Tag: Entertainment

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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

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Discover the Des Moines Botanical Garden: A Year-Round Urban Oasis

Written by Drake Student

Nestled along the east bank of the Des Moines River, the Des Moines Botanical Garden offers a lush, immersive experience for plant lovers, families, and curious explorers alike. This 12-acre urban garden is more than just a scenic retreat—it’s a vibrant hub of horticulture, education, and community connection in the heart of downtown Des Moines.

Explore the Conservatory and Rare Plant Collections

At the heart of the garden is its iconic geodesic dome conservatory, which houses more than 1,200 plant species from all over the world. Visitors can wander through towering tropical palms, colorful orchids, and striking succulents, all thriving in a climate-controlled space that provides a warm escape from Iowa’s chilly winters.

The garden’s impressive plant collections include one of North America’s largest Plectranthus (coleus) collections, as well as a historic bonsai display, featuring a Ginkgo biloba tree that dates back to 1865. Outdoor gardens surrounding the dome feature native Iowa plants, water gardens, rose gardens, and seasonal blooms that provide something new to admire throughout the year.

Events and Programs for Every Season

The Des Moines Botanical Garden is alive with activity all year long. Popular seasonal events include “Dome After Dark”, where the conservatory transforms into a glowing tropical escape with music and drinks on Friday nights during the winter months. In spring, the annual Spring Garden Market brings together plant lovers, local vendors, and expert gardeners for a weekend of shopping, learning, and community fun.

Other events include yoga in the garden, live music series, family-friendly festivals, and even botanical-themed art exhibits. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening or an educational experience, there’s always something going on.

Learn and Grow with Educational Opportunities

The garden offers a wide range of classes and workshops for all ages. The “Learn on Saturdays” lecture series invites horticulturists, environmentalists, and gardening experts to share tips and insights on sustainable gardening practices, native planting, and more.

They also offer programs for kids and schools, making it a perfect place for hands-on learning outside the classroom.

Plan Your Visit

The Des Moines Botanical Garden is located at 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, just minutes from downtown. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for youth, with memberships available for frequent visitors.

Whether you’re a lifelong gardener or simply seeking a peaceful place to unwind, the Des Moines Botanical Garden is a must-see destination in Iowa’s capital city.

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Music in Des Moines

Highly Suspect at the Bourbon Theater – Music Des Moines

Des Moines is the music hub of Iowa, with dozens of exciting artists touring each year. Continue reading to discover a few of the most popular country and rock artists coming to Des Moines at the end of 2023 or the beginning of 2024. Additionally, check out the multitude of special Holiday music events taking place before Christmas. With beautiful music venues and incredible artists, Des Moines is prepared to wow visitors.

Continue reading “Music in Des Moines”
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