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Upcoming Events in Des Moines, IA

How to use the Des Moines live events calendar

Start with the upcoming events calendar to see what’s actually on sale in Des Moines right now. Filter by date if you already know your night out, or skim the next few weekends to compare concerts, theater, and other shows. When a title catches your eye, click through to see the venue, date options, and ticket details.

Des Moines Civic Center and Stoner Studio Theater – big touring titles and intimate shows

Des Moines Civic Center is one of the city’s busiest stages, often hosting major touring productions and large-scale shows. In the same complex, Stoner Studio Theater – Des Moines Performing Arts is used for smaller, more intimate performances. When you see a title listed at either of these venues on the calendar, you are usually looking at scripted shows, dance, or other seated performances rather than club-style concerts.

If you are choosing between them, the Civic Center listings tend to be the larger, marquee titles, while Stoner Studio Theater events are typically more close-up and experimental.

Hoyt Sherman Place Theater and The Ingersoll – classic theater nights in Des Moines

Hoyt Sherman Place Theater is one of Des Moines’ more active rooms for seated shows, and The Ingersoll also appears frequently on the city’s event calendar. When you see events scheduled at these venues, expect a traditional theater setup that works well for spoken-word performances, live podcasts, certain concerts, or stand-up.

If you prefer a night where you can settle into a seat and focus on the stage, scan the calendar for titles at Hoyt Sherman Place Theater or The Ingersoll and compare dates there first.

Wooly’s and xBk Live – concert rooms for music-focused nights

For a show that feels more like a concert night out, pay attention to titles at Wooly’s and xBk Live. Both are among Des Moines’ busiest music rooms, regularly appearing on the event calendar with bands, touring artists, and special music events. If you want a standing-room or club-style show, start by checking which artists are coming through Wooly’s and xBk Live, then compare dates and genres there before looking at the rest of the city’s listings.

Principal Park – live events at the ballpark

Principal Park is best known as Des Moines’ ballpark and also appears on the live events calendar. When you see listings there, they may be tied to game days or special ballpark events. If you are planning with a group or family and want an outdoor setting, scan the calendar for upcoming dates at Principal Park and compare them with indoor shows at theaters and clubs around the city.

Choosing between Des Moines venues by event type

If you are deciding where to go out, use the venue names on each listing as a shortcut. Theater-style titles and touring productions often land at Des Moines Civic Center, Stoner Studio Theater, Hoyt Sherman Place Theater, or The Ingersoll. Concerts and band-heavy nights are more likely to show up at Wooly’s or xBk Live.

Principal Park listings will usually indicate ballpark or outdoor-style events. Skim a few weeks of the calendar, note which venues match the kind of night you want, then narrow down by date and price on the individual event pages.

Upcoming Events in Des Moines

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Des Moines, IA venues are the most popular right now?
Some of the busiest rooms in Des Moines include Des Moines Civic Center and Stoner Studio Theater – Des Moines Performing Arts for major productions and smaller stage shows, Hoyt Sherman Place Theater and The Ingersoll for classic seated performances, Wooly’s and xBk Live for concert-focused nights, and Principal Park when you are looking at ballpark and outdoor events.
How can I find concerts in Des Moines, IA?
On the upcoming events calendar, look for listings at Wooly’s and xBk Live first, since those venues are especially active for live music. You can then check whether any shows at Hoyt Sherman Place Theater, The Ingersoll, or Des Moines Civic Center are billed as concerts if you prefer a seated setup.
Where should I look for theater and stage shows in Des Moines, IA?
For scripted performances, touring productions, and other stage-focused events, start with Des Moines Civic Center and Stoner Studio Theater – Des Moines Performing Arts. Hoyt Sherman Place Theater and The Ingersoll also host many seated shows, so it is worth comparing titles and dates across all four venues on the calendar.
Are there outdoor or game-day style events in Des Moines, IA?
Yes. Principal Park appears on the Des Moines events calendar when there are ballpark or outdoor-style events scheduled. If you prefer an open-air setting, filter the calendar by your preferred dates and look for listings at Principal Park, then compare them with indoor shows at theaters and concert rooms around the city.