Des Moines Civic Center Tickets

Des Moines Civic Center Tickets & Events

Des Moines Civic Center anchors downtown Des Moines' performing arts scene as a Broadway-scale theater with approximately 2,700 seats, a full orchestra pit, and a fly system built for major touring productions. Des Moines Civic Center tickets connect audiences with touring Broadway, concerts, film-in-concert presentations, comedy, family shows, and other live performing arts events in central Iowa's premier performing arts venue.

This page covers everything you need to know before you go — from finding the right seats to getting there, navigating the venue, and buying with confidence.

About Des Moines Civic Center

Des Moines Civic Center opened in 1979 at 221 Walnut Street in downtown Des Moines and is operated by Des Moines Performing Arts, a nonprofit organization. With approximately 2,700 seats, it is a multi-level performing arts hall designed for large-scale seated productions, with a stage configuration that supports touring Broadway and concert presentations.

The venue is regarded as the cornerstone of downtown Des Moines' arts and culture scene and the premier performing arts venue in central Iowa. It serves as the primary home of Des Moines Performing Arts' Willis Broadway Series and hosts touring Broadway productions, concerts, film-in-concert presentations, comedy, family shows, and other live performing arts events.

Major productions and presentations associated with the Civic Center include Hamilton, The Outsiders, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 in Concert. The theater is also part of a broader arts campus that includes the adjacent Cowles Commons public plaza.

Location & Transportation

Des Moines Civic Center is located at 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309 — in the downtown core, next to Cowles Commons and within walking distance of downtown and Court Avenue destinations.

Transit: The venue is served by DART bus routes, with the downtown transit hub nearby. For patrons already staying or working downtown, public transit can be a practical option for getting close to the theater without navigating event-time parking.

Driving and Parking: Des Moines Civic Center is accessible via Interstate 235 and downtown streets. Multiple downtown parking garages and surface lots are located nearby, and downtown ramps are the most common parking option for patrons attending performances.

Rideshare: Rideshare drop-off and pickup are practical because of the downtown location. Expect some congestion immediately before and after performances as crowds exit onto Walnut Street.

Nearby Accommodation: Multiple downtown Des Moines hotels are within walking distance, especially in the downtown and Court Avenue areas. Staying downtown can make it easier to walk to the theater before curtain and avoid post-show parking congestion.

Venue Navigation

Des Moines Civic Center uses a multi-level theater layout, so understanding your level and seating area before arrival makes it easier to move from the entrance to your section before the performance begins. The venue's downtown setting and adjacent plaza also make the Walnut Street approach a useful landmark.

Entrances and Access: The main entrance faces Walnut Street in downtown Des Moines and connects to the adjacent Cowles Commons plaza. Arriving with enough time before curtain helps you move through entry, ticket scanning, and lobby traffic without rushing.

Seating Levels: The seating configuration is typical of a Broadway-scale performing arts hall, with an orchestra level and upper seating tiers. The layout is organized around the proscenium stage, giving patrons a clear orientation point when comparing orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony seating.

Accessibility: Accessible seating and services are available, and Des Moines Performing Arts provides accommodations for patrons with disabilities. The Ticket Office can assist with seating questions and accessibility needs.

Getting to Your Section: Staff and ushers assist patrons in locating seats throughout the theater. For seating questions before an event, the Ticket Office can be reached at 515-246-2300.

Dining Options

Inside Des Moines Civic Center

Concessions and bar service are typically available for performances at Des Moines Civic Center. For the smoothest experience, plan extra time before curtain if you want refreshments before taking your seat.

Outside the Venue — Downtown Des Moines and Court Avenue

Downtown Des Moines offers numerous restaurants and bars within walking distance of the venue. The Court Avenue entertainment district is a popular nearby area for pre-show dinner, drinks, or post-performance plans.

Security & Policies

Des Moines Civic Center maintains security and venue policies that are updated regularly and may vary by event. Before attending, reviewing the current policy on the venue's official website is strongly recommended.

Bag Policy: Bag size restrictions and screening are typical for performances. Bringing a smaller bag and allowing time for screening can help speed your entry into the theater.

Commonly Prohibited Items: Commonly restricted items for a performing arts theater include weapons, outside food and drink, and professional recording equipment. Items deemed a safety concern can also be restricted at entry.

Entry Procedures: Digital ticket verification and standard security screening are typical for entry. Arriving with your tickets downloaded and a compliant bag helps keep the line moving.

Other Venues in the Des Moines Area

Des Moines Civic Center is a leading performing arts venue in the downtown market, while the broader Des Moines area offers arenas, theaters, ballparks, outdoor spaces, and independent music rooms for concerts, sports, and live entertainment.

• Wells Fargo Arena Tickets — Major indoor arena in downtown Des Moines; home of the Iowa Wild (AHL) and Iowa Wolves (NBA G League)
• Hoyt Sherman Place Tickets — Historic theater and concert hall in Des Moines
• Stephens Auditorium Tickets — Large performing arts auditorium at Iowa State University in nearby Ames
• Vibrant Music Hall Tickets — Concert venue in the Des Moines suburb of Waukee
• Principal Park Tickets — Downtown Des Moines ballpark; home of the Iowa Cubs (Triple-A, MiLB)
• Cowles Commons Tickets — Outdoor public plaza and event space adjacent to the Des Moines Civic Center
• Temple Theater Tickets — Smaller performing arts theater in downtown Des Moines operated by Des Moines Performing Arts
• xBk Live Tickets — Independent live music venue in Des Moines
• Val Air Ballroom Tickets — Historic concert and dance hall in West Des Moines
• Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park Tickets — Outdoor concert amphitheater in Des Moines

How Much Do Tickets to Des Moines Civic Center Cost?

Des Moines Civic Center ticket prices vary significantly depending on the type of event, the production or performer, seating section, and demand — which is what you'd expect from a venue that hosts everything from family shows to marquee Broadway productions.

Touring Broadway productions typically range from about $40 to $150 or more. Marquee titles such as Hamilton can command premium pricing, especially for preferred dates and high-demand seat locations.

Concerts, film-in-concert presentations, and family shows typically range from about $30 to $100. Prices can shift based on the performer, production format, seat location, and performance date.

Weekend performances and opening or closing dates tend to run higher, particularly for in-demand Broadway titles. Buying earlier generally provides better seat selection and pricing, especially for high-demand productions that can sell out as the performance date approaches.

> No hidden fees. At Box Office Ticket Sales, the price you see is the price you pay. All fees are shown before checkout — no surprise charges when you reach the final step.

How to Buy Des Moines Civic Center Tickets

Getting your tickets through BoxOfficeTicketSales.com is fast and secure. Here's how the process works:

1. Browse Des Moines Civic Center events — Search for Des Moines Civic Center tickets and select the show or event you want to attend
2. Pick your seats — Use the interactive seating map to compare sections, rows, views, and real-time pricing side by side
3. Secure checkout — Pay with a credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Affirm for flexible payment options
4. Receive your tickets — Digital tickets are delivered to your email or mobile wallet before the event, ready to scan at the entrance

Every order is backed by our 100% verified ticket guarantee and on-time delivery promise. Once your order is confirmed, you'll receive an email with your invoice and all event details you need before show night.

Des Moines Civic Center Seating Guide

Des Moines Civic Center is arranged as a proscenium theater with reserved seating across an orchestra level and upper tiers. Understanding the differences between front orchestra, center orchestra, mezzanine, balcony, and rear seating can help you match your seats to your budget and preferred view of the stage.

Best Seats at Des Moines Civic Center

• Best value: Upper-tier and rear seats are typically the most affordable options, offering a reserved-seat experience at a lower price point for Broadway, concerts, and family performances.
• Closest to the action: Front orchestra rows put you nearest to the stage, making them a strong choice when proximity to performers is the priority.
• Best overall experience: Center orchestra and front mezzanine sections generally offer the strongest balance of sightlines, stage perspective, and sound for Broadway and concert presentations.
• Premium and suite options: Premium center orchestra seating is available for patrons seeking a preferred view and location.
• For groups: Group sales are handled through Des Moines Performing Arts, and planning early helps groups coordinate seats together for high-demand performances.

Des Moines Civic Center Seating Chart

You can view an interactive seating map for Des Moines Civic Center events directly on BoxOfficeTicketSales.com while browsing available listings. The map lets you compare sections side by side, check row depth and distance from the stage, and see real-time pricing for what's currently available — all before committing to a purchase.

Can I See Where My Seats Are?

Yes. The interactive seat map on BoxOfficeTicketSales.com shows your exact section and row placement before you buy. Use it to understand your position in the venue, your distance from the stage, and whether you're on the orchestra level, in the mezzanine, or in the balcony — so the tickets you choose match exactly what you're looking for on event night.

Getting Ready for Your Des Moines Civic Center Event

Once your tickets are confirmed, a few practical steps make the night run significantly smoother — especially at a downtown venue where parking, security, and pre-show crowds all build before curtain.

• Download your tickets before you leave. Save your tickets to your phone's wallet or screenshot them before departing so you're ready at the entrance without needing a signal.
• Charge your phone fully. Digital ticketing is standard, and your phone is your entry. A portable battery pack is worth having for a full evening.
• Arrive early. Allow time for downtown parking and security screening before curtain, especially for high-demand performances.
• Build extra time into your transit plan. Downtown parking and entry lines can take longer as showtime approaches, so building in a buffer helps you get seated before the performance begins.
• Check the bag policy in advance. Reviewing the venue's guidelines before packing prevents delays at security.

Is Box Office Ticket Sales Legit?

Yes — Box Office Ticket Sales is a fully verified, secure ticketing platform that has served over 1 million customers since 2012. When you buy Des Moines Civic Center tickets through BoxOfficeTicketSales.com, here's what backs every purchase:

• 100% verified ticket listings — every listing is authenticated before it reaches you
• On-time delivery guarantee — your tickets arrive before the event, or we make it right
• All seats together unless explicitly noted otherwise in the listing
• SSL-encrypted checkout — your payment information is protected at every step
• 24/7 TrustGuard monitoring — active security oversight around the clock
• Access to 125,000+ live events nationwide, from Des Moines Civic Center concerts to major sports and entertainment across the country
• BoxOfficeTicketSales.com has been selling tickets for 21 years and is BBB accredited

Des Moines Civic Center events — particularly marquee Broadway productions, popular concerts, and weekend performances — move fast. The best-value listings disappear well before event night, and inventory for popular events tightens quickly once demand builds. If you have a specific event in mind, acting sooner gets you better seats at better prices. Browse Des Moines Civic Center tickets now and lock in your spot before inventory moves.

Need Help With Your Des Moines Civic Center Tickets?

Our support team is available before, during, and after your purchase. Reach us through any of these channels:

• Live chat: Log in to your account at BoxOfficeTicketSales.com to chat with an agent
• Email: customersupport@boxofficeticketsales.com
• Phone: Call the number on your order confirmation invoice
• Buy by phone: Call 1-800-515-2171 to purchase tickets directly with a representative