Events
Concerts
Cinematic Magic for the Whole Family
September 6, 2026 - 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm at Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
2251 George Flagg Pkwy
| Experience cinematic magic! Be transported through time on the wings of dragons and through the blizzards of Arendelle. Water Works Park will be transformed with activities for all ages to enjoy—local vendors, kids’ activities and food trucks. Join us for an afternoon of legendary film music the whole family will love! |
Bowling for Soup
September 22, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm at Val Air Ballroom
301 Ashworth Rd
Bowling For Soup are pop punk legends. Celebrating their 30th anniversary as a band, the Grammy nominated Texan four piece smashed their way into the public consciousness at the start of the millennium and have stayed there ever since. With hits like Girl All The Bad Guys Want, 1985, High School Never Ends and the Disney powered Today Is Gonna Be A Great Day (from Phineas and Ferb), there’s a good chance most people you know will know at least one “BFS” song. Their 2022 album Pop Drunk Snot Bread was hailed as their best album in 15 years, a tribute to their enduring ability to put out great songs all the way through their career.
Get your ticket here!
Des Moines Symphony Season Debut: UNITY – American Mosaic & West Side Story
September 26, 2026 - September 27, 2026 - All Day at Des Moines Civic Center
221 Walnut Street
| Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary in this unforgettable evening! Kevin Puts’ Heartland and Iowa’s Linda Robbins Coleman’s reflective In Good King Charles’s Golden Days set the stage for Peter Boyer’s sweeping American Mosaic, complete with historic narration and dramatic images of American life on a giant screen above the Orchestra. The Harlem Quartet brings Michael Abels’ Urban Legends to life before Bernstein’s electrifying Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. |
Saturday 7:30PM
Sunday 2:30PM
Get your tickets HERE!
Boston Brass & Turtle Island: Notes from the Balcony – Romeo & Juliet in Music
October 2, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm at Sheslow Auditorium
2507 University Avenue
Boston Brass and Turtle Island join forces to blend classical, jazz, and crossover styles for a bold reimagining of Romeo and Juliet. These two powerhouses of the chamber music world are joined by piano and percussion to bring fresh arrangements and electrifying energy to music inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. From Kabalevsky and Prokofiev to selections from Elvis Costello’s Juliet Letters and Bernstein’s exhilarating West Side Story Suite, this genre-crossing program is a thrilling start to the season.
Lupe Fiasco & gymclassheroes
October 14, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm at Vibrant Music Hall
2938 Grand Prairie Pkwy
Lupe Fiasco & gymclassheroes with special guest B.o.B
Back To Basics Tour
Caity Gyorgy: Rising Star Of Vocal Jazz
November 6, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm at Sheslow Auditorium
2507 University Avenue
Rising star Caity Gyorgy makes her CMA debut! Known for her expressive depth, radiant tone, and captivating stage presence, this Canadian jazz vocalist brings fresh insight and emotional nuance to every performance. Whether interpreting beloved classics or championing new works, she connects effortlessly with audiences through music that is both powerful and intimate. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an artist whose passion, precision, and authenticity embody the spirit of CMA. Learn more on CMA’s website: https://civicmusic.org/caity-gyorgy/
Andy Grammer
November 17, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Hoyt Sherman Place
1501 Woodland Avenue
Greater Than Pt. II: A One Man Show
Des Moines Symphony: Renewal – Four Seasons & Bolero
November 21, 2026 - November 22, 2026 - All Day at Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
221 Walnut Street
| Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons with violinist Maxwell Brown blooms with vitality and color. Iowa native Michael Daugherty’s Last Dance at the Surf evokes the legendary Surf Ballroom with evocative choreography by Eric Trope and virtuosic dancers from Ballet Des Moines. Ravel’s hypnotic Bolero builds steadily to a radiant, thrilling conclusion. |
Saturday 7:30PM
Sunday 2:30PM
Get your tickets HERE!
Cantus Low Voice Ensemble: Holidays in Harmony
December 11, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm at Sheslow Auditorium
2507 University Avenue
Cantus returns to the CMA stage with their unmistakable warmth and blend to celebrate the holiday season! Renowned for their rich harmonies and expressive storytelling, this acclaimed eight-member low voice ensemble brings beloved carols and seasonal favorites to life. From moments of quiet reverence to uplifting bursts of festive cheer, Cantus creates an atmosphere that is both intimate and exhilarating. Join us for an evening of music that captures the spirit of the holidays! Learn more on CMA’s website: https://civicmusic.org/cantus-holidays-in-harmony/
