Looking for live music in Des Moines this weekend? Check out this list of all the music happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, August 6-8!
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please contact the host directly.
Written By: Emma Ferry, Des Moines Girl Contributor
🎶 Live Music🎶
Hinterland Music Festival
- Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, 3357 St. Charles Road, St. Charles, IA
- All weekend!
If this is the first time you’re hearing about Hinterland, then clear your weekend plans immediately. There are still available tickets to Iowa’s coolest music festival happening this weekend in St. Charles, about 35 minutes south of Des Moines. This year’s headliners include Tyler Childers, Black Pumas, Leon Bridges, and the Avett Brothers. All the best local food vendors will be on site so it is truly the place to be this weekend. Learn more about how to prepare last minute here.
Luke Bryan Tribute at Lefty’s
- Lefty’s, 2307 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
- Friday, August 6, 7 – 11 p.m.
This is the first of a couple opportunities for our country music lovers! Stop by Lefty’s on Friday night for a Luke Bryan tribute to get you in the mood for all the country music happening next week at the Iowa State Fair!
Tyler Fraizer at Truman’s Pizza Tavern
- Truman’s Pizza Tavern, 400 SE 6th St. Des Moines, IA 50309
- Friday, August 6, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Pizza, beer, and rock n’ roll make for the perfect start to the weekend. The Tyler Fraizer duo will be playing all the greatest rock hits from the oldies to today as well as a few covers. Their songs are sure to have you singing along and are great for a family friendly event.
Marcy Playground at Adventureland Park
- Adventureland Park, 3200 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, IA 50009
- Friday, August 6, Doors 6 p.m., Show 7 p.m.
Playing together for almost 20 years, this group has locked into their groove. The 90’s alternative rock band, Marcy Playground, is making a tour stop at Adventureland Park for their Sunset on the Boulevard series. Spend the day enjoying all the park has to offer and close out the night with great music!
After Shock at Hawk Haven Tavern
- Hawk Haven Tavern, 805 17th Ave SW Altoona, IA 50009
- Friday, August 6, 8 p.m.
Where are our Altoona friends at? With bike night, Fair Food Fridays and live music from After Shock, this is a can’t miss event! After Shock is an 80’s rock tribute band that promises a party unlike any other. Bring the crew out, grab some food and get ready to rock.
The Sheet, Mike Vallely, and The Complete Disaster at the Iowa Craft Brew Festival
- Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, 410 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321
- Saturday, August 7, 1 – 4 p.m.
If you’re not headed to Hinterland, this is a great back up option! Craft beer lovers will enjoy live music from The Sheet, Mike Vallely & The Complete Disaster, all while enjoying unlimited samples of over 300 varieties of beer. Food will be available for purchase from some of central Iowa’s favorite food trucks and a bike valet will be provided courtesy of the Iowa Bicycle Collective. All tickets include a commemorative sampling glass, and free parking is available adjacent to the festival grounds.
STARSET at Gas Lamp
- Gas Lamp, 1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Saturday, August 7, 1 p.m.
STARSET is bringing a more intimate event to the Gas Lamp. They’ll be playing a full acoustic set, offering pictures with the band and an extended meet and greet. There will also be chances to win prizes and free giveaways. This is a can’t miss event for fans of STARSET!
Entre Luche at xBk Live
- xBk Live,1159 24th Street, Des Moines, IA 50311
- Saturday, August 7, Doors 7:30 p.m., Show 8 p.m.
Royce Johns at Chicken Coop
- Chicken Coop, 5906 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, Iowa
- Saturday, August 7, 8 p.m.
Country music fans this is for you! Local country music staple, Royce Johns, is playing all your favorite country music. While he’s a solo act, his music sounds nothing close to bare. Come out for dinner and drinks and close the night with a good ol ‘two-step!
Brother Trucker at Captain Roys
- Captain Roy’s, 1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
- Saturday, August 7, 6p.m.
Right off the bike trail and the marina, Captain Roy’s is the perfect summer spot. Stroll the Birdland park or cycle over and stop in for great food and the music of Brother Trucker. Touring together since 2000, this band has years of experience under their belts and brings a solid rock sound; perfect for summer patio sitting.
Dustin Farrow at White Oak Cellar
- White Oak Cellar, 15065 Northeast White Oak Dr, Cambridge, IA 50046
- Sunday, August 8, 4 p.m.
Dustin is bringing his band, The Relics, to Sunday’s at the Cellar. They’ll play all your favorites with a bluesy/guitar flair and are sure to get you on your feet. Bring a lawn chair, grab some grub from a local food truck and settle in for a great summer Sunday show.
The String Prophets at Summerset Winery
- Summerset Winery, 15101 Fairfax St, Indianola, IA 50125
- Sunday, August 8, 2 p.m.
This acoustic duo is perfect for one more afternoon of relaxing before the week begins. Composed of piano, violin and vocals, the String Prophets bring a unique twist to their music that pairs perfectly with a bottle of wine from Summerset.
Ready to tackle this weekend? Check out all of our weekend guides here.
