Events
Concerts
Emmanuel Ax: The Lauridsen Great Pianist Series
February 20, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm at Sheslow Auditorium
2507 University Avenue
Emanuel Ax returns to Des Moines for the Lauridsen Great Pianists Series and CMA’s 100th season! One of the world’s most brilliant and versatile pianists, he has earned the respect and admiration of music lovers and critics around the world. Ax, a graduate of the Juilliard School of Music, is an 8-time GRAMMY winner. Enjoy this rare opportunity to hear one of the world’s most renowned pianists in a solo recital! Learn more at https://civicmusic.org/emanuel-ax-february-2026/.
Dancing With the Stars LIVE
February 26, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm at Stephens Auditorium
2229 Lincoln Way
Straight from Hollywood, See Dancing with the Stars, Live!
See the glitz, glam and breathtaking performances of America?s favorite dance show in a city near you with this ALL-NEW SHOW starring your favorite pros Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa, Jenna Johnson, Pasha Pashkov, Val Chmerkovskiy, Hailey Bills and special guests to be announced!
Experience the excitement, athleticism, and the artistry of the ballroom, live, up-close and personal? For an unforgettable night that you won’t want to miss!
Get your tickets here!
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/.
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!
