SUMMER 2026 Concert Series
Join us for a series of free outdoor concerts featuring the Des Moines Metro Concert Band and Jazz Band
Joel poppen, Music Director and Conductor!
All concerts will begin at 7:00 PM.
JUNE 7: HOME GROWN
Max Wellman, guest vocalist
Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
Killinger Community Series
June 14: SOUNDTRACK OF A NATION
Mike Short, tuba
Gina Gedler, guest vocalist
Jasper Winery
JUNE 21: Summer Songs
Andy Classen, trumpet
Napoleon Douglas, guest vocalist
Jasper Winery
JUNE 28: Heartland Horizons
James Romain, saxophone
Tina Haase-Findlay, guest vocalist
Jasper Winery
JULY 5: Stars, Stripes & Celebration
Dana Sloter, clarinet
Marisa Cravero, guest vocalist
Jasper Winery
July 12: Bourbon Street Parade
NOLA Jazz Band with Abbie Sawyer
Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
Killinger Family Series
Music Under the Stars Newsletter
Join now to be the first to know about upcoming concerts and events!
Since 1947, Music Under the Stars has welcomed families for free evening concerts.
For decades, central Iowans have packed their lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets, gathered friends and family, and come to enjoy memorable performances of band music. Concerts feature a diverse variety of standard and contemporary works by premier composers performed by Iowa's own professional musicians. The musicians are those you hear at a Civic Center Broadway show or at the Des Moines Symphony, and they come together each season to perform free programs that appeal to all ages.
Our Mission
Our mission is to present band and instrumental music performances of the highest quality for all the people of central Iowa.
2026 Summer series
Sundays
June 7 - July 12
Location
Lauridsen Amphitheater
June 7, July 12
Jasper Winery
June 14, 21, 28, July 5
In case of inclement weather, concert will be held at the Performing Arts Hall at Drake University
CONCERT TIME
Sundays 7-8:30 PM
Lauridsen Family Foundation
Des Moines Musicians' Association
Friends of Music Under the Stars
IN KIND DONORS
Drake University
Music Under the Stars Board
Dan Stevenson
Vince Kenney
John Kendeigh
Jeff Kane
Chuck Kuba
Marcia Martin
Steven Newman
Jacob Lemons
MAKE A DONATION
Your support matters! Music Under the Stars can provide free, high-quality music because of generous tax-deductible donations from sponsors and fans. Thank you!
We gladly accept donations by mail at
Music Under the Stars
5817 Walnut Hill Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312-1434