Get Ready to Hear the Tunes at These Summer Concert Series in DSM

The sounds of summer are sweeter than ever this year in Greater Des Moines (DSM)! Don’t miss the awesome lineups around the region — whether it’s a show on Thursday night in Newton or at the AMP in Uptown Ankeny. Downtown Des Moines (DSM) has got it going on as well, with jazz tunes, music at the Botanical Garden and more. Don’t miss out on the chance to sway along to your favorite songs or hear new hits that’ll make you die-hard fan through the rest of the summer.

Summer Concert Series Events Around the Region

• Adventureland Summer Concert Series: This year marks the 50th Grand Opening Day of Adventureland on Saturday, May 18. While the rides and water park are enough to keep you busy, in June, Adventureland's Main Stage also hosts musical acts during its Summer Concert Series. More information to be released closer to summer.
• Beats & Eats in Uptown Ankeny: Head to the AMP in Uptown Ankeny on Thursday nights in June and July to hear live music and take part in family activities and games. On Saturday, June 8, Sumpin Doo performs and you can take part in a soccer kick inflatable, double battle axe throw inflatable, airbrush tattoos and party with a princess. Enjoy food from the following food trucks: Nina's Tacos, Comfort Food Catering, Karam's Grill, Main Street Café & Bakery, Sweet Swirls, DonutNV and Iowa Beer Bus.
• Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series: From 6 – 9 p.m. in Earlham (Madison County), the Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series takes place. It’s free, and families are welcome at this weekly rural event! Find the new lineup here once it’s released.
• Maytag Bowl Summer Concert Series: Check out Newton’s Maytag Bowl Summer Concert Series in 2024 every Thursday night through Aug. 1. The first date is Thursday, May 30 and will welcome Newton City Band to the stage. Shows kick off at 7 p.m.
• Music in the Park: Hear local performers on the stage at Grinnell’s Central Park. Performances are Thursday nights in June and July, and in June, you’ll even hear the Grinnell Community Band.
• Music on the Yard: The Yard Summer Concert Series, also in Johnston, takes place Saturday nights from 7 – 10 p.m. on the Yard. First up? Hear songs from The Trip on Saturday, June 8.
• Nash Nights in The District: Join NASH 97.3 in The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny for four country music nights. The first is Thursday, June 13 and features Phil Vassar with guest Flatland Ridge from 6 – 9 p.m.
• Nights in the Heights: In June, July, and August, Nights in the Heights takes place at Colby Park Tuesday evenings. See Drive Thirty5 on June 25, FL Funk on July 4 and Cover That band on July 9, among other acts.
• Prairie Stomp Summer Music Series: Granger’s Jester Park Nature Center will host three local acts this summer in June, July and August. Catch the first show on Thursday, June 20. Brian Herrin Duo performs, and Thelma’s will be on site with ice cream treats, too!
• Rendezvous on Riverview: Don’t miss out on the free RoR events taking place every Friday in June and July at the site of the old Riverview Amusement Park in Des Moines. The first event will be held on Friday, June 7 and features Faculty Lounge. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the food and beer vendors, too!
• Sips & Songs in The District: The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny’s neighborhood Sips & Songs events return in 2024. More information to be released closer to summer.
• Summer Nights Live 2024: This Indianola street party has live music, food and dancing on two nights this summer. Check out the bands on Saturday, June 1 and Saturday, Aug. 24. Gates open at 6 p.m. for this free, family-friendly event.
• Summer Sundaze Concert Series: Every Sunday of the summer from 6 – 8 p.m., West Des Moines’ Jamie Hurd Amphitheater will bring in live music and a featured dessert food truck. The first act is Standing Hampton on Sunday, June 23.
• Sunday Tunes: Stop by Summerset Winery in Indianola for Sunday Tunes every Sunday May through September. The show is from 2 – 5 p.m., and you can picnic, play yard games or board games and bring your dog.
• Sunset by the Lake Summer Concerts: Upcoming performances for Sunset by the Lake Summer Concerts will take place at Pleasant Hill City Hall from 6 – 8 p.m. On Thursday, May 26, enjoy music from The Great Space Coaster.
• Thursdays in Pella: Downtown Pella hosts Thursday night concerts in June and July, along with family-friendly activities and food vendors. Thursday, June 6 kicks off with #gamenight! 
• Urbandale Performance Concert Series: Jake Doty and the Swensongs kick off this live music concert series in Urbandale on Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Walnut Creek Regional Park.
• Tunes at Twilight: This summer concert series in Johnston is a once-a-month event. Hear acts after the Farmers’ Market from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. The Snacks perform on Thursday, July 18.

Summer Concert Series Events in Downtown Des Moines

• Belin Quartet Summer Concert Series: Beginning Tuesday, May 21, the Belin Quartet will perform free concerts from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Salisbury House & Gardens. The series runs Tuesdays through July 2.
• Music in the Garden: The Greater Des Moines Botanical Center’s summer music series takes place Thursdays June 6 through Aug. 29.
• Music Under the Stars: See acts on Capitol Hill Sunday evenings. Hear musicians play band music at West Capitol Mall, or in inclement weather at the Performing Arts Hall at Drake University. More information to be released closer to summer.
• Out to Lunch: This lunchtime live music and lunch series takes place in May and June during the week. Check it out with coworkers or meet friends and family for an hour outside in Downtown DSM.
• Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series: Thursdays from 6 – 9 p.m. enjoy free admission to the 2024 Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series. First up is Brother Trucker. Don’t miss out on the live music, burgers, brats, wine, beer, cider and sangria. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and your own food, but alcohol must be purchased onsite.
• Jazz in July: Jazz in July will return in 2024, with acts performing at 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursdays at Hoyt Sherman Place in Sherman Hill.
• Local Bands, Brews and Bikes: At Water Works Park, Local Bands, Brews and Bikes begins mid-May on Sundays. You can find the new lineup here once it’s released.
• Truman's Live Music (Summer Series): Hear live music at Truman's on the patio Fridays from 5 - 8 p.m. and Sundays from 2 - 5 p.m. The first events include Brian Congdon on Friday, April 26 and Brad Seidenfeld on Sunday, April 28.

Have we left your event off our list? If you’re interested in being added here, email Amelia Klatt, Director of Events, for consideration. Note: Nightfall on the River is another Downtown DSM summer concert tradition. Shows take place at the Simon Estes Amphitheater and are planned to resume in May 2027 after bridge construction is complete.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.