Wooly's is a mid-size live music venue located in Des Moines' vibrant East Village at 504 E Locust St. Known for hosting touring acts and local performances, Wooly's offers a dynamic setting that sits between intimate bars and larger theaters. The main floor is generally standing-room GA, with a small reserved seating/riser area and a VIP balcony available through staff arrangement. With capacity commonly cited around 683 to 700, Wooly's provides an energetic atmosphere while keeping sightlines and acoustics front and center.

Whether you’re planning a night of rock, indie, or pop, you’ll find a straightforward ticketing path and dependable assistance from our team. We’ve got you covered when it comes to securing seats or standing room for your next show at Wooly's.

Getting to Wooly's is convenient for most Des Moines visitors. Metered street parking is available Mon–Sat from 9am–9pm, with the nearby Capitol Complex Lot at East 7th & Locust offering free parking for eligible days and times. Additional downtown ramps are also close by for easy access. For public transit, the nearest DART stop is near East Locust & 5th Street, and many guests choose walking or rideshare options for the fastest routes.

Looking for a place to stay or a bite to eat before or after the show? AC Hotel Des Moines East Village (401 East Grand Ave) sits within walking distance, and our affiliate partners list additional nearby hotels and dining options to fit various preferences and budgets. If you’re planning a visit, consider securing a hotel or restaurant reservation through our trusted partners to simplify your night out. For more details on nearby accommodations and dining, check our partner listings and venue resources as you plan your trip to Wooly’s.

Freedom to enjoy live music is what Wooly's is about. From Ice Nine Kills and The Struts to Jade Bird and Andrew McMahon, the venue has hosted a wide range of touring acts while maintaining a mid‑size, approachable vibe. Whether you’re a first‑timer or a longtime attendee, we’re here to help you secure your seats and make the most of your night at Wooly’s.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Address: 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309.
Capacity: commonly cited as 683 (VenuesMaps) and ~700 (TicketSmarter, other listings).
Venue type: mid‑size live music club/venue in Des Moines’ East Village; originally housed in a building with Woolworth’s history.
Seating/chart: general admission standing on the main floor with limited reserved seating/riser and a small VIP balcony; staff can arrange seating options when needed.
Parking: metered street parking (Mon–Sat 9am–9pm) and nearby free Capitol Complex Lot at East 7th & Locust; other downtown ramps are nearby.
Transit: nearest DART bus stop is near East Locust & 5th Street; walking and rideshare options common.
Nearby hotels: AC Hotel Des Moines East Village (401 East Grand Ave) within walking distance; several hotels listed as nearby choices; proximity data from Hotels.com and Marriott.
Notable events: hosted acts such as Ice Nine Kills, Andrew McMahon, Jade Bird, The Struts, and other touring/local acts; venue provides a mid‑size platform between small bars and larger theatres.
Renamed/demolished: no credible reports of demolition or renaming; Wooly’s continues to operate at 504 E Locust St as of Feb 2026.