Best Nightlife Options in Greater Des Moines

Looking for things to do in Greater Des Moines (DSM) at night? Searching “best nightlife near me” will only get you so far. Beyond bars and restaurants, even more distinctive after-dark activities await.

Here's what night owls can do in DSM, from scoping out the local nightlife scene to lesser-known adventures like star parties, skee-ball and scaling great heights.

Things to Do in Greater Des Moines at Night

Fun and Games

Hang out (literally) and “belay on” after sundown at Climb Iowa. Both the Grimes and Historic East Village indoor rock-climbing locations stay open until 10 p.m. Friday nights and 9 p.m. Saturday. The first Friday of every month, discounted day passes are just $5 after 5 p.m. (rental gear not included).

Try your hand at duckpin bowling at Backpocket Pin & Pixel in Johnston. More of a video game aficionado? Check out the retro arcade with 21 pin ball machines and video games, plus classics like skee-ball and air hockey.

At Principal Park, fireworks shows are planned after each Iowa Cubs Friday night home game, as well as Thursday, July 3, 2025. Watching a celebratory display after a “W” is a feel-good way to kick off the weekend.

Take a swing and swig at Broheim’s Indoor Golf & Pub. This Waukee destination goes 21+ after 9 p.m. and features state-of-the-art golf simulators to play the world’s most scenic and challenging courses. Your crew can also challenge each other to skee-ball, miniature golf, cornhole, darts, 7 Ball striking games and more.

Rock and roll at the rink. Skate South hosts adult-only nights for the 18+ crowd from 8:30 - 11:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of every month.

Bet on a good time at Prairie Meadows, whether you stop into the casino or snag tickets to a tribute show covering beloved acts like Jimmy Buffet, or British legends Bowie, Jagger, Elton & Freddie.

Get out of the basement and game with a group at Great Escape in Pleasant Hill and Spare Time in West Des Moines’ Jordan Creek area. Reserve a lane for bowling, hit the arcade and more until Midnight on the weekends.

Local Nightlife

Slip into a speakeasy, rent Your Own Private Bar, or hop between hotspots. DSM entertainment districts offer a concentrated collection of dining and drinking options within walking distance.

Listen for live music wafting through Downtown Des Moines' (DSM) Historic East Village, where Fong’s Pizza recently expanded its space for serving Asian fusion favorites and tiki-style cocktails. (Helmets on for their infamous kamikaze shot!)

Just west of Downtown DSM, The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand is known as a culinary corridor with options that range from casual to chic. (We recommend a slice from Big Tomato Pizza, post-nightcap.) In Ankeny, The District at Prairie Trail is the spot to sip wine and sample saké. Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee anchors the up-and-coming KeeTown Loop.

Dark Sky Opportunities

Take out your telescope at Springbrook State Park in Guthrie Center. It’s one of Iowa’s “dark sky” areas with low light pollution to support stargazing.

If you don’t have equipment of your own, the Drake Municipal Observatory, located in Des Moines on the grounds of the Waveland Golf Course, hosts a weekly Public Night Series each spring, summer and fall on Friday nights. Visitors can expect a free astronomy lesson followed by stargazing with expert guidance. Lectures begin at 8 p.m., regardless of weather. If conditions are clear, sky viewing begins at dark.

Science Center of Iowa “star parties” are also fun for anyone with a late bedtime. Held at different locations around the DSM, you can geek out over astral awesomeness.

From January through March, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden’s “Dome After Dark” illuminates the lush interior landscape, creating an extra vibey atmosphere.

Plan Your Next Night Out Around Greater Des Moines

There’s plenty to explore in DSM — and these nightlife spots are meant to be visited with friends. Treat yourself to things to do around the region like late-night rock climbing or seasonal stargazing. It's time to get out on the town — plan ahead, make a reservation, if needed, and meet up for some fun!