with IPR at some favorite 80/35 music and memories during a special festival edition of Studio One Tracks. Hear local and nationally touring artists recorded at the IPR stage from summers' past and tracks from your favorite former 80/35 acts throughout the show. Tune in to your local IPR station on Saturday, July 11 from 7 – 10 pm to celebrate one of Iowa's most beloved music festivals. Learn more here.