Theater Guide
Des Moines Broadway Shows: Upcoming Musicals, Theater & Tickets
Des Moines Broadway shows come to the Civic Center through the Willis Broadway Series. The 2026–27 schedule includes Maybe Happy Ending, Buena Vista Social Club, Phantom of the Opera, Hell’s Kitchen and Just in Time, with additional productions offered as package add-ons. Use the engagement dates to choose a show, then select the exact performance and seating arrangement that work for you.
Touring Broadway performs at the Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut Street. Series packages and individual performance tickets have different sale arrangements. The schedule below gives confirmed engagement dates; an engagement’s date range does not establish the start time of every performance.
Explore Des Moines venue guides →Broadway at the Civic Center
The Des Moines Civic Center opened in 1979 and has a 2,762-seat Main Hall. Alongside touring Broadway, it hosts concerts and special presentations and serves as the Des Moines Symphony’s home.
Start with the production that interests you rather than treating every theater event as part of the Broadway series. The theatre calendar includes other productions too. Read the performance description for its story, audience guidance and venue before choosing tickets.
Preview the Announced Broadway Season
DMPA’s official 2026–27 season video introduces the announced touring productions. Use it to compare shows, then check the exact engagement and performance date before choosing tickets.
Just Announced! DMPA's 2026-27 Willis Broadway Series is Here!
2026–27 Season Lineup
The main 2026–27 series engagements are Maybe Happy Ending, December 1–6, 2026; Buena Vista Social Club, January 19–24, 2027; Phantom of the Opera, March 3–14, 2027; Hell’s Kitchen, July 27–August 1, 2027; and Just in Time, August 24–29, 2027.
The official series page also lists Waitress, December 18–20, 2026; Legally Blonde, February 12–14, 2027; The Sound of Music, March 30–April 4, 2027; and Mamma Mia!, May 4–9, 2027 as add-on productions. Check the official Willis Broadway Series for current package terms.
Tickets and Seating
A series package and a ticket to one performance are different purchases. Check which productions a package contains and the exact date assigned to it. For a single outing, compare the individual performance options for your chosen musical.
Read the section and seat details before paying. If a seat location or accessibility arrangement is essential, resolve it with the seller or venue first. Keep every member of your group on the same performance date; a multi-day engagement can include several separate ticketed performances.
Accessibility Services
DMPA provides wheelchair seating and assistive listening, with selected ASL-interpreted and audio-described performances. These services depend on the date. Contact 515-246-2300 or [email protected] to ask about the performance you want.
Confirm the arrangement before purchasing a seat that may not meet your needs. Ask about your particular requirements rather than assuming every performance offers the same services.
Parking and Arrival
DMPA identifies the Third & Court garage’s skywalk connection to the Civic Center and lists Fourth & Grand as an alternative garage. Metered street parking operates Monday through Saturday, 9 AM–9 PM; review the posted terms for your space.
Use the Civic Center visitor guide to plan the arrival part of your evening. Allow time for parking, reaching the entrance and locating your seat, especially if this is your first visit. Check your ticket for the actual curtain time.
Beyond the Broadway Series
The Civic Center building also contains Stoner Theater, a separate black-box space. Do not use the building name alone to decide which room or entrance you need.
For another kind of performance, explore the live music guide or comedy calendar. A nearby date on the calendar may offer a better fit for your group than a musical chosen only because it is familiar.
Before you head out
Questions, answered
What Broadway shows are coming to Des Moines in 2026-2027?
The confirmed series includes Maybe Happy Ending, Buena Vista Social Club, Phantom of the Opera, Hell’s Kitchen and Just in Time. See the engagement dates above and DMPA’s series page for package add-ons. Details ↗
Where do Broadway shows perform in Des Moines?
Touring Broadway productions perform at the Des Moines Civic Center, located at 221 Walnut Street downtown. The venue's 2,762-seat Main Hall has hosted Broadway tours since opening in 1979. Details ↗
How do I get Broadway tickets in Des Moines?
Choose a specific performance or review DMPA’s series package terms. Single-performance sales vary by production; consult the official series page and the exact event listing. Details ↗
Is the Des Moines Civic Center accessible?
Yes. The Civic Center offers wheelchair seating, assistive listening devices, and select ASL-interpreted or audio-described performances. Services are date-specific, so contact 515-246-2300 or [email protected] to confirm availability for your chosen show. Details ↗
Where should I park for a Broadway show at the Civic Center?
DMPA lists Third & Court with a skywalk connection and Fourth & Grand as another garage. Check current rates and posted street-meter terms. Details ↗
Sources & References
Event details and visitor information checked 2026-10-31. Check the venue's current guidance before you travel.
