![]() In Des Moines' East Village sits the rock club Wooly's, a mid-sized venue that pulls in some of the giants of the indie music world: Girl Talk, Sleigh Bells and more. The Well is home to the Iowa Barnstormers football team, Iowa Energy basketball team and the Iowa Wild AHL hockey team.įIND IT: 730 Third St. Now giant acts, some of the biggest in the world, had a place to play in central Iowa - the Jimmy Buffetts and Kenny Chesneys and Taylor Swifts and Justin Biebers and Paul McCartneys and Bruce Springsteens of the world. The opening of Wells Fargo Arena several years ago signaled a sea change for Des Moines' music scene. Every night of the week, the Mews on Fourth Street brings in up-and-coming acts, the types of bands you might find on a free stage, then later maybe the main stage of the 80/35 Music Festival down the road.įIND IT: 212 Fourth St. The spot in central Iowa to discover new music. A far cry from sock hops, indeed.įIND IT: 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines 223-6152 VAUDEVILLE MEWS It's survived the test of time, but it's now home to big-name acts like Snoop Dogg, Marilyn Manson, the Insane Clown Posse and Ted Nugent. Some 70 years ago, the Val Air was the spot in central Iowa for big bands, jazz shows and sock hops. One of the best spots in town for an outdoor summer show. ![]() The outdoor amphitheater along the Des Moines River is the home of the summer Nitefall on the River series, which has brought in acts like Owl City, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and a 2014 lineup featuring Hairball, Matt Nathanson, Michael Franti, Brett Dennen, Fitz and The Tantrums and more. 288-4872 SIMON ESTES RIVERFRONT AMPHITHEATER The Western Gateway coffee shop, with its progressive vibe and vegetarian/vegan menu, is also home to acoustic acts, drum circles and community music events.įIND IT: 1301 Locust St. The Altoona casino is also a spot for concerts featuring national touring acts and big names such as funk-R&B Kool & The Gang and southern rock-country star Charlie Daniels.įIND IT: 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona 967-1000 RITUAL CAFE When school is in session, check the schedule for affordable concerts worth the drive north.įIND IT: 2229 Lincoln Way, Ames 51 PRAIRIE MEADOWS RACETRACK AND CASINO Bands such as The Lumineers, Polica, Family of the Year and more have graced the stage here before hitting the big time. The ISU campus spot, in the basement of the Memorial Union, pulls in an impressive lineup of indie acts. It is also a spot for events such as Irish jams, jazz shows and more.įIND IT: 214 Fourth St. The Fourth Street coffee shop has long been a hangout for creatives. 244-0507 JAVA JOE'S/FOURTH STREET THEATER Now the theater in the Sherman Hill space, with its ornate historical decor, brings in bands, comedians, musicals and speakers able to draw big crowds.įIND IT: 1501 Woodland Ave. Hoyt Sherman was the first public museum in the city of Des Moines when it opened in the early 1900s. And a rooftop bar space and full menu make it a place worth visiting even if you're not in the mood for a show.įIND IT: 525 E. It continues to pull in rock, punk, hip-hop and other acts. The House of Bricks has been around Des Moines since before the music scene experienced its resurgence. ![]() There's also weekly team trivia (Tuesdays), karaoke and open jams.įIND IT: 1501 Grand Ave. It quickly became a popular spot to catch everything from blues and funk to rock and punk, and all genres in between. The Western Gateway bar and venue took over for the legendary Blues on Grand in 2011. Prairie View Drive, Suite 100, West Des Moines 270-2100 GAS LAMP
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