Plan Your Visit

Lauridsen Amphitheater & Killinger Family Stage

The Lauridsen Amphitheater and Killinger Family Stage is a dynamic gathering place designed to inspire connection, creativity, and community. Whether you’re attending a live performance on the Manatt Great Lawn at the Lauridsen Amphitheater or enjoying a special event on the Hubbell Celebration Lawn on the Killinger Family Stage, you’ll experience an inviting venue where memorable experiences come to life.

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Getting Here

Des Moines Water Works Park is a 1,500-acre park at the corner of Fleur Drive and George Flagg Parkway, just southwest of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Our address is 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50321.

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Event Parking

Parking at Water Works Park is available in multiple on-site lots throughout the Park, with paved lots and ADA accessible parking located around the Lauridsen Amphitheater, Killinger Family Stage, and Des Moines Biergarten for convenient entry.

Parking Info

Best Seat In Town

The venue offers a variety of seating options, which may vary from show to show, to suit your preferences. General admission seating is available on the Manatt Great Lawn. VIP and ADA/Reserved seating availability includes access to premium amenities and closer views of the stage.

Seating Info

Lounge

Lounges for the Willis Summer Series presented by Willis Nissan offer a premium way to enjoy the show—combining the energy of an outdoor summer concert series with the comfort and convenience of a private, hosted space.

Suites Info

Food & Drink

A variety of food and beverage options are available at the venue. Visit the Des Moines Biergarten for a selection of craft beers and snacks. Food vendors are also available during concerts, select weekends, and at special events.

Biergarten Info

Willis Summer Series

The Willis Summer Series presented by Willis Nissan brings nationally touring artists to Lauridsen Amphitheater, where the venue’s open-air setting and modern amenities create an unforgettable backdrop for today’s best live music.

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FAQ

Water Works Park

Where is Water Works Park located?

Water Works Park is a 1,500-acre park at the corner of Fleur Drive and George Flagg Parkway, just southwest of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Our address is 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50321.

Get directions

When is the park open?

The park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Can I tailgate or camp at the park?

No, tailgating or camping is not allowed at Water Works Park.

What amenities are available within the park?

Water Works Park offers 1,500 acres of green space. Park amenities include two enclosed restroom facilities, a shelter for use and private rentals, picnic tables, a B-Bike rental pad, the Reichardt Family Natural Play Area, Des Moines Biergarten, and more!

What local attractions can I support around the park?

A few local attractions within walking distance of Water Works Park include Gray’s Landing, Exile Brewing Company, Confluence Brewery, and the Western Gateway.

Venue Information

Where is the Lauridsen Amphitheater located?

The Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park is located at 2251 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50321.

Get directions

Where can I park and what does it cost?

Parking for the Lauridsen Amphitheater is located onsite within the Park. ADA parking is available on the south end of the amphitheater. Parking lots open two hours before showtime and close one hour after the show ends. Parking rates vary based on event and location. Vehicles left over night may be towed.

To review rates and reserve your parking now, visit our official parking app.

What alternative transportation methods can I use?

Rideshare

Rideshare is available for all events at Water Works Park. Request drop-off/pick-up at the Des Moines Water Works Administration Building parking lot, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines, IA 50321.

Willis Summer Series shuttle

For select shows in the Willis Summer Series, offsite parking with a complimentary shuttle service is provided at the Bell Avenue Business Center parking lot. The CIT Transportation shuttle runs 90 minutes before the show and 30 minutes after, with drop-off/pick-up inside the Park. Visit the parking app for availability.

Bell Avenue Business Center. 307 Bell Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50315

When do the venue gates open?

Gates typically open 1 hour before the show starts. The Willis Summer Series gate times vary. Check your Know Before You Go email on the day of the performance.

What food and drink options do I have?

The Willis Summer Series will have a variety of food truck options, including selections for Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free concertgoers. There are a variety of beverage options, including water, soda, beer, and more.

Lauridsen Amphitheater is a cashless venue.

What items are permitted and prohibited?

What to Bring

Clear bags (made up of clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, and no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″). Subject to search upon entry into the venue.
Small clutch purses or fanny packs measuring 6″ x 9″ or smaller are allowed and do not need to be clear. Subject to search upon entry into the venue.
Bag-size exceptions may be made for ticketed adults with small children, subject to search upon entry into the venue.
Blankets (only to be used in the lawn area).
Collapsible lawn chair (only to be used in designated areas in the lawn area).
One empty disposable/crushable water bottle for refill at the complimentary Des Moines Water Works water stations.
Non-aerosol sunscreen and bug spray.
Non-professional cameras (no detachable-lens cameras).

What NOT to Bring

No outside food or beverages.
No recording devices.
No glass or metal containers.
No liquor or drugs.
No noisemakers or laser pointers.
No weapons of any kind.
No animals (except service animals).
No picnic baskets, lunch boxes, or coolers.
No umbrellas.
No inflatable furniture or outdoor furniture.
No selfie sticks or GoPro cameras.
No chain wallets.
No hula hoops.
No battery-operated fans or misters (paper fans, rechargeable fans, and small misters are OK).
No signs larger than 8.5″ x 11″.
No child strollers or wagons.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALLOWED AND PROHIBITED ITEMS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE PER EACH ARTIST’S REQUEST

What are the smoking policies at the venue?

Smoking or vaping is allowed in designated areas in the southeast corner of the GA Lawn. As a courtesy to fellow concertgoers, smoking or vaping is not allowed in the pit or reserved seating areas.

Do you have a lost-and-found?

Before, during, and within one hour after the show, check the main gate entrance/exit for lost & found. Otherwise, contact Des Moines Water Works event security at 515-283-8700 and ask for concert lost & found.

Concerts & Ticketing

How do I get tickets?

Tickets for all Willis Summer Series shows are available through Ticketmaster. Be sure to visit the event calendar page for a complete list of shows and ticket availability.

On the day of the show, the Willis Summer Series box office will open two hours before showtime in front of the main entrance/exit.

Does my child need a ticket?

Children 4 and under do not require a ticket and may be admitted with a ticketed adult. If in a reserved section, the child must sit on the ticketed adult’s lap and not take an additional seat. Ages 5 and over require their own ticket regardless of reserved or GA Lawn ticket type.

Bag-size exceptions may be made for ticketed adults with small children, subject to search upon entry into the venue. Additionally, child strollers or wagons are not allowed into the venue.

What seating options are available?

We have GA Lawn, reserved seating, and ADA accessible seating options available. In some cases, pit or SRO tickets will be available. Seating options vary from show to show.

Do you have a box office?

The Lauridsen Amphitheater does not have a box office. However, on the day of the show, a box office will be set up at the venue’s main entrance.

What is the rain and cancellation policy for concerts?

The Willis Summer Series shows are scheduled rain or shine. The safety of our guests, vendors, and artists is of top concern. Des Moines Water Works follows National Weather Service and Polk County Emergency Services data to monitor weather systems, and any event delay or cancellation is based on the Polk County severe weather policy for outdoor events.

For the current weather forecast, visit Local 5 by clicking here,

Who do I contact regarding a Willis Summer Series concert?

For information on the Willis Summer Series, please contact the Water Works Park Foundation at info@waterworkspark.org.

Who do I contact regarding a Burnett Family Foundation Cultural Series event?

For information on the Burnett Family Foundation Cultural Series, please contact the Water Works Park Foundation at info@waterworkspark.org.

Who do I contact regarding a Kerry & Linda Killinger Community Series event?

For information on the Kerry & Linda Killinger Community Series, please contact the Water Works Park Foundation at info@waterworkspark.org.