Each month, we highlight the most buzzworthy places and events in Greater Des Moines in a feature we call Des Buzz. It's your “in the know” list of places to go!
Chow’s Winter Classic
Some of the top gymnasts in the region will be competing at Chow’s Hy-Vee Winter Classic, January 16 – 18 at the Iowa Events Center. The top-notch event will be a great way to check out youth gymnasts from all over the Midwest. Get your tickets and see the full meet schedule here.
Drake Men’s and Women’s Basketball
Des Moines’ hometown team has plenty of action throughout all of January. Head to the Knapp Center to cheer on both Drake Men’s and Women’s basketball teams. Throughout the month, the currently undefeated men start conference play by taking on Illinois State, UNI, Valparaiso, and more. The women also start conference play by battling it out with Belmont, Murray State, and more. Cheer the bulldogs to victory by getting tickets here.
Fat Putter
Check out the newest mini golf experience in downtown Des Moines at the Fat Putter. Play the outrageous course for $18, and $12 for kids 13 and under. The Fat Putter is family friendly during the day, but after 6 p.m. it is 21+, full of signature cocktails and delicious food. They officially opened on December 11 and are open daily at 10 a.m.
The Contrary
A new bar in the East Village, The Contrary, is officially open. Billy Weathers, a local hip-hop artist, founder and CEO of the B.Well Foundation, and more, is the brains behind the operation. He wanted a place that felt like home, where you can comfortably hang out with friends while having drinks. Speciality cocktails will change with the seasons, and DJ cdisiac will be there on Friday and Saturday nights spinning music. The Contrary is open Thursday – Sunday, starting at 5 p.m.
Flora
Next time you explore the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, make sure to stop at their new restaurant, Flora. From the owners of HoQ, Flora is a lunch-only farm to table restaurant in the space once occupied by Trellis. The menu will change seasonally, currently featuring a smash burger and Tandoori chicken salad. Flora is open Wednesday – Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Shucked
The show that has taken over Broadway is officially making its Civic Center debut. Where better to see a show about a small-town woman who leaves home in search of someone who can figure out why all the corn in the county keeps dying than in the corn state itself? The Tony-Award winning show will be here January 28 – February 2. Limited tickets are available, grab them here.
Splurge: West End Salvage's Annual Wine, Cheese, Chocolate (& More) Event
West End Architectural Salvage’s Annual Wine, Cheese, Chocolate (& more) event is returning this year, but under a new name, Splurge. Spend the evening enjoying delectable chocolate, cheese, and wine, all while strolling the floors of West End Architectural Salvage. It is the perfect time to find your new statement piece, all while enjoying delicious treats. Tickets are $50 online, and $60 at the door. Get them here.
Happy Home Coffee
Local coffee roasters, Happy Home Coffee, officially have a home in the skywalk for all of Downtown Des Moines’ coffee needs! You may also recognize their iconic smiley face logo from the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market, where they were serving up delicious coffee all summer long. Grab a latte on your way to work Monday – Thursday, from 7 a.m.– noon. Find them at 700 Locust St. #300.
