What’s Happening This Week in Downtown DSM: Jan. 2–8 Edition

New year, same fun energy — and Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is bringing it! Whether you’re craving a spicy bowl of chili, ready to show off your trivia skills or want to dance your way into 2026, there’s plenty happening this week to shake off the post-holiday blues. From live music and Latin beats to cozy brews and game-night glory, this week’s lineup is all about good vibes, great food and easy ways to get out and enjoy the city. Keep scrolling for five can’t-miss things to do in Downtown DSM, perfect for kicking off the year on a high note.

Chili Cookoff

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 | Confluence Brewing Company
Start your year with some heat! Confluence Brewing’s annual Chili Cook-Off is back, and it’s spicier than ever. Head to the taproom to sample flavorful entries, cheer on the contestants and cast your vote, all while supporting a great cause. Proceeds go to the Food Bank of Iowa, and cash donations help stretch every dollar further. Want to show off your own chili skills? Ask a bartender to add you to the lottery-style entry list. Whether you’re in it to compete or just want to eat, it’s a delicious way to spend your Saturday.
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Salsa Sunday

Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 | Vibes Kitchen & Bar
Salsa Sundays are back and hotter than ever at Vibes Kitchen & Bar! Kick off the evening with a beginner-friendly salsa lesson, then stick around to show off your moves during the Latin social dance with DJ RuZo. There’s no partner or registration required. Just bring your $5 cover, grab a drink (or a drink tower) and get ready to dance the night away. Bonus: free parking all night and great food to fuel those spins.
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Music Quiz Mondays

Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 | Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Start your week with tacos, tunes and trivia at Fuzzy’s Music Quiz Mondays. Hosted by Corey, this two-round music quiz starts at 7 p.m. and again at 8 p.m. It’s free to play and packed with chances to win prizes (and maybe flex your knowledge of 2000s pop hits). Pair it with a plate of Baja tacos or a frosty margarita, and you’ve got yourself a Monday tradition worth repeating.
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Psst! This week is your last chance to experience Downtown DSM’s festive holiday pop-ups — including Tinsel at Either/Or, Winter Wonderland, Dome for the Holidays and the Snowglobe at Exile!

Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz Trivia

Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 | Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe
Put your random knowledge to the test at Geeks Who Drink trivia night at The Rook Room. It’s free to play and packed with fun — seven rounds of audio, visual and general trivia goodness. Bring your friends (teams up to six), charge your phones (answers are submitted online) and compete for prizes, glory and the chance to prove you really do know the most obscure facts about ’90s sitcoms. No registration needed, just show up and show off.
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Live Music with Nick Rueckert & Aaron Ehrlich

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 | Court Avenue Brewing Company
Nothing says cozy winter night like live acoustic music, a cold brew and your favorite local pub vibes. Head to CabCo and catch the talented Nick Rueckert and Aaron Ehrlich as they take the stage and help you wind down the week. Pair the performance with some of their fan-favorite bites (yes, we’re talking pretzel bites and beer cheese!) and you’ve got yourself a perfect Thursday night.
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The Ingersoll is back! Just outside of Downtown DSM, enjoy dinner, drinks and live music with Davina & the Vagabonds, Friday, Jan. 2 and Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026.

Looking for budget-friendly ways to beat the January blues? Downtown DSM has you covered with free events and activities all month long.

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.