If you’re looking for the best Des Moines restaurants in 2025, you’re in the right place. Des Moines has become one of the Midwest’s most exciting food destinations, with a wide mix of classic favorites, trendy new spots, and locally owned gems. Whether you’re a lifelong local or visiting for the weekend, this guide highlights the can’t-miss restaurants that define the Des Moines food scene.
Continue reading “The Best Des Moines Restaurants to Try in 2025: Your Local Food Guide”Des Moines Music Venues
Are you a fan of live music? Whether you’re #1 in line for your favorite artist’s new tour or a friend gave you tickets to a show you’ve never heard of, there’s plenty of opportunity for amazing concerts in Des Moines!
Dozens of music and performance venues in Des Moines offer a wide variety of experiences for people looking for a night out. Let’s explore a few now!
Casey’s Center
The newly renamed Casey’s Center is Des Moines’ premiere music venue, arena, and events center. The stadium seats 17,000 people, and has hosted the likes of Taylor Swift, Elton John, and this October- Paul McCartney!
The Casey’s Center is also the hub for many sports teams, such as the Iowa Wild, Iowa Barnstormers, and Iowa Wolves in hockey, football, and basketball, respectively.
Check out their website here.
Val Air Balroom
A charming and historic ballroom venue named in homage to the nearby Valley Junction, this venue creates an intimate yet spectacular concert experience. Founded in 1939, the ballroom had a major renovation in 2023, which upgraded many of its features and amenities for guests.
Check out their website here.
Des Moines Civic Center
If your favorite musical experience is- well, a musical, then the Des Moines Civic Center and other Des Moines Performing Arts venues have what you’re looking for! Located in the heart of Downtown, the Civic Center hosts musicals, plays, award shows, and more year-round.
Temple and Stoner Theaters are also a part of the Des Moines Performing Arts complex, but the Civic Center is by far the largest, seating around 2,700 people.
Check out their website here.
Wooly’s
Located in the East Village of Des Moines, Wooly’s is a 680 capacity venue known for it’s high energy and intimate shows. Founded with the goal of hosting genre-diverse acts, Wooly’s is a great place to get on your feet and dance at.
Hosting the likes of The Struts and Ice Nine Kills, Wooly’s has a show to offer everyone!
Check out their website here.
Noce
If you like jazz, drinks, or a cozy atmosphere, Noce jazz club has something to offer you. Tucked away near the Papajohn Sculpture Park, Noce is a small venue that hosts both local and world-renowned jazz musicians.
Book a table and enjoy a romantic night out, or just stop by to hear some amazing grooves.
Check out their website here.
Didn’t find a pick that suited you? Check out The 32 Best Live Music Venues in Des Moines
Everything You Need to Know About the Des Moines Art Festival 2025
The Des Moines Art Festival is one of the Midwest’s premier arts and culture events, and The Des Moines Art Festival is one of the Midwest’s premier arts and culture events, and it’s returning to downtown Des Moines from June 27–29, 2025. This award-winning festival celebrates creativity with world-class visual arts, live music, interactive experiences, and more. Whether you’re a lifelong art lover or just looking for a vibrant summer event, the Des Moines Art Festival is a must-visit!
What Is the Des Moines Art Festival?
Held annually in Western Gateway Park, the Des Moines Art Festival showcases work from 195 nationally recognized artists. The festival is a juried event, meaning only the best of the best are selected to display their paintings, sculptures, photography, mixed media, and jewelry. Set against the backdrop of landmarks like the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the Krause Gateway Center, the festival offers a truly inspiring setting for art enthusiasts.
Activities at the Des Moines Art Festival
There’s more to the Des Moines Art Festival than just incredible art! The festival features:
- Live music on the Main Stage
- Interactive art activities for kids and families
- The Interrobang Film Festival, showcasing short films and documentaries
- A wide variety of local food trucks and beverage gardens
With something for every age and interest, it’s easy to see why the Des Moines Art Festival attracts over 200,000 visitors every year.
Sustainability and Community Focus
The Des Moines Art Festival is committed to being a sustainable event. Through its Green Arts Program and partnerships with local organizations, the festival actively reduces its environmental impact. It’s a true community event that brings together local businesses, volunteers, and artists to create a positive, lasting impact on Des Moines.
Plan Your Visit
Admission to the Des Moines Art Festival is completely free! To make the most of your visit, check out the full schedule, parking information, and artist lineup at the official website: Des Moines Art Festival.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to experience the best of art, music, and community spirit, don’t miss the Des Moines Art Festival 2025. Bring your family, your friends, and your love for creativity to this iconic Des Moines event!
Raise Your Cup With Your Pup: Paws and Pints, Des Moines
By Drake Student
Paws and Pints is a dog park with a half bar and grill situated on the south side of Des Moines. Visitors can enjoy a cocktail or burger in the Best Friends Bar while letting their furry friend run around in the large fenced-in dog park. The patio has an inside portion and an outside option to give the dogs more space and allow Paws and Pints to stay open year-round. Large windows on the side of the restaurant ensure the owners can see that their dog stays safe and engaged.
Best Friends Bar
The restaurant isn’t exactly amazing, but I wouldn’t necessarily base my opinion strictly on the food. The restaurant environment feels like the millennial burger places going viral on TikTok. Some of the food seems a bit overpriced for what you would get. A burger alone could cost around $15.00. Seating is also extremely uncomfortable. No seats had padding on them, and at the inside tables, there were what were essentially lawn chairs.
However, they do have an interesting take on cheese curds with their honey glaze topping. Overall, my favorite aspects of the restaurant would have to be the cheese curds and the house sauce that they put over the burgers.
Along with the main bar and restaurant, there is also an additional bar located outside. However, the outside bar is seasonal and only used during the summer months.
Coffee Shop:
Another thing that I find special about this location is the built-in coffee shop. When customers bring their dogs in the morning, they can enjoy a coffee or latte from the connected coffee bar. The coffee shop has more limited hours than the main restaurant, though, as it is only open in the morning and afternoon.
Pet Services:
Beside the main dog park, Paws and Pints offers dog grooming and a new transportation service. Customers can now request that Paws and Pints pick up their animals from their homes and transport them to their appointments. Destinations for this service can range from a day at the dog park or grooming appointment to other doctor appointments off-site.
Dog Park:
Dogs can attend the park only if their owners register an account with Paws and Pints and upload the dog’s veterinarian records for proof of vaccination. Owners can also purchase a day pass or the membership option. While bringing a dog is expensive, entering the park without animals is completely free.
Thoughts:
Paws and Pints is an underrated place in Des Moines for the many things it offers. It’s a great place to get some food and play with dogs. In my experience, it’s a great stress reliever and a great way to get some love from furry friends.
Des Moines Cycling Trails: Spring & Summer Guide
Spring and summer unveil the beauty of Des Moines cycling trails, making Greater Des Moines a haven for riders. With over 100 miles of paths, from the iconic High Trestle Trail to the sprawling Raccoon River Valley Trail, these routes offer scenic views, unique landmarks, and local stops perfect for spring cycling Des Moines. Whether you’re a casual cyclist or a seasoned rider, the city’s trails showcase Iowa’s landscapes and charm. Curious about the best summer bike trails Iowa has to offer? Here’s an informative guide to four top Des Moines cycling trails for your next ride.
Explore These Top Trails
High Trestle Trail (25 Miles)
The High Trestle Trail stretches 25 miles from Ankeny to Madrid, famous for its 13-story bridge that glows with blue lights at night. Pedal across this engineering marvel, then stop at Porch Light Coffeehouse in Ankeny for a latte or Trailside Tap for burgers and live music. A pedestrian bridge on Oralabor Road connects to other trails, ensuring safe access.
Raccoon River Valley Trail (89 Miles)
Spanning 89 miles through 14 communities, the Raccoon River Valley Trail is a cyclist’s dream. With this trail, the rider will get a great tour of the Des Moines area, from rural to urban. Start at Waukee’s trailhead, where colorful artwork lines The Loop. In Adel, visit the Freedom Rock, a painted boulder honoring veterans, and grab a brew at Brickyard Burgers & Brews.
Great Western Trail (8-17 Miles)
The Great Western Trail runs 17 miles from Des Moines to Martensdale, blending urban and rural vibes. In the city, refuel at Mullets downtown or sip wine at Jasper Winery’s summer concerts. Out in Cumming, snap a selfie at The Chicken’s giant statue. This trail’s mix of city and countryside makes it ideal for spring cycling Des Moines. For Seasoned riders, this trail continues and additional 9.5 miles beyond Cumming to the rural community of Martensdale, making this a great way to get an extra workout and see some rural sights.
Chichaqua Valley Trail (20 Miles)
The 20-mile Chichaqua Valley Trail connects Bondurant to Baxter, passing small towns like Valeria and Mingo. Start at the Bondurant Trailhead and enjoy quiet, tree-lined paths. In Bondurant, Reclaimed Rails offers craft brews like “Freeze Peach” for a post-ride treat. This trail’s rural charm shines in summer.
Plan Your Ride
With diverse Des Moines cycling trails, spring and summer are perfect for exploring Iowa’s landscapes. While these trails are described as seperate entities, the truth is that due to Des Moine’s great cycling infastructure, it is easy to connect between al these large trails and small local ones, meaning you are never far from a great time. Visit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition for trail maps and biking tips. Pick a trail, pack your gear, and hit the paths to discover Des Moines’ beauty. Share this guide with friends and plan your next cycling adventure!
