Tinseltown in the Park
November 17, 2025 - December 20, 2025 - All Day at Water Works Park
2201 George Flagg Parkway
Tinseltown in Water Works Park is bringing the holidays to life with festive lights, joyful sounds, and family-friendly traditions.
Enjoy free seasonal fun with St. Nicholas and his reindeer, the 104.1 EZ FM Warming Hut, Top Hat Carolers, light displays by Wright Outdoor Solutions and Hawkeye Entertainment, a toy drive for Des Moines Public Schools, and seasonal treats from the Des Moines Biergarten and Christmas Marketplace.
The Tinseltown Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place Saturday, Nov. 22 at 6 pm. Join Des Moines dignitaries, special guests, and 104.1 EZ FM around the Tinseltown Christmas Tree.
Tour de Lights is Saturday, Dec. 14, 6–8 pm, family and pet-friendly, with prizes for costumes and decorated bikes. Registration required. 104.1 EZ- M will be on site with the Grinch for a 5 pm reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Santa Express at the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
December 12, 2025 - December 21, 2025 - All Day at Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
225 10th Street
Enjoy a fun, family journey from the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s depot in Boone, Iowa to the North Pole!
Rides on the Santa Express typically last between an hour and 15 minutes and an hour and 30 minutes, depending on how long it takes Santa to make his way through the train. On the way to the North Pole, you will hear the story of Santa’s Scenic Valley Ride, take part in games, sing some holiday classics, cross the 156’ tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge, and enjoy a sweet treat. Upon your arrival at the North Pole, Santa will board the train and greet the children.
Don’t forget, your Santa Express tickets include admission to the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum.
Event takes place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 11/28-12/21
Get your tickets at bsvrr.com, or by calling 515.432.4249 (phones answered Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm).
The Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) division of the Iowa Railroad Historical Society.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
December 16, 2025 - December 21, 2025 - All Day at Civic Center of Greater Des Moines
221 Walnut Street
Tonic Sol-fa “Wrap It Up” – The Final Holiday Tour
December 20, 2025 - 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm at Hoyt Sherman
1501 Woodland Avenue
2026 Greater Des Moines Partnership Annual Dinner
January 22, 2026 - 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center
833 5th Avenue
The Partnership’s Annual Dinner is the Greater Des Moines (DSM) business community’s celebration of the past years economic and community development successes and also provides a look forward into the future of the DSM region. The event includes a reception, keynote speaker and dinner. The program includes a presentation of The Partnership’s Annual Report, summarizing the accomplishments of the organization’s work in 2025.
This year’s event welcomes keynote speaker Jon Gordon.
Love – Romeo & Juliet
February 14, 2026 - February 15, 2026 - All Day at Des Moines Civic Center
221 Walnut St
Miguel Harth-Bedoya leads the Orchestra! The tragic romance of Shakespeare takes center stage over Valentine’s Day weekend in Tchaikovsky’s beautiful Romeo and Juliet. Sibelius captures the resilience and independence of the Finnish people in his Second Symphony. Anna Geniushene makes her Des Moines debut performing Ravel’s jazz-infused Piano Concerto in G Major.
Two Shows:
Dancing With the Stars LIVE
February 26, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm at Stephens Auditorium
1900 Center Dr.
Straight from Hollywood, See Dancing with the Stars, Live!
See the glitz, glam and breathtaking performances of America?s favorite dance show in a city near you with this ALL-NEW SHOW starring your favorite pros Alan Bersten, Brandon Armstrong, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa, Jenna Johnson, Pasha Pashkov, Val Chmerkovskiy, Hailey Bills and special guests to be announced!
Experience the excitement, athleticism, and the artistry of the ballroom, live, up-close and personal? For an unforgettable night that you won’t want to miss!
Get your tickets here!
JOURNEY: Final Frontier Tour 2026
April 8, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm at Casey’s Center
730 3rd st
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.
Hope – Copland & Gershwin
April 18, 2026 - April 19, 2026 - All Day at Des Moines Civic Center
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:
