These are some of the biggest concerts near Des Moines in 2024, from Jelly Roll to Chris Stapleton
Wherever your music tastes lie — angsty pop about breakups, with veteran country musicians, or lyrics that skew toward storytelling — there’s likely a show for you happening right here in Iowa. Here is a list of some of the biggest concerts coming to the Des Moines metro each month, and a few you might want to consider traveling for. This list will be updated, so visit it each month to see the latest.
February
Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, Feb. 24
Five-time Grammy winner Marty Stuart brings country music to Hoyt Sherman Place. The Country Music Hall of Famer worked in the bands of bluegrass artist Lester Flatt and renowned country artist Johnny Cash in the 1970s and 1980s. Stuart went on to a solo career with songs including “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’” and “Same Old Train.”
Where: Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $36 at ticketmaster.com.
Greensky Bluegrass, Feb. 29
The historic Val Air Ballroom is set to reopen with Michigan quintet Greensky Bluegrass. The band is composed of Anders Beck, Michael Arlen Bont, Dave Bruzza, Mike Devol and Paul Hoffman. Albums “If Sorrows Swim” and “All For Money” both took the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart in the 2010s.
Where: Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $35 on axs.com.
More: Historic Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines will reopen in 2024. See who's the first act.
March
Stevie Nicks, March 3
Everyone who has “Dreams” of seeing Stevie Nicks live will get the chance in Nebraska. A rock 'n' roll Hall of Famer, Nicks has captivated audiences for decades as a solo artist and with Fleetwood Mac with songs such as “Landslide,” "Sara," "Dreams" and “Edge of Seventeen.” The band’s 1977 album “Rumours” sits at No. 7 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
Where: CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St., Omaha, Nebraska
Tickets: Start at $115.50 at ticketmaster.com.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, March 6
Jason Isbell is known for his involvement in rock band Drive-By Truckers for several years as a guitarist and songwriter. His solo career since has resulted in award-winning albums and songs, including nabbing a Grammy for best Americana album for “The Nashville Sound." Isbell has also recently appeared in the acclaimed Martin Scorsese movie “Killers of the Flower Moon” as Bill Smith.
Where: Val Air Ballroom, 301 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $65 at axs.com.
Olivia Rodrigo, March 13
Former Disney star Olivia Rodrigo takes her “Guts” world tour to Nebraska. Rodrigo’s debut album, “Sour,” dealt with breakups and relationships, bringing listeners punk pop hits including “Good 4 U” and “Brutal.” Rodrigo’s sophomore album, “Guts,” is up for several Grammys, including album of the year.
Where: CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St., Omaha, Nebraska
Tickets: Start at $168 at seatgeek.com.
Avenged Sevenfold, March 15
Heavy metal act Avenged Sevenfold is coming to Des Moines as part of their “Life Is But a Dream…” tour. The Grammy-nominated act includes M. Shadows, Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance, Johnny Christ and Brooks Wackerman. Avenged Sevenfold is known for songs including “A Little Piece of Heaven,” “Bat Country” and “Hail to the King.”
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $39.95 at hyveetix.com.
More: Get Avenged Sevenfold tickets for their 'Life Is But a Dream...' tour stop in Des Moines
Chappell Roan, March 17
Months before “L.A.’s queer pop superstar” performs at Hinterland Music Festival in St. Charles, Roan will appear at Wooly's. The Los Angeles Times dubbed the Midwest native that last year, the same year Roan released her album “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.”
Where: Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St., Des Moines
Tickets: axs.com
Black Flag, March 18
Pioneering hardcore punk band Black Flag is coming to xBk Live. The Southern California-originated act has seen multiple changes in the band’s lineup over the course of its existence, but continues to be helmed by guitarist, songwriter and founding member Greg Ginn. In 2014, skateboard legend and Des Moines resident Mike Vallely became the band's fifth vocalist.
Where: xBk Live, 1159 24th St., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $27 at xbklive.com.
Tim McGraw, March 21
Country star Tim McGraw returns to Iowa nearly two years after a crowd of 35,000 gathered to see him perform as part of the Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend in Newton. McGraw is known for songs including “Something Like That,” “I Like It, I Love It, “ and “Highway Don’t Care.”
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $39.50 at hyveetix.com.
More: Tim McGraw and Carly Pearce set to make tour stop next March at Wells Fargo Arena
April
Fall Out Boy, April 3
In 2003, Fall Out Boy performed at the now defunct-Vaudeville Mews to a crowd of about 150, according to Des Moines Register archives. In 2024, the superstar Midwest-born punk rock act takes a much larger Des Moines performance venue, the 17,000-seat Wells Fargo Arena. Fall Out Boy’s chart toppers include “Centuries, “Thnks fr the Mmrs” and “Sugar, We’re Goin Down.” Jimmy Eat World opens.
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $40.50 at hyveetix.com.
More: Fall Out Boy announces Des Moines tour stop at Wells Fargo Arena with Jimmy Eat World
James McMurtry, April 10
James McMurtry is an Americana singer-songwriter and son of Pulitzer Prize winner and writer Larry McMurtry. Known for his songs “Choctaw Bingo” and “Canola Fields,” the veteran musician made headlines last year when he performed in a red dress in Nashville in protest of bans on drag performances, Pitchfork reported.
Where: Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust St., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $25 at axs.com.
Kane Brown, April 18
Country singer Kane Brown is bringing hits such as “Thank God” and “Heaven” to Des Moines. The singer previously headlined another Des Moines stage, the Iowa State Fair Grandstand, in 2022. Tyler Hubbard and Parmalee join Brown on stage.
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $39.95 at hyveetix.com.
More: A country music trifecta of Kane Brown, Tyler Hubbard, Parmalee book a stop in Des Moines
Zach Bryan, April 25-26
After headlining at Hinterland Music Festival last year, country singer-songwriter Zach Bryan is returning for two back-to-back shows in Des Moines. Bryan is known for songs “Something in the Orange” and “I Remember Everything” featuring Kacey Musgraves.
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $59 at hyveetix.com.
More: Zach Bryan adds second Des Moines concert date at Wells Fargo Arena on upcoming 2024 tour
David Foster and Katherine McPhee, April 30
Decorated composer, arranger and musician David Foster and wife and singer Katherine McPhee bring an intimate evening to audiences in Des Moines for just one night. Anticipate hearing the duo perform songs from Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Josh Groban and more.
Where: Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $46.50 at ticketmaster.com.
May
Pictoria Vark and Mint Green, May 2
The songwriter and bassist who made a name for herself in Iowa City will perform at the intimate music venue xBk Live in Des Moines. Pictoria Vark saw national attention drawn to her debut album “The Parts I Dread" with Rolling Stone describing the album as one of 2022’s “finest indie records.” Joining Vark is Boston act Mint Green, who blends emo, pop and alternative sounds.
Where: xBk Live, 1159 24th St., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $12 at xbklive.com.
Disturbed, May 14
Heavy metal act Disturbed rescheduled their January Wells Fargo Arena show to May, making the month that much busier for concertgoers. “The Sound of Silence” hard rockers come to the city as part of their “Take Back Your Life” tour.
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $29.50 at hyveetix.com.
Cody Johnson, May 17
“The Painter” and “Me and My Kind” singer Cody Johnson is bringing his “Leather” tour to Des Moines. The award-winning country artist from Texas saw widespread success with his song, “‘Til You Can’t” in 2021.
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $47 at hyveetix.com.
More: Country singer Cody Johnson brings his 'Leather' tour to Des Moines in 2024
Greenbelt Music Festival, May 17-18
Improv rockers Umphrey’s McGee and jam-grass act Railroad Earth will headline the Greenbelt Music Festival in May. The festival, in its second year, will also feature musicians Sierra Hull, Yonder Mountain String Band and more.
Where: 2100 N.W. 100th St., Clive
Tickets: Start at $64 at greenbeltmusic.com.
More: Clive's Greenbelt Music Festival returns in 2024 with Umphrey’s McGee, Railroad Earth
Chicago, May 18
Chicago, the rock band with horns that formed in Chicago in 1967, is headed to the Live Nation-owned Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee. The band behind songs such as “Saturday in the Park” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys in 2020.
Where: Vibrant Music Hall, 2938 Grand Prairie Pkwy., Waukee
Tickets: Start at $225 at concerts.livenation.com.
More: Des Moines-based concert promoters bring expertise to Live Nation's new Waukee venue
Willie Nelson, May 25
Legendary country artist Willie Nelson returns to Des Moines just shy of one year after performing in June 2023. The 90-year-old musician with a long list of accolades will bring his repertoire of songs — “Highwayman,” “On the Road Again,” “Across the Borderline,” “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to be Cowboys” with Waylon Jennings — to Des Moines as part of the Willie Nelson & Family tour.
Where: Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $49 at axs.com.
More: Legendary country artist Willie Nelson to return to Des Moines. Here's how to get tickets.
George Strait, Chris Stapleton, May 25
“King of Country Music” George Strait and country superstar Chris Stapleton will transform Jack Trice Stadium in Ames into the location for one of the biggest concerts of the year in Iowa. The celebrated country musicians will be joined by Grammy winners Little Big Town. Stapleton performed at the Wells Fargo Arena last year to a nearly sold-out crowd.
Where: Jack Trice Stadium, 1732 Jack Trice Way, Ames
Tickets: Start at $222 at eventticketscenter.com.
June
Jelly Roll, June 6
Jason DeFord, or Jelly Roll, is kicking off Tailgate N’ Tallboys Music Festival in Clinton. The CMT Music Awards winner and country act is behind songs “Need A Favor” and “Son Of A Sinner.”
Where: 101 S. First St., Clinton
Tickets: Start at $139.99 at tailgatentallboys.com/clinton.
More: Clinton music festival Tailgate N' Tallboys is gearing up for next year. See who is headlining.
Pixies, Modest Mouse and Cat Power, June 23
Alternative rock fans will want to catch the Pixies — “Monkey Gone to Heaven,” “Gigantic,” and “Where Is My Mind?” — with Modest Mouse of “Float On” fame and special guest Cat Power at Vibrant Music Hall.
Where: Vibrant Music Hall, 2938 Grand Prairie Pkwy., Waukee
Tickets: Start at $97 at concerts.livenation.com.
More: Pixies, Modest Mouse take over Waukee for one night. Here's how to get tickets.
Parker McCollum, June 27
The country singer-songwriter comes to Des Moines on his “Burn It Down” tour. Known for songs “Pretty Heart” and “To Be Loved By You,” Parker McCollum was nominated for a CMA New Artist of Year award last year.
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St., Des Moines
Tickets: Start at $24.50 at hyveetix.com.
More: 'Burn It Down' country singer Parker McCollum announces Des Moines stop for 2024
July
Luke Combs, July 13
Kicking off Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend is country star and CMA Entertainer of the Year winner Luke Combs. His newest album, “Gettin’ Old,” includes his remake of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car,” which earned Combs his seventh Grammy Award nomination. “The Kind of Love We Make” and “Beer Never Broke My Heart” are among his catalog of hits.
Where: Iowa Speedway, 3333 Rusty Wallace Drive, Newton
Tickets: Start at $85 at hyveeindycarweekend.com.
More: IndyCar race lands a top country singer, R&B and hip hop star to bookend the Iowa 2024 races
Post Malone, July 14
“Congratulations,” Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend concertgoers. Post Malone closes out the doubleheader weekend, bringing his blend of rap and pop that includes hits “Circles” and “rockstar” featuring 21 Savage.
Where: Iowa Speedway, 3333 Rusty Wallace Drive, Newton
Tickets: Start at $85 at hyveeindycarweekend.com.
August
Hinterland Music Festival, Aug. 2-4
Take Irish singer-songwriter Hozier of “Take Me to Church” fame, add alternative Grammy winners Vampire Weekend and pair it with rising star Noah Kahan and what do you get? Three days worth of impressive headliners for the Iowa music festival. Joining the lineup are masked country singer Orville Peck, singer-songwriter Lizzy McAlpine, pop musician Chappell Roan and more than a dozen more artists.
Where: Avenue of the Saints Amphitheater, 3357 St. Charles Road, St. Charles
Tickets: Start at $145 for Saturday only at hinterlandiowa.com.
More: Hinterland Music Festival in St. Charles just dropped its 2024 lineup. See who's headlining.
Iowa State Fair Grandstand concerts, Aug. 8-18
Here are the performers announced for the Iowa State Fair Grandstand so far: Christian country-pop performer Lauren Daigle; rock band Foreigner with special guest Melissa Etheridge, rap-turned-country star Jelly Roll; country musician Thomas Rhett; R&B singer Ne-Yo; and the family-friendly music brand Kidz Bop.
Where: Iowa State Fairgrounds, 3000 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines
Tickets: iowastatefair.org
September
Sum 41, Sept. 12
Canadian rockers Sum 41 are coming to Waukee. Sum 41, which got its start in the late 1990s, released hit "Fat Lip" in addition to "In Too Deep" and "Still Waiting." The band announced last year they'd disband after the release of album "Heaven :x: Hell" and their subsequent tour.
Where: Vibrant Music Hall, 2938 Grand Prairie Pkwy., Waukee
Tickets: Start at $64 at concerts.livenation.com.
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: See a list of concerts in Iowa 2024 from Wells Fargo Arena to the fair
