Iowa is rich in a genre-fluid music culture and has plenty of venues to accommodate it. The capital city is not an exception to this, drawing people in from all over the state for a variety of reasons. But, if you want to experience music in Des Moines, here’s some of the best places to do it.

Wooly’s – 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Located in in Des Moines’ historic East Village, Wooly’s offers a diverse array of live music. The venue has a 683 capacity with plenty of standing room, but there are also booths available to rent for shows, but better get them quick because they go fast.

Wooly’s welcomes local acts and cover bands as well as hosts plenty of pop-up parties held by DJs, but they have also seen well known acts like Ice Nine Kills, Andrew McMahon, Jade Bird, The HU, Grouplove, The Struts, and many more to its stage.

Their shows range from 21+ to all ages, depending on the event.

Val Air Ballroom – 301 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Though it is currently under construction (as of Feb. 2023), the Val Air Ballroom is a historic concert hall in West Des Moines. It usually offers a lineup of artists ranging from country to metal to hip-hop.

Originally an outdoor dance venue in the 1940s, the space was eventually enclosed to form a venue space for music, school dances and the like. It has changed hands many times over the decades, but has never closed for long. They are also known to host well known acts from time to time, but have also hosted things like boxing matches and political events.

Most of the Val Air’s shows are for all ages.

Lefty’s Live Music – 2307 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

This concert hall has a capacity of 350 and has a full-service bar. Their website states that, “[their] business model is focused on quality entertainment, quality sound and quality atmosphere where all genres are welcome.”

They pride themselves on having an excellent set up for live music, with excellent sound and lighting systems. This helps make them a space that can accommodate everything from large touring bands to garage bands.

Lefty’s, like Wooly’s, holds events both for 21+ and all ages.

Noce – 2307 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311

For those who are looking for a jazz club, Noce is your place. The club features great singers and musicians, along with an extensive cocktail menu, and is open to all ages.

Noce offers live entertainment Thursday through Saturday evenings (at least), highlighted by a Wednesday night residency featuring the Des Moines Big Band, which is one of America’s longest running jazz orchestras.

Additionally, Noce also offers a private event space, Backstage, available for events ranging from small get togethers to large scale weddings.

Wells Fargo Arena – 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309

When talking about places to get a live experience, you can’t leave out Wells Fargo. While concerts aren’t the only events they tote, anyone looking for the full arena concert experience will enjoy themselves at any level in the Wells Fargo seats.

This is where the bigger acts tend to come, when they do come, and you are able to see the production in its full glory. Whether its a still-touring, legacy band or a high-energy pop star, if they’re coming to Iowa, they’re coming here.

Obviously, Wells Fargo events are generally for all ages.