The Setlist: Live Music in Des Moines for Spring 2026
The Setlist is your cheat sheet for must-catch concerts and shows in Greater Des Moines. Go ahead and check, check what’s worthy of an encore.
March
Jeff Tweedy at Hoyt Sherman Place
On March 10, indie rock icon Jeff Tweedy takes the stage at Hoyt Sherman Place for an intimate solo evening. Best known as the frontman and founding member of Wilco, Tweedy has spent decades shaping alternative and Americana music with poetic lyrics and deeply personal songwriting. Expect a stripped-down set pulling from his Wilco catalog, solo records and beyond, all delivered in the warm, close-up setting that makes Hoyt feel like you are part of the story. Get your tickets here.
Sam Barber at Vibrant Music Hall
Catch all the good vibes with 2024 Hinterland alumni Sam Barber on March 14 in Waukee! Many have compared Barber’s vocal talents to music legend Hank Williams, with a modern energy that combines both country and rock with an indie twist. Check out his show and buy your tickets here.
San Holo at Wooly’s
Popular Dutch EDM artist San Holo is dropping beats and opening mosh pits at Wooly’s on March 27. He’s a modern pioneer in the “future bass” subgenre of EDM, beloved by ravers and electronic music fans. After playing at notable venues such as Coachella and Red Rocks, San Holo will be gracing a smaller yet powerful stage in Des Moines. Buy your tickets here.
Jake Owen “Dreams To Dream” Tour at Hoyt Sherman Place
With 10 #1 singles across the nation, Jake Owen has made a name for himself in the country music scene. His signature laid-back approach to his songs have made for easy listening, garnering fans of all ages. In 2024, Owen performed 30 shows sharing the stage with country legends Dan + Shay. Now, he’s on his own and here in Des Moines on March 27. Grab your tickets here.
BBNO$ at Val Air Ballroom
Singer, rapper, and (to be honest) TikTok-famous artist BBNO$ is coming to West Des Moines’ Val Air Ballroom on March 29. His catchy songs and trendy collabs have boosted his popularity over the past few years, working with both fellow musicians and even Twitch streamers. He’s loud, colorful, and totally, completely unapologetic. Catch his show here.
April
Carly Pearce at Hoyt Sherman Place
Join modern country music star, Carly Pearce, for a night of storytelling through song. Many of her hits include the emotion behind break-ups and messy love with that good ol’ country twang. She’s been a Grammy award-winning artist and a member of both the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. Get tickets to her show on April 2 here.
Journey: Final Frontier Tour at Casey’s Center
An iconic American classic, Journey has been playing to the world for decades, and this might be your last chance to see them, ever. Featuring their top hits like, “Don’t Stop Believin’’” and “Any Way You Want It”, this 60-show farewell tour is coming to Des Moines on April 8. Jam out with this legendary rock band one last time! Tickets can be purchased here.
REO Speedwagon Tribute: REO Survivor at Finish Line Show Lounge
This high-energy show is a spectacular tribute to the iconic REO Speedwagon, rocking the hearts of all 70s & 80s babies. REO Survivor is the perfect blend of vocals and strong musicianship as they bring you those power ballads and arena rock anthems such as, “Keep on Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling”. Check out this show on April 10, and purchase your ticket here.
Nate Barzgate “Big Dumb Eyes” World Tour at Casey’s Center
Comedian Nate Bargatze may not carry a guitar, but he’s selling out arenas just the same. The “Nicest Man in Comedy,” as dubbed by The Atlantic, brings his world tour to Des Moines with the kind of quietly hilarious, self-deprecating storytelling that’s made him one of the biggest names in stand-up. With sharp observations about the wonderfully mundane moments of everyday life, Bargatze’s relatable style has skyrocketed him to superstardom. Purchase tickets for his show on April 24 here.
Buckethead at Val Air Ballroom
On April 26, Val Air Ballroom transforms into a full-blown spectacle when the endlessly eccentric Buckethead takes the stage. The virtuosic guitarist, known for performing in a Michael Myers–inspired mask and his signature KFC bucket hat, delivers a show that is just as theatrical as it is technical. Expect blistering riffs, lightning-fast fretwork, plus unexpected nunchuck displays and perfectly awkward robot dancing woven into the set. With hundreds of albums spanning metal, funk, jazz and beyond, Buckethead is not just prolific. He is wildly unpredictable in the best possible way. Enter the Bucket-verse here.
Mic Check: Before carving out his solo cult-hero status, Buckethead replaced Slash in Guns N’ Roses and played on the band’s long-awaited Chinese Democracy album.
May
Alan Jackson Tribute: Featuring Doug Berwin at Finish Line Show Lounge
Doug Berwin’s spot-on vocals are something you won’t want to miss if you’re an Alan Jackson fan. On May 1, watch before your eyes as Jackson’s greatest hits are brought to life in a moving performance that honors the late country legend. Listen to the universally recognized, “Chattahoochee”, “Don’t Rock the Jukebox”, and “Midnight in Montgomery” to name a few. Tickets can be purchased here.
Cody Johnson: Live at Casey’s Center
Grab onto your boots and get ready to groove with a night full of country with musician Cody Johnson and special guest, Clint Black. Commonly known for his #1 hit “Til you Can’t”, Johnson’s authentic Texas sound has won over the hearts of many with his rugged, no-frills approach. Tickets can be purchased online for his May 9 performance here.
Dwight Yokam and ZZ Top at Water Works Park
Summer nights at Lauridsen Amphitheater are about to get loud. On May 7, ZZ Top and Dwight Yoakam bring the Dos Amigos Tour to Water Works Park for a night of bluesy riffs, country swagger and open-air singalongs in one of downtown’s coolest outdoor venues. ZZ Top, that little ol’ band from Texas, turned gritty rock into massive hits like “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” while Dwight Yoakam brings Bakersfield Sound cool, building on the twang and edge he introduced with Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. Expect boots, beards and a soundtrack made for a breezy spring night along the river. Get your tickets here.
Don’t Miss a Moment. Catch All the Upcoming Live Shows in Des Moines!
The greater Des Moines area is bursting at the seams with live shows, concerts, and can’t-miss events all year long. Prefer intimate crowds, niche artists, and/or local performers? Cozy up at Wooly’s or xBk Live. Love saying “I saw them before they were famous”? Val Air Ballroom, Vibrant Music Hall, and Hoyt Sherman Place have you covered. And when it comes to full-on, scream-sing headliners, Casey’s Center is the metro’s go-to spot for big-time performances.