The Setlist: Live Music in Des Moines for Summer 2026
The Setlist is your cheat sheet for must-catch concerts and shows in Greater Des Moines. Go ahead and check, check what’s worthy of an encore.
June
Last Dinner Party at Val Air Ballroom
They’re dramatic, theatrical, and not the least bit subtle. The Last Dinner Party is serving up lush, art-rock chaos at Val Air Ballroom on June 4. Dress code? Like you just walked off of the set of a “Marie Antoinette meets A24” film. Grab your tickets here.
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives at Hoyt Sherman Place
If country music had a velvet-lined time machine, Marty Stuart would be driving it. On June 5 at Hoyt Sherman Place, attend more than just a concert, attend a masterclass in absolute cool, dripping with rhinestones, guitar licks, and more style than your Pinterest board could ever achieve. Snag your tickets here.
Citizen Soldier at Wooly’s
Citizen Soldier doesn’t just perform; they’re cracking the human psyche open. They’re loud, raw, and hit a little too close to home with their performances described as “group therapy sessions”. Catch their set at Wooly’s on June 8 and get your tickets here.
Billy Currington & Kip Moore at Water Works Park
Country heartthrobs Billy Currington and Kip Moore are bringing the heat to Water Works Park on June 13. Mixing beach-country chill with backroad anthems, this is the soundtrack for your summer nights. Get your tickets here.
Alison Krauss & Union Station, featuring Jerry Douglas at Water Works Park
Grammy award-winning music (27 times to be exact) arrives at Water Works Park as Alison Krauss reunites with Union Station, featuring legend Jerry Douglas on June 14. Their flawless harmonies will leave you breathless. Get your tickets here.
Christopher Cross at Hoyt Sherman Place
“Sail away" while you listen to Christopher Cross bring smooth yacht rock vibes at Hoyt Sherman Place on June 18 that will have you mentally cruising the coast, while you’re physically parked in a very respectable theater seat. Soft rock, softer lighting, and zero stress allowed. Get your tickets here. Hurry, tickets are going fast!
Taylor Fest at Wooly’s
While Taylor Swift herself can’t make it to Des Moines (of course we’re eagerly anticipating the day she does), on June 19, Wooly’s is bringing Taylor to us in spirit with Taylor Fest. Dance, sing and party with your fellow central Iowa Swifties with a night full of her classics, top hits, and every song in between. Get your tickets here.
Wyatt Flores at Val Air Ballroom
Sad songs for happy people, Wyatt Flores is back in Des Moines to deliver that gritty, heartfelt country that feels like a late-night drive you didn’t plan but definitely needed at Val Air Ballroom on June 20. Grab your tickets to see this 2025 Hinterland alumni here.
The Beatles Experience at Finish Line Show Lounge
No time machine required for you to “twist and shout” your way through a night of timeless hits at the Finish Show Lounge on June 25. This Beatles tribute delivers just the nostalgia needed to have you queuing up their top Spotify hits on the ride home. Get your tickets here. Hurry, they’re almost sold out!
Luke Bryan: Word on the Street Tour at Casey's Center
Cowboy boots? Optional. Good time? Required. Country superstar, Luke Bryan, is rolling into town to make your entire group chat jealous and bring up the energy at Casey’s Center on June 29. Expect singalongs to your favorite Luke Bryan hits, guitar riffs, and big band energy backing up his world-renowned vocals. Grab your tickets here.
July
Journey: Final Frontier Tour at Casey’s Center
RESCHEDULED FROM APRIL: An iconic American classic, Journey has been playing to the world for decades, and this might be your last chance to see them, ever. Featuring their top hits like, “Don’t Stop Believin’’” and “Any Way You Want It”, this 60-show farewell tour is coming to Des Moines on July 7. Jam out with this legendary rock band one last time! Tickets can be purchased here.
Tyler Childers: Snipe Hunt at Casey’s Center
Tyler Childers is bringing the kind of outlaw country that hits you right in the chest and then buys you a drink after. This country music star has skyrocketed in popularity and is bringing all his hits to Des Moines at Casey’s Center on July 15. Another big name in our metro, be sure to grab your tickets here.
Ziggy Marley at Vibrant Music Hall
With sunshine, soul, and a beat that refuses to quit. This is your midweek escape; no passport required. Ziggy Marley, the oldest son of the late reggae artist Bob Marley, will light up Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee on July 9 with music that will have you floating on cloud nine. Snag your tickets here.
Lil’ Wayne “20+ Years of Carter Classics” at Casey’s Center
Two decades, countless classic bars, and at least three eras of your life you probably shouldn’t revisit, Lil’ Wayne is hitting Des Moines hard on July 16. Expect nostalgia from your swag era with hits like “6 Foot 7 Foot”, “A Milli”, and “Lollipop” as he fills Casey’s Center with energy. Get your tickets here.
Lord Huron at Vibrant Music Hall
If your ideal evening involves emotional spirals and indie-folk daydreams, Lord Huron’s haunting melodies will be music to your ears (literally). Hear the song that got him TikTok and Spotify famous, “The Night We Met”, and many more live at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee on July 19. Get your tickets here.
JINJER at Val Air Ballroom
This is not a “stand politely with a drink” kind of night at Val Air Ballroom. On July 13, JINJER will deliver face-melting musical precision and vocals that could probably summon weather events. Hydrate, stretch, and emotionally prepare to be obliterated (in a good way, of course). Get your tickets here.
Benjamin Tod and the Inline Six at Wooly’s
Raw, unfiltered, and just a little bit dangerous enough to keep you coming back, Benjamin Tod and the Inline Six specialize in songs that feel like they’ve lived a life. Expect true grit and absolute honesty in his country storytelling vocals at Wooly’s on July 12. Get your tickets here.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise at Vibrant Music Hall
Yes, the name still raises eyebrows, but we almost guarantee you’ve likely heard their music. Rainbow Kitten Surprise is the kind of show where you show up curious and leave converted under their rock and alt vibes. Check them out at Vibrant Music Hall on July 8. Get your tickets here.
Houndmouth at Val Air Ballroom
Houndmouth is taking center stage at Val Air Ballroom on July 24 with music that sounds like late nights and open highways. Their folk indie vibe has sometimes been described as alternative blues (and bonus points if you show up already knowing every word in their setlist). Grab your tickets here.
Mammoth at Wooly’s
Mammoth is here to remind you that rock isn’t dead; it just got louder, tighter, and a little more unapologetic at Wooly’s on July 16. They’re “arguably the first hard rock act to genuinely break out from ground zero in the 2020’s”, but you’ll have to be the judge of that. Get your tickets here.
Dolly Parton Tribute at Finish Line Show Lounge
Escape that "9 to 5” and put on your best sequins, because Karen Hester is bringing Dolly Parton to life at Prairie Meadows’ Finish Line Show Lounge on July 9. This tribute is both celebration and singalong therapy. If you're not a lifelong fan… you probably will be by the end of the night. Get your tickets here. Hurry, they’re going fast!
Hinterland Music Festival
Four days, the picturesque Iowa countryside, and a lineup that’ll have you saying “wait, I know them too!” on repeat. Hinterland is where indie kids, folk fans, pop elitists, and sunburned optimists unite from July 30-August 2. Experience the pandemonium of pop group sensation, Katseye on Thursday. See headliner, Lorde, break out her oldest hits and new album songs on Friday. Get a throwback to Hinterland of-old with Mumford & Sons on Saturday and watch Latin artist, Kali Uchis, create a musical atmosphere unlike any other on Sunday. For the most immersive experience, stay on-site with camping so you don’t miss a single moment.
Offering a variety of tickets options (single or multi-day) and packages for you to make the most of your long weekend, get your tickets here.
August
Big Thief at Val Air Ballroom
Big Thief is intimate, a little unpredictable, and quietly devastating in the best way possible in their raw folk-rock and sometimes country repertoire. Bring your feelings, because they won’t stay tucked away for long. Big Thief takes the Val Air Ballroom stage on August 17. Get your tickets here.
Clay Walker with Blackhawk at Water Works Park
And if you haven’t had enough country this summer, then get ready for a night of boots and belts as Clay Walker rolls into Water Works Park on August 27 with special guest, Blackhawk. Expect total cowboy energy all night long. Get your tickets here.
Iowa State Fairgrounds Grandstand Performances
Corn dogs by day, concerts by night. The Iowa State Fair Grandstand series delivers another can’t-miss lineup packed with legendary performers, nostalgic throwbacks and artists currently blowing up your playlists.
Don't forget to check out the free stages entertainment lineup, where you might just find your new favorite artist.
August 13: HARDY with Special Guest, McCoy Moore
August 14: Rod Stewart with Special Guest, Richard Marx
August 15: The Red Clay Strays
August 16: Lainey Wilson with Special Guest, Tigirlily Gold (SOLD OUT)
August 17: Staind with Special Guest, Hoobastank
August 18: TLC & Salt-N-Peppa with En Vogue
August 19: AJR with Special Guest, Em Beihold
August 20: Riley Green with Special Guest, Mackenzie Carpenter
August 21: Alabama with Special Guest, Exile
August 22: BigXthaPlug with Special Guest, XOLEX
August 23: Josiah Queen with Special Guest, Ben Fuller
Summer Concert Series Around Greater Des Moines
Summer in Greater Des Moines comes with a packed weekly lineup of outdoor concerts from neighborhood gatherings to happy hour hangs. No matter what your day may hold, you can bet it will end with our locals’ favorite summer traditions of live music, food trucks, and outdoor gatherings in the community. Check out our guide to summer concert series around the Greater Des Moines area here.
Don’t Miss a Moment. Catch All the Upcoming Live Shows in Des Moines!
The greater Des Moines area is bursting at the seams with live shows, concerts, and can’t-miss events all year long. Prefer intimate crowds, niche artists, and/or local performers? Cozy up at Wooly’s or xBk Live. Love saying “I saw them before they were famous”? Val Air Ballroom, Vibrant Music Hall, and Hoyt Sherman Place have you covered. And when it comes to full-on, scream-sing headliners, Casey’s Center is the metro’s go-to spot for big-time performances.