A website by Drake University students exploring The Greatest City on Earth.
By Diamond Metcalfe
I think you’ll agree with me when I say it can be hard to decide what to do on a night out with your family. It’s REALLY hard to decide on new ideas that you, your partner, and your child will like.
We have the top 5 best things to do in Des Moines. We guarantee you will LOVE the activities on this list.
Continue reading “5 things to do in Des Moines”
As summer is coming to a close, it is time to start planning your fun fall activities. West Des Moines and surrounding areas has so much to offer and this fall there are plenty of events and activities to choose from.
Continue reading “Activities you do not want to miss this fall in Des Moines and surrounding area”This social club is an innovative arts and entertainment place that’s located in a renovated, historic firehouse in downtown Des Moines. This non-profit allows a home for local artist to promote their music.
The social club has multiple floors with an outdoor courtyard. It also includes an art gallery, gift shop, music venue, restaurant and a coffee shop. It even has places for performances, classrooms and a non-profit office space.
On almost any night people can expect to see theater performances, pop up art galleries, circus classes, trivia competitions, live bands or art courses for the kiddies. The Des Moines social club is place for everyone of all ages.
Below are some the exciting places that people of all ages can find ways to let loose and explore their various god given talents.
The Culinary Loft
Is a place where individuals of any experience can go to explore or learn to make their favorite dishes. The culinary loft offers different classes to fit what each individual is looking for. They have series classes and single session classes for people of different ranges of experience.
The Basement
Is a place where individuals can go to experience a mix of recurring events of open mics, live music, dance parties and trivia nights. It allows for adults of drinking age a wide variety of drinks, from fine whiskeys to handcrafted cocktails.
Kum and Go Theater
This theater is Des Moines social club customizable theater that can be transformed into a black box, film, music, dance and wrestling. The theater offers free parking between 8th and 9th st and mulberry & Cherry St. This is allowed only after 5 pm and on weekends. The entrance is located on the south side of the firehouse.
Prairie Meadows courtyard
The courtyard is a place that is tucked between DMSC’s two campus buildings. The prairie meadows courtyard is where numerous weddings, concerts, food trucks and theater performances take place. Its unique look is the only space in the Des Moines social club with graffiti on bricks and backdrop.
The Malo
Is a Mexican restaurant that brings a lively atmosphere to the Des Moines social club. Its located on 900 Mulberry St Des Moines, IA 50309. From its brunch, lunch and dinner options Malo is a place that allows a great Mexican taste for everyone.
The Rooftop
Is a spot on top of the firehouse at Des Moines social club that has a eclectic feel. The Rooftop is an exclusive patio that’s located right above the prairie courtyard. What once housed firetrucks for the Des Moines Fire Department is now a spot that’s used for happy hour 3 days a week in the summer time.
The Viaduct Gallery
Is visual art that is committed to supporting artists in the local area by creating opportunities to enhance the art scene in Des Moines. The gallery can also be seen on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The Blue Moon Studio
Is a place where artist can go to record or produce music in the Des Moines area. The studio offers intro to home and Digital recordings, condenser microphone, dynamic microphones and advanced recording techniques.
The Scenic Route Bakery
Is a daughter and father bakery that is opening in May of 2019 at the Des Moines social club. The menu will consist of coffee, pastries with the addition of grab n go breakfast and lunch items.
Now that I’ve shown everyone what the Des Moines social club is and some of things to do there. I want you to share this blog post to show the awesome things the Des Moines social club is doing to help the Art and Entertainment scene in the Des Moines area. I also want you all to go for yourself to see the awesome things the community is doing.
So, let’s get to the root of the problem. Life is busy for both parents and kids. We manage our to-do’s and bury ourselves in technology. We are losing connection (no pun intended) with our children and our spouse. Instead, we should be planting the seed on quality family time.
Continue reading “Why Des Moines is the root to Iowa family fun”
1810 Beaver Ave, Des Moines
Snookies Malt Shop is a staple in the Beaverdale neighborhood and locals love its dog-friendly patio. Snookies is only open from mid-April to early fall, so it’s the perfect summertime activity to do with your dog. Need another reason besides the great soft-serve ice cream, shakes, malts and tasty desserts? How about free “puppy cones” to all good puppers who visit! Puppy Cones are tiny little vanilla ice cream cones that also provide the perfect photo opp of your pup to share on Instagram. Beaverdale resident Ashley Friday puts it best, “My dog Ruby looks forward to opening day as much as I do. It’s not really summer until we get our first pup cone!”
Court Ave, Des Moines
Ranked as the #2 Top Farmers’ Market in the US by Shape Magazine the Des Moines Farmers’ Market is a great way to spend a Saturday morning for both your and your pup. The farmers’ market welcomes leashed and well-behaved pooches to visit and browse the over 300 vendors. There are a lot of dogs that stroll around Court Avenue so it gives your dog plenty of opportunity to socialize. Pro-tip: get there early! The Des Moines’ Farmers’ Market is a popular spot and can get crowded as the day goes on. If your dog doesn’t like crowds, it could become a stressful situation.
Multiple locations and times – Schedule here
Drinks on a patio for a good cause? Sign us up! The Yappy Hour series is a dog-friendly patio event that benefits the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. There are happy hour drink specials and admission is free. It’s a great way to spend a sunny afternoon with friends and your pup can make some friends as well. With multiple locations and dates, there’s sure to be one that fits your schedule.
Principal Park – 1 Line Dr, Des Moines
Each summer the Iowa Cubs offer a Dog Days of Summer event that benefits the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Principal Park goes “to the dogs” with a dog parade before the game, bandanas for all the four-legged participants, water stations and specials on hot dogs for hungry baseball fans. When asked about their favorite part of the event, Des Moines resident Jane Slusark said, “It’s so much fun to see all the dogs at the game. We bring the whole family, and it’s a great way to spend a summer evening”. Tickets are $16 and 100% of the ticket price goes towards caring for homeless animals in the metro area. It’s great family-fun, but don’t wait until the last minute. This even usually sells out!
MALO – 900 Mulberry St
There are quite a few dog-friendly patios in Downtown Des Moines, but we are partial towards MALO and their tasty margaritas! MALO has 10 dog-friendly outdoor tables on their patio and they provide plenty of shade on sunny days. Don’t forget to grab the churritos dessert with the Mexican chocolate dipping sauce…just don’t share that one with you dog!
Where is your favorite place to take your pup in Des Moines? Share in the comments.
