FREE (or almost free) outdoor concert series are back and will fill Des Moines area parks and open spaces with music all summer long. Odds are you won’t have to travel far to find an under-the-stars event. Throw down a blanket, spread out the snacks, uncork the wine, and watch the kids boogie the evening away as you sway to breezy melodies.
The summer of 2021 offers many returning favorites, plus a few newbies. Be sure to check websites for social distancing measures. There’s always a chance events may be canceled at the last minute. Please check websites and social media before you go.
You can find even more family fun in our jam-packed Calendar and Summer Fun Guide.
Editor’s Note: Please check back often as we will be adding event information as its announced throughout the season.
Outdoor Summer Concerts in Des Moines:
Adel
Penoach Vineyard & Winery Outdoor Summer Concerts
This small, family-owned winery housed in a repurposed 1917 barn near Adel, hosts a number of events throughout the year including their Outdoor Summer Concert series. Held on Friday nights from 7:00 to 10:00 pm these concerts are family friendly events. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased online.
May 28: Chad Elliott
June 11: Rhythmatics
June 25: Ducharme-Jones
July 9: Jimmy Buffett Night w/Brick n’ Bob
July 23: Burnin’ Sensations
August 13: Opus Taylor
August 27: TBD
Ankeny
Sips & Songs
Sips & Songs is a FREE weekly summer music series. It features performances by bands of various genres — country, classic rock, top 40, dance hits and party music. Come enjoy these family-friendly Friday night kick-offs to the weekend alongside friends and neighbors in The District’s Town Square Park.
June 4: James Biehn & Standing Hampton
June 18: Tyler Frazier & The Maytags
June 25: Joshua Sinclair & Cody Hicks
July 2: Matt Woods & Party in the Sky
July 9: TBD & Oreo Meatwagon
July 16: Dickie Prall & David Zollo & the Body Electric
July 23: Emma Butterworth & Bonne Finken
July 30: Randy Burk & Brother Trucker
August 6: Dan Medeiros & The Sheet
August 13: Bruce & Parks & Decoy
August 20: Ryne Doughty & Dueling Pianos
Summer Sounds Concert Series
Ankeny’s Summer Sounds Concert Series is held on Thursday nights in the ‘Shell in Wagner Park. Live music runs from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The concerts are FREE and open to the public; bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating.
June 10: 5 of Hearts
June 24: Richie Lee & the Fabulous 50s
July 15: Riddled with Class
July 29: Elegant Gypsy Band
Altoona
Music in the Park
The outdoor stage in Haines Park is hosting four FREE concerts under the stars this summer season. Enjoy live music on Sundays starting at 6:00 pm. Bring picnics and a blanket and kids can roam, play and dance in the park as they listen.
May 30: TBD
June 20: TBD
August 1: TBD
August 29: TBD
Clive
Food Truck Fridays
Unwind after a long week at Food Truck Friday! Jump on the Greenbelt Trail and make your way to Campbell Park to enjoy FREE music, food, and fun. Bring the whole family — the park has three playgrounds and green space.
May 14: Royce Johns
May 21: Mike Aceto
May 28: Richard Lloyd Experience
June 4: Brian Herrin
June 11: The Snacks
June 18: Jordan Beem
August 27: Brian Congdon – There will also be a Foam Party, so bring old clothes and towels!
September 10: TBD
Cumming
Fridays at the Farm
Fridays at the Farm is back for 2021. Enjoy FREE live music, food trucks, farmers’ market, and of course, Middle Brook Farm’s fresh farm produce! The fun starts at 4:30 pm and goes until 7:30 pm.
May 14: String Prophets
May 21: Prone to Jones
May 28: Matt Woods
June 4: Patresa Hartman
June 11: Ducharme-Jones
June 18: Josh Sinclair
June 25: Chad Elliott
July 2: Ryne Doughty
July 9: Hawk Mcintyre
July 16: Prone to Jones
July 23: Randy Burk
July 30: Patresa Hartman
August 6: Matt Woods
August 13: Robert Deitch
August 20: Jake Schrodt
August 27: Ducharme-Jones
September 3: Randy Burk
September 10: Josh Sinclair
September 17: Prone to Jones
September 24: Ryne Doughty
October 1: Robert Deitch
October 8: Josh Sinclair
Des Moines
Belin Quartet Summer Concerts
Join the Belin Quartet on the lawn at Salisbury House and Gardens on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 PM for FREE performances. Chairs and bottled water will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own lawn chairs, beverages, and snacks.
May 19: FAURÉ String Quartet in E minor Op. 121
May 26: BEETHOVEN String Quartet No. 10 in E-flat major, Op. 74
June 9: HAYDN String Quartet in E-flat, Op. 33, No. 2, “The Joke”
June 2: SHOSTAKOVICH String Quartet No. 4 in D major, Op. 83
June 16: MOZART Quintet No. 3 in C major, K. 515
June 23: FRANK “Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout”
June 30: MOZART String Quartet No. 18 in A major, K. 464
July 11: ‘MUSIC UNDER THE STARS’ JAZZ PROGRAM The John Morgan Trio West Capitol Mall, 7:00-8:30 pm
July 14: ARRIAGA String Quartet No. 2 in A major
July 21: SCHUMANN String Quartet No. 3, Op. 41, “Clara”
July 28: GRIEG String Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 27
Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series
Join Jasper Winery every Thursday this summer from 6:00 to 9:00 pm for FREE live music on the lawn. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for outside seating. No pets are allowed but kids are welcome. All shows outside, weather permitting.
May 20: Brian Herrin Band
May 27: Brother Trucker
June 3: Malcolm Wells and the Two Timers
June 10: The Maytags
June 17: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
June 24: Damon Dotson Band
July 1: The Nadas
July 8: Dueling Guitars feat. Brian and Brad
July 15: Pianopalooza
July 22: Dazy Head Mazy
July 29: Decoy
August 5: Final Mix
Music Under the Stars
In its 74th season, Music Under the Stars is held at 7:00 pm on Sunday nights on the west Capitol grounds. The concerts are FREE, open to the public and children are welcome. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner to enjoy the music. Rain location is the Harmon Fine Arts Center at Drake University (25th & Carpenter).
June 13: Des Moines Metro Band/Metro Big Band
June 20: Des Moines Metro Band/Metro Big Band
June 27: Des Moines Metro Band/Metro Big Band
July 4: Des Moines Metro Band/Metro Big Band
July 11: Des Moines Metro Band/Metro Big Band
Music in the Garden
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden will host Thursday night concerts featuring a new band, food, drinks and activities each week. The variety of music in the series will provide something for every musical taste. Activities start at 5:00 pm and tickets will be available at the door. First come, first served.
June 17: Parranderos Latin Combo
June 24: Stu Ryan O’Brien Band
July 1: NOLA
July 8: Cedar County Cobras
July 15: Jake Simon
July 22: Courtney Krause
July 29: Dickie
August 5: Jason Walsmith
August 12: Kevin Burt
August 19: Tony Valdez
August 26: Sara Routh
September 2: Dustin Smith
September 9: Gina Gedler
September 16: Bruce & Parks
September 23: Jager & the Polkameisters
September 30: Bonne Finken
Rendezvous on the Riverview
Rendezvous on River is a local concert series held on Friday nights in July at the new Riverview Park. Admission is FREE. Bring your lawn chairs and join your neighbors for a great time each week! Hours are 5:30 to 9:00(ish) pm.
July 2: Standing Hampton
July 16: Fahrenheit
July 23: Sons of Gladys Kravitz
July 30: Plastic Apartment
August 6: Final Mix w/ Del (Saxman) Jones
Water Works Pops
The Des Moines Symphony presents Water Works Pops at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park. These concerts are FREE and open to the public.
September 4: Aretha: A Tribute
September 5: A John Williams Celebration
Indianola
Friday Night Live
Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on and enjoy live music, food, drink and fun for all ages at Memorial Park in Indianola. The concerts start at 7:00 pm. Children 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Admission cost is $5. Children 10 and under are FREE.
June 11: Train Wreck
June 25: Final Mix
July 9: Past Verti
Sunday Tunes at Summerset Winery
Every Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, wine and music lovers can enjoy some of the best bands in the Midwest in Summerset Winery’s backyard (but you’ll feel like you’re on vacation!). $5 per person. Rain or shine the music goes on. Weather permitting, the bands will perform outside but on rainy days they bring the music inside. Kids are welcome.
May 2: TBD
May 9: Retro Rockets
May 16: Slipstream
May 23: Fahrenheit
May 30: The Sons of Gladys Kravitz
June 6: Rythmatics
June 13: Recoil
June 20: Jake Schrodt & The Residuals
June 27: Dick Danger Band
July 4: The Sons of Gladys Kravitz
Remaining dates TBD
Johnston
Iowa National Guard Summer Concert Series
Spend Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00 pm listening to the sounds of local musicians at the historic Camp Dodge Pool Complex. Bring a lawn chair, picnic basket, sit back and enjoy! Concessions are also available.
June 24: The Nadas
July 1: The Sidewinders
July 8: Brother Trucker
July 15: Standing Hampton
West Des Moines
Music in the Junction
Historic Valley Junction’s signature event Music is back in 2021. Catch the FREE concerts on Thursday evenings at 5:30 to 8:00 pm, music starts at 6:00 pm. Bring the family and enjoy fun, music and shopping at the farmers’ market.
June 3: Exit 185
June 10: Plastic Apartment
June 17: Randy Burk & The Prisoners
June 24: Get Off My Lawn
July 8: Gimikk
July 15: Toaster
July 22: Bob Pace & Friends
July 29: The Punching Pandas
August 5: Suede
August 12: The Sons of Gladys Kravitz
August 19: Stark Raving Madge
August 26: Rhythmatics
September 2: Final Mix
September 9: Brian Herrin Band
September 16: 16 Staples
September 23: Boomerang
September 30: Freestyle
Summer Sundaze
Summer Sundaze is a FREE relaxing concert series featuring local bands. Food can be purchased from food trucks, and lawn games will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Hosted by West Des Moines Parks and Recreation at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater.
June 6: Faculty Lounge
June 13: Ryne Doughty Band/Guitarras
June 20: The Savage Freds/Dick Danger Band of Des Moines
June 27: Tom Buckmiller and the Tone Tailors
July 11: Andrew Hoyt/Rythmatics
July 18: Joshua Sinclair/Ducharme-Jones
July 25: The Host Country
Live at the Creek
Enjoy FREE live music at this family friendly event at Jordan Creek Town Center. Gather at the Amphitheater on Sunday evenings June 27 through September 5, 2021 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.
June 27: Final Mix & Fireworks (Dusk)
July 18: Blues Gang Band
July 25: Tony Valdez Retro Rockets
August 1: The SNACKS
August 8: Tony Valdez Large Band
August 15: Boomerang
August 22: Gimikk
August 29: Brother Trucker
September 5: Final Mix
Windsor Heights
Nights in the Heights
The Windsor Heights Foundation hosts a Windsor Heights summer tradition with live music in Colby Park. The FREE concert series takes place on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm. Check out the Windsor Heights Foundation website or their Facebook page for band updates, questions and weather updates.
July 3: TBD
July 6: TBD
July 13: TBD
July 20: TBD
July 27: TBD
August 3: TBD
Did we miss your favorite summer outdoor concert series in Des Moines? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list!
