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Brenton Skating Plaza Tickets

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The venue

About Brenton Skating Plaza

Brenton Skating Plaza in Des Moines blends outdoor charm with versatile event spaces. The venue features a 120' x 60' rink that accommodates up to 220 skaters in winter, and The Canopy offers a spacious setting for concerts and large gatherings, with capacity for 1,880 standing or 430 seated. Located at 520 Robert D. Ray Drive, this hub in Des Moines’ East Village hosts public skating in the cooler months and dynamic canopy events during warmer months. We’ve got you covered with practical details on seating, parking, transit, and nearby places to stay and dine.

Whether you’re skating under the winter lights or enjoying a summer concert under The Canopy, Brenton Skating Plaza is built for accessible, memorable experiences. Secure your seats or space early, and consider our recommended nearby hotels and eateries to complete your visit. For schedules, check BrentonPlaza.com and plan your trip with ease using the transit and parking options below.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Address: 520 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, IA 50309.
  • Venue type: outdoor skating plaza that becomes an event canopy space in warmer months (April–October).
  • Winter capacity: the 120' x 60' rink holds up to 220 skaters (Nov–Mar).
  • Canopy/event capacity: The Canopy space supports up to 1,880 people standing and 430 seated for concerts and large events.
  • Parking/transit: Parking options include the Armory Parking Lot, the Iowa Workforce Development lot, street parking on Robert D. Ray Drive, and the East Second Street/East Grand Avenue parking ramp; DART Route 1 and Route 4 serve the East Village area.
  • Season hours: Public skating typically runs November through March with hours varying by day; check BrentonPlaza.com for current schedules.
  • Nearby hotels: AC Hotel Des Moines East Village (401 East Grand Avenue) and Des Moines Marriott Downtown (700 Grand Avenue) are within convenient distance.
  • Notable events: The Canopy was unveiled as a dedicated event space; Brenton Skating Plaza hosts outdoor concerts and private events (e.g., Nitefall DSM), with recorded attendance in the tens of thousands in some seasons.
  • Renamed/demolition status: There is no evidence of demolition or renaming; Brenton Skating Plaza remains active as the outdoor skating facility, with The Canopy operating as a separate event space.