Embrace the End of 2024 & Ring In 2025 with These 5 Can’t-Miss Events in Downtown DSM

As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is buzzing with excitement and energy! This week offers a mix of festive fun and unforgettable celebrations, including dazzling New Year’s Eve events and unique experiences to kick off the new year, as well as opportunities to soak up the final moments of the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to make the most of the holiday spirit, enjoy live music or celebrate the countdown to 2025, Downtown DSM has you covered. Don’t miss these five can’t-miss events happening this week!

Miracle on E 5th Street at Raygun – Last One of the Season!

Friday, Dec. 27, 2024 | RAYGUN
This is your last chance this season to enjoy this unforgettable event in Historic East Village! RAYGUN, Storyhouse Bookpub and Daisy Chain Coffee come together to create a vibrant hub of holiday shopping and entertainment. Browse unique finds, indulge in specialty hot chocolate and enjoy mesmerizing performances by Ballet Des Moines, The Ladybirds, swing dancers and the Roosevelt Marching Band on the mezzanine. Kids can meet the performers between sets, making it a perfect family outing. Don’t miss out on these memory-making moments!
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Iowa Wild Game: Ring in the New Year

Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 | Wells Fargo Arena
Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable night of hockey and celebration with the Iowa Wild at Wells Fargo Arena! Watch as they take on the Rockford IceHogs at 6 p.m. and stick around for an evening packed with excitement:

• Post-Game Fireworks Show presented by the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
• Diamond Giveaway: The first 1,000 fans will receive a cubic zirconia with a chance to win a 1-carat lab-grown diamond from Iowa Diamond (must be 18+).
• Live Music: Enjoy the Coca-Cola Local Concert Series featuring Tank Anthony.
• Drink Special: 2-for-1 Confluence Beers (available until puck drop).

Wrap up 2024 with high-energy hockey and holiday fun. Don’t miss this festive night — grab your tickets today!
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Not Quite New Year’s Eve

Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 | Wooly’s
Kick off your New Year celebrations a little early at Not Quite New Year’s Eve with Not Quite Brothers at Wooly’s! Presented by Wooly’s & ia live, this unforgettable night of live music features special guests Decoy and BS and the Liars. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m., so grab your friends and get ready to groove. This all-ages event is the perfect way to ring in the New Year (early) with amazing tunes and great vibes in Downtown DSM. Don’t miss out!
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New Year’s Eve Can’t-Miss Things

Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024 | Various Downtown DSM Venues
Ring in the New Year with an unforgettable celebration in Downtown DSM! Whether you’re planning a midday family outing, a lively bash with friends or a cozy and intimate gathering, Downtown is packed with events and activities to suit every vibe. Enjoy dazzling parties, live music and a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, dancing and festive fun:

• Science Center of Iowa’s Noon Year’s Eve
• Noon Years Eve Celebration at Des Moines Heritage Center
• Ring in the New Year with Rum & Cheer 4 Course Dinner at Park Street Kitchen
• Rudolph’s Rooftop at Republic on Grand (holiday drink pictured below)
• Mr. Softheart, Toon Smokes, DJ Top Heavy and DJ Broken Bones at the LiFT

Find a full list of New Year’s Eve events in Downtown Des Moines listed on our latest blog post.

Trivia Night at the Royal Mile

Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 | Royal Mile
Get ahead of those post-holiday blues by booking plans with your best crew. Trivia at the Royal Mile takes place every Thursday — free to participate! Teams can include up to six players competing over seven rounds of stump-worthy Q&A. Prizes are up for grabs, and gift cards are awarded to the top teams at the end of the night!
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For this week’s events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional events and seasonal festivities coming up in Downtown DSM, visit the events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for even more things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.