About Wooly's
Wooly's is a genre-diverse concert venue located in a former Woolworth's building circa 1950 in Des Moines' historic East Village. Since opening in 2012 the 683-capacity venue has become an essential part of the city's music ecosystem hosting everything from indie rock and metal to hip hop bluegrass and beyond.
Historic Venue
Built on the site of the original Woolworth's five-and-dime store Wooly's preserves elements of its history while providing modern concert amenities. The venue features exposed rafters steel columns vintage wood floors and industrial-chic aesthetics including vintage streetlights and posters throughout the space.
Concert Experience
Wooly's offers a unique concert experience with modern lighting and sound systems alongside its historic character. The 683-person capacity fills the gap between small bars and large theaters making it perfect for rising bands and established artists alike. The venue includes VIP balcony seating general admission standing room and reserved seating options.
All Genres Welcome
True to its mission Wooly's welcomes all musical genres. Past performers include Ice Nine Kills Andrew McMahon Jade Bird The HU Grouplove The Struts and countless others spanning rock metal hip hop indie electronic and more. The venue has become known for giving touring bands room to grow while serving Des Moines' diverse music community.
East Village Location
Located at 504 E Locust Street in the heart of the East Village Wooly's is surrounded by restaurants bars and shops. The downtown location offers paid street parking and nearby public ramps. The venue has been called essential to the East Village's growth and vitality.
Venue Amenities
Wooly's includes a full bar multiple green rooms for artists and a professional production setup. The venue operates primarily cashless and maintains a commitment to quality sound and atmosphere. Age restrictions vary by show with some all-ages events and most 21+ performances. Box office hours are Fridays 12-5pm for fee-free ticket purchases.
