By Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register
Looking for free outdoor live music this summer in central Iowa? Here are more than a dozen 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.
- When: Thursday nights from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
- Where: Ankeny Market & Pavilion, 715 W. First St., Ankeny
- 2026 season: June 4 through July 16.
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.
- When: Tuesday evening at 5:30 p.m
- Where: Salisbury House and Gardens, 4025 Tonawanda Drive, Des Moines
- 2026 season: May 26 through July 7
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 7 p.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.
- When: 8 p.m. on select Fridays
- Where: Jamie Hurd Amphitheater, 4100 Mills Civic Parkway, West Des Moines
- 2026 season: June 19, June 26, July 17, July 24, Aug. 21 and Aug. 28
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.
- When: 6-9 p.m. Thursdays
- Where: Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway
- 2026 season: May 7-Aug. 6
Jazz in July
Experience live jazz music and the rolling lawn of Hoyt Sherman Place with Jazz in July. Grab your blankets or chairs and hope for a little evening shade while you enjoy the music. Performances will take place rain or shine,
- When: 5:30 p.m. Thursdays
- Where: Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines
- 2026 season: July 7-28
Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series
The Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series is a free, family-friendly concert series held Sunday evenings at Earlham City Park. For more information, visit the Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series Facebook page.
- When: 6 p.m. Sundays
- Where: Earlham City Park, located between Northeast Sycamore and Northeast Maple streets and Northeast Second and Northeast Third streets in Earlham.
- 2026 season: May 31 – Aug.16
Maytag Bowl Summer Concert Series
Head to Newton for free concerts and food trucks this summer. Maytag Bowl Summer Concert Series offers family-friendly music on Thursday evenings. Bring your chairs, blankets or refreshments. The final concert includes a “catch fireflies in the park” event where kids can make firefly lanterns.
- When: 7-9 p.m. Thursdays
- Where: Maytag Bowl, 305 S. 11th Ave. W, Newton
- 2026 season: May 28-July 30
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.
- When: Thursday nights
- Where: Railroad Park Stage, 425 Railroad Ave., West Des Moines
- 2026 season: May 7 through Sept. 24
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.
- When: 7-8:30 p.m. Sundays
- Where: Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flagg Parkway (except June 7 and July 12, which are at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Parkway)
- 2026 season: June 7-July 12
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.
- When: 7 p.m. Tuesdays
- Where: Windsor Heights Community Center, 6900 School St., Windsor Heights
- 2026 season: June 30-July 28
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).
- When: 5:30-9 p.m. Fridays
- Where: Riverview Park, 710 Corning Ave., Des Moines
- 2026 season: June 5-July 31
Rock Around the Clock Concert Series
The city of Grimes is bringing back its free outdoor concert series this summer. The Rock Around the Clock Concert Series will be held at Heritage Park every Friday from June 12 to July 3, with live music starting at 6:30. The park opens at 5:30 p.m. so attendees can arrive early to claim a spot, and a food truck will be available on-site.
- When: 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays
- Where: Heritage Park, 1055 NE Beaverbrooke Blvd., Grimes
- 2026 season: June 12 – July 3
Roosevelt Summer Sundays
Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune
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.
- When: 7 p.m. Sundays
- Where: Roosevelt Park, Ninth Street and Roosevelt Avenue, Ames (In case of inclement weather, the backup location is the Collegiate United Methodist Church Annex, 130 South Sheldon Ave.)
- 2026 season: June 7-Aug. 30
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:
- Thursday, Aug. 13: Suede & Sons of Gladys Kravitz
- Thursday, Sept. 24: The Sheet & Damon Dotsom
The performances continue with the Sounds of Summer Concert Series, held on select Saturdays at the Yard. Announced performances include:
- Saturday, June 27: AstroYachts / Wanted (Bon Jovi tribute)
- Saturday, July 25: The Trip
- Saturday, Aug. 29: Not Quite Brothers
Where: Johnston Town Center, 6221 Merle Hay Road, Johnston
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