Looking for free outdoor live music this summer in central Iowa? Here are 10 concert series taking place this summer in the Des Moines metro.
Here’s what to know.
Beats & Eats
Go to the Ankeny Market & Pavilion where you’ll find a rotating lineup of local food trucks, live music, family activities, games and more. Outside food, drinks (except water) and coolers are not permitted.
Belin Quartet
Belin Quartet returns to Salisbury House and Gardens this summer. The quartet, which has been harmonizing in the Des Moines community for more than 25 years, has concerts lasting approximately one hour. Chairs and bottled water are provided, and guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs and snacks.
The season begins May 26, featuring Philip Glass’s String Quartet No. 5.
Music in the Junction
On Thursday nights this summer, Valley Junction comes alive with Music in the Junction, a free outdoor concert series in conjunction with the Valley Junction Farmers Market. Head to Railroad Park in West Des Moines, where the beverage garden opens at 5 p.m., and live music kicks off at 6 p.m.
Acts like Decoy Trio, Barrelhouse Rockets, English and the Jason Wells Band are just some of the acts slated to perform in 2026.
Rendezvous on Riverview
Residents can gather at Rendezvous on Riverview for free, family-friendly concerts along the Des Moines River. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets (no outside food or beverages are permitted).
Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series
Jasper Winery’s free concert series is family-friendly and open to the public. You’ll need to bring your own blankets or chairs for sitting.
There are a variety of food options available onsite, including hamburgers, brats, wood-fired pizza and food trucks, according to Jasper Winery’s website. Guests may bring their own food, but alcohol must be purchased onsite. New for 2026 is free parking in the large grass lot west of the winery, off George Flagg Parkway.
Music Under the Stars
Music Under the Stars returns for its 79th season, featuring performances by the Des Moines Metro Concert Band and Jazz Band, the NOLA Jazz Band and other instrumentalists.
Nights in the Heights
The Windsor Heights Foundation presents another summer of Nights in the Heights, with weekly concerts on Tuesday evenings at the Community Center.
There will be food, ice cream and drink trucks at every performance. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets for seating. A new splash pad and playground will be open nearby for families to enjoy during the events, according to a Nights in the Heights Facebook post.
Roosevelt Summer Sundays
Roosevelt Summer Sundays returns for its 23rd year, celebrating a beloved summertime tradition with free outdoor concerts at Roosevelt Park. Enjoy performances by acts such as the Weary Ramblers, Mariachi Los Aguilares, The Get Down and more. Guests must bring their own chairs or blankets for seating.
A donation bucket is passed through the crowd for people who would like to help support the series. Donations can also be made online.
Friday Night Live at Jamie Hurd Amphitheater
New to 2026, the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater will host “Friday Night Live,” a free summer series featuring a mix of live music and outdoor movies. Events take place on the third and fourth Fridays of June, July, and August, from June 19 through Aug. 28. The Jamie Hurd Amphitheater also hosts a variety of live performances and community activities throughout the summer. A full schedule is available on the city of West Des Moines’ website.
Food and alcohol sales begin at 7p.m., with performances and movies starting at 8 p.m. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased inside the venue. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets for seating.
Tunes at Twilight and Sounds of Summer Concert Series
On select Thursday nights this summer, Iowans can enjoy Tunes at Twilight at Johnston Town Center on the Yard. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and break out their dancing shoes. Concerts run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Upcoming 2026 performances include:
The performances continue with the Sounds of Summer Concert Series, held on select Saturdays at the Yard. Announced performances include:
Where: Johnston Town Center, 6221 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
Know of a free concert series we missed? Email iowaconnect@gannett.com for consideration.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 10 free outdoor concert series to catch this summer in central Iowa
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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