Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical
May 8, 2026 - May 24, 2026 - 12:00 am at Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street
The Des Moines Playhouse presents Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical May 8-24. As the first Polkadot in an all Square school, Lily faces an almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her classmates. Her quest seems hopeless until she meets Sky, a shy Square boy whose curiosity for her unique polkadots blooms into an unexpected pal-ship.
The show runs Fridays at 7:00 PM and Saturdays & Sundays at 1:00 & 4:00 PM. Tickets start at $15.
Courage – Alpine Symphony
May 9, 2026 - May 10, 2026 - All Day at Des Moines Civic Center
221 Walnut St
The Symphony’s Season Finale explodes with Richard Strauss and his monumental storytelling. The Symphony’s powerful brass section is on display, from the composer’s Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare to the cinematic grandeur of his Alpine Symphony featuring 34 brass players. Amaryn Olmeda returns to Des Moines for Mendelssohn’s beautifully melodic Violin Concerto
Two Shows:
Noises Off
June 5, 2026 - June 21, 2026 - 12:00 am at Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street
The Des Moines Playhouse presents Noises Off June 5-21. The comedy where everyone gets caught in the act! A struggling theatre troupe is producing the play Nothing On. Flubbed lines, lost clothing, and backstage drama make for an evening of laughter.
The show runs Wednesdays–Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Tickets start at $25.
Legally Blonde
July 10, 2026 - July 26, 2026 - 12:00 am at Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street
The Des Moines Playhouse presents Legally Blonde July 10-26. Staying true to yourself is always in style. UCLA sorority president Elle Woods has her life planned: marry her Harvard Law-bound boyfriend, Warner Huntington III, and live happily ever after as a politician’s wife. However, that dream comes crashing down when Warner breaks up with her. Determined to win him back, Elle decides to attend Harvard Law and learns more about herself than she ever imagined.
The show runs Wednesdays–Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays & Sundays at 2:00 PM (There is no 2:00 PM show on Saturday, July 11). Tickets start at $25.
Finding Nemo Jr.
August 13, 2026 - August 16, 2026 - 12:00 am at Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street
Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.
Rod Stewart
August 14, 2026 - 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Iowa State Fair Grandstand
3000 East Grand Avenue
Tickets on sale December 12th at 10AM!
