Live music in Des Moines, IA

Silversonic performs at the Des Moines Biergarten beneath the trees of Waterworks Park, offering a wide range of roots-driven American sounds from seasoned performers.

The 5th Annual Adult Recess comes to Captain Roy's, co-hosted by Des Moines Parks and Recreation and Captain Roy's. This free, adults-only evening features schoolyard favorites like tug-of-war, four square, board games, a hula hoop contest, and bags. A DJ will spin throwback hits while food and drink specials keep the energy up. Pre-registration is required.

Treaty Oak Revival brings the West Texas Degenerate Tour to Casey's Center with special guests the Huser Brothers and Andy Buckner.

Des Moines gets a taste of island life when Gone 2 Paradise, a live Jimmy Buffett tribute, brings a two-night dinner and show to The Ingersoll. Expect high energy performances of island favorites, performed entirely live, paired with a chef-prepared meal in a distinctive historic venue. The production is award nominated, with recognition for Tribute Band of the Year from the Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry. Special extras include a complimentary lei for the first 150 guests each night, encouragement to wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt, and on-site sign ups for a chance to win two tickets to a future Ingersoll show.

DJ Jordan in the Corner hosts a karaoke night that feels like a full stage show. Step to the mic, feel the lights, and bring headliner energy. Whether you soar on a power ballad, lean into a guilty-pleasure hit, or turn the room into your own concert, each song is your moment to shine. Expect a welcoming, no-judgment vibe, big crowd energy, loud cheers, and performances that stick with you. This is more than karaoke... it is showtime.

xBk presents a night of alternative country with The Droptines, joined by Cory Waller & The Wicked Things. Formed in Concan, Texas and led by songwriter and frontman Conner Arthur, the band blends a range of styles with a Texas Hill Country voice, pairing rich vocals and layered lyrics for vivid storytelling. Their set can span from the punch of New Girl to the ache of As Your Heart Breaks to the sweeping feel of Raining Where You Are. The lineup features Conner Arthur with Dillon Sampson on bass, Donny Parkinson on lead guitar, Johnny Sheets on drums, and Tony Rincon on pedal steel. They have shared stages with Turnpike Troubadours, Chris Stapleton, and Zach Bryan, and have released a full-length album, three EPs, and multiple singles on major streaming platforms. This is an all ages, general admission standing show with limited seating available on a first come, first served basis. A limited number of reserved tables are offered as add-ons and seat up to four, priced at $50 plus fees for either a floor high-top side table or a premium balcony high top table. The reserved table add-on does not include admission, and each person will still need a general admission ticket. For accessibility needs, please contact the venue.

Catch Huser Brother Band live at Casey's Center in Des Moines. The show is scheduled to start at 8:30 PM.

Celebrate the artistry of Jane Monheit, a jazz and adult contemporary vocalist renowned for her devotion to the Great American Songbook. Praised by DownBeat, she has released numerous solo recordings, earned significant accolades, and toured internationally for more than two decades while leading her own ensembles and collaborating with top musicians and producers. Her early training included woodwinds and piano, years in prizewinning choirs, and local theater on Long Island, all with a steady focus on jazz and Songbook interpretation. During her senior year at the Manhattan School of Music she earned second place in the Thelonious Monk Competition, now called the Hancock Competition, a turning point that propelled her quickly onto the international scene. In her early twenties she was already recording, traveling the globe, and working with luminaries such as Tommy Flanagan, Ron Carter, and Kenny Barron, followed by collaborations with Terence Blanchard, Ivan Lins, Tom Harrell, John Pizzarelli, Christian McBride, Vince Mendoza, Jorge Calandrelli, and more. Audiences have seen her on major television programs including David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, CBS Sunday Morning, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, The View, and international talk shows, and her voice is featured on the film soundtracks Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and Never Let Me Go. Her performances have reached iconic stages such as Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl and beloved clubs including the Village Vanguard and Birdland. Beyond the spotlight she writes English lyrics for Ivan Lins and shares her experience as an educator. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, drummer Rick Montalbano, and their son.

First Fleet Concerts presents an all ages concert featuring Diamond Rio and Frank Ray at Val Air Ballroom. Enjoy live performances by both artists at this show. Tickets are on sale.

Gone 2 Paradise, the ultimate Jimmy Buffett tribute, brings two dinner and show evenings to Ingersoll Dinner Theater in Des Moines. This award nominated celebration, recently up for Tribute Band of the Year at the 2026 Josie Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry, offers a tropical escape with live music, high energy, and favorite island classics. Every ticket includes a chef prepared dinner along with the full performance in a historic Des Moines venue. The first 150 guests each night receive a complimentary lei, Hawaiian shirts are encouraged, and guests can sign up at the event for a chance to win two tickets to a future Ingersoll show.

Hawk Heaven Tavern hosts Joe Demerath for his first performance at this venue, a set geared toward fans of 90s country music. He invites song requests from the crowd and aims to play as many as he can. Joe is an Army combat veteran, and tips and donations will support local Iowa veterans and organizations. Enjoy live music in a fun atmosphere with drinks available.

Bound & Determined performs at Prairie Meadows Casino with their full ensemble.

Mimosa Mic Drop features karaoke inside Dugan's Hideaway with post-brunch drink specials, including $5 Bloody Marys, $5 mimosas, and $4 screwdrivers.

The Crowfoot Rakes return to Captain Roy’s for a lively homecoming performance, bringing a burst of celebratory energy back to a favorite spot. Expect a spirited atmosphere and plenty of good cheer as the band delivers a fun, upbeat set.

An event centered on showtunes, hosted by the DMGMC, takes place at The Blazing Saddle. An all-you-can-drink beer bust is available, with domestic drafts for $15 and craft drafts for $25. Proceeds benefit the DMGMC and support its mission to sing music that matters.

Locals Bar & Stage hosts karaoke backed by a live band each Sunday. Step up to the mic and sing your favorite songs with musicians on stage for a lively night of music.

The CIBS membership meeting takes place at Confluence Brewing Company. Members who attend become eligible for prizes handed out at the end of the meeting, with possibilities like blues show tickets, CDs, DVDs, and books. Live music follows the meeting.

GoodSons on Beaver Ave hosts a lively pop culture and music game where hit records spin while players try to remember songs and memorable soundbites from iconic movies, television, commercials and more. The game returns to this venue with cash, fame and other prizes for the winners, who also add their signatures to the Is It An EGG trophy.

Raynes is performing live at xBk Live in Des Moines. The show is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

Think & Drink Entertainment brings a lively twist on a classic game to Wellman's Pub, combining bingo with music recognition. Instead of numbers, players listen for parts of songs and mark their cards with the correct titles. Five in a row earns a win. It is free to participate, open to all ages, and winners can receive complimentary drinks. The music rotates each week and spans decades and styles, from brand-new tracks to favorites many parents grew up with. Phones and other devices are not permitted, so the fun stays fair and focused on what you know and hear.

Jordan Beem and Johnny G bring a lively blend of country and rock to JR’s SouthPork Ranch at the Iowa State Fair with a festive fair-time vibe. Jordan Beem is the 2024 Iowa Music Awards Country Artist of the Year and a 2025 nominee for the Midwest CMO and the Josie Awards.

Des Moines hosts a stop on Demsfightinwords’ I.E. To Pope City tour, featuring sets from popular local bands Stretched Thin and Project 10-44. Admission is $10.

Music in the Garden is an outdoor concert series at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, set in the scenic Koehn Garden. Framed by vibrant plantings and the garden’s distinctive walls, the space offers a memorable backdrop for live performances. Each week spotlights regional and local bands spanning a variety of styles, creating a laid-back, upbeat setting for time with friends and a chance to enjoy food and drinks while celebrating summer in the garden. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door throughout the season.

GoodSons hosts a free DJ Bingo event. Enjoy a no-cost bingo night with a DJ.

MFKS brings live Jazz, R&B, and Soul to the In Confidence Speakeasy at Hotel Fort Des Moines, and there is no cover charge. The group features Fred Gaddy on organ, Kyle Gowin on saxophone, Stephen Rieck on guitar, and Durell Jefferson on drums.