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, July 16-18!
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🎶
Live, Local & Loud Featuring Andre Davis
- xBk Live,1159 24th Street, Des Moines, IA 50311
- Friday July 16, 7:30 p.m.
This is a hip hop show all about channeling the joy, fear, pain, and pleasures of life. The show is full of singing, rapping, and expressing everything from the emotions that make you smile all the way to those that bring you to the tears. This is a freedom experience, carried by music and facilitated by feeling. Tickets are $10 in advance or $13 at the door.
The Drama Kings
- Snus Hill Winery, 2183 320th St, Madrid, IA 50156
- Friday July 16, 6:30 p.m.
Great for a high-energy night that’s sure to bring you back to the days of AOL chat and changing your Myspace background. Tom’s Top 8 is an Emo and Pop/Punk tribute band, playing all the hits. You’ll be sure to hear covers from My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, and many more.
The Rumors
- Gas Lamp, 1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Friday July 16, Doors 9 p.m. Show 9:30 p.m.
This Waterloo based rock band is led by some of the baddest female rockers in Iowa. Combining the sounds of 70’s and 90’s rock, they have a unique way of making old rock just as exciting as if it were new. The Rumor’s show is filled with an edgy and riotesque flair that can’t be found elsewhere.
Brady Lee & Zach Freedom
- Lefty’s, 2307 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
- Friday July 16, 5 p.m.
Brady Lee is a country singer songwriter that frequents places like Nashville and Milwakee. His country-pop sounds pairs great with the guitar heavy originals and covers by Zach Freedom. Bring your dancing boots!
Sister Sara
- Tournament Club of Iowa, 1000 Tradition Dr, Polk City, IA 50226
- Friday July 16, 6 p.m.
This tribute band plays all the favorites. Their vast variety of music is sure to have something for everyone. Food and beverage will be for sale, so bring the family and enjoy that classic Iowa summer weather.
The Sheet
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
- Friday July 16, 6 p.m.
Playing music from the 90’s to today, The Sheet supplies an upbeat and fun vibe with a reggae infused sound. With specials like half off happy hour and games on the yard, this is a great spot for a night out with friends or a casual date night.
Royce Johns
- Flat Tire Lounge, 304 S Madison St, Madrid, IA 50156
- Saturday July 17, 9 p.m.
A local country music staple, Royce Johns is sure to bring all the hits. But don’t be fooled. He is not simply a country music cover artist. Royce has great original tracks from two successful albums and an EP. Skip the trip to Nashville and stop in to hear him instead!
Party in the Sky at Wooly’s
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Saturday July 17, Doors: 6p.m. Show: 7 p.m.
Once known as Pie in the Sky, this group is back with a new energy and flair to fit the changing times. Need to dance away the stress of it all? Great for a night out with friends or appropriate for a groovy night with the fam; this next level party band is sure to supply a night you won’t forget.
Cole Patterson at Noce
- Noce, 1326 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Saturday July 17, 8 p.m.
Cole Patterson will be playing his saxophone to the tunes of two-time Grammy winner, Roy Hargrove. While this repertoire is jazz based, expect to hear genre-crossing in new and exciting ways. Can’t make the show or need a cozy night in? This concert will be offered for free on Noce’s Facebook livestream!
Spears/Pierce’s Fellow Travelers – Des Moines Metro Opera
- Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Saturday July 17, 8 p.m.
Dip your toes in the age-old culture that opera provides with this modern story. Fellow Travelers tells the tale of forbidden love between a recent college graduate and a state department official. Through a journey of self-discovery and passion, this story ultimately ends in heartbreak.
An Evening with Sondheim
- Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, 4100 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50265
- Saturday July 17, Gate 6:30 p.m. Show 7:30 p.m.
Bring the family, some chairs, and a picnic basket and enjoy this cabaret style outdoor show. Featuring the local Tallgrass Theater Company, this show is chock full of Sondheim’s greatest work. While this event is free to the public, a free-will donation of $20 is recommended.
Jesse & the Medicine Men
- Covered Bridges Winery, 2207 170th Trail, Winterset, IA 50273
- Sunday July 18, 2 p.m.
Jesse’s voice covers a wide range of octaves and can even be heard yodeling from time to time. This country classic pairs great with a bottle of wine and can be topped off with sushi from the Pho Wheels & Sushi food truck!
Soul Searchers
- Summerset Winery, 15101 Fairfax St, Indianola, IA 50125
- Sunday July 18, 2 p.m.
Pack up the lawn chairs or bring a blanket for this great outdoors event. The Soul Searchers come as one of Iowa’s most sought after bands. With members having played alongside The Nadas, Pieta Brown and Bo Ramsey, their dance worthy blues beats are sure to be a hit!
Ready to tackle this weekend? Check out all of our weekend guides here.
