Five Things You Just Can’t Miss Coming to Downtown Des Moines, Now – Jan. 5

The year is winding down yet Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is gearing up for a fun-filled week of basketball action, Broadway tunes, a family friendly scavenger hunt, tropical plants and+ colorful lights and — of course! — plenty of New Year’s Eve events to suit both adults and kids, too. Ring in the New Year in Downtown DSM!   

Dome After Dark 

Friday, Dec. 30 | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 
Wander the indoor geodesic conservatory lit up with colorful lights making for a great destination for families, groups of friends or a date night. Additionally, Trellis Café will serve up small plates, drinks and mocktails for purchase while you explore the gardens and Gardeners Show House. 
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Iowa Wolves 

Saturday, Dec. 31 | Wells Fargo Arena 
You won’t want to miss the action as the Wolves take on Raptors 905 for fast-paced, high-energy basketball at Wells Fargo Arena. Game play starts at 2 p.m., leaving you plenty of time to make NYE plans in Downtown DSM after the final buzzer! 
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New Year’s Eve Parties x2 

Saturday, Dec. 31 | Big Grove Brewery 
Stop by Big Grove Brewery for two NYE events taking place on the last day of the year! From 4 – 6 p.m., a free and family-friendly event will feature all-you-can-eat puppy chow, cotton candy and popcorn plus glow in the dark fun, a kids’ playlist and ball drop at 6 p.m. Then beginning at 9 p.m., adults 21+ can purchase tickets to Big Grove’s NYE party including dance floor, snacks, a photo booth and Midnight fireworks sparklers to cap it off. 
LEARN MORE: KIDS EVENT  | ADULTS EVENT   

Looking for more ideas to celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Downtown DSM? We’ve got you covered with this robust list of events taking place on NYE and the first day of the New Year. 

Cats 

Tuesday, Jan. 3 – Sunday, Jan. 8 | Des Moines Civic Center 
The spectacular show by Andrew Lloyd Weber will return to the stage in Downtown DSM at the Des Moines Civic Center! This beloved musical tells the story of one magical night where a tribe of cats gathers together for their annual ball to rejoice with song and dance. 
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Winter Tracks Scavenger Hunt 

Tuesday, Jan. 3 – Sunday, Jan. 8 | Des Moines Public Library 
Kick off the new year with a winter tracks scavenger hunt in Downtown DSM! Head to the Central Library and visit the youth section where kids can play and learn how to spot animal tracks with this fun, interactive hunt. Additionally, plan your visit to the library around other fun, kid-friendly programming such as family story time, wiggles and giggles, craft activities, baby rhyme time and toddler songs and movement. 
LEARN MORE   

For these upcoming events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional upcoming events, visit the Downtown DSM events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown. 

_{Header image from instagram.com/dmbotanicalgarden.}