Des Moines is the latest stop for The Outsiders, the critically acclaimed musical adapted from S.E. Hinton’s beloved novel and Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic film. Performances run from February 24th through March 1st, 2026, at the Des Moines Civic Center, bringing a fresh take on a timeless story to Iowa audiences. The production, which won four Tony Awards® in 2024, including Best Musical, is part of a sweeping North American tour that continues to captivate audiences across the country.
The musical reimagines the classic tale of rivalry, friendship, and social class, set in 1960s Oklahoma. The Outsiders explores the tensions between the “Greasers” and the “Socs,” two opposing groups navigating a world of prejudice and hardship. The stage adaptation features a book by Adam Rapp with Justin Levine, and music and lyrics by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay & Zach Chance) and Justin Levine. The creative team also includes music supervision, orchestration, and arrangements by Justin Levine, choreography by Rick Kuperman & Jeff Kuperman, and direction by Tony Award® winner Danya Taymor.
A Tony-Winning Production Hits the Road
The tour launched following the Broadway success of The Outsiders, which garnered widespread praise for its innovative staging and powerful storytelling. Entertainment Weekly described the musical as having “the power to inspire an entire generation.” The production’s success is reflected in its four Tony Awards, a testament to the dedication and artistry of the entire creative team. The Des Moines run offers local theatergoers the opportunity to experience this award-winning show without traveling to New York City.
Tickets for performances at the Des Moines Civic Center are currently available for purchase. A student rush program offers $25 tickets (in-person) or $28 tickets (online) with a valid student ID, allowing students to access the show at a reduced price. Group discounts are also available for parties of 10 or more, with a 10% savings on select performances. Patron Lounge access is available, and valet parking can be purchased for added convenience.
What to Expect at the Des Moines Civic Center
Attendees should be aware that the show has a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. The Des Moines Performing Arts organization recommends the show for ages 10 and up, and notes that children age 5 and over must have a ticket to enter the theater. Patrons seated in the orchestra pit area should be prepared for the possibility of receiving drops of water, washable red liquid, and small rubber pieces from the stage during the performance.
The tour schedule extends well beyond Des Moines, with upcoming stops in Detroit, Michigan (March 3-15, 2026), Columbus, Ohio (March 17-22, 2026), and Richmond, Virginia (March 24-29, 2026). The tour will continue throughout the spring and summer, reaching cities across the United States and Canada, including Boston, Providence, Knoxville, Cleveland, and Toronto. A full list of tour dates and locations can be found on the official tour website: tour.outsidersmusical.com.
Tour Schedule Highlights
| City, State | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | Feb 24 – Mar 1, 2026 | Des Moines Civic Center |
| Detroit, MI | Mar 3 – Mar 15, 2026 | Fisher Theatre |
| Columbus, OH | Mar 17 – Mar 22, 2026 | Ohio Theatre |
| Richmond, VA | Mar 24 – Mar 29, 2026 | Altria Theatre |
The production team has emphasized the importance of bringing this story to a wider audience. The musical aims to resonate with both longtime fans of the novel and film, as well as new audiences discovering the story for the first time. The Des Moines engagement represents a significant cultural event for the city, offering a high-quality theatrical experience and contributing to the vibrant arts scene.
For those interested in learning more about The Outsiders musical and the North American tour, the official website (tour.outsidersmusical.com) provides detailed information on showtimes, ticket availability, and tour locations. The Des Moines Performing Arts website (desmoinesperformingarts.org) also offers specific details about the Des Moines performances, including parking options and accessibility information.
The tour is scheduled to continue through 2027, with additional cities and dates to be announced. The next confirmed stop after Des Moines is Detroit, Michigan, from March 3rd to March 15th, 2026, at the Fisher Theatre.
What are your thoughts on the tour coming to Des Moines? Share your excitement and plans to attend in the comments below, and please share this article with fellow Outsiders fans!
