The Lightning Thief
March 6, 2026 - March 22, 2026 - 12:00 am at Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street
The Des Moines Playhouse presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical March 6-22. Some heroes are made, and some are born of the gods. Percy Jackson just wants to be a normal kid. That wish is thrown out the window when he learns he’s the son of Poseidon and is thrust into a quest to prevent a war between the gods.
The show runs Fridays at 7:00 PM and Saturdays & Sundays at 1:00 & 5:00 PM (There is an added show on Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 PM). Tickets start at $20
JOURNEY: Final Frontier Tour 2026
April 8, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm at Casey’s Center
730 Third Street
After decades of electrifying performances, chart-topping hits, and unforgettable moments, the iconic rock band JOURNEY is saying good-bye the only way they know how—with a thunderous, full-throttle Farewell Tour spanning cities across North America.
Tickets on sale 11/14/25. More info here.
Crazy for You
April 17, 2026 - May 3, 2026 - 12:00 am at Des Moines Playhouse
831 42nd Street
The Des Moines Playhouse presents Crazy for You April 17-May 3. City-slicker Bobby Child travels to Nevada to foreclose on a rundown theatre. When he falls for the theatre owner’s spirited daughter, Polly, Bobby vows to win her favor by saving the theatre with the grandest show the town has ever seen!
The show runs Wednesday–Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Saturdays & Sundays at 2:00 PM (There is no 2:00 PM show on Saturday, April 18). Tickets start at $25.
Hope – Copland & Gershwin
April 18, 2026 - April 19, 2026 - All Day at Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
221 Walnut St
Two American musical icons meet on the sixth Masterworks program of the season. Copland’s Shaker-influenced Appalachian Spring and Gershwin’s jazz-infused An American in Paris bookend the concert. Heitzeg’s Symphony In Sculpture celebrates the Pappajohn Sculpture Park through its musical evocation of Des Moines’ favorite sculptures. Margaret Bonds’ Music from the Montgomery Variations reflects the struggles and triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement.
Two Shows:
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.
