Here’s a quick list of places to celebrate New Year’s Eve around Des Moines in style as we ring in 2022.
Written by Rachel Wermager
We put a lot of pressure on New Year’s Eve to be the most amazing night of our lives, and let’s be honest—it never really is. But this year, we’re setting you up for success with some of the hottest spots to watch the ball drop. Whether you share a kiss or down a glass of champagne when the clock strikes midnight, if you’re at one of these events or parties it’s sure to be a great night.
Downtown
Surety Hotel Dinner
- 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- 206 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Mulberry Street Tavern at the stunning Surety Hotel will be hosting an impressive four-course menu for New Year’s Eve. The meal is $85 per person, or they have a vegetarian option for $75 per person; both with wine pairings available. Start the evening right with an incredible dinner. Make a reservation through Open Table or the hotel’s website soon, as spots are filling up!
Des Moines Symphony New Year’s Eve Music Pop Up
- 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- 221 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Enjoy The Music of Elton John Starring Micheal Cavanaugh at 8 p.m. at the Des Moines Civic Center. We’re talking “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man,” “Benny and the Jets,” and more all played by the amazing Des Moines Symphony. You won’t be able to resist singing along to this upbeat, high-energy show. Tickets are on sale now from $40-$95!
Noce’s Seventh Annual Wild Party
- 8 p.m. – 1 a.m.
- 1326 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Join in to celebrate both the New Year and Noce’s seventh birthday. This party is their most popular event of the year, so look into getting your tickets early! The night starts with a cocktail hour at 8 p.m. followed by a three-course dinner at 9 p.m. Dance your way to the New Year with live music from various singers and bands. Tickets for the party are $125.
New Years Made Easy at Tonic on Court Avenue
- 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- 210 Court Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck this New Year’s (and you can drink a lot), this is a great party for you. For $100 you get all you can drink cocktails, beer, and bombs. Let’s face it—there’s a chance you’ll spend that much on drinks throughout the night anyway, so why not make it bottomless? They also have a balloon drop, live DJ, champagne toast, party favors, and snacks. Table reservations are available too.
East Village
New Year’s Eve Party at Clyde’s Fine Diner
- 5 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- 111 E Grand Ave Suite 111, Des Moines, IA 50309
Instead of a pre-fixe menu dinner this year, Clyde’s is throwing their very own New Year’s bash. Have a classy night out at this upscale “cocktail” party with beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. There will be two time slots to stop by at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., but you’re also welcome to stay until midnight for the champagne toast. Tickets are $75 per person and you can book now through Tock!
Pianopalooza Dueling Pianos with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Wooly’s
- Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m.
- 504 E Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Celebrate live music this New Year’s Eve at Wooly’s! Pianopalooza and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will send you dancing and singing into the New Year. General admission tickets are $20 and VIP tables are $75 (booths are already sold out). Enjoy a balloon drop, photo booth, party favors, and be entered in a raffle to win a “Golden Ticket” which is a pair of tickets to all Wooly’s concerts in 2022.
Bubble Into 2022 at The Republic on Grand
- 9 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
- 401 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Cheers to the New Year while overlooking the city lights of downtown at The Republic on Grand’s New Year’s party. They’ll have live music entertainment by Jordan Beem and a champagne toast at midnight. Tables will be seated on a first come, first serve basis so plan your night accordingly to secure yourself a spot with a great view from this sixth-floor lounge inside the AC Hotel.
Coa Cantina
- 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- 425 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
If you and your crew are looking for a classic New Year’s party with lots of dancing—and tequila—Coa is your spot. The popular tequila bar will have a live DJ from 9 p.m. to close that promises to play “all the bangerz.” Bottle service and table reservations are available, but not required. Ring in the new year with shots of tequila instead of champagne.
Black Sheep Presents Danceteria with Mondo Nexus & Disc Nixon
- 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.)
- 223 E Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
We’re excited about this one. This New Year’s party is an all vinyl tribute to the glory days of disco. Let me repeat that: ALL VINYL DISCO. If you’ve never been to the Black Sheep, now’s the time. This unique speakeasy is a not-so-hidden gem of the East Village that people absolutely rave about. Dust off your disco dancing shoes and get ready for a great night. Oh, and the best part: no cover.
West Des Moines
Wellman’s Pub & Rooftop
- 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- 597 Market Street, Des Moines, IA 50266
Wellman’s is great for New Year’s because it has so much space. I love the cozy bars downtown, but for a night like New Year’s Eve, it’ll be nice to know if you head out to Wellman’s you’ll have some space to dance and maybe even snag a table without reserving one. If you do want to ensure you have a home base throughout the night, slide into their DMs with your name and number and they’ll reach out with all the details.
Smash Park New Year’s Eve Open Bar Party
- 7 p.m. – 2 a.m.
- 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
This one might be worth the Uber or Lyft out west. For $49 you get an open bar and exclusive access to the 21+ Paddle Club with seating and a private bar, plus they have $1 champagne Jello-O shots, live music starting at 9 p.m., and the kitchen is open until 11 p.m. to satisfy your late-night cravings. Let’s not forget all the pickleball courts, bags, giant jenga, arcade games, and more to keep you entertained all night long.
