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 9-11! 

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🎶

Tom’s Top 8 at Wooly’s 

  • Woolys, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Friday July 9,  Doors: 7 p.m., Show: 8 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.

Get tickets.

American Dookie at Lefty’s 

  • Leftys, 2307 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
  • Friday July 9, 9 p.m.

This 21+ event is for all alternative rock fans! American Dookie is a Green Day tribute band that serves great music all over the Midwest. Playing all the greats from Green Day, this is sure to be an amped up night!

Check it out.

Live, Local & Loud featuring DK at xBk Live 

  • xBk Live, 1159 24th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50311
  • Friday July 9, Doors: 7:00 PM // Show: 7:30PM

DK Imamu Akachi is a Hiphop emcee who has been using his craft to inspire people and remind us that we are all humans from the same Earth. Through rap and working with youth, DK has found a positive way to engage with the community.

You can expect an entertaining show with pure skill, passion, and raw emotion. DK delivers lyrics with personal and relatable stories, engaging content, and without the use of curse words.

Get tickets.

Bob Pace & The Dangerous Band at Gas Lamp

  • Gas Lamp, 1501 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Friday July 9,  5 p.m.

This Friday night staple at the Gas Lamp is great for fans of guitar heavy blues. Bob has played for the greats like Jimmy Vaughan, John Mayall, and Tower of Power. Catch him with a full band every Friday night at Gas Lamp.

More about Bob.

Blues Traveler & JJ Grey and Mofro at Lauridsen Amphitheater 

  • Lauridsen Amphitheater, 2201 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
  • Friday July 9,  5:30 p.m.

The Grammy-winning group Blues Traveler has been seen on SNL, Austin City Limits, VH1’s Behind the Music, and featured on David Letterman multiple times. Playing together for the past 30 years, they are firm believers that “rock and roll keeps you young.” 

JJ Grey and his band, Mofro, present the perfect balance of grace and groove. This roots-rock group began playing together in the late 90’s, touring America and the UK and playing both clubs and festivals.

Learn more.

The Party Rocks Dance Band, Maxx G & T Flip at Riverview Park

  • Riverview Park, 710 Corning Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313
  • Friday July 9,  5:30 p.m.

This free event is chalk full of fun. Performing dance hits from the 70’s to today, The Party Rocks Dance Band is sure to get you on your feet. Bring a chair, grab some grub from local vendors, and get ready to move!

Check out the Facebook group.

Tina Haase Findley at Noce 

  • Noce, 1326 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
  • Saturday July 10,  8 p.m.

As the youngest member of the Des Moines Jazz Hall of Fame, Tina Haase Findlay’s vocals cruise easily through jazz, blues, gospel, rock, and soul alike. Experienced in both combo acts and big band scenes, her Queens of Jazz tribute is a highly sought-after event. Her sound is perfect for an intimate date night or an upscale evening with friends.

Get tickets.

Fahrenheit at Captain Roy’s 

  • Captain Roy’s,  1900 Saylor Rd, Des Moines, IA 50313
  • Saturday July 10,  11 a.m.

Perfect for a night out with friends, catch Des Moines hottest dance band, Fahrenheit, at Captain Roy’s. Playing a wide variety of music, they’re sure to have something for everyone to enjoy. Captain Roy’s will also be hosting their Summer Games, including Hula Ball and a Beer Run.

Learn more.

Music Under the Stars at the Iowa State Capitol 

  • Capitol Hill,  1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50319
  • Sunday July 11,  7 p.m.

This free summer concert series is great for fans of the historic music from Hollywood Cinema and perfect for all ages. Pack a snack, bring a chair, and get lost in the great music provided by the Des Moines Symphony, featuring the Belin Quartet and the John Morgan Trio. 

Learn more.

The John Holiday Experience

  • Sheslow Auditorium,  2507 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
  • Sunday July 11,  7:30 p.m.

NBC’s The Voice finalist, John Holiday, will be taking the stage at Sheslow Auditorium on Drake University Campus. Playing music from names like Stevie Wonder and George Gershwin, audience members are sure to love this eclectic show.

Get tickets.

Ready to tackle this weekend? Check out all of our weekend guides here.