Ticket Services:

  • The Civic Center Ticket Office is open M-F, 10am-5pm. The Ticket Office is open on performance Saturdays at 5:30pm and performance Sundays at 12:30pm. Please enter through the Walnut Street doors.
  • If you are a subscriber and would like to exchange your tickets for another performance, there is no exchange fee unless you exchange for a higher priced performance date or section, and then you’ll only pay the difference. Masterworks concerts are not exchangeable for Pops concerts. Please exchange your tickets or redeem your vouchers by the Wednesday prior to the performance by calling us at (515)-246-2300.
  • Students are always half price in advance in all sessions, starting at $7.50. Student rush at $5 for junior high and high school students, and $10 for all other students, is available in all sections beginning one hour prior to each concert, subject to availability. 

Concert Information:

  • The Civic Center lobbies open to patrons one hour before each concert.
  • Join us 45 minutes prior to each Masterworks performance for our Concert Prelude Talks, a free preview of the program and discussion of the music, composers and artists.

Amenities

  • Coats may be checked at the Guest Services Counter in either the Nollen (West) Lobby or Prairie Meadows (East) Lobby.
  • Lost and Found: Call (515)-246-2300 if you have lost an item. Found items are kept for 30 days. 
  • DMPA has added an Induction Loop system to the Civic Center. This system sends performers voices and other sounds from microphones directly into a user’s hearing aid or cochlear implant. The system does not require a headset as it works with the T-Coil or Telecoil that most hearing aids are equipped with. 
  • Assisted listening devices are available for use at the Guest Services Counters in both lobbies. 
  • Patrons requiring accessible seating may make arrangements in advance by contacting the Civic Center Ticket Office at (515)-246-2300. Wheelchairs are available to assist guests with mobility concerns. 
  • Please notify staff if you need medial assistance. Medical services are provided by UnityPoint Health- Des Moines in the Prairie Meadows (East) Lobby.
  • Use of tobacco products is not permitted in the Civic Center or within 15 feet of the entrance. 

Often asked questions:

  • What health and safety protocols are in place?
    • The health and safety of our audiences, musicians and staff will always be our top priority. To view our latest health and safety protocols, including mask requirements and more, please visit our COVID-19 page.
  • Where can I park?
    • We recommend arriving early to find parking. View the Greater Des Moines Partnership's page containing detailed information, location and cost of available parking in downtown Des Moines.
    • On-street metered parking is available around downtown Des Moines. Parking meters charge Monday through Saturday from 9AM – 9PM.
    • Valet Parking: Available at all Des Moines Symphony performances. Advanced valet purchases are available through the ticket office or online. Starting one hour prior to the performance, valet is available for purchase curbside.
      Fourth and Grand Parking Ramp: You may enter this parking garage from Grand Avenue, just east of Fourth Street or you may enter the garage from Fourth Street, just north of Locust Street. Event parking fees are charged at most downtown ramps.
    • Third and Court Parking Ramp: You may enter this parking garage directly from Third Street, just south of Walnut Avenue. Event parking fees are charged at most downtown ramps. This ramp is connected to the Civic Center by Skywalk.
    • Elliott Apartments – Located at 216 3rd St. and 219 4th st. Downtown Des Moines: This is a surface pay lot that costs $5.
  • Can I buy tickets at the door?
    • Any unsold tickets can be purchased at the door starting two hours before our concerts. With the exception of student rush tickets, all ticket prices increase by $5 on the day of the concert. Tickets purchased at the door will be automatically assigned the best available seats within a section. If you wish to choose your seats, please purchase at least one day in advance of the concert. We encourage you to buy your tickets early for best seating availability and the lowest prices. 
  • How long is a typical concert?
    • Des Moines Symphony performances are usually just over two hours long, which includes a 20-minute intermission.
  • Can I use my cell phone?
    • For the consideration of the musicians and your fellow audience members, please turn off your phone or other mobile devices during the concert.
  • Can I take photos and videos?
    • Because of our contractual agreement with the American Federation of Musicians, unauthorized photographic, audio recording and video equipment may not be used during this performance.
  • What should I wear?
    • While some of our guests enjoy dressing up for the evening, you don’t have to wear anything formal to enjoy a Des Moines Symphony concert!  Most of our patrons wear business casual or cocktail attire.
  • When should I arrive?
    • Doors to the Civic Center generally open one hour before performance time. Our concerts start on time and we recommend allowing extra time for parking, so we invite you to arrive early and enjoy a drink in our lobby prior to the performance. Even better, if you arrive 45 minutes before any Masterworks concert, you can attend a free Concert Prelude Talk in the Prairie Meadows (East) Lobby and learn more about the pieces you’ll hear!
  • What if I arrive late or need to leave early?
    • In order not to disturb other audience members who have already begun listening to the music, latecomers will be seated by ushers at designated times throughout the performance or during intermission. If you arrive after the concert begins, you will be asked to wait outside of the hall doors in the lobby until a break in the program occurs. If you have to leave a concert before its end, please do so between pieces.
  • What am I listening to?
  • When should I clap?
    • We ask that you applaud to show your appreciation when each piece is fully complete. Some pieces contain several smaller sections, called movements, which often have a pause between them. If a piece has four movements, for example, we ask that you clap only after the last movement. You’ll receive a program book at the concert which will tell you the number of movements in each piece. You can also take your cue from the conductor – he’ll turn around when the piece is over!
  • What if I need to cough? 
    • Do you have a tickle in your throat or are you anticipating a coughing attack? Please visit the Guest Services Counter or see a Civic Center usher for a lozenge.
  • Is the Orchestra amplified?
  • Can I bring my children?
    • The Des Moines Symphony welcomes children five years and older to attend performances. Children of any age are welcome to attend youth and family concerts. All children, regardless of age, must have their own ticket to attend performances.

The Des Moines Symphony and Des Moines Performing Arts, the organization that operates the Civic Center, regard guest and employee safety as their highest priority. If an issue arises, please inform a staff member. If a building emergency is present, directions will be provided by Des Moines Performing Arts staff. Also, please note exit locations.