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Welcome To Our Venues!

Whether you are attending the Des Moines Civic Center, The Temple Theater, Cowles Commons or The Stoner Theater, we want you to have the best possible experience each and every time you attend a performance. Below is information and helpful tips to ensure you get the most from your visit.

CONVENIENT. EASY. SECURE.

GET THE DMPA APP

DOWNLOAD THE DMPA APP BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

Download the DMPA app today and get ready for your future performance by logging into your account. Once logged in, you will be able to access all of your tickets including those for our resident companies like the Des Moines Symphony. This app is the most convenient way to access your tickets, browse upcoming events, and much more! 

DMPA APP

OUR VENUES

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

POLICIES

CAMERAS
The use of cameras or any type of recording devices is prohibited at all times. 

CELL PHONES
Please turn your cell phone off or set it to the silent mode. Please also refrain from text messaging and using your phone as a light source during the performance. 

CHILDREN
Children younger than 5 years-old are typically not permitted in the theater. At designated family-oriented productions, however, children of all ages are permitted. Everyone must have a ticket, regardless of age. A limited number of booster seats are available at our Nollen or Prairie Meadows Lobby Guest Services Counter. 

LATE SEATING
Late seating will be accommodated by house staff at the earliest appropriate time. Pay attention to lobby chimes, which are sounded five minutes before the show begins, as well as after intermission. 

TOBACCO USE
The use of tobacco products is not allowed in any Des Moines Performing Arts space or within 15 feet of any entrance.

ITEMS NOT PERMITTED IN OUR VENUES

DMPA’s highest priority is our guests’ safety. Please allow extra time for arrival as each guest will be subject to security screenings and all bags will be checked. The following items will not be permitted in the venue:

  • Alcohol, drugs, illegal substances or any paraphernalia associated with drug use
  • Audio/Video recorders, professional cameras, tripods
  • Cans, bottles (including water), coolers, or other similar containers
  • Weapons of any type, including chains, knives, spiked jewelry and firearms (excluding law enforcement officers)
  • Pepper spray/mace/other chemicals
  • Duffel bags, backpacks or other oversized bags
  • Noisemakers such as air horns
  • Laser pens/pointers of any type
  • Flags/signs/poles
  • Fireworks
  • Any other item deemed unacceptable by the event/building management team

GUEST SERVICES

BINOCULARS
Binoculars are available for use at the Nollen or Prairie Meadows Lobby Guest Services Counter.

COAT/ITEM CHECK
Coat check is available at the Des Moines Civic Center. Please note that large items including duffel bags and luggage are not permitted in the venue. Please be advised that all persons and bags are subject to search.

LOST ITEMS
Lost items may be reported or claimed at the Nollen Guest Services Counter during an event. After an event, please contact our Ticket Office at (515) 246-2300 or stop by Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Items are kept for 30 days.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
If you have a medical need, please notify Guest Services Staff. Medical services are provided by UnityPoint Health in the Prairie Meadows Lobby.

WHEN WE OPEN

Ticket Office Hours
Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER

The Nollen and Prairie Meadows Lobbies in the Civic Center open one hour prior to the show. Seating begins thirty minutes before the show.

TEMPLE THEATER
The Temple Theater Ticket Office opens two hours prior to a show at the Temple Theater. The Temple Theater Lobby will open forty-five minutes prior to the show. Seating begins thirty minutes before the show.

WHERE TO PARK

DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER
Valet Parking is available for select performances beginning one hour before the show on 3rd Street. Additional parking is available in nearby parking garages. Street parking is limited. 

TEMPLE THEATER
Parking is available on Locust and Tenth Streets, as well as, the surface lot at the corner of Locust and 9th after normal business hours. Meter parking surrounds the venue. Parking meters charge Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

WHAT TO WEAR

While there is no dress code for our events, guests often treat the evening as a special night out and dress for the occasion. Formal dress is certainly not required, you will see everything from jeans to suits. 

RUNNING LATE?

Late seating will be accommodated by staff at the earliest appropriate time. Many productions enforce a seating hold, meaning guests cannot be seated until after the end of a certain scene or musical number, which can range from 3-15 minutes. Listen for lobby chimes, which are sounded five minutes before the performance begins and after intermission, to know when to take your seat.

AGE REQUIREMENTS

Children age five and above are welcome to attend most performances. Children younger than five are welcome to attend designated family-oriented performances. Regardless of age, all guests require a ticket. Call the Ticket Office at 515-246-2300 in advance if you are unsure if your child will be admitted.

FOOD AND DRINK

Now You Can Pre-Order Drinks for Intermission!

Limited offerings may be available for purchase and enjoyed in the lobbies. Only bottled water and drinks served in DMPA souvenir cups will be allowed inside the Main Hall.No outside food or drink are allowed in the venue. All concession sales will be debit or credit card only to create a “touchless” payment environment. We do not accept cash.

Avoid the bar line at intermission by ordering your drink ahead of time. Order and pay at any open bar before the performance and pick your drink up at the Guest Services Counter during performances with an intermission.

ELEVATORS

DES MOINES CIVIC CENTER
Located in the Nollen Lobby and in the center of the building near the Stoner Theater, our elevators are available to to provide access to the Civic Center’s second floor.

TEMPLE THEATER
Located adjacent to the Temple Theater Ticket Office, the elevator will take you to the 2nd floor where the Temple Theater is located.

INTERMISSION

Most productions include a 15-20 minute intermission to allow the performers and the audience the opportunity to take a break, use the restroom or grab a drink. Please look at the event page for specific performance intermission information.