Events
Concerts
Bria Skonberg Quintet: A Modern Take on Traditional Jazz
March 27, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm at Sheslow Auditorium
2507 University Avenue
Bria Skonberg returns to the CMA stage! Hailed as “a millennial shaking up the jazz world” (Vanity Fair), this powerhouse trumpeter, vocalist, and songwriter blends fiery trumpet, smoky vocals, and bold storytelling. A three-time Juno Award nominee and Sony Masterworks artist, she has performed with Jon Batiste, U2, and more. Don’t miss this chance to hear her boundary-breaking artistry! Learn more at https://civicmusic.org/bria-skonberg-march-2026/.
JOURNEY: Final Frontier Tour 2026
April 8, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm at Casey’s Center
730 3rd Street
After decades of electrifying performances, chart-topping hits, and unforgettable moments, the iconic rock band JOURNEY is saying good-bye the only way they know how—with a thunderous, full-throttle Farewell Tour spanning cities across North America.
Tickets on sale 11/14/25. More info here.
Fred Hersch Trio: Legendary Jazz Pianist
April 17, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm at Sheslow Auditorium
2507 University Avenue
Experience the artistry of jazz legend Fred Hersch! A 17-time GRAMMY nominee, composer, and bandleader, Hersch has shaped the voice of jazz for decades. With more than 60 albums, he has collaborated with artists like Esperanza Spalding and Enrico Rava, among many others. A passionate educator and activist, he continues to push the boundaries of jazz. Hear him live in April 2026! Learn more at https://civicmusic.org/fred-hersch-trio-april-2026/.
The Des Moines Symphony’s Masterworks 6: Hope – Copland & Gershwin
April 18, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm at Des Moines Civic Center
221 Walnut Street
Two American musical icons meet on the sixth Masterworks program of the season. Copland’s Shaker-influenced Appalachian Spring and Gershwin’s jazz-infused An American in Paris bookend the concert. Heitzeg’s Symphony In Sculpture celebrates the Pappajohn Sculpture Park through its musical evocation of Des Moines’ favorite sculptures. Margaret Bonds’ Music from the Montgomery Variations reflects the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement.
Rod Stewart
August 14, 2026 - 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Iowa State Fair Grandstand
3000 East Grand Avenue
Tickets on sale December 12th at 10AM!
Lainey Wilson
August 16, 2026 - 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm at Iowa State Fair Grandstand
3000 East Grand Avenue
With special guest Tigirlily Gold
Tickets on sale December 12th at 10AM!
