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CHICAGO
CHICAGO

CHICAGO

Tickets start at $40

December 6-8 • Des Moines Civic Center

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Upcoming Performances

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FEATURED EVENTS

Check out these upcoming DMPA events!
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Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End

Temple Comedy Series
December 3 - 21, 2024 Temple Theater

Chicago

Willis Broadway Series
December 6 - 8, 2024 Des Moines Civic Center

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Saturday, December 21, 2024 Des Moines Civic Center

A Magical Cirque Christmas

Sunday, December 22, 2024 - 4 PM Des Moines Civic Center

Shucked

Willis Broadway Series
January 28 - February 2, 2025 Des Moines Civic Center

RECENTLY ANNOUNCED

Don't miss these newly announced events!
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ in Concert

February 14-15, 2025 Des Moines Civic Center
A Live Horror Experience

Insidious

The Further You Fear
Sunday, February 16, 2025 - 7 PM Des Moines Civic Center

NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience

Sunday, March 30, 2025 · 6 PM Des Moines Civic Center

Neil deGrasse Tyson: An Astrophysicist Goes to the Movies

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - 7:30 PM Des Moines Civic Center

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

Tickets Go On Sale Friday, Nov. 22
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 · 8 PM Des Moines Civic Center

Blippi: Join the Band Tour

Monday, May 19, 2025 - 6 PM Des Moines Civic Center
Gifts That Last Beyond the Holidays

DMPA Gift Certificates

Looking for the perfect gift? Give the experience of live performance with a DMPA gift certificate!

With a DMPA gift certificate, the recipient can choose exactly what show they want to see, making it the perfect gift for anyone on your list. And the best part? Our gift certificates never expire, so your loved ones can redeem them whenever they're ready to attend a show.

Order DMPA Gift Certificates
Upcoming Willis Broadway Series Productions Experience an unforgettable season of highly anticipated Broadway national tours including a few returning fan-favorites.
Get Season Tickets View Series

Chicago

Willis Broadway Series
December 6 - 8, 2024 Des Moines Civic Center

Shucked

Willis Broadway Series
January 28 - February 2, 2025 Des Moines Civic Center

Life of Pi

Willis Broadway Series
February 25 - March 2, 2025 Des Moines Civic Center

Some Like It Hot

Willis Broadway Series
March 18 - 23, 2025 Des Moines Civic Center

Hadestown

Willis Broadway Series
April 11 - 13, 2025 Des Moines Civic Center

& Juliet

Willis Broadway Series
May 6 - 11, 2025 Des Moines Civic Center

The Applause Series

Support DMPA

DMPA’s Applause Series brings world-class performing artists and diverse art forms to its stages for school audiences at special field trip performances.  Each year more than 50,000 students enjoy the Applause Series with tickets that cost students $1. The program is supported by generous DMPA donors who provide $7 in subsidy for each ticket.

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Your Visit

Your Visit

Get more information and helpful tips to ensure you get the most from your visit to any of DMPA's venues.
Education

Education

DMPA's education programs are designed to ignite creativity, nurture curiosity, and help individuals see the world—and their role in it—in new and meaningful ways.
Our Venues

Our Venues

Des Moines Performing Arts operates four venues in downtown Des Moines – The Des Moines Civic Center, Stoner Theater, Temple Theater and Cowles Commons.
Support Us

Support Us

Support for the transformative power of the performing arts makes a tangible difference in the lives of your friends and neighbors.
About Us

About Us

DMPA continues to serve as one of Iowa’s premier non-profit arts organizations. It is a major economic driver with the Willis Broadway Series alone delivering an estimated $30 million in economic impact annually.

Latest News

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Explorer Series: David McLain—Chasing Longevity and Capturing Life
News

Explorer Series: David McLain—Chasing Longevity and Capturing Life

What is the secret to a longer, healthier life? David McLain has spent more than 15 years exploring that question. As a National Geographic photographer and filmmaker, McLain has journeyed alongside author Dan Buettner to uncover the mysteries of the Blue Zones—regions where people live vibrant lives well into their 100s. His work has brought these stories to life through stunning photography, compelling documentaries, and even a best-selling cookbook.

December 4, 2024
Explorer Series Spotlight: Michael Yamashita—Photographer, Adventurer, and Historian
News

Explorer Series Spotlight: Michael Yamashita—Photographer, Adventurer, and Historian

Michael Yamashita’s story is a tale of exploration, photography, and a deep respect for history and culture. For over 40 years, this Sony Ambassador and National Geographic photographer has traveled to six continents, retracing the paths of legendary explorers and capturing the timeless beauty of the world.

December 4, 2024
DMPA’s Favorite Erma Bombeck Quotes
News

DMPA’s Favorite Erma Bombeck Quotes

Revisit some of Erma Bombeck's most loveable quotes before Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End celebrates her legacy December 3 - 21, 2024.

November 20, 2024
Explorer Series Spotlight: Dr. Mireya Mayor—Primatologist, Explorer, and Inspiration
News

Explorer Series Spotlight: Dr. Mireya Mayor—Primatologist, Explorer, and Inspiration

Dr. Mireya Mayor’s life story is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and the call of the wild. Dubbed the “Female Indiana Jones” by The New York Times, her career has taken her to some of the planet’s most remote and challenging landscapes.

November 13, 2024
CHICAGO: The Legendary Musical That Keeps Dazzling Audiences
Broadway

CHICAGO: The Legendary Musical That Keeps Dazzling Audiences

There are few musicals as iconic and enduring as CHICAGO. With its sizzling story of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, this Broadway hit has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Here's a closer look at what makes CHICAGO a global sensation—and why you’ll want to experience it for yourself.

November 13, 2024
A Wonderful Start to the Applause Series: Inspiring Young Minds
News

A Wonderful Start to the Applause Series: Inspiring Young Minds

Earlier this month, we launched the 2024-25 Applause Series with an unforgettable performance of Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster. For many of the students in attendance, this wasn’t just a field trip—it was their first taste of live theater, and the atmosphere was electric.

November 12, 2024
Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards

SUPPORT DMPA

Each year, thousands of students statewide benefit from the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards , receiving professional feedback to enhance their skills. The program culminates in a showcase on the Civic Center stage, where hundreds of students perform under the guidance of Broadway professionals.

SUPPORT DMPA