This Historic Iowa Tourist Attraction Is Making A Comeback

There is nothing like the rush of live music, and often the venues where these performances take place have as much to do with it as the performers. I think back to my favorite concerts I've attended, and it's a perfect mix of sight and sound. That's why many people work to ensure these famous theaters stay open and able to host shows - and one historic theater in Iowa has just reopened after a long wait. The Val Air Ballroom is a beloved live music venue in Des Moines that began its life as an outdoor dance venue in the 1940s, later turned into an enclosed music venue. Time wore on, and many people wondered how long it would stay open - but an exhaustive, multi-year renovation effort has not only restored the ballroom, but turned it into a modern music venue capable of hosting over 2,400 people. It looks better than ever, while maintaining its historic vibe, and we're so excited to see it alive with music again.

The Val Air Ballroom has been a part of Des Moines' music scene for over 80 years - and it's undergoing a big change.

The original indoor venue, while beloved, needed a lot of work to continue hosting concerts, and it closed several years ago for renovations.

The team behind the venue succeeded wildly, and the it hosted a grand reopening party in early 2024.

Now, the venue hosts over 2,400 music fans, and a full lineup of artists is on deck to kick off the second life of the Val Air Ballroom in style.

Everything has been refreshed and reopened, including the snack and drink vendors.

And music fans will once again be dancing the night away at this beloved Des Moines institution!

Have you attended shows at the Val Air Ballroom in the past? Share your memories of this historic theater in Iowa in the comments section, and let us know your new concert plans now that it's reopened! You can find out more, including the full event schedule, on the Val Air Ballroom website, and follow the Val Air Ballroom Facebook page for up-to-the-minute announcements. The Val Air Ballroom is also only a short walk from Chocolate Storybook, the most innovative chocolate shop in Des Moines. If you're looking for a unique place to stay in the area, the historic Surety Hotel is an unforgettable experience at a reasonable price.