Live Music This Week in DSM: Sept. 22 – 27, 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 Bryan.

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 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.
Ken Frette & the Country Classics at Prairie Meadows in Altoona at 11 a.m.
Urbandale Community Band at the Johnston Farmers’ Market in Johnston at 4 p.m.
B. John Burns' "John Gets Rained Out" Dinner Hour Livestream at 5 p.m.
Swamp Rats and Danny Wolf at Plain Talk Books & Coffee in Des Moines at 5 p.m.
DSM Big Band at Noce in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $30 to $17 at tables, $15 bar seats
Triple J's at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Bowling For Soup at Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.; $50.86

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026

Piano Man Richard Spierenburg on the lower level of the skywalk in the local bites area in Des Moines at 11 a.m.
XOLEX at Gray’s Station, 520 SW 13th St. in Des Moines at 6 p.m. (Lachele’s Food Truck, Big Grove Brewery Free samples, Lucky Wife Wine Slushies)
Matt Woods at DSM Biergarten at Water Works Park in Des Moines at 6 p.m.
Joshua Sinclair on the patio at Gilroy’s Kitchen & Pub in West Des Moines at 6 p.m.
Soul Searchers at Cumming Tap in Des Moines at 6 p.m.
Luke Fox at Single Speed Brewing in Des Moines at 6:30 p.m.
Icon For Hire with Elijah, Lauren Babic at Wooly’s in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $34.26
Big Richard with Weary Ramblers at xBk Live in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $22.54 (price and fees) (optional seating is SOLD OUT)
Trombonist & Composer Levi Temple & Co. at Noce in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Open Mic Jam at 1833 Saloon in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Maxwell Schaeffer at Revel Hotel in Urbandale at 7 p.m.
Sugar Valley at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.
Open Jam at Locals Bar & Stage in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
Yachtley Crew at Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines at 8 p.m.; $45.61
Drew Fry at Shotgun Betty’s in West Des Moines at 9 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026

Piano Man Richard Spierenburg on the lower level of the skywalk in the local bites area in Des Moines at 11 a.m.
Luke Fox at Greenbelt Landing in Clive at 11 a.m.
Hudson Road at DSM Biergarten at Water Works Park in Des Moines at 3 p.m.
B. John Burns at Polk City Farmers’ Market on the Square in Polk City at 4 p.m.
Alex Schroeder at Soumas Courtyard - Hotel Pattee in Perry at 4:30 p.m.
Matt Cox 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.
Jason Wells Band at Music In The Junction & Farmers Market at 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.
The Sheet & Damon Dotson at Tunes at Twilight on the Yard in Johnston at 6:30 p.m. (“to go” drinks from The Cork & Backpocket Pin & Pixel)
Gogol Bordello with That Handsome Devil / Pons at Wooly’s in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $39.94
Everything Yes with Fission at xBk Live in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $18.94 (price & fees) (optional seating)
KC Vocalist Jackie Myers at Noce in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $20 at tables, Free bar seats
Castle / Bat Problem / Quade at Locals Bar & Stage in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $15
Alternative Rock Jam at 1833 Saloon in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Open Jam at Kenny’s Garage in Waukee at 7 p.m.
Paul Ivy at Board & Batten Basement Speakeasy in Dallas Center at 7 p.m.
Switchback at The Ingersoll in Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.; $138 includes dinner that starts at 5:30 p.m.
YG withMozzy, Chef Boy at The at Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.; $50.77
Scott Eggleston at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
MFKS at In Confidence Speakeasy at Hotel Fort Des Moines in 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, Sept. 25, 2026

Piano Man Richard Spierenburg on the lower level of the skywalk in the local bites area in Des Moines at 11 a.m.
Joshua Sinclair at Fridays at Middlebrook Farm in Cumming at 4:30 p.m.
The Ripoffs 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 in Des Moines at 5 p.m.
Serenade Duo at Bevy’s Tavern in West Des Moines at 5 p.m.
Sierra Griggs at Caffrey’s Sports Pub in Waukee at 5 p.m.
Joe Inman at Car & Bike Show at My Sister’s Place in Carlisle at 5 p.m.
Black Dirt Ramblers at Confluence Brewing in Des Moines at 6 p.m. (Peggy O’s food truck)
River City Opry 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.
Sawyer Springer at Shotgun Betty’s in West Des Moines at 6 p.m.
The Other Brothers at Middlebrook Mercantile in Cumming at 6 p.m.
Johnny Laws at Iowa Distilling Co. in Cumming at 6 p.m. (food truck)
Jesse & The Medicine Men at El Viejo Patio Bar & Grill in Marshalltown at 6 p.m.
Hemlock with Absolute Power, John Beere, Waste Gate, Crisis Childat Wooly’s in Des Moines at 6:30 p.m.; $28.59
BonJecci at Tannin Wine Bar in Marshalltown at 6:30 p.m.
Fly Me To The Moon: The Max Wellman Big Band Plays Sinatra & More at Noce in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $58 to $15 at tables, $24 bar seats
The Squares at Kelly’s Little Nipper in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Matthew Carlson, Chip Albright, Randy Burk at Locals Bar & Stage in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Kracklin at Walker’s Place in Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Bleachers (Studio One Presents) at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee at 7:30 p.m.; $53 to $102.50
Summer Dean Full Band at Talk Shop Lounge in St. Charles at 7:30 p.m.; $10/$15
Lady Bleek - Album Release at xBk Live in Des Moines at 8 p.m.; $15.32 (fee included) (optional seating)
Recoil at Back Roads Lounge in Johnston at 8 p.m.
Cover That at Doc’s Lounge in Johnston at 8 p.m.
Encore Legends at Kenny’s Garage in Waukee at 8 p.m.
Luke Fox at Brick & Ivy in Altoona at 8 p.m.
Harrison Ingham Band at Cabaret Sports Bar & Grille in Ankeny at 8 p.m.
After Shock at DSM 22nd Rocktoberfest at The District at Prairie Trail in Ankeny at 8:45 p.m.
Dustin Farrow & The Relics at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 9 p.m.
After Hours at Noce in Des Moines at 9:30 p.m.
Palomino at Prairie Meadows in Altoona at 10 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026

B. John Burns, Azimuth 432, Mike Walsh Band, Urbandale Community Adult Band at the Downtown Farmers’ Market in Des Moines at 7 a.m.
Jake Schrodt at Iowa Brewing Running Series at Firetrucker Brewing in Ankeny at Noon
Crossroads: A jOurney With the Blues featuring Tina Haase-Findlay & Rob Lumbard at West Des Moines Public Library in West Des Moines at 2 p.m.
Jake McVey at Track Apron at Prairie Meadows in Altoona at 3:30 p.m.
Major Blues & The Mugshots at Kelly’s Little Nipper in Des Moines at 4 p.m.
Jake Schrodt at Revelton Distilling in Osceola at 4 p.m.
Brick ’N Bob Duo at Winterset Cidery in Winterset at 5 p.m.
Chris Patterson at Cray Moon Public Market in Newton at 5:30 p.m.
Black Dirt Ramblers at Racktoberfest at Big Rack Brew Haus in Winterset at 6 p.m. (White Smoke BBQ available)
Missouri Mule at Tannin Wine Bar in Marshalltown at 6:30 p.m.
Tanner Usrey with Noah Bowman at Wooly’s in Des Moines at 7 p.m.; $28.59
The Hors D’oeuvres at Shirley’s Bar & Grill in West Des Moines at 7 p.m.
Luke Farland at DSM West KOA in Adel at 7 p.m.
Crystal Blue at Lake Robbins Ballroom in Woodward at 7 p.m.; $10
Nick Karcher & The Hot Mess 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
Des Moines Symphony – American Mosaic & West Side Story at Des Moines Civic Center in Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.; $33 to $82
Heath Alan at Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
Coheed and Cambria with The Home Team at The Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines at 8 p.m.; $48.71 (VIP available)
10 Fold Return at Down Under Bar & Grill in Clive at 8 p.m.
Columbia House Covers at Kenny’s Garage in Waukee at 8 p.m.
Robbie Michael at Marv’s Mainstreet Dive in Norwalk at 8 p.m.
TrainWreck at Indianola in Elks Lodge #2814 in Des Moines at 8 p.m.
Hattrick at Lakeside Casino in Osceola at 8 p.m.
Chuggaluggers Band at Mickey’s Irish Pub in Waukee at 8:30 p.m.
Bruce Day at Striking Sparrow Lounge in Des Moines at 9 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 27, 2027

Waveland Park Porchfest (bring chairs and tip money) in Des Moines
- River City Opry at 1532 45th St. at Noon
- Scott Eggleston at 1515 44th St. at Noon
- Marilyn Jerome at 1518 45th St. at 12:45 p.m.
- The Drama Kings at 1424 44th St. at 12:45 p.m.
- Central Iowa Music Lab at 1441 45th St. at 1:30 p.m.
- Anne Lorelle and Tim Earp at 1516 44th St. at 1:30 p.m.
- Ducharme-Jones Band at 1533 45th St. at 2:15 p.m.
- Seth Hedquist at 1428 44th St. at 2:15 p.m.
- Major Blues & the Mugshots at 1500 45th St. at 3 p.m.
- Dewey Cantrell at 1515 44th St. at 3 p.m.
- B. John Burns at 1524 45th St. at 3:45 p.m.
- Matt Terronez and Dave Bohl at 1514 44th St. at 3:45 p.m.
- The Night Lights at 1535 44th St. at 4:30 p.m.
- Eric & the Dancing Foxes at 1441 45th St. at 4:30 p.m.
- Bridges 2 Harmony at 1444 44th St. at 5:15 p.m.
- Bob Pace at 1530 45th St. at 5:15 p.m.
The Soul Searchers at Local Bands, Brews & Bikes at DSM Biergarten at Water Works Park in Des Moines at (now 2 p.m.)
Looking 4 Luke at Covered Bridges Winery in Winterset at 1 p.m.
Sons of Gladys Kravitz at Middlebrook Mercantile in Cumming at 2 p.m.
Ben Puttmann at Kippy’s Place in Elkhart at 2 p.m.
Alex Schroeder at Winterset Cidery in Winterset at 2 p.m.
Des Moines Symphony – American Mosaic & West Side Story at Des Moines Civic Center in Des Moines at 2:30 p.m.; $33 to $82
Brazilian Jam Session with Choro Moingona at The Cave in Des Moines at 3 p.m.
Joshua Sinclair at Pelican Post Bar & Grille in West Des Moines at 3 p.m.
Attica Road Elementals at Wilson’s Ciderhouse & Farm in Cumming at 3 p.m.
Jesse & The Medicine Men at Speckled Hen Farms in Winterset at 3 p.m.
TonyMcGhee at The Greenwood Lounge in Des Moines at 4 p.m.
Jonas Magram at Exile Brewing in Des Moines at 5 p.m.
The Lamplighters at Jamie Hurd Amphitheater in West Des Moines at 5 p.m. (food trucks)
High Society at Lake Robbins Ballroom in Woodward at 5 p.m.; $14
Piano Bar Night with Piano Man Richard Spierenburg at Board & Batten LLC Basement Speakeasy in Dallas Center at 6 p.m.
Alana Sprinsteen with Erin Kinsey at Wooly’s in Des Moines at 7:30 p.m.; $28.59
Highly Suspect & Yelawolf with Passengers Unknown at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee at 7:30 p.m.; $62 to $158.70

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