Des Moines has no shortage of concert series this summer. The best part? It’s all free! So grab your crew, bring a blanket or chairs, and settle in for a summer of great local music! 

Disclaimer: Events are subject to change. For the most up-to-date info, please reach out to the venues at the links below.

🎶 Free Summer Concert Series Guide 🎶

FEATURED: Gray’s Station Summer Music Series

LOCATION:The Paseo at Gray’s Station, 469 SW 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

  • 4th Wednesday of the month, 6 – 8 PM
  • May – September

Downtown Des Moines’ biggest party is back for another year of FREE live music, local food trucks, and unbeatable summer vibes! The 2025 Gray’s Station Summer Music Series occurs on the 4th Wednesday of the month from May to September. Bring your friends, your dog, your beverage of choice, and a lawn chair or blanket and join us at The Paseo from 6 PM – 8 PM!  

The Summer Music Series kicked off in 2019 and has featured over 20 musicians and 25 local vendors as well as partnerships with your favorite local breweries including Big Grove Brewery and Exile Brewing.  

The 2025 lineup features returning crowd pleasers and fresh voices including Damon Dotson, Avey Grouws Band, June Bugs DSM, the Jason Wells Band, and Brian Congdon. We’re also serving up serious flavor with the food trucks that are joining us this year! Lachele’s, Roadside Tacos, Magoo’s Pizza DSM, and Hotsy Totsy Food Truck will each be making appearances so come hungry. Plus, we have FREE drink samples from Big Grove Brewery available at all dates. 

  • Wednesday, May 28th – Damon Dotson with Lachele’s Food Truck
  • Wednesday, June 25th – Avey Grouws Band with Roadside Tacos Food Truck
  • Wednesday, July 23rd – June Bugs DSM with Magoo’s Pizza DSM Food Truck
  • Wednesday, August 27th – Jason Wells Band with Hotsy Totsy Food Truck
  • Wednesday, September 24th – Brian Congdon with Lachele’s Food Truck

Details Here.

Jasper Winery Summer Concert Series

LOCATION: 2400 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321

  • Thursdays, 6-9pm
  • May – August 

Great local wine and a free show? Yes, please. Bring your own seating, pack a snack or check out some of the local food trucks. Be sure to grab a glass or bottle of your favorite Jasper wine as well! 

Details Here.

Exile Summer Music Series

LOCATION: 1514 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309

  • Sundays, 5-7:30 p.m. 
  • May – July 

If you find yourself near Exile Brewing Co on a bike ride or a walk through the West End on Sundays, check out the music series on Sundays on Exile’s patio. They’ll have an all-day happy hour. The patio is dog-friendly, kid-friendly and shaded for the summer heat! 

Food Truck Fridays

LOCATION: 12385 Woodlands Pkwy, Clive, IA 50325 

  • Fridays, 5:30-8pm
  • May – September

Head over to Campbell Park every Friday this summer to check out local food trucks paired with great local acts. Heads up – Campbell Park is a cashless facility so be sure to plan ahead! 

Details Here.

Fridays at the Farm

LOCATION: 4300 Cumming Ave, Cumming, IA 50061

  • Fridays, 4:30-7:30pm
  • May – September 

Looking for the cutest way to spend a Friday night? Look no further. Middlebrook Farm is hosting live music every Friday night this summer. Browse the farmer’s market, check out the food trucks and settle in to hear great local talent. 

Details Here.

Music in the Junction

LOCATION: 100-300 Block of 5th St. & Railroad Park, West Des Moines, IA 50263

  • Thursdays, 4-8:30pm
  • May – September

You know we love a good farmers market, but a full fledged concert too?! The Valley Junction Farmers market is back with Music in the Junction every Thursday this summer. Bring a chair, grab some local goodies and party on! 

Details Here.

Music Under the Stars

LOCATION: West Capitol Grounds, 1007 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA, United States, Iowa

  • Sundays, 7-8:30 p.m. 
  • June & July

Music Under the Stars is probably the oldest free outdoor concert series in Des Moines. Don’t miss your chance to see the 77th season on Capitol Hill. Grab the family, pack some snacks and head over to enjoy performances of band music. 

Details Here.

Summer Sundaze

LOCATION: 4100 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265

  • Sundays, 6-9pm
  • June – September

Don’t let the Sunday Scaries get you down this summer. Head over to West Des Moines and catch more free shows. There’s a great line up of both food trucks and musical acts, so don’t miss out! 

Details Here.

Tunes at Twilight Concert Series

LOCATION: The Cork 50131, 6205 Merle Hay Rd Suite 130, Johnston, IA 50131

  • Sounds of Summer, Saturdays, 7-10pm
  • Tunes at Twilight, Thursdays, 7:30-9pm
  • June-September

Need an excuse to enjoy wine at this upscale lounge in Johnston? Well, now you have two! Bring your own bottle or try a new wine on Thursdays and Fridays in Johnston. 

Details Here.

Nights in the Heights

LOCATION: 6900 School Street Windsor Heights, IA 50324

  • Tuesdays, 7-9pm
  • June – August

Work days bring you down? Not this summer! Check out Nights in the Heights every Tuesday this summer. There will be great music and local vendors. This is the perfect boost to get your through the week! 

Details Here.

Prairie Stomp

LOCATION: 12130 NW 128th St Granger, Iowa 50109

  • Fridays, 6-8 p.m.
  • June – August

Soak the views of one of Des Moines’ best parks while hearing talented local acts. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and settle in for the ideal summer evening! 

Details Here.

Belin Quartet Summer Concert Series

LOCATION: Salisbury House and Gardens, 4025 Tonawanda Dr., Des Moines, IA 50312

  • Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm
  • May-July 

A summer music tradition you won’t want to miss! Bring your own chair and snacks, or use one of the chairs provided. Harmonizing for over 20 years, this is sure to be a concert unlike any others. 

Details Here.Â