Is there shade at Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater?

Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater: a sunnier lawn on the Des Moines River

Not every amphitheater is a shade fortress, and it helps to know that going in. Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater sits on the water in downtown Des Moines, and across a typical 7:00 PM show our model puts about 68 percent of the seating in shade, one of the lower figures you will see. The covered seats are still good, but the margins matter more here.

The reliable shade

The pavilion and pit carry the shade. Section 201 is the best of the bunch at roughly 85 percent shaded over the show, with Pit 3 and the pavilion cluster of 110, 111, 211 and 212 all around 81 percent. If you want to stay out of the sun, that band behind and beside the stage is the play.

The lawn is genuinely sunnier. Lawn 6 tops the sunny list at about 54 percent shaded, with pavilion 105 near 51 percent and Lawns 4 and 5 around 50 percent. On the grass here you should plan for real sun during the opening act, not just a passing glare. From 6:00 PM only about 44 percent of the venue is shaded, so early arrivals feel the most exposure.

Timing on the riverfront

The amphitheater opens toward the northeast, and by a 7:00 PM start the sun over Des Moines sits about 18 degrees up in the west-northwest, setting around 8:46 PM. That low western light rakes across the lawn for the first hour before the sun drops out of play.

Iowa summers bring heat and humidity, and an open riverfront lawn holds it after sunset, so bring water, sunscreen and a hat if you are on the grass. For your exact date and section, the interactive shade map will show you where the shadows land, which is worth checking at a venue where the seat you pick actually changes the answer.