Here’s a quick list of places to celebrate New Year’s Eve around Des Moines as we ring in 2026.

Staying local for NYE? Whether you’re in the mood for live jazz, a grounding sound bath, or a big night out with friends, the metro has something for every kind of celebration. Here’s your guide to stepping into 2026 with a night to remember.

Please note: Events are subject to sell out FAST or change. Please check with the host to confirm availability.

New Year’s Eve Party at Smash Park

  • 11 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
  • Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266

Starting at 11 a.m., Smash Park is celebrating the end of 2025 with fun all day long! Hit up the pickleball courts, arcade games, or sit around with friends for a night of drinking and dining. If you book up to two weeks in advance you can use promo code NYE26 for half-price activities. There are also Open Bar Packages and Glow Pickleball to keep the party going until the clock strikes midnight.

More info.

Hessen Haus’ New Year’s Eve

  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m., toast at 5 p.m.
  • Hessen Haus, 101 SW 4th St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Celebrate New Years “early” at Hessen Haus! When the clock strikes midnight in Germany, we party! Grab dinner or pregame your holiday at Hessen Haus with a free champagne toast at 5 p.m. Afterward, stick around and order a giant pretzel for the table or a classic German-inspired dish to get in the spirit.

The deets. 

NYE Connection Circle + Sound Bath at Inner Space

  • 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Inner Space Des Moines, 1251 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, IA, United States, Iowa 50309

Welcome the new year with a grounding evening of light movement, breathwork, sound healing, and reflective journaling. This session creates space to release the old, welcome the new, and connect in community.

Learn more.

New Year’s Dinner with Flora

  • Dinner Seatings at 5:00 and 7:30 p.m.
  • Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines IA 50309

Celebrate the New Year with a four-course dinner at Flora by Chef Suman Hoque, plus included admission to Dome for the Holidays. Enjoy a magical walk-through of glowing light displays and interactive exhibits, which makes for a perfect evening for all ages.

Ticketed dining.

NYE at Proudfoot and Bird

  • Reservations begin at 5 p.m.
  • Proudfoot and Bird, 1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309

If a New Year’s dinner is more your vibe, check out this beautifully curated meal. At the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, Chef James Richards will be counting you down with a special menu of culinary delights crafted just for the occasion.

Reservations.

Tony Bohnenkamp and Pianopalooza featuring The Finesse at Wooly’s

  • Doors open 7 p.m., show at 9 p.m.
  • Wooly’s, 504 E. Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309

Dance, drink, and be merry at this signature New Year’s event. Tickets start at $27 (Booth and table add-ons are available for purchase).

Check it out.

Noce’s Wild Party

  • 8 p.m. show time 
  • Noce, 1326 Walnut Street #100, Des Moines IA 50309

The 11th annual Wild Party and Noce’s 10th birthday will be celebrated in style with live music, bites from the Tangerine Food Company, tarot readings, an aura photo booth and more!

Join the party.

The Guilty Pleasures and Friends at xBk Live

  • Doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9 p.m.
  • xBk Live, 1159 24th St, Des Moines, IA 50311

Head to the Drake neighborhood for a high-energy NYE set from Guilty Pleasures, a party cover band known for creatively mashing up hits from a variety of artists.

Details.

NYE Pops: Cirque at Des Moines Civic Center

  • 8 p.m. show time
  • Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309

Let 2025 come to a close with a performance you won’t want to miss! The Des Moines Symphony is partnering with world-renowned Cirque performers from Troupe Vertigo to put on a breathtaking blend of visual artistry and symphonic sound.

Grab your tickets.

Comedy Xperiment’s NYE Show

  • Doors open at 9, show from 10 p.m. – 12 a.m.
  • Tallgrass Theater, 2019 Grand Avenue, Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50265

Des Moines’ improv troupe is bringing you their NYE show! Comedy-lovers or people who simply want a break from the crowds and bar-hopping, this show is created by the audience, for the audience! That’s right, each show is different and is based on audience suggestion, so you never know what you’re going to get.

Snag some tickets.

NYE Masquerade Party at Alleged Lee’s

  • 9:00 p.m.
  • 510 E Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309

Celebrate NYE in style at this East Village Masquerade Party! The bar opens at 5 PM, the celebration starts at 9 PM, and the first 50 guests receive a wristband for an exclusive midnight champagne toast.

Check it out.