Nightlife & Party Destinations in Des Moines, Iowa, United States

1. Court Avenue

Lively street filled with numerous bars and restaurants, offering a variety of music genres for entertainment.

Unique Venues: From rooftop bars to Irish pubs, each venue on Court Avenue has its own distinct atmosphere.
Live Music: Court Avenue is known for hosting live music performances across various genres.
Nightlife Hub: This area serves as the central hub of Des Moines' nightlife, attracting locals and visitors alike.

Concert venue featuring a variety of musical acts, including local, national, and international performers.

Diverse Lineup: Wooly's offers a wide range of music genres from rock to electronic dance music.
Intimate Setting: The venue's smaller size allows for an intimate concert experience.
Historic Building: Located in a historic building, Wooly's adds a touch of culture to the nightlife scene.

Weekly market during warm months offering fresh produce, food trucks, and live music.

Fresh Produce: Stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local goods.
Live Music: Enjoy live music performances while exploring the market.
Food Trucks: Indulge in a variety of delicious food options from local food trucks.

Karaoke bar with a wide selection of beers and classic American pub fare.

Karaoke Nights: Join in on karaoke nights, where patrons can show off their singing talents.
Craft Beer Selection: Try a new craft beer from the extensive selection.
Local Atmosphere: El Bait Shop offers a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

Chic cocktail bar with an extensive drink menu and small plates.

Craft Cocktails: Indulge in expertly crafted cocktails made with quality ingredients.
Elevated Atmosphere: Le Moss offers a stylish, upscale atmosphere perfect for a sophisticated night out.
Small Plates: Pair your drinks with a selection of tasty small plates.

Music venue and bar featuring both local and national acts across various genres.

Versatile Lineup: From indie rock to electronic music, Vaudeville Mews offers a diverse lineup of musical acts.
Intimate Setting: The venue's smaller size allows for an intimate concert experience.
Central Location: Conveniently located in downtown Des Moines, Vaudeville Mews is easily accessible.

Outdoor gallery showcasing murals by local and international artists.

Artistic Expression: Appreciate the creative works of local and international artists.
Unique Atmosphere: The lively, graffiti-covered walls create a unique atmosphere for exploring.
Photo Opportunities: Capture memorable photos amidst the colorful murals.

Urban winery offering wine tastings, vineyard tours, and events.

Wine Tastings: Experience the variety of wines produced on-site through guided tastings.
Vineyard Tours: Learn about the winemaking process with a vineyard tour.
Events and Live Music: Attend events featuring live music, food trucks, and more.

Upscale steakhouse with an extensive wine list and live jazz music.

Premium Steaks: Indulge in high-quality steaks prepared to perfection.
Live Jazz Music: Enjoy live jazz music while dining in a sophisticated atmosphere.
Extensive Wine List: Choose from an extensive list of wines to complement your meal.

Elegant lounge offering craft cocktails and a dance floor.

Craft Cocktails: Savor expertly crafted cocktails made with quality ingredients.
Dance Floor: Show off your dance moves on the spacious dance floor.
Elegant Atmosphere: Experience a stylish, upscale atmosphere perfect for a night out.

Scenic road offering stunning views of the Des Moines skyline and nearby parks.

Stunning Views: Take in breathtaking views of the city skyline and surrounding parks.
Scenic Drive: Enjoy a leisurely drive along Grand View Avenue.
Photo Opportunities: Capture memorable photos of the city skyline and surrounding parks.

Historic mansion turned performance venue offering concerts, tours, and events.

Historical Venue: Explore the rich history of this beautifully preserved mansion.
Concerts and Events: Attend concerts, tours, and events held in this unique venue.
Art Exhibits: Check out rotating art exhibits on display throughout the mansion.

Outdoor ice skating rink and event venue.

Ice Skating: Enjoy ice skating during the winter months.
Events and Live Music: Attend events featuring live music, food trucks, and more.
Scenic Atmosphere: Skate amidst a picturesque downtown Des Moines setting.

Multidisciplinary arts venue offering theater performances, art exhibits, and classes.

Arts and Culture: Experience a variety of artistic performances and exhibits.
Community Engagement: Participate in classes and workshops to engage with the local arts community.
Versatile Venue: The venue offers a range of performance spaces, including a theater, gallery, and studio.

Urban winery offering wine tastings, vineyard tours, and live music events.

Wine Tastings: Experience the variety of wines produced on-site through guided tastings.
Vineyard Tours: Learn about the winemaking process with a vineyard tour.
Live Music Events: Attend events featuring live music, food trucks, and more.