summer tour
ABOUT THE BDM SUMMER TOUR
Ballet Des Moines has been touring Iowa since the summer of 2020, bringing dancers, musicians, visual artists, educators, and specialists to dozens of Iowa communities.
This summer, join Ballet Des Moines and Friends for an afternoon and evening of joy, creativity, and community. Working together with statewide and local partners, this year’s Ballet Des Moines Summer Tour includes an afternoon of dancing, art-making, music-making, and more. While every tour stop is tailored to the community, each location includes:
Musicians, dancers, and performing artists from the community sharing their talents throughout the afternoon.
Local food vendors and community support organizations participating in the festivities.
Brucemore Presents showcases celebrated Iowa musicians to kick off the evening.
Highlights from Ballet Des Moines’ 2025/26 season to close out the night.
SUMMER SCHEDULE at each stop
Music Performance 5:15-6pm
Music by local and regional musicians, presented by Brucemore. Come enjoy an outdoor dinner provided by local food trucks and vendors, engage in family art activities, and enjoy a performance from a range of musicians and spoken word artists.
Community Dance Class 6-6:30pm
Take the stage in a community dance class. You and your family will participate in a free community dance class to learn more about ballet, contemporary dance, and how dance can create a more connected and joyful community.
Ballet Des Moines Performance 6:30-7:30pm
Excerpts from the Ballet Des Moines 2025-26 season. Take your seats for an astounding performance of classical and contemporary ballet, including excerpts from Cinderella and a collection of new contemporary works by some of the most exciting choreographers today.
2026 summer tour locations
JUNE 6: NORTH LIBERTY
Hy-Vee AmphitheaterBallet Des Moines will make our way to North Liberty for the first time this summer. Presented locally by Corda Credit Union with support from the City of North Liberty, BDM is thrilled to perform in this beautiful new outdoor setting.
JUNE 9: OMAHA
Gene Leahy Mall at the RiverfrontWe’re excited to share that on Thursday, June 4, the Omaha metro’s American Midwest Ballet will be hosting Ballet Des Moines on our summer tour, with both dance companies collaborating to present a free performance at 6:30pm on the Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront.
JUNE 10: WATERLOO
RiverLoop AmphitheatreNow in our fifth year visiting the community of Waterloo, BDM looks forward to the annual performance along the river on the incredible RiverLoop Amphitheatre stage.
JUNE 13: CEDAR RAPIDS
BrucemoreA staple performance in the summer arts scene of Des Moines, the Water Works Park performance offers a unique VIP experience in addition to the free performance.
BALLET DES MOINES AT WATER WORKS PARK
JUNE 11 | LAURIDSEN AMPHITHEATER
The finale to our 2025-26 season, Ballet Des Moines’ annual performance at Water Works Park has attracted thousands over the years. In addition to the free family-friendly activities and on-stage performance. Although our VIP table seating is now sold out, bring your blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy this free performance from the Water Works Park grounds!
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking to partner with us on one of our tour stops? Please fill out our Partner Request Form at the button below.
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June 6: North Liberty, IA | Centennial Park
June 9: Omaha, NE | Gene Leahy Mall at the Riverfront
June 10: Waterloo, IA | RiverLoop Amphitheater
June 11: Des Moines, IA | Waterworks Park
June 13: Cedar Rapids, IA | Brucemore
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Yes! The Ballet Des Moines summer tour is a free, family-friendly event, that has traveled the state since 2021. The local activities and ballet performance are free.
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While there will be vendors, partners, and activities local to each community. the schedule remains the same for each tour location:
Music Performance (5pm-6pm), music by local and regional musicians, presented by Brucemore. Come enjoy an outdoor dinner provided by local food trucks and vendors, engage in family art activities, and enjoy a performance from a range of musicians and spoken word artists
Community Dance Class (6-6:30pm), take the stage in a community dance class. You and your family will participate in a free community dance class to learn more about ballet, contemporary dance, and how dance can create a more connected and joyful community.
Ballet Des Moines Performance (6:30-7:30), excerpts from the Ballet Des Moines 2025-26 season. Take your seats for an astounding performance of classical and contemporary ballet, including excerpts from Cinderella and a collection of new contemporary works by some of the most exciting choreographers today. -
If you are interested in bringing the BDM Summer Statewide Tour to your community, or have questions, please contact Beau Kenyon, Director of Education and Outreach.
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Funding opportunities are available at both the Statewide Sponsors level as well as local support from each community to ensure this program remains free and open to all. If you’re interested in sponsoring the tour in your community, please contact Todd Rhoades, Director of Development.
