pink neighbor performance

Events

Every year, DMMC curates and produces a series of festivals and events to provide the Iowa music community with the opportunity to celebrate the local, regional, and national music industry. Each of our events is created with the mission of:

  • Making central Iowa a destination for both world-class performing artists and fans from around the Midwest
  • Providing progressive cultural opportunities for Iowans
  • Connecting local businesses and organizations with the local music movement and the people making it happen
  • Expanding the local music audience
  • Exposing local bands and artists to new fans

80/35 MUSIC FESTIVAL
80/35 is an annual two-day progressive indie and jam music festival in downtown Des Moines, Iowa. As many as 50 national, regional, and local bands perform on multiple stages. A combination of free and paid stages, as well as collaboration with local businesses, nonprofits, and other community builders makes the event a source of great value for central Iowa’s economy and culture.

Head to 80-35.com for details on 2023, tickets, acts, vendor applications, and more, and sign up to be a DMMC Member to unlock 80/35 early-bird rates!

80-35 Lineup Poster

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)
Started in 2006, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is an annual all Iowa music festival featuring musical artists from Greater Des Moines and across Iowa. Coordinated by the DMMC and a team of volunteers, the goal of GDP is to organize an event that best supports Iowa musicians and their needs for growth in the music industry. The purpose of GDP is to shine a light on the wealth of local talent in Iowa and further develop local audiences for local musicians. GDP 2023 takes place Saturday, April 15 at Hoyt Sherman Place. Learn more

GDP LOGO

MUSIC UNIVERSITY
Music University is an annual conference and showcase presented by the DMMC for musicians and music industry workers in Iowa. The free conference focuses on building sustainable careers in music and features a mix of national and local musicians and music industry experts convening on the campus of Drake University. The next Music University will take place in the fall of 2023. Learn more.

Music University Logo

PARTNERSHIPS

DMMC partners with many organizations in Greater Des Moines to present diverse voices from the local music scene at community events and festivals. Partners include the Dogtown neighborhood, Pride Fest, World Food and Music Festival, Des Moines Marathon, Drake University, and more. Contact us today if you are interested in partnering together for live music at your event!

Band at Drake Stadium