Where to Spend Your Weeknight in Downtown Des Moines

Weeknights can be just as epic as weekends with these fun things to do in Downtown Des Moines. There are tons of weekly happenings that are entertaining, interactive and just plain fun! Explore what’s in store Monday through Thursday with this guide of weeknight activities in Downtown Des Moines.

Things to Do in Downtown Des Moines: Monday

Botany Book Club

Where: Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden 
When: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.; takes place the last Monday of the month (January – June)
Get together with other botany and book lovers each month, for engaging discussion, tasty snacks and camaraderie among plant friends.

Writers' Workshop

Where: Central Library 
When: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.; takes place the first Monday of the month (check the website for date changes due to holiday weeks)
Gather with fellow writers from around Greater Des Moines (DSM)! Attendees can arrive prepared to share samples of their writing and both gain and give feedback to others as well.

Things to Do in Downtown Des Moines: Tuesday

Bad B*tch Bingo Night

Where: TeeHee's Comedy Club 
When: 7 – 9 p.m.; every Tuesday except the first Tuesday
Think classic bingo, but with a sassy twist! Prizes will be awarded. Comedian Sarah Mattox will serve as event host each week.

Bingo Night

Where: Exile Brewing Co. 
When: 6 – 8 p.m.; every Tuesday  
Show up, play bingo, drink beer, win prizes — easy peasy!

Sporcle Trivia Quiz Night

Where: Truman’s Pizza Tavern 
When: 7 p.m. & 8 p.m. rounds 
Bring your friends (or just yourself!) and test your knowledge of random facts.

Trivia Tuesdays with Crimson B

Where: The Blazing Saddle
When: 9:30 – 11 p.m.
Learn lots of things while you enjoy prizes and drinks, too!

Trivia on Tuesdays

Where: The New Northwestern  
When: 7 – 9 p.m. 
Yummy cocktails and awesome trivia in Downtown Des Moines! Games are at 7 and 7 p.m., and prizes for the first and second place teams.

Underground Comedy

Where: Beechwood Lounge  
When: 7:30 p.m. sign-up, 8:30 p.m. showtime 
Come for the laughs or try your hand on stage at this open mic night! Hosted each week by Dan Umthun, Alex Carter and Matt Lamb.

Things to Do in Downtown Des Moines: Wednesday

Trivia at the Tree

Where: Peace Tree Brewing Co. 
When: 7 p.m.; every 2nd Wednesday 
Sip on some local craft beer and compete for sweet prizes! Walk-ins are welcome but advanced registration is encouraged.

Things to Do in Downtown Des Moines: Thursday

Cocktails and Cardboard: Board Game Night

Where: The New Northwestern 
When: 6 – 9 p.m.; every other Thursday 
The Dealt Hand brings a great selection of board games, rotating each week — perfect for date night or a fun night with friends after work!

Exile's Trivia Night

Where: Exile Brewing Co. 
When: 6 p.m. 
It's free! Show up, order yourself a beer and get ready to test your trivia skillz.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night  

Where: The Red Monk 
When: 8 – 10 p.m. 
Gather your smartest friends for seven interactive rounds of trivia, located above the Royal Mile in the Historic Court District.

On the House: Free Stand-up Comedy Showcase

Where: TeeHee's Comedy Club
When: 8 p.m. 
You heard that right, it’s free! Listen in and laugh a lot as local comedians take to the stage to show off their best sets, bits and one-liners. Come prepared to support local: be aware of the two-item minimum at the club’s bar!

Social Runs

Where: Fleet Feet
When: 6 p.m. 
Every week, join fellow running enthusiasts for a fun run around Downtown DSM. There will be multiple distances and routes available, with each week including a three-mile option.

Trivia Night

Where: TeeHee's Comedy Club
When: 7 – 9 p.m. 
Play trivia, earn prizes and have a great time. Come early, seats fille up fast! 

Make it one epic winter in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) by exploring, experiencing and enjoying what Downtown DSM has to offer. Plan your visit to Downtown DSM with these tips for parking and navigation.