I am thrilled with my decision to get season tickets this year. The productions have all been amazing. I only wish there were more ladies rooms. There is no way to go and get back during intermission so I must strategically calculate my liquid intake before a show. The seats are a little cozy but I understand trying to get as many patrons in as possible. I will definitely renew my subscription next season! read more

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Such a gorgeous and modern venue - I loved it so much! We came here for a Des Moines Symphony's ABBA performance and it was absolutely delightful! We were in the very front row, so up close and personal to all the action on stage. What was wild was that we got our tickets the day before and that's when a ton of the closer row tickets became available. We snagged ours at the cheapest price and that came as quite a surprise, it made me wonder if they intentionally held a ton of tickets until the last minute or if there were just that many cancellations or something, that was a bit confusing. But our experience at the Civic Center was incredible! The space is very open and is sort of like one gradually increasing level from the stage. There's no mezzanine or balcony, but you will just go up the stairs to your row depending on how far back you are. The bathrooms were also great and plentiful, so there weren't any crazy lines for women's or men's bathrooms during the intermission. The Civic Center is located in the heart of downtown Des Moines. There is a ton of parking structures and lots available all around for very reasonable prices. I believe our parking fee was only $5, which for a major city is pretty unheard of! The Civic Center lobby also has a few bars that you can pick up drinks at! I got a Coke in a souvenir Des Moines Symphony cup and was able to take it into the center with me. In my mind, this is just wild because I don't know that I've ever taken a refreshment into a concert put on by a symphony, so that was a delight! Normally, photos and videos are not allowed in the Civic Center, but because of the nature of this concert in particular, they were actually highly encouraged this time! We had a great time and I'd recommend checking out what performances are going on while you're in Des Moines to see if any pique your interest! It was a lovely way to spend a Saturday evening in town! read more

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines Symphony on stage at the Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Centrr - Performing Arts Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

We visited the DSM Civic Center in early May for a matinee performance of MJ: The Musical. It was absolutely fantastic. One of the best musicals I've seen in the last 5 years. The choreography, the singing, the set design, the costumes. I could go on and on. I have a family member who is a broadway series season ticket holder. He generously gave us his seats - smack dab in the center of the second row. Wow! The seats were great, but the challenge was when I got up to use the restroom during intermission. I agree with another reviewer who stated there aren't enough ladies rooms. For hundreds of women who need to sit down during a 20 minute break, it's tricky. The capacity of the restrooms isn't great, but if the venue ever underwent a renovation, my first suggestion would be to create a center aisle. There is none. God forbid you're stuck in the middle of any row and you need to get up during the performance. Yikes. First I'd do something about the center aisle, then think about the restrooms. I'd rather be late getting back to my seat after intermission than have to make everyone cringe while I get up in the middle of the show. The Civic Center is conveniently located downtown. We stayed across the street at The Surety. Splash seafood restaurant is on the corner (several others within walking distance), and the parking ramps are walkable too. There was even a really neat art installation across the street near the water fountains. A bunch of musical, light-up see saws. My husband and I had a great time. We're from the Iowa City area and I tend to be drawn more to what's showing in DSM rather than Cedar Rapids. It's not the most exciting drive across the state, but it's the worst. Recommend!! read more

I am always amazed how easy it is to park around the the civic center. Every event I have attended exceeded my expectations. The staff at the Des Moines performances have been friendly and attentive. So many wonderful shows to consider. read more

Visited the Des Moines Civic Center for the first time (recently located to the Des Moines area) in April 2022 for a concert by one of our favorite bands: Chicago. First of all, the concert blew us away, but that's another issue. We read online reviews that parking in the area for sold out shows can be limited, so we arrived in the area as suggested, and found a private parking lot (couldn't have held more than 20 cars) just south of the Center that was charging $10 for parking! So, we took a spot, walked across the street and about 50 yards to the Center. Once inside, we found the doorway for our section easily, waited for the doors to be opened, and found our seats. Here's another thing. Had our tix on my phone, got to our seats, and found they were occupied. Found the nearest attendant, she came and straightened out the confusion for the other couple. As for our seats. COMFORTABLE. PLENTY of leg room. We chose seats on the aisle, about half way up on the right side, and the sound was AMAZING. Needless to say, we came away very satisfied with our first experience at the Des Moines Civic Center. Hope you enjoy my pics. read more

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Take a bow, Boys! - Performing Arts Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Such a large and beautiful venue! I saw Hamilton here and was thoroughly impressed with the size and amount of seating. The seats weren't that comfortable, but you can really hear and see the performers well. And the prices are fair. Great place to see theater in the city! read more

I saw the live recording of My Favorite Murder here last weekend and was relatively impressed with the space considering it's in Des Moines. Ample parking in nearby lots, and staff was friendly and helpful, and ticket scanning went pretty quickly. Small enough that you can easily maneuver around the concessions, bathrooms and scope out your seating arrangements in one quick scope shortly before your show. Make sure you buy a souvenir cup for that extra $3, though, otherwise you can't bring your drink into the auditorium with you!! The only thing I didn't particularly like was that there is no center walkway separating the aisles in the center, so if you land those amazing center seats, you'd better hope you don't have to go to the bathroom mid-show as you will be disturbing an entire side of the aisle. Not really a well thought out design if you ask me. read more

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We are quite lucky to have this caliber of symphony orchestra with tickets at such a low price. The mistro does a great job and having the group play "classic" pieces that people would recognize and having newer more modern pieces as well. The guest performers are always a treat. read more

Parking is convenient, skywalk connects you if you park at 3rd and Court. Event parking is charged at a flat $5 upon entering as opposed to $1/hour. Ticket scanning is efficient. Door labeling and playbill distribution is much better than Hancher's. Just think that the seat coloring is a little obnoxious. read more

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Very disappointed that DMPA will not give refunds for the Home Free performance after the National Weather Service and state, county and local authorities highly recommended no travel due to the weather. DMPA is more concerned about trampling on people's rights by refusing admission to those who do not have a vaccine card, require a mask, and will not allow people to protect themselves - a right guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment. They then censor their "customers" by deleting their posts when asked about refunds. Terrible experience and I will not return. Like Comment Share read more

Since I arrived in 2012 to Des Moines, I have seen the growth and development of the Des Moines Symphony, and I am so happy to have such a wonderful group of talented professionals providing beautiful music and art to our city. I am originally from Caracas, Venezuela and was used to having a world class symphony at affordable prices (Venezuela is the home of the Youth orchestra system, known worldwide, and birthplace of LA Philharmonic director, Gustavo Dudamel), so I have come to expect a lot. At the DM Symphony, I have seen wonderful performances, from Carmina Burana (with over 100 musicians and singers on stage), Dvorak, Mahler, a fantastic performance of Spanish/Roma classic music accompanied by (also Venezuelan) flamenco dancer Siudy Garrido and her dance company performing live, and most recently, the Pops program featuring the music of Led Zeppelin. We are so lucky to have this symphony and a visionary, forward-thinking director that brings quality to our city. The prices are generally very affordable, the Civic Center is an excellent venue and director Giunta is fantastic, charming and skilled. I wish the Symphony would match up with Ballet Des Moines for the Nutcracker performance so we could hear the music live! Thank you, Des Moines Symphony, and here's to many more years supporting your lovely work! read more

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Pops program featuring the music of Led Zeppelin! - Performing Arts Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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The Des Moines Performing Arts-Civic Center will always hold a very special place in my heart! It's a beautifully designed theater (even though it does not look like much from the outside) with fantastic sound. I have seen numerous Symphony performances, Broadway productions and a few amazing concerts! Most of the time my seats have been pretty high up! In fact when I saw Jesus Christ Superstar I was in the very top row! And I started seeing things, I thought Jesus was actually flying off the cross coming at me, during the end of the show! I was so far away but it still sounded amazing! This past year, I scored some 8th row tickets to see the Moody Blues and that was easily the highlight of my Civic Center's experiences because I was seeing a legendary band, blow minds and I was in the 8th row front and center! I highly recommend trying your darnedest to get great tickets to the Broadway productions, because even though the sound is great way up top, my 33 year old eyes have a hard time seeing everything that is going on! They have a wonderful lobby, and the will call line usually goes really fast! There is always a line outside the door for the women's rest rooms so that might be a pain for the ladies, but the guys lines are usually quick and the facilities are great! If your in town and want a great night out, check the Civic Center's calendar, they usually provide something for everyone! But one more tip, bring a jacket, it's freezing in there sometimes! read more

Amazing, modern venue for musical performances. Great parking close by and a quick walk fromm the down town night life. Seating is very generous and it is super easy to get to your seats. I would highly recommend coming early and experience the sights and sounds of downtown Des Moines. read more

I was somewhat underwhelmed with my experience at the Des Moines Civic Center. Of course the performance in question was fantastic, and I'm fairly certain this is the only performance of RENT I've seen the same way I like to enjoy it in my car... at full volume. This sucker was loud. Aside from that though, the strange colored seating, and red walls felt a little out of place and there was some duality on part of the HVAC system. The theater itself was cold, but the lobby area was almost too warm. Plus, I've never seen a theater with such obvious exit signs, you could even see the one behind the stage. If we needed to get out of there in the dark, you wouldn't have trouble finding one. Of course, if you did that they wouldn't let you back in, at least not for RENT. I would know as we almost got locked out of the second act because we decided to rent binoculars for $5 (an afterthought, should have brought some from home, but still totally worth it). read more

I have had the privilege of attending multiple events here at the Civic Center. I remember seeing Phantom of the Opera way back when. My mind was blown with Lion King, Rent and Stomp. I just recently got to experience the Des Moines Symphony here. I really did enjoy the Des Moines Symphony. The sound is amazing in this place. You just get caught up in the overall beauty of it all. Some tips: The closer you are to the stage for any of these the better. A few rows back is the best seats. It's hard not being a member there as they have special privileges just like anywhere else. Seating is tight, elbow room is limited so go with someone you like so you can share bubble space. If you end up seating near the top, you are really far away from the stage so bring your binoculars. Also it can get rather cold in the main performance area so bring or don't check your jacket. You can get a drink, but you will need to get your special drink glass or the bottled water to be able to take it back into the performance area. They have coffee and hot chocolate to help warm you up. They have shows all year round so make sure during the winter you get out and go check out one of their shows. read more

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Attended "Something Rotten" at this venue last night. Comfortable seating, albeit I did feel like the people next to me were on top of me a little. It was a full house too, so, there was a lot of perfume and breath... all around me. But, the show was funny. Maybe it's mild social anxiety, that made me notice the breath and perfume... But, great venue. I just prefer smaller ones. read more

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Great venue, funny show! - Performing Arts Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

There are tons of photos so I'll skip that. I have gone to shows at the Civic Center that range from musical productions like the Blue Man Group many, many moons ago, to spoken word when Def Comedy Jam brought their poetry show to Des Moines, various Broadway plays and speakers through the National Geographic Live! series. Each time they have had attentive and friendly ushers, the space overall is comfortable and the sound is amazing in all types of events. The space isn't so large that the nosebleed section is bad but it isn't so small that you feel like you are sitting on your neighbor's lap. However, the theater seating is all one row so there are no aisles to allow for slipping in and out if you need the restroom before/after intermission. The only things I always notice is lack of diversity in the audience, employees and ushers (mostly white and way older) and the parking can be tenuous. They use a valet parking vendor and those guys (I have never seen a female among them) literally run getting cars at the end of shows so that the wait isn't long. They do a good job, too as they clear out the place within minutes of shows ending. Overall, a nice treat to have in Des Moines and while the location doesn't lend itself to much free parking, there are meters and parking garage options. It is walking distance from many restaurants and attractions, so you can easily make a night of it if you have tickets to one of their shows. read more

Love this place! We are lucky to get all the "Big Shows" - the same as Chicago, Omaha, Minneapolis, or Kansas City....but our show prices are much more affordable! I also love all of the educational connections and outreach by this organization. They invite local music programs in to see behind the scenes and meet performers regularly. They also hold a showcase of local high school musical talent to introduce students to performing in a larger, professional setting. Plus, there is almost no bad seat in the house! read more

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder - Performing Arts Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I have season tickets to the Willis Broadway series. It is always a great night out with my friends. There is plenty of close by parking. The shows generally provide great entertainment. They bring a wide range of shows every year. The ushers are always willing to help find your seats. With new security it does slow down the entry process a little bit since you must walk around to the side to enter. Which is understandable except was add a little more time outside in the winter months in Iowa (brrrrrr) read more

We've been going to the DSM NYE celebration performance for years. And paid to go to quite a number of other DSM Symphony events over the years too. We've seriously thought about being season ticket holders and generous donors. We've absolutely enjoyed their performances. Last night's NYE 2020 DSM symphony performance was wonderful. The Troupe Vertigo performers were spectacular! We were really looking forward to a celebration performance of unity and optimism for the upcoming year. HOWEVER. A moment in last night's NYE performance negatively changed all that. Half way through the performance, we get a liberal pandering joke from conductor Joseph Giunta about President Donald Trump! We were in absolute shock. Just stunned. Some persons in the audience cheered, and some booed. This conductor must have a lot of anger & hate to pull this off in front of thousands of people. It's absolutely unnecessary! And we paid for this?! If we wanted real comedy against President Trump. We could have saved our money, stayed home, and watched MSNBC, Comedy Central, etc. What was his gain for being political (that's for any Democrat or Republican) for such a festive & classy evening? Was he trying to be "cool" and fit in to be political? It was not cool. A comedian perhaps, but from a Symphony Conductor?! We thought perhaps he was apolitical, not political. His move promotes further division, not unity. Sadly, he's just a typical divider. We always thought that Joseph Giunta was of great class and high character. Absolutely not anymore. read more

Came here for my S/O's White Coat Ceremony and loved it! There was plenty of seats in the auditorium and even though we were seated in the way back, maybe five rows down from the very back, I still had a perfect view of the ceremony. Thank goodness for a really great lens for pictures also! I also felt that there was plenty of space in front of me for people to walk by without me having to tuck my feet in or stand up for them to move by as I have experienced at various other places before. The seats are comfortable, and the lighting and sound was good. It was clean and very modern, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. read more

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - White coat ceremony in the dsm civic center - Performing Arts Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

What a great place to catch a show. Whether it's a rock concert, play, or your favorite chef giving a talk. I don't think there is a bad seat in the place. You hear everything perfectly no matter where you sit. I really think it's the amphitheater style seating that makes this place. I've sat dead center first row and all the way in the back and not disappointed with either seat. In the past I've never been able to drink in the theater. They now have new cups with lids and allow you partake while watching the show. Maybe they have been doing this for a while, it has been some time since my last show here. I really like to throw a shout to the staff that make this place wonderful. Everyone seems to be happy to help you either find your seat, serve you a drink, or sell you a ticket. It's hard to find a place this large and staff so willing to be genuine. read more

Ok this was an amazing show! We went to see the 20th anniversary of Riverdance here as our first show at the civic center! The staff is so wonderful and helpful!! Some of the best performance center staff I have met. The seating is tight. You will be a bit friendly with your neighbor. It was cramped. And the ears were not really comfortable. I got figitey with the 2 hour performance. And it's difficult to get to your seat with only two entrances to an entire row so you have to scoot past other people. It would be a nightmare if an emergency occurred. Or for disabled individuals. I really liked that you could get one of their drink cups to bring your beverage with you. So worth it! The only other complaint was the people with their phones on. You come to a performance to watch and respect the performers not surf Facebook. Overall great experience they could use some updates though for better guest experience. read more

Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

The Civic Center brings in a great concert series every year. You can sign up for the concert series and have the same seats for up to 5 shows. You can also swap out a show if you prefer. They have a good seating arrangement for the view. They now serve alcohol, coffee and soft drinks in a reusable container to take in the theatre with you. The service is great and you can walk by skywalk to the parking garage. read more

This is the place to be enjoy live performances in Des Moines. They bring in fantastic Broadway shows, dance troupes, musicians, and entertaining experiences like Stomp. It makes the perfect night, paired with dinner downtown. Inside, the theater is dimly lit, with no bad seat in the house. The acoustics are great. The volunteers helpful. Beer and wine for purchase. And we always left raving about the show. read more

Came here to see Chicago, Parking wasn't too bad. the snacks and drinks how ever, i was disappointed. i was really hoping for something more than dark chocolate covered nuts and jelly beans read more

Sitting here, waiting for the show, I'm impressed with how ridiculously narrow and uncomfortable the seats are. It will take incredible acoustics to make this worthwhile. Update: Mixed feelings. The show - Straight, No Chaser - was excellent, start to finish, but I still looked forward to leaving. read more

I love our Civic Center. It's beautiful, conveniently located in the heart of downtown and close to some great restaurants and bars. They also bring in Fantastic entertainment. I have been a patron for many years and am never disappointed . Last night we saw Mama Mia- or should I say we experienced Mama Mia!! High energy, funny, touching, laugh out loud followed by shed a tear. And the music!! The audience sang along and became part of the event. The ending three musical numbers had the audience on their feet and completely captivated!! It's sad that this was their farewell tour as I could see this one every year. My only small complaint is getting out when it's over. It's just packed and you feel like cattle being herded to the exits and skywalk. But a little patience and your good vibe will get you back to your car with a minimum of stress. read more

It disheartens me to say it, but I think I have been here 6 times over the past 20 years. 20 years, God. Anyways, this place would be excellent for seeing a show in any city, let alone in Des Moines. The seats are comfortable and they are not sticklers about moving towards the center for a better view during a matinee. The reception area is clean and they offer a good variety of food and drink. They are even connected to the skywalks. Great experience. read more

Sit on the outer seats. Great venue for music or plays.

Stop complaining that you have nothing to do during the cold winter months. This is it. Go see the symphony or catch a musical! Is it old? Perhaps, but it has aged well. The civic center is one of my favorite outings when I can't be outside. I'd much rather have an entertaining show than a damp dank bar any night. Most recently, they have played host to the Willis Broadway Series, and they don't mess around when it comes to making sure the musicals are what you want to see! So, when you finally feel like adulting and having a good time, check out the civic center, along with other Des Moines Performing Arts venues. read more

Not a bad place for an event....comfortable seats, but I've never gotten close enough to the stage, except for events where there were few attending. The bathrooms are OK, and there is adequate waiting space before the events open. It is accessible from the skywalk and from there, to local restaurants. read more

Forgive me I am new to Des Moines Iowa. Having moved here from Idaho, a little culture shock. But I would think this place would have a little more CLASS. Being a capital city and huge Finance center. But after seeing the Book of Morman, at the Des Moines performing arts. And it coming back? This city and it citizens have no CLASS. The play was VULGAR, COARSE, CRASS, CUDE. You people really need to get a life. read more