The Val Air Ballroom is such a trip. It literally feels like you are walking back into the '70s in the venue's lime green color palette and style. They also have some far out features like an old school box office (which didn't seem to be in use when we were at our show), a phone booth, and a cute mural of retro musicians. The venue itself was pretty good as far as lighting, seating, and audio go. The event we attended was a comedy show (Jay and Silent Bob), and it was in late June. Being in late June/almost July, it was HOT outside and the venue didn't seem to have very good or any air conditioning that we could feel. Very sticky night. The show we were at was a seated event, so luckily not a lot of movement, but we were still sweating! I could not imagine a concert or show that people are dancing and moving around all night. I think if you see a show posted at the Val Air Ballroom that interests you, definitely consider checking it out. Just be sure to pay attention to the weather that day and dress accordingly (shorts/tanks would have been great for my show!) read more

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Great venue for a show in this once upon a time ballroom that gives roller rink vibes without the blacklight decor. Some limited seating is available but expect to show up early to grab it. Not sure if it is a typical policy but the show we went to didn't have reentry, so once you are in you can't go back out until you are ready to leave. My only gripe today was I was on the floor standing by a group who apparently hadn't seen each other in a while because they were really excited about talking and catching up during the show. I get this happens but I haven't experienced something inside this bad. But sound and lighting was great. Beers were more than we were used to ($10/domestic tallboy) but I guess that's just life anymore. read more

The updates to this place have made it amazing. I used to go to concerts here frequently about 15-20 years ago. This place is so stellar now. Hope they keep bringing shows to it. read more

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Staff was assholes told us we couldnt park on the lot. Rude staff ushering you out i would never go back to this hill billy joint lame atmosphere and mediocre show read more

Great staff, great venue.. it is very nice.. I attended Dark Star Orchestra last month, fantastic show and a really good crowd. I use a mobility scooter or a walker and everything was easily accessible. read more

We attended the (re)opening weekend shows and had a great time! Sound was a little wonky the second night, but I think that was on the artist's team, not the venue. Staff was very friendly. The venue was clean and there's plenty of good spots around the room to take in the show. They have a killer lineup of performances coming for the 2024 season - you won't wanna miss out! read more

Val Air Ballroom - Performing Arts Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

Greensky Bluegrass at newly renovated Val Air Ballroom! Venue was clean, staffing was very fun and fast. Thanks for a great show! read more

Val Air Ballroom - Performing Arts Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

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IOWA'S NEW "CROWNED JEWEL" LIVE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE Iowa is now blessed with a state of the art newly renovated "Crowned Jewel" live entertainment venue second to none, the Val Air Ballroom. The Val Air owner has spared no expense and cut no corners with his renovation of this amazing historical venue. The owner is a well seasoned live entertainment promoter with an established history of making the patron / fan his number one priority consideration as evidenced by his previous live entertainment events. Every aspect of the Val Air's new renovation has been well thought out, well planned and no stone has been left unturned. The newly renovated Val Air Ballroom will attract the top echelon of touring bands as a "Must Play" venue. Congratulations Sam Summers, Sincerely, Steve White (Des Moines, IA.) read more

Recently renovated, clean, well organized, and the staff is phenomenal! Was there for Chappel Roan and the staff was kind, helpful, and experienced. Sold out show and they handled the crowd with grace. read more

Ah the Val Air Ballroom. I love this place. So many memories. So many concerts I've seen here. We've gotta appreciate these ballrooms while they're still around. To me, there's nothing like a concert here. The acoustics may not be the best, but this place is up close and personal and and as much as I like the big arena shows nothing beats a venue like this in my opinion. The history of this pace is something to be treasured. About every name you can think of has walked in this stage and I think about that each time I'm here. Not only the amazing musicians and artists that have been through here, but the place has a significant history with the residents of Des Moines. Heck, my grandma used to go to dances here! This place is a part of Des Moines heritage! Take care of it and support it so we have it for years to come. read more

$10 to park = BS. No mention of having to pay for parking when I purchased tix to a concert. Definitely will not return to this shithole!! Two lumpy morons (not in any type of uniform) were collecting cash for parking. I asked for a receipt, one of the morons asked "would I be holding a wad of cash if this wasn't legit?" I replied that I could stand holding a wad of cash asking for money to park! While inside for the concert I was thirsty, so I ordered a beer. I received a 12 oz colors light for $6.00. $6.00 for a 12 oz can. $3.00 for a bottle of water that was purchased for $2.49 a case. I found a nice place to view the show, and after 15 minutes was kicked out of the area. We were told that is was private section for some small guy trying to impress himself. No signs posted anywhere advising of this. I would not return to this venue for $100. These people that run it are absolute morons with no business acumen. It's really too bad this Venue is run by idiots. There is too much history read more

If I could give them zero stars, I would. Cash only but every single ATM was broken. No re-entry if you wanted to walk across the street to get cash. The venue itself was very hot - no air flow or AC. All that could have been forgiven except the sound quality wasn't even good at all. For a venue this big, they really screwed up just about every aspect of the night. We overheard multiple people complaining that this isn't the first time this venue has had broken ATMS, no AC, and terrible sound. I'll never go back. read more

Nice space for midsized events, but this place definitely needs some serious updating. Plenty of room and nice sized stage. Big enough for a decent crowd but small enough that you are still close to the entertainment. I like the fact that there are bars at each end of the building. It's convenient plus keeps the drink lines from getting too backed up. The bathrooms are decent and I like how they have the separate area with large mirrors away from the sinks. It keeps the sink area from getting too crowded. And there are plenty of stalls, so there's not too much, if any, waiting in line. Again, needs updating. If the owners invested some money, this place could be super nice. I really wish they would put some money into this place. However, I will still continue to attend events here if there is something that really draws my interest. read more

Val Air Ballroom - Performing Arts Near Me - West Des Moines, Iowa

I had a great time at the Val Air. I was a little concerned after reading many negative reviews, but my worries were unfounded. Is she a little rundown? Sure. It's all part of the charm for me, though. The Val Air is not a shiny, bland, boring venue. It has history, and character. The minute I walked in I felt completely at home. The current vibe is that of your favorite dive-bar. Rumor has it they are closing g for a bit later this year for some renovations, I hope they don't change too much. I like her just the way she is. I only deducted one star for the 10 dollar parking charge. I would go again, and actually am catching another show 3 days from now. read more

This venue has a mild dew old smell the minute you walk in. It has not been updated in over 59 years. The carpeting is patched together with duct tape. You get the feeling that you are in a seedy joint. This place could be nice if a little money was invested in its appearance. We went to the Magic Mike tour. Granted this is not top notch talent but the venue even made it feel even more tacky and cheap. The performers lacked talent overall except the MC but this show was was ridiculous! This was my first time here in years and I am confident this will be my very last as I don't want asbestic/lead poisoning as paint is peeling from the ceiling too. Enter at your own risk but I advise wearing protective gear. read more

I have been here a couple times over the years. This was the worst I have ever seen it. Last night we got a long exposure to the decaying ballroom. The outside of the establishment is being ignored. It has trees and bushes over grown and weeds coming up through all the cracks. As you walk in you can see the years taking effect on the entrance way carpet, stairs and walls. Once in the main area you can look up and see the lack of fire safety and lack of lighting. There was one place in the ceiling where zip strips had held up something and now that is gone leaving the broken zips hanging aimlessly from the ceiling. We were there for a wedding reception. We were alerted that there was 2 free kegs available for the party goers and went to have a drink. Right away you could tell something was wrong. The beer was warm. Not only not cold but it was flat. We all were trying to figure out what was going on. The more people who went to get beer came back disappointed. I got a pop, and this tiny, not even 8 oz cost me $2. The party was from 5 - 11ish. Even with the smaller amount of people we had drinking the beer was never cold, and never fresh. It was like the kegs were left overs from other party that just needed to be used up. The bride and groom got ripped off no matter what they paid for this venue. Multiple people at our table nearly fell through the backs of our chairs as we sat down. These old folding chairs have been used so much they barely will hold anyone properly. I thought mine was going to fold up with me in it. I was afraid to go to the bathroom hearing the shape the mens room was in. I went into the poorly lit women's room. Almost ALL of the stall doors do not lock or remain shut. The one stall I found that did lock, the toilet was leaking all over the floor. I just feel bad for the bride and groom as this was suppose to be a memorial evening and this place really didn't do them justice. What in the world has happened to the management of this place to let it go down hill so bad over the last couple years? read more

I love the Val Air, seen some of my favorite bands here... (heck I have seen WILCO play here 4 times). I love going into legendary old old old ballrooms and feeling the ghost of music past creeping over your shoulders! This place has seen them all and is by far the most legendary venue in all of Des Moines! Just to name a few, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, The Animals, Buddy Holly, Ella, and DJ and The Runaways have all graced this stage! In more recent years I have seen shows by Wilco, Bright Eyes, Cake, Beaulah and also got the opportunity to play a show here once! It was amazing.. The hardwood dance floor is all original and perfect to swing dancing to BIG BANDS on Valentines day which I have done as well here! There are quite a few full service bars here, but not all of them take Credit Cards some are cash only! I love that the venue is set up so if you want to watch a show from the seats you can, and not be obstructed by fellow patrons, because the sitting area is higher up than the dance floor! All in all this is one legendary stop in the great ballrooms of the Midwest! read more

A classic, old-school venue that has been updated for modern use...for better or for worse. It all depends on what you expect from a venue. If you're expecting an arena-type experience with plentiful bathrooms, numerous food/beverage stands and climate control, go elsewhere. The Val-Air Ballroom provides an intimate setting to see local and national touring acts. The venue allows one to get as close to the artists as possible, or, just hang back and watch from a distance. The place can get incredibly hot and they only open the doors between acts. Drinks are relatively inexpensive (compared to an arean beer) and quickly served. Parking can be a bit difficult IF you expect to park at the venue. I've never had a problem as I have found a secret spot nearby that is only a 2 minute walk. read more

Drove out here from NJ in 2007 and saw Matisyahu open for 311. From the outside, the place is a shithole. I couldnt believe it. You know how a concert place will have a band's name up in lights or something or not even at all. This place had this little friggin sign about the size of a orange traffic cone that had "311 tonight" on it. THat was it. I wasnt sure if it was even the right place. Im from NJ so I compare it to this place back home called Starland Ballroom. Reminded me of the same. It looked almost like a bowling alley from the outside. Get inside, and the place is packed. It's an indoor place. Wall to wall people, you cant breathe. THen 311 took the stage and their at their best when its small, cramped places. They blew the roof off the place that night and the crowd was really into it. They opened these side doors after a while because people were smoking inside and there just wasnt any air at all. The place is shitty and good luck moving once the band is on and because of the raw emotion it made for a great intimate little rock club in this small, downtrodded and rather drab city known as des moines. read more

Val Air almost ruined my night! Seeing Dropkick Murphys was the only thing that salvaged it. We waited in line for almost 2 hours in the freezing cold, listening to the opening bands playing while we were outside shivering. On a local television news interview Val Air stated that everyone showed up at the same time, this is simply NOT true! The line moved not at all or at a snail's pace while people continued to arrive. We got there shortly after 7, when we got to the the front of the line almost 2 hours later, I couldn't see the end of the line it was still so long. I will not go back. read more

This venue is HORRIBLE. I have been to well over 100 concerts and never have I had an experience like this. I drove 2 1/2 hours to go see Off With Their Heads and Against Me. We arrived at 7:45 (had to pay $5 for parking) and there were 2 lines all the way around the building. The doors opened at 7 by the way. We waited in our car for an hour (it was 27 degrees outside) then walked back over to the venue and the line had moved 30-40 feet. We then waited another 20 min outside and watched 50 more people walk in then the first band started playing with the lines still all the way around the building. We made the decision to leave. What a waste of time and money. I will never buy tickets for this venue again. read more

I bought tickets to see the Dropkick Murhpy's with Against Me on 3/4/2011. I got there around 8:00, expecting there to be no line, because the doors had been opened at 7:00 and the show should have started at 8. There was a line completely around the back of the building, and I ended up waiting over an hour and a half to get inside, completely missing the opening bands and not before I got groped by "security" guards. Once inside, the openers had already finished and I had to go to the bathroom.. I finally found the line for it and waited almost 45 minutes to get to the bathroom. The facilites there are completely inadequate for the amount of people that were there. I will not be going back. read more

Too bad management has let this place fall apart. The plumbing troubles in the ladies restroom alone should keep me from buying a ticket to another show here. The smell is also pretty bad. The concert itself was good but this had nothing to do with the venue.Just be warned if you go it's dirty. read more

Do not go to this venue. I had tickets to a sold out show, and even though i had tickets and showed up on time, i did not get into the actual show until it was 2 of the 3 bands had finished playing. The band i wanted to see was the second band playing, so basically i paid $30 for nothing. DO NOT GO TO THIS VENUE! read more