Celebrate NYE 2021 in DSM

Another year has come and gone, and with it we celebrate the amazing strides made in Greater Des Moines (DSM). From recognition in tech, sustainability and pandemic recovery to advancements in major projects across the region, including the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex, the ICON Water Trails and many more, 2021 has brought with it progress and success across growing industries and local businesses and organizations.

As this year comes to a close, we celebrate these accomplishments and look forward at ways to continue to support our local economy. If you’re looking for somewhere to ring in the new year, check out our list below for ideas. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, little ones or that special someone, DSM has it all this New Year’s Eve!

NYE Events for the Entire Family

New Year’s Drop-In Craft at Altoona Public Library

Create NYE crafts in the children’s area at the Altoona Public Library from 4 -5 p.m. PreK (ages 3-5) and elementary students (grades K-6) are invited to attend. Please note that ages seven and under must be accompanies by an adult.

Ice Skating at Brenton Skating Plaza

The whole family will love ice skating at Brenton Skating Plaza on NYE! Public skating hours are: 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m., 1:15 – 3 p.m., 3:30 – 5:15 p.m., 5:45 – 7:30 p.m., 8 – 9:45 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. – Midnight. Adult admission is $8, while children (6-12) and seniors (60+) are $5. Children under five are free and skate rental is $4.50/pair for all ages.

New Year’s Eve at Great Escape

Great Escape in Pleasant Hill is a great place to celebrate the NYE holiday. Open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., you can bowl, check out the arcade, play laser tag and so much more!

Parents’ Night Out: New Year’s Eve at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex

The MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex in West Des Moines is hosting a Parents’ Night Out from 4 – 10 p.m. The event will include an early balloon drop, NYE activities and crafts, a glow-in-the-dark dance party and pizza.

Happy New Year Scavenger Hunt at the Urbandale Public Library

Take part in a scavenger hunt where children hut down nine New Year’s pictures in the children’s area. The hunt takes place now through Friday, Dec. 31 (on NYE the library closes at 5 p.m.).

Iowa Wild at Wells Fargo Arena

The NYE hockey game between Iowa Wild and the Colorado Eagles begins at 2 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena. There will be NYE postgame fireworks, too. Ages two and older must have a ticket.

NYE Events for the Adults

BLACK LIGHT New Year’s Eve at Bottle & Bottega

From 7 – 9 p.m., you can paint in a regular fashion or glow-in-the-dark fashion with a canvas or wood plan board during the BLACK LIGHT NYE event. Your ticket price will vary depending on which you choose and includes all art supplies and instruction.

New Year’s Eve Pops with the Des Moines Symphony

Singing along to the music of Elton John makes for a festive way to celebrate NYE. Join Michael Cavanaugh, on vocals and piano, and the Des Moines Symphony at the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines to hear a high-energy show beginning at 8 p.m.

Sister Sara NYE Party at Mickey’s Irish Pub

Celebrate NYE at Mickey’s Irish Pub in Waukee. The tribute band will play favorite hits, and there’s no cover for the event.

NYE Open Bar Party at Smash Park

From 7 p.m. until 2 a.m., take part in the NYE fun at Smash Park Des Moines. Live music, drink packages, champagne jell-o shots and a kitchen open late until 1 p.m. make Smash Park a great place to countdown to the new year. The pre-paid Open Bar package is $49.

New Year’s at Trailside Tap

Head to Ankeny’s Trailside Tap to ring in 2022. The NYE menu will begin being available at 5 p.m. and include entrees like Tandoori Game Hen, Risotto, Lobster Pie and more. Round out your meal with the Meringue Cake or the Bourbon Maple Ganache. Call (515) 964-5259 to make your NYE reservation.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.

Named the #1 Best Place to Live in the Midwest and #2 Safest Place to Live, Greater Des Moines (DSM) is a city where you can have it all. Learn more about what it’s like to live here.