Live Music This Week in DSM: Aug. 25 – 30, 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. If you go to any shows, go to the venue’s online site and check for any changes, cancellations.

Be generous to musicians and waitstaff. They all need your support!

If you know of any venues that have live music in the area, that I’m not posting, please email me.

Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026

“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.
Gaylin Sudik & Friends at Prairie Meadows in Altoona at 11 a.m.
Nathan Thiessen at Beaverdale Farmers’ Market in Des Moines at 4 p.m.
Beggars’ Bargain at Johnston Farmers’ Market in Johnston at 4 p.m.
Remedy at Adel Farmers’ Market in Adel at 4 p.m.
Niels Scheelhaase at Newton’s Farmers’ Market in Newton at 4 p.m.
B. John Burns' "John's Off to School" Dinner Hour Livestream at 5 p.m.
Me Like Bees with Fox Royale at xBk Live in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $18.94 (price & fees) (optional seating)
Blues Jam at Carl’s Place in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Dan Jones & Friends at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.
Austin Brown Trio at The Lift in Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

Piano Man Richard Spierenburg on the lower level of the skywalk in the local bites area in Des Moines at 11 a.m.
Corey Jamison at Country Lane Lodge in Adel at 5 p.m. (food truck)
Day Ashworth at DSM Biergarten at Water Works Park in Des Moines at 6 p.m.
Tyler Richton & The High Bank Boys at Gray’s Station, 520 SW 13th St., in Des Moines at 6 p.m. (Lachele’s food truck, Big Grove Beer, Outside Scoop)
Joshua Sinclair on the patio at Gilroy’s Kitchen & Pub in West Des Moines at 6 p.m.
The Soul Searchers at Cumming Tap in Cumming at 6 p.m.
Lincoln Grimes at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Maxwell Schaeffer at Revel Hotel in Urbandale at 7 p.m.
Steve Berry – “I Write The Songs: Barry Manilow Tribute” at The Ingersoll in Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.; $138 includes dinner that starts at 5:30 p.m.
G. Love & Special Sauce with Wayne Baker Brooks at Wooly’s in Des Moines at 8 p.m.; $34.26
Open Jam at Locals Bar & Stage in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
Tyler Folkerts at Shotgun Betty’s in West Des Moines at 9 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

Piano Man Richard Spierenburg on the lower level of the skywalk in the local bites area in Des Moines at 11 a.m.
Stuart Walker at Polk City Farmers’ Market on the Square in Polk City at 4 p.m.
Hot Off The Grill at Soumas Courtyard – Hotel Pattee in Perry at 5 p.m.
Phoenix Mendoza / Josh Leo / Kitty Steadman (Nashville musicians) at Benefit for Mary’s Meals at Jasper Winery in Des Moines at 5:30 p.m.; Food available (donation)
Clay Walker with Blackhawk at Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park in Des Moines at 6 p.m.; $33.50 to $90.75
Buz Owen at Confluence Brewing in Des Moines at 6 p.m. (Los Compadres Food Truck)
CeCe Stewart at Chamberlain Pub at Wesley on Grand in Des Moines at 6 p.m.
Randy Burk & The Prisoners at Music In The Junction & Farmers’ Market at Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines at 6 p.m.
Jesse & The Medicine Men at Poncho’s Friendly Confines in Waukee at 6 p.m.
Liv McNair on the rooftop patio at Destination Grille in Grimes at 6 p.m.
The Weary Ramblers at Grimes Farm & Conservation Center in Marshalltown at 6 p.m.
Joshua Sinclair at Wayward Social – Gutter Point in Marshalltown at 6 p.m.
Diplomats of Solid Sound 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
The Matt Woods Band at Prairie Stomp at Sleepy Hollow Sports Park in Des Moines at 6:30 p.m. (Bring chairs)
Judy Collins – Sweet Judy Blue Eyes: Farewell co-starring Bruce Cockburn at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $45 to $76.60
Jason Boland & the Stragglers with Michael Bernard at Wooly’s in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $28.59
Traffic Death / Greg Wheeler & the Poly Mall Cops / Quade / Diezeleater at xBk Live in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $15.32 (price & fees) (optional seating)
Acoustic Evening with Clayton Ryan with Zander at xBk Annex in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $18
Nick Rueckert & Aaron Ehrlich at Court Avenue Restaurant & Brewing in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Dead Rider / New Sins / Crooked Torus at Locals Bar & Stage in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Open Jam at Kenny’s Garage in Waukee at 7 p.m.
Tony Bohnenkamp at Marv’s Mainstreet Dive in Norwalk at 7 p.m.
Matt Woods (not from Boone) & Jeff Shepherd at Board & Batten Basement Speakeasy in Dallas Center at 7 p.m.
Steve Berry – “I Write The Songs: Barry Manilow Tribute” at The Ingersoll in Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.; $138 includes dinner that starts at 5:30 p.m.
Scott Eggleston at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
MFKS at In Confidence Speakeasy at Hotel Fort Des Moines at 8 p.m.
Johnny Novacaine at Yacht Club in Des Moines at 9 p.m.
Micah Wagner & Ted Stockton at Shotgun Betty’s in West Des Moines at 9 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

Piano Man Richard Spierenburg on the lower level of the skywalk in the local bites area in Des Moines at 11 a.m.
World Food & Music Festival at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines (Day 1)
- Main Stage
  - Day Ashworth at 12:30 p.m.
  - NOLA Jazz Band at 2:30 p.m.
  - The Other Brothers at 4 p.m.
  - Sharane Calister & The Feel Right Band at 6 p.m.
  - The Pork Tornadoes at 8 p.m.
- Cultural Stage
  - Casey Joe & The Foxes at Noon Freight Train Frank at 2 p.m.
  - India Unbound / Pradyumn Bukkapatnam at 3 p.m.
  - Folklor Mexicano Stylo y Movimiento at 4:30 p.m.
  - Songs of Siam at 6 p.m.
Meadowbrook Circle at Fridays at Middlebrook Farm in Cumming at 4:30 p.m.
Friday Work Release Party with Bob Pace and The Dangerous Band at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 5 p.m.
Beaver Creek Jazz Ensemble at Truman’s Pizza in Des Moines at 5 p.m.
Brian Congdon at Caffrey’s Sports Pub in Waukee at 5 p.m.
Baberhood Bluegrass Band at Confluence Brewing in Des Moines at 6 p.m. (Peggy O’s food truck)
The Steam Boars at Captain Roy’s in Des Moines at 6 p.m.
Whiskey Bizkit at Beaverdale VFW in Des Moines at 6 p.m.
The Juan & Only at Toreado Mexican Bar & Grill in West Des Moines at 6 p.m.
Jef Spradley at Shotgun Betty’s in West Des Moines at 6 p.m.
Austin “Oz” Mattison at The Hills Bar & Grill in Pleasant Hill at 6 p.m.
Dan Trilk Birthday Show at Middlebrook Mercantile in Cumming at 6 p.m.
Corbett Reeves at Iowa Distilling Co. in Cumming at 6 p.m. (food truck)
Dustin Baird & Brian Allen at Soggy Frog Marina Bar at Saylorville Lake in Polk City at 6 p.m.
Major Blues & The Mugshots at Polk City Square in Polk City at 6:30 p.m.
Broadway Baby: A Night of Showtunes with Lauren Vilmain & Her Jazz Orchestra at Noce in Des Moines in at 7 p.m.; $48 to $36 at tables, $28 bar seats
The Sheet at Surety Hotel – Courtyard in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Kevin Best at Kelly’s Little Nipper in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
In Sincerity at Locals Bar & Stage in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Serenade Duo at Pal Joey’s in West Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Barry Rutter 36th St Tavern in Ankeny at 7 p.m.
JKB Duo at Drifters in Bouton at 7 p.m.
Blackberry Smoke at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.; $50.65 to $82.25
Steve Berry - “I Write The Songs: Barry Manilow Tribute” at The Ingersoll in Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.; $138 includes dinner that starts at 5:30 p.m.
Paul Cauthen with Ben Chapman at Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.; $40.97
Rebel Queens with Jett Threatt at Wooly’s in Des Moines at 8 p.m.$17.23
The Theys and the Thems with Are You Getting This! at xBk Live in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
Bryan Schumacker / John Krantz Duo at Alleged Lee’s in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
10 Fold Return at Back Roads Lounge in Johnston at 8 p.m.
The Adaptors at Doc’s Lounge in Johnston at 8 p.m.
The Ice Pirates at Kenny’s Garage in Waukee at 8 p.m.
Neva Alden at Marv’s Mainstreet Dive in Norwalk at 8 p.m.
Randy Burk & The Prisoners at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 9 p.m.
Matt Woods Band at Prairie Meadows in Altoona at 10 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026

B. John Burns, Joe Sorensen, Sean Sullivan, Azymth 432, L & N Music at Downtown Farmers’ Market in Des Moines at 7 a.m.
World Food & Music Festival at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines (Day 2)
- Main Stage
  - Danza Folclorica del Oeste at 11 a.m.
  - Ishara Dance at Noon
  - Iowa Tamil Association Parai Team at 12:45 p.m.
  - Samuel Nalangira at 2 p.m.
  - Guitarras ATM at 4 p.m.
  - The Unique Vibrationz at 6 p.m.
  - Parranderos Latin Combo at 8 p.m.
- Cultural Stage
  - KUD Dukat at Noon
  - Earth Mother Drummers at 1 p.m.
  - Heart of Iowa Cloggers at 1:45 p.m.
  - VACI Lion Dance at 3 p.m.
  - RAM SII PAK at 4 p.m.
  - Foy Irish Dancers at 5 p.m.
  - DSM Breakerz at 6:15 p.m.
Justin Moyar at Bluegrass Matinee at Exile Brewing in Des Moines at 11 a.m.
Adam Kulmatycki Duo at Annie’s Irish Pub in Des Moines at Noon
Traci Marie - Are You Ready For It?: Taylor Swift Tribute at The Ingersoll in Des Moines at 1 p.m.; $138 includes dinner that starts at 11 a.m.
Reload at Beaverdale VFW in Des Moines at 1 p.m.
4th Annual Cumming Street Party in Cumming (food trucks, activities)
- Plastic Apartment at 1 p.m.
- The Ripoffs at 5 p.m.
Marc Bailey at Winterset Cidery in Winterset at 1 p.m.
Count It Off at The Soggy Frog Marina Bar in Polk City at 2 p.m.
Austin Chadderdon at Tannin Wine Bar in Marshalltown at 3:30 p.m.
Open Mic Jam with Trickle Tree Hippies at 1833 Saloon in Des Moines at 4 p.m.
Saints & Sinners at Revelton Distillery in Osceola at 4 p.m.
Jake McVey at Track Apron Stage at Prairie Meadows in Altoona at 4:30 p.m.
Ingersoll Live! in Des Moines
- Studio One Stage
  - Rutabaga at 5 p.m.
  - 28 Days Later at 6:30 p.m.
  - YOUNGER at 8 p.m.
- Mediacom Main Stage
  - Faculty Lounge at 6 p.m.
  - Bad Friends at 8:30 p.m.
Stone Temple Pirates at Captain Roy’s in Des Moines at 6 p.m.
BitterSweet Nation at Middlebrook Mercantile in Cumming at 6 p.m.
Big Joe Kinser Band at Big Rack Brew Haus in Winterset at 6 p.m.
Matt Woods Band at Covered Bridges Winery in Winterset at 6:30 p.m.; $5 (bring chairs, outdoors if possible)
A Finesse Listening Experience at xBk Annex in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Kansas City’s The Grand Marquis at Noce in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $64 to $36 at tables, $28 bar seats
Other Brothers / Jody Ardnt at Locals Bar & Stage in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Palomino at Croatian Slavic Center in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $5 Members, $7 Nonmembers
Velvet Trio at Shirley’s Bar & Grill in West Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Not Quite Brothers at Sounds of Summer at Green space by GrandStay Hotel, 6221Merle Hay Road in Johnston at 7 p.m.
Yubu Band at The Soggy Frog Marina Bar in Polk City at 7 p.m.
Lucky Jax at Lake Robbins Ballroom in Woodward at 7 p.m.; $10
Traci Marie - Are You Ready For It?: Taylor Swift Tribute at The Ingersoll in Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.; $138 includes dinner that starts at 5 p.m.
Mostly There with Chris West at The Regal Beagle in West Des Moines at 8 p.m.
Driving Blind at Back Roads Lounge in Johnston at 8 p.m.
BS & The Liars at Mickey’s Irish Pub in Waukee at 8 p.m.
Casey Peasley at Cabaret Sports Bar & Grille in Ankeny at 8 p.m.
Bruce Day at Marv’s Mainstreet Dive in Norwalk at 8 p.m.
Heath Alan at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
Dick Danger Band at Prairie Meadows in Altoona at 10 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026

World Food & Music Festival at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines (Day 3)
- Main Stage
  - Zachary Freedom at 11 a.m.
  - The Sheet at 12:30 p.m.
  - Peoples’ Choice Winner Announced at 1:30 p.m.
  - Brass Blast Brass Band at 2 p.m.
  - Esencia Aneja at 3:30 p.m.
- Cultural Stage
  - Salsa Lesson & Dancing / 26th St. Latin Dance at Noon
  - Japanese Taiko Drumming /Soten Taiko at 1 p.m.
  - Peruvian Pan Flutes / Cucho Madero at 2:30 p.m.
  - The Theys & The Thems at 3:30 p.m.
Winterset PorchFest in Winterset (bring chairs) (food & beverages available)
- The Lemon Family Band at 11:30 a.m. at 708 W Jefferson
- Crosswind / Benge Family at 11:50 a.m. at 704 W Jefferson
- MeadowbrookCircle at 12:40 p.m. at 703 W Court
- Willie Mac & The Lost Cousins at 1:30 p.m. at 605 W Court
- Looking For Luke at 2:20 p.m. at 620 W Court
- JDD Band at 3:10 p.m. at 622 W Court
- Madison County Line at 4 p.m. at 623 W Washington
- Silversonic at 4:50 p.m. at 613 W Washington
Truman’s End Of Summer Bash in Des Moines
- Dustin Baird at Noon
- Plastic Apartment at 3 p.m.
Matt Terronez Quartet at Local Bands, Blues and Brews at DSM Biergarten at Water Works Park in Des Moines at 1 p.m.
Brody & Cooper Band on the patio at Cabaret Sports Bar & Grille in Ankeny at 1 p.m.
Two Feet Deep at Soggy Frog Marina Bar in Polk City at 1 p.m.
Guilty Pleasures Little Machine at Middlebrook Mercantile in Cumming at 2 p.m.
Tom Buckmiller & Steve Vasquez at Crossroads: A Journey With The Blues at Des Moines Public Library (Central) in Des Moines at 2 p.m.
Luke Fox at Kippy’s Place in Elkhart at 2 p.m.
Robert Deitch at Louie’s at the Lake in Panora at 2 p.m.
Zachary Freedom at Winterset Cidery in Winterset at 2 p.m.
Randy Burk at Wilson’s Ciderhouse & Farm in Cumming at 3 p.m.
Open Jam Session in The Legacy Plaza Beer Garden, hosted by David Wayne Redfearn in Newton at 3:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Trio Aceto at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 4 p.m.
The Peoples’ Band at Wellman’s Pub & Rooftop in West Des Moines at 4 p.m.
Jesse & The Medicine Men at El Viejo Patio Bar & Grill in Marshalltown at 4 p.m.
Jeff White at Exile Brewing in Des Moines at 5 p.m.
Al Welsh at Lake Robbins Ballroom in Woodward at 5 p.m.; $14
Haywire at Music in Haines Park in Altoona at 6 p.m. (bring chairs)
Chad Gray with Devils Cut & Butcher Babies at Wooly’s in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $49.74

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