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Countdown to Five Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Downtown DSM This Week

Five Things to Do

December 29, 2023

10 … 9 … 8 … 7 … 6 ... Here are five can’t-miss things to do over the next week in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). From New Year’s Eve celebrations to live comedy, jazz or Latin music, plus the final few days of holiday happenings — we’ve got you covered.

Latin Night with Son Peruchos

Friday, Dec. 29 | Noce
This Des Moines-based musical troupe fuses Andean and South American folk music with modern Latin and Caribbean rhythms such as cumbia, bachata and rock en Español. Son Peruchos brings a musical treat to its listeners by using traditional instruments like the quena, zampona and charango. As one Facebook reviewer states, “This band makes you want to get up and DANCE!”
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Noce Performance

Dome for the Holidays

Friday, Dec. 29 – Saturday Dec. 30 | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Don’t miss the final days of holiday festivities at the Botanical Garden. Step into a warm, winter wonderland glittering with festive lights and lovely holiday plant exhibits. Consider registering for a winter-themed workshop where you can make a tropical snow globe or learn about feeding birds during the coldest months of the year. Fun for the whole family!
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Photo Credit: KMP Photo

 

Darius Daye

Saturday, Dec. 30 | TeeHee’s Comedy Club
Get ready for laughs! Darius Daye, a comedian from Des Moines, is on his way to becoming a TikTok sensation. You may recognize him from TV commercials and from his performance on Kill Tony. His comedic timing, hilarious personality and fun energy are sure to bring the crowd to tears of laughter. Can’t make it to the 9:30 p.m. show? Stop in at 7 p.m. for comedian Sam Hirchak. Tickets for each show are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
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Photo Credit: Danny Carman (Danny Does Pix)

New Year’s Eve

Sunday, Jan. 31 | Various Downtown Des Moines Venues
Downtown is the place to be to ring in the New Year! From daytime family-friendly activities to shows and performances, restaurant specials, hotel packages and nightlife parties, celebrate the ball drop at a unique event or venue in the heart of the city.
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Live Jazz Trio

Thursday, Jan. 4 | In Confidence
This Thursday (and every Thursday!), take a musical trip back in time with a live jazz trio from 8 to 11 p.m. at one of Downtown Des Moines’ coolest hidden bars and speakeasies. Wander down the rabbit hole to uncover a unique venue with Prohibition-era vibes, perfectly paired with handcrafted cocktails — including Thursday’s “Thirst for the Good Life” drink special: buy one cocktail, get a second cocktail half off. Give the Smoke(d) Break cocktail a try, pictured here.
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In Confidence Smoked Break 

Looking for more? Here’s a list of five free things to do in Downtown Des Moines during the month of January

For these upcoming events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional upcoming events, visit the Downtown DSM events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.

Greater Des Moines Partnership

DSM USA is the regional identifier for Greater Des Moines (DSM). DSM USA is a bold statement to the world: This is a welcoming, diverse and vibrant community with affordable and accessible amenities for residents and businesses. This regional identifier is the result of significant quantitative and qualitative research. The Partnership will champion the DSM USA message, and encourages its Investors, its more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and DSM USA Ambassadors to help share the region's story with One Voice.