The Greater Des Moines Story: Greater Des Moines Buzz

Live Music in Greater Des Moines
August 18, 2026
By: Amelia Klatt

Live Music This Week in DSM: Aug. 18 – 23, 2026

Don't miss this week’s lineup of musical acts in Greater Des Moines (DSM)! Cheer on a sports team, shop local or visit your favorite attraction or event before or after enjoying the best live music in DSM.

This list is curated week-to-week by local music fan Bryan Farland. Visit The List – Live Music in DSM Area's Facebook page for more information.

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026

  • Iowa State Fair in Des Moines
    • Grandstand
      • TLC Saly-N-Pepa e/ En Vogue- IT’S ICONIC at 8 p.m.; $44.40-$104.40
    • Free
      • Neva Alden at JR’s Southpork Ranch at Noon
      • Decoy Duo at Bubbly Bar & Bistro at Noon
      • Ruari Brownell at Jalapeno Pete’s at 1 p.m.
      • Royce Johns at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 2 p.m.
      • The Cardinal Sound at Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery at 3 p.m.
      • Brad Morgan at Jalapeno Pete’s at 4 p.m.
      • Daniel Johnson at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 5 p.m.
      • Haywire at Bubbly Bar & Bistro at 6 p.m.
      • Jake Schrodt at Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery at 7 p.m.
      • The Britins at Riley Stage at 7 p.m.
      • Robbie Michael at Iowa Craft Beer Tent at 7 p.m.
      • Scott KIrkhart at Stockman’s Inn at 7 p.m.
      • Hairball at Knapp Amphitheater at 8 p.m.
      • Tyler Halverson at MidAmerican Energy Stage at 8 p.m.
      • Damon Dotson at Jalapeno Pete’s at 8 p.m.
      • Los de la Villa at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 8 p.m.
      • Tyler Halverson at MidAmerican Energy Stage at 8 p.m.
      • The Britins at Riley Stage at 9 p.m.
  • “Freight Train” Frank in the skywalk at La Mie Elevate in Des Moines at 11 a.m.
  • Piano Man Richard Spierenburg on the lower level of the skywalk in the local bites area in Des Moines at 11 a.m.
  • Company’s Comin’ at Prairie Meadows in Altoona at 11 a.m.
  • Mia Prosperi & Rutabaga at Beaverdale Farmers’ Market in Des Moines at 4 p.m.
  • Joe Demerath at Johnston Farmers’ Market in Johnston at 4 p.m.
  • Vows & Vibes at Adel Farmers Market in Adel at 4 p.m.
  • River Glen at Live From the Gilded Palace Livestream at 7 p.m.
  • Best of the Worst with The Uncollectables, Hookshot at xBk Live in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $15.32 (price & fees) (optional seating)
  • Locker & Co. at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
  • Blues Jam at Carl’s Place in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
  • Bottlerocket / Doc Bullfrog / River Styx at Locals Bar & Stage in Des Moines at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026

  • Iowa State Fair in Des Moines
    • Grandstand
      • AJR with Em Beihold at 8 p.m.; $54.40 - $94.40
    • Free
      • Joshua Sinclair at JR’s Southpork Ranch at Noon
      • Dave & Anna at Bubbly Bar & Bistro at Noon
      • The Decoy Duo at Jalapeno Pete’s at 1 p.m.
      • Double Barrel at MidAmerican Stage at 1:30 p.m.
      • Jake Schrodt at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 2 p.m.
      • The Sheet at Jalapeno Pete’s at 4 p.m.
      • River City Opry at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 5 p.m.
      • Wyde Fyre at Bubbly Bar & Bistro at 6 p.m.
      • The Britins at Riley Stage at 7 p.m.
      • Brad Morgan at Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery at 7 p.m.
      • Dan Medeiros at Iowa Craft Beer Tent at 7 p.m.
      • Randy Burk & The Prisoners at Stockman’s Inn at 7 p.m.
      • Asleep at the Wheel at Knapp Amphitheater at 8 p.m.
      • Colt Ford at MidAmerican Energy Stage at 8 p.m.
      • The Schmidt Brothers at Jalapeno Pete’s at 8 p.m.
      • Damon Dotson at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 8 p.m.
      • Jordan Beem at Bud Light Tent at 8 p.m.
  • Piano Man Richard Spierenburg on the lower level of the skywalk in the local bites area in Des Moines at 11 a.m.
  • Cold Pizza & Day Old Bread at Waukee Farmers’ Market on the Triangle in Waukee at 4 p.m.
  • Zane Gedler & Co. at Jazz Wednesday at Surety Hotel in Des Moines at 5 p.m.
  • Country Lane Lodge in Adel at 5 p.m.
  • Luke Fox at DSM Biergarten at Water Works Park in Des Moines at 6 p.m.
  • Drew Peer on the patio at Gilroy’s Kitchen & Pub in West Des Moines at 6 p.m.
  • MobiusTrip at Cumming Tap in Cumming at 6 p.m.
  • Live Music at Bondurant Farmers’ Market in Bondurant at 6 p.m.
  • David Watson at Revel Hotel in Urbandale at 7 p.m.
  • American Vanity with Lookat Me, Sayler at xBk Live in Des Moines at 8 p.m.; $21.34 (price & fees) (optional seating)
  • Triple J’s at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
  • Jesse Wells with Ratboys at Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $50.77
  • Molly Shannon at Shotgun Betty’s in West Des Moines at 9 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026

  • Iowa State Fair in Des Moines
    • Grandstand
      • Riley Green with Mackenzie Carpenter at 8 p.m.; $54.40 - 109.40
    • Free
      • B. John Burns at MidAmerican Energy Stage at 9 a.m.
      • Casey Peasley at JR’s Southpork Ranch at Noon
      • Ted Stockton at Bubbly Bar & Bistro at Noon
      • Tony Bohnenkamp at Jalapeno Pete’s at 1p.m.
      • Emma Storm at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 2 p.m.
      • Brad Morgan at Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery at 4 p.m.
      • Bad Friends at Jalapeno Pete’s at 4 p.m.
      • Dan Medeiros at Bud Light Tent at 4 p.m.
      • Cory Waller & the Wicked Things at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 5 p.m.
      • Orphan Annie at Bubbly Bar & Bistro at 6 p.m.
      • Jordan Beem at Bud Light Tent at 6 p.m.
      • Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Riley Stage at 7 p.m.
      • Lucas Beebe at Iowa Craft Beer Tent at 7 p.m.
      • Daniel Johnson at Stockman’s Inn at 7 p.m.
      • Fahrenheit at Jalapeno Pete’s at 8 p.m.
      • The SugarHill Gang at Knapp Amphitheater at 8 p.m.
      • Slaughter at MidAmerican Energy Stage at 8 p.m.
      • Tyler Richton & High Bank Boys at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 8 p.m.
      • Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Riley Stage at 9 p.m.
      • Decoy at Bud Light Tent at 9 p.m.
  • Piano Man Richard Spierenburg on the lower level of the skywalk in the local bites area in Des Moines at 11 a.m.
  • Neva Alden at Polk City Farmers’ Market on the Square in Polk City at 4 p.m.
  • Brian Congdon at Confluence Brewing in Des Moines at 6 p.m. (Los Compadres Food Truck)
  • Rob Lumbard Duo at DSM Biergarten at Water Works Park in Des Moines at 6 p.m.
  • Chip Albright & Friends at Unity Center in Des Moines at 6 p.m.
  • CeCe Stewart at Chamberlain Pub at Wesley on Grand in Des Moines at 6 p.m.
  • English at Function in the Junction in West Des Moines at 6 p.m.
  • Jesse & The Medicine Men at Poncho’s Friendly Confines in Waukee at 6 p.m.
  • JKB on the rooftop patio at Destination Grille in Grimes at 6 p.m.
  • Retrospect at Music in the Garden at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden in Des Moines at 6:30 p.m.; $14, Seniors $13, children 2-12 $11
  • Joshua Sinclair at Prairie Stomp at Jester Park Nature Center in Granger at 6 p.m. (bring chairs)
  • Mike Bernard at Wayward Social in Marshalltown at 6 p.m.
  • Psychostick with Apathy Syndrome, Safe Space at xBk Live in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $20 (+$4.95 fee) (optional seating)
  • Open Jam at Kenny’s Garage in Waukee at 7 p.m.
  • DSM Irish Session at Brightside Aleworks in Altoona at 7 p.m.
  • Luke Fox at Board & Batten Basement Speakeasy in Dallas Center at 7 p.m.
  • Leradee & The Positives at 300 Craft & Rooftop in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
  • MFKS at In Confidence Speakeasy at Hotel Fort Des Moines in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
  • The Soul Searchers at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
  • Will Barnett at Shotgun Betty’s in West Des Moines at 9 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 21, 2026

  • Iowa State Fair in Des Moines
    • Grandstand
      • Alabama with Exile at 8 p.m.; $31.40 - $81.40
    • Free
      • Drew Fry at JR’s Southpork Ranch at Noon
      • Nicholas at Bubbly Bar & Bistro at Noon
      • Scott Kirkhart at Jalapeno Pete’s at 1 p.m.
      • The Sheet at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 2 p.m.
      • Fat Tuesday at Bud Light Tent at 2 p.m.
      • Emma Storm at Iowa Craft Beer Tent at 3 p.m.
      • Haywire at Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery at 4 p.m.
      • BS & the Liars at Jalapeno Pete’s at 4 p.m.
      • Jordan Beem at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 5 p.m.
      • Tyler Anthony at Bud Light Tent at 6 p.m.
      • Damon Dotson at Iowa Craft Beer Tent at 7 p.m.
      • Whiskey Bizkit at Stockman’s Inn at 7 p.m.
      • Casey Muessignmann at Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery at 7:30 p.m.
      • Mark Josephs at Bubbly Bar & Bistro at 7 p.m.
      • Eli Young Band at Knapp Amphitheater at 8 p.m.
      • Not Quite Brothers at MidAmerican Energy Stage at 8 p.m.
      • The Tony B Outfit at Jalapeno Pete’s at 8 p.m.
      • Tyler Richton & High Bank Boys at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 8 p.m.
  • Piano Man Richard Spierenburg on the lower level of the skywalk in the local bites area in Des Moines at 11 a.m.
  • Luke at Fridays at Middlebrook Farm in Cumming at 4:30 p.m.
  • Trio Aceto at DSM Biergarten at Water Works Park in Des Moines at 5 p.m.
  • Friday Work Release Party with Bob Pace and The Dangerous Band at Greenwood Lounge at 5 p.m.
  • Velvet Trio at Truman’s Pizza in Des Moines at 5 p.m.
  • Sierra Griggs at Caffrey’s Sports Pub in Waukee at 5 p.m.
  • Stone Peace Music at Fab Food Fridays at Klokkenspel Plaza in Pella at 5 p.m.
  • Willie Mac & The Lost Cousins at Speckled Hen Farms in Winterset at 5 p.m.
  • Jenny Kohls Band at Confluence Brewing in Des Moines at 6 p.m. (Peggy O’s food truck)
  • The Ripoffs with MisLed at Captain Roy’s in Des Moines at 6 p.m.
  • The Juan & Only at Toreado Mexican Bar & Grill in West Des Moines at 6 p.m.
  • Brody & Cooper at Shotgun Betty’s in West Des Moines at 6 p.m.
  • Tom Pevear at Middlebrook Mercantile in Cumming at 6 p.m.
  • Neva Alden at Iowa Distilling Co. in Cumming at 6 p.m.
  • Wyde Fyre at Soggy Frog Marina Bar at Saylorville Lake in Polk City at 6 p.m.
  • Missouri Mule at Murph & Mary’s Pub Beer Garden in Newton at 6 p.m.
  • Steve Grismore at Tannin Wine Bar in Marshalltown at 6:30 p.m.
  • Black Magic: Napoleon Douglas Sings Nat, Sammy, and More at Noce in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $64 to $36 at tables, $26 bar seats
  • Taylor King at Kelly’s Little Nipper in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
  • Umphrey’s McGee at Wooly’s in Des Moines at 8 p.m.; $55.42
  • Los Angeles Azules at Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines at 8 p.m.; $80 VIP$300/$500
  • Juniper Street at Jamie Hurd Amphitheater in West Des Moines at 8 p.m.
  • HardWay at Kenny’s Garage in Waukee at 8 p.m.
  • Geoffrey Jr. at Marv’s Mainstreet Dive in Norwalk at 8 p.m.
  • MeepMode, C.E.D., JinoGang, SkyCrow, zhero at Underground Artist Showcase at 1833 Saloon in Des Moines at 9 p.m. $5
  • The Other Brothers at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 9 p.m.
  • Dustin Farrow & the Relics at Yacht Club in Des Moines at 9 p.m.
  • The Detour Band at Prairie Meadows in Altoona at 10 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026

  • Iowa State Fair in Des Moines
    • Grandstand
      • BigXthaPlug with XOLEX at 8 p.m.; $29.40 - $69.40
    • Free
      • The Mondeau Dukes at Stockman’s Inn at 11 a.m.
      • Blaine Garrett at JR’s Southpork Ranch at Noon
      • Nicholas David at Bubbly Bar & Bistro at Noon
      • Damon Dotson at Jalapeno Pete’s at 1 p.m.
      • Casey Muessignmann at Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery at 2 p.m.
      • Owen Justice Band at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 2 p.m.
      • Blake Jack & The South 35 at Jalapeno Pete’s at 4 p.m.
      • Corey Waller & Wicked Things at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 5 p.m.
      • Aiden Flathers at Iowa Craft Beer Tent at 5:30 p.m.
      • Tyler Anthony at Bud Light Tent at 6 p.m.
      • Decoy Trio at Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery at 7 p.m.
      • The Flying Silos at Stockman’s Inn at 7 p.m.
      • Guilty Pleasure at Bubbly Bar & Bistro at 7 p.m.
      • Chancey Williams at Knapp Amphitheater at 8 p.m.
      • Jason Brown at MidAmerican Energy Stage at 8 p.m.
      • Jordan Beem at Iowa Craft Beer Tent at 8 p.m.
      • Suede at Jalapeno Pete’s at 8 p.m.
      • Tyler Richton & High Bank Boys at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 8 p.m.
  • PETS & VETS at Captain Roys in Des Moines at 1 p.m.
    • Benefit for Safe Paws, Folds of Honor
    • Dan Jones & Friends
    • Soul Searchers
    • The Blues Bureau
    • Steve E. George
    • Bob Pace & The Dangerous Band
  • Lauren Igou, Tom Hofer, Mia Prosperi, Zachary Freedom, Mostly There at Downtown Farmers’ Market in Des Moines at 7 a.m.
  • LaRon Rocks at Uptown Ankeny Farmers’ Market in Ankeny at 8 a.m.
  • B. John Burns at Madison Co. Farmers’ Market in Winterset at 8 a.m.
  • Brian Herrin at Vibes in the Village at Simon Estes Amphitheater in Des Moines at Noon (beer & food available)
  • Yubu Band at Annie’s Irish Pub in Des Moines at Noon
  • Britanny Sword Duo at The Soggy Frog Marina Bar in Polk City at 2 p.m.
  • Open Mic Jam with The Chguggaluggers at 1833 Saloon in Des Moines at 4 p.m.
  • Mike Aceto at Revelton Distilling in Osceola at 4 p.m.
  • Erek Wright at 1908 Draught House in Norwalk at 5 p.m.
  • The Juan & Only at Cowboy Mexican Bar & Grill in Des Moines at 6 p.m.
  • The Adaptors at Pelican Post in West Des Moines at 6 p.m.
  • The Soul Searchers at Middlebrook Mercantile in Cumming at 6 p.m.
  • Night Like This at Louie’s at the Lake in Panora at 6 p.m.
  • Jesse & The Medicine Men at Big Rack Brew Haus 10 year Anniversary in Winterset at 6 p.m.
  • Jay Webb with Caitlynne Curtis at Wooly’s in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $28.59
  • Something To Talk About: A Night of Classic Country with Gina Gedler Featuring Abbie Sawyer at Noce in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $56 to $36 at tables, $26 bar seat
  • Virgin Mary Piston Grip at Locals Bar & Stage in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
  • Unforgiven at Croatian Slavic Center in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $5 Members, $7 Nonmembers
  • Saxman Jones & Owens Trio at Shirley’s Bar & Grill in West Des Moines at 7 p.m.
  • Kevin Lindgren at 36th St. Tavern in Ankeny at 7 p.m.
  • Burnin’ Sensations at The Soggy Frog Marina Bar in Polk City at 7 p.m.
  • RiviEras at Lake Robbins Ballroom in Woodward at 7 p.m.; $10
  • Sail On - The Beach Boys Tribute at The Ingersoll in Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.; $138 (includes dinner – starts at 5:30 p.m.)
  • Jason Carter Band at xBk Live in Des Moines at 8 p.m.; $30.97 (price & fees)
  • Electro-Beast at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
  • Michael Charles at Down Under Bar & Grill in Clive at 8 p.m.
  • Neil Hewitt at Mickey’s Irish Pub in Waukee at 8 p.m.
  • Whiskey Bizkit at Kenny’s Garage in Waukee at 8 p.m.
  • Rural Route at Just One More in Jamaica at 8 p.m.
  • Tony McGhee Project at Yacht Club in Des Moines at 9 p.m.
  • Fred Kelly Band at Maingate Bar & Grill in Des Moines at 9 p.m.
  • Keith Davis at Houston’s on Main in Milo at 9 p.m.
  • The Willard’s Band at Prairie Meadows in Altoona at 10 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

  • Iowa State Fair in Des Moines
    • Grandstand
      • Josiah Queen with Ben Fuller at 8 p.m.; $19.40 - $59.40
    • Free
      • Ruari Brownell at JR’s Southpork at Noon
      • Zach Freedom at Bubbly Bar & Bistro at Noon
      • Joshua Sinclair at Blue Ribbon Bar & Eatery at Noon
      • Red Hott - Motley Crue Tribute at Knapp Amphitheater at 12:30 p.m.
      • Haywire at Jalapeno Pete’s at 1 p.m.
      • Alex Arthur and Toney Chem at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 2 p.m.
      • Royce Johns at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 3:30 p.m.
      • Brad Seidenfeld & Tony Bohnenkamp at Jalapeno Pete’s at 4 p.m.
      • The Other Brothers at Bubbly Bar & Bistro at 5 p.m.
      • Aaron Watson at Knapp Amphitheater at 7 p.m.
      • Dwayne Gretzky at MidAmerican Energy Stage at 7 p.m.
      • Brian Congdon at Iowa Craft Beer Tent at 4:30 p.m.
      • Aiden Mack Flathers at JR’s Southpork Ranch at 6 p.m.
  • Oreo Meatwagon at Local Bands, Blues and Brews at DSM Biergarten at Water Works Park in Des Moines at 1 p.m.
  • Sail On – The Beach Boys Tribute at The Ingersoll in Des Moines at 1 p.m.; $138 (includes dinner – starts at 11 a.m.)
  • The Schoon Brothers at Soggy Frog Marina Bar in Polk City at 1 p.m.
  • Saxman Jones & Owens Trio at Truman’s Pizza in Des Moines at 2 p.m.
  • Great Caesar’s Goat at Middlebrook Mercantile in Cumming at 2 p.m.
  • Spencer Suchan at Drifter’s in Bouton at 2 p.m.
  • Rutabaga with Mia Prosperi at Covered Bidges Winery in Winterset at 2 p.m.
  • Ava Lemon at Winterset Cidery in Winterset at 2 p.m.
  • The Soul Searchers at Wilson’s Ciderhouse & Farm in Cumming at 3 p.m.
  • Tony McGhee at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 4 p.m.
  • Velvet Trio at Wellman’s Pub & Rooftop in West Des Moines at 4 p.m.
  • Jonas Magram at Exile Brewing in Des Moines at 5 p.m.
  • Bob Fields & Swingtime at Lake Robbins Ballroom in Woodward at 5 p.m.; $13

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Amelia Klatt Headshot
Amelia Klatt

Amelia Klatt is the Director of Events for the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Her background working with nonprofit organizations has led to skills as a relationship builder and events professional. Klatt received her MPA from Drake University in 2019.

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