Botanical Blues
Event Details
This event has concluded for 2026. Thanks to all who attended! Look for more info about the 2027 season this fall.
Celebrate 20 Years of Cool Blues in a Hot Spot!
The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is celebrating bringing live blues to fans of all ages for the past 20 years. Botanical Blues has, and always will be, the best bet for a Sunday afternoon if you want warmth, local music, and a kicked-back vibe. This year’s lineup will include musicians you’ve loved over the last two decades as well as fresh new sounds. As always, eat, drink, and soak up the sounds in Iowa’s only tropical music venue. Concerts are each Sunday, January 4 through March 29.
Commemorate being part of this popular event with the purchase of a collectible, 20th anniversary tee.
Orders must be placed by Feb 10. All shirts ordered will be available for pickup at Botanical Blues around March 15.
Botanical Blues is a co-production of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Strong Music Productions
Thanks to Our Event Supporters:
Thank you to all the volunteers who help make this happen.
Sundays January 4 thru March 29, 2026, 12pm-4pm. Performances begin at 1pm and 3pm.
Botanical Blues performances begin at 1pm and 3pm each Sunday during the series. Shows are one hour, with a one-hour intermission between the two performances. Shows are held live in the conservatory. Botanical Blues attendees are welcome to wander the indoor gardens during the concert.  See below for concert lineup and make plans to attend.
Ticket Info
Member – free
Adult – $12
Senior (65+) – $11
Active/Retired Military – $11
Children (2-12) – $9
Children 2 and under – free
Museums for All (WIC and SNAP EBT card holders) – freeÂ
TICKETS FOR BOTANICAL BLUES ARE NOT SOLD IN ADVANCE, but will be made available at the door until capacity is reached for that concert.
Concert Checklist
Shows are performed live in the conservatory and last one hour each. Botanical Blues attendees are welcome to enjoy the indoor gardens during the concert.
REMINDER
- Leave outside food and drinks at home
- Leave chairs at home
- Purchase admission at the door
- Come prior to showtime and consider carpooling to the Botanical Garden
- Shoes are required at all times
Reserved Tables
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND this year you can purchase a reserved table for up to four guests. Each show will have two reserved tables available for purchase where you can enjoy the show from your designated spot—perfect for a group outing or an afternoon date! Tables include admission and must be reserved online by the Friday before the desired performance. Online table reservations are first come, first served and on sale throughout the series.
Jan Lineup
- Jan 4, 2026: Major Blues and the Mugshots
- Jan 11, 2026: Weary Ramblers
- Jan 18, 2026: The Matt Terronez Band
- Jan 25, 2026: Heath Alan
Feb Lineup
- Feb 1, 2026: Cedar County Cobras
- Feb 8, 2026: Bob Pace
- Feb 15, 2026: Drama Kings
- Feb 22, 2026: Soul Searchers
Mar Lineup
- Mar 1, 2026: Local Ukesters Ukulele Band
- Mar 8, 2026: Ducharme-Jones
- Mar 15, 2026: Steve E. George and Bob Pace
- Mar 22, 2026: Bob Dorr and Jeff Petersen—The Blue Two
- Mar 29, 2026: Cindy Grill and Dennis Kain—Hot off the Grill
Food & Drink
Flora will serve brunch out of the cafe from 10 am – 2 pm. Sweet and savory snack options, along with beer, wine and various non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase from the conservatory between noon and 3:30 pm.
Upcoming Concerts
Please Support Your Botanical Garden
Become a Member
Donate Today
Know What's Going On!
SIGN UP HERE FOR
Newsletter Emails
"*" indicates required fields
Be the first to find out about events, classes & more