The Des Moines Symphony's 2025-2026 Pops Series features a thrilling lineup of cinematic and celebratory performances.
The Orchestra brings two legendary films to life, bookending the Pops Series with childhood adventures— The Goonies in Concert (celebrating its 40th Anniversary!) and The Wizard of Oz in Concert. Our Holiday Brass Concerts set the mood for December followed by an encore performance of acrobatic, jaw- dropping cirque performers accompanied by the Orchestra playing film and familiar classics...the perfect way to celebrate New Year’s Eve!
SUMMERS WITH THE SYMPHONY
Join us for a back-to-back throwback at Water Works Pops over Labor Day weekend. Bring your lawn chairs, grab food and drink from local food trucks, and relive the soundtrack of your favorite decades!
DECADES: BACK TO THE 80s – Free Concert!
SAT AUG 30 7:30PM / WATER WORKS PARK
Journey through the 80s with iconic hits from the decade, including Billy Joel’s Tell Her About It, Madonna’s Material Girl, Phil Collins’ Sussudio, Kenny Loggins' Footloose, Elton John’s I’m Still Standing, and much more.
DISCO DIVAS: BACK TO THE 70s – Free Concert!
SUN AUG 31 7:30PM / WATER WORKS PARK
Put on your platform shoes and dance! Disco Divas joins the Orchestra, celebrating the reigning Queens of Disco: Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Patti LaBelle, Chaka Khan & the one and only Diana Ross along with classic Disco hits from Earth, Wind & Fire, The Bee Gees and more.
HOLIDAYS WITH THE SYMPHONY!
HOLIDAY BRASS – $31-$61 (Available Now!)
SAT DEC 20 7:30PM / SUN DEC 21 4:00 PM / WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Experience the Des Moines Symphony brass section like never before in our newest tradition! Celebrate the sounds of the season with favorites like Joy to the World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and more. Westminster Presbyterian's beautiful Dobson Pipe Organ will be prominently featured alongside timpani, percussion, and our powerful brass section. Don't miss your chance to experience this intimate, family-friendly holiday concert!
NEW YEAR’S EVE POPS: CIRQUE – $40-$90 (Available Now!)
WED DEC 31 8:00PM / CIVIC CENTER
Be amazed this New Year’s Eve: World-renowned Cirque performers take the stage alongside the Orchestra! Beloved orchestral masterpieces soar to new heights, enhanced by gravity-defying aerialists, mesmerizing contortionists, lightning-fast quick-change artists, and awe-inspiring strongmen. Experience the thrill, the artistry, and the unexpected—all in one unforgettable evening. Ring in the New Year with the hottest ticket in town!
MOVIES WITH THE SYMPHONY
THE GOONIES IN CONCERT – $28-$68 (Available Now!)
SAT OCT 11 3:30PM / CIVIC CENTER
Hey, you guys! Release your inner pirate and tag along with the beloved group of kids from the “Goon Docks” as they embark on their epic hunt for One-Eyed Willy’s treasure. Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of this timeless adventure when the Des Moines Symphony brings Dave Grusin’s iconic score to life while the movie plays on the big screen. And remember… Goonies never say die!
THE WIZARD OF OZ – $42-$100 (Available Soon!)
In collaboration with Des Moines Performing Arts
SAT MAR 28 3:30PM / CIVIC CENTER
There’s no place like home, so put on your favorite red shoes, tap your heels three times and be transported to the magical world of Oz. Dorothy’s journey—with her friends the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion—takes on a new life when the Des Moines Symphony performs the iconic score as MGM’s original film plays on a larger-than-life screen. Share this timeless tale of the power of courage and friendship with the entire family!
MORE MUSIC!
Want more of the Symphony? Check out our 2025-2026 Masterworks Series!
