The Des Moines Symphony’s Summer Pops concerts are among the region’s most beloved summer traditions, bringing thousands of people together for free, family-friendly performances under the open sky. The series begins with the annual Yankee Doodle Pops at the Iowa State Capitol, a patriotic celebration featuring the full Orchestra, special guest artists, and a spectacular fireworks finale over the downtown skyline. Later in the summer, the Symphony returns to the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park for Water Works Pops, offering entertaining programs that blend popular music, film favorites and more in a relaxed outdoor setting. These concerts reflect the Symphony’s commitment to making live orchestral music accessible to everyone while creating memorable community experiences for audiences of all ages.
SUMMERS WITH THE SYMPHONY: FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Bring your lawn chairs, grab food and drink from local food trucks, and experience the magic of outdoor concerts with the Orchestra!
YANKEE DOODLE POPS: A STAR-SPANGLED 250
FRI JUL 3 / IOWA STATE CAPITOL
6:30 PM – CONCERT PRELUDE WITH THE WEARY RAMBLERS
8:30 PM – CONCERT & FIREWORKS
Join us for the Des Moines Symphony’s 32nd annual Yankee Doodle Pops, Iowa’s largest single-day concert event! This family-friendly, patriotic concert will pay tribute to the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a variety of special performances, including:
- Renowned CBS and NBC television journalist Harry Smith joining the Orchestra to narrate Copland's Lincoln Portrait and the newly-commission American Mosaic by Peter Boyer and photographer/video artist Joe Sohm
- Billy "B.Well" Weathers performing his spoken word piece My, My, My
- The Weary Ramblers opening the evening with a very special Concert Prelude performance
- The Des Moines Choral Society singing several pieces, including The Star-Spangled Banner, with the Orchestra
- An over-the-top fireworks display over the downtown Des Moines skyline
- As always, the Des Moines Symphony will perform time-honored patriotic favorites, including the 1812 Overture and Stars & Stripes Forever
Best of all: the entire event is free. Bring your picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs, or purchase food from an array of vendors at the concert and join us on July 3 at the Iowa State Capitol!
7 BRIDGES: THE SYMPHONIC EAGLES EXPERIENCE
SAT SEP 7:30 PM / WATER WORKS PARK
The Orchestra is joined on stage by 7 Bridges to bring the music of the Eagles to life! Stunningly accurate renditions of timeless classics and fan favorites including Hotel California, Desperado, One of These Nights, Life In The Fast Lane and New Kid in Town. Take it easy and experience the Eagles like never before.
CINEMATIC MAGIC: FAMILY FESTIVAL & CONCERT
SUN SEP 6 / WATER WORKS PARK
4:00 PM – FAMILY FESTIVAL
5:30 PM – CONCERT
Experience cinematic magic! Be transported through time on the wings of dragons and through the blizzards of Arendelle. Water Works Park will be transformed with activities for all ages to enjoy—local vendors, kids’ activities and food trucks. Join us for an afternoon of legendary film music the whole family will love!
MORE MUSIC!
Want more of the Symphony? Check out our 2026-2027 Masterworks Series!
