NCAA March Madness
The madness is returning to Des Moines! The First and Second Rounds of the NCAA ® March Madness® Tournament will be at Wells Fargo Arena on March 16 and 18. Eight of the best teams in college basketball will be in town to battle for the chance to continue to the Sweet Sixteen. With four games happening on Thursday, and two more games happening on Saturday, it’s sure to be a weekend full of basketball. Along with the games, there will be a day of open practices on Wednesday that’s free and open to the public, as well as a fan fest all weekend long. Stay tuned to see which teams will be coming to Des Moines, and for everything March Madness 101, check out our site here.
IGHSAU and IHSAA State Basketball Tournaments
Can’t wait for March Madness to come to town? Get your basketball fix a few weeks early with State Basketball coming to Wells Fargo Arena. The girls tournament will be in town through Saturday, March 4 with 1A – 5A competing for the state title. Then, starting on Monday, March 6, cheer on the different boys' teams as they begin their journey to the championship. Friday, March 10 will be Championship Day, with classes 1A – 4A competing.
Bix and Co.
Valley Junction has a brand-new sports bar opening this month! Bix and Co. will officially open on March 8. Focusing on pizza, burgers, and appetizers, Bix and Co. will have plenty of options to choose from while cheering on your favorite team. They have more than 30 televisions, guaranteeing guests will be able to watch the big game. Bix and Co. is really focusing on preserving the history of Valley Junction within their new restaurant, including having tables made from elm, locust, walnut, and maple – the streets within the district. They will also have spots of railroads, paying homage to that as well.
St. Patrick’s Day
Throw on your kitschiest green t-shirt (Kiss Me, I’m Iowa-ish) and try your luck at any number of St. Paddy’s Day celebrations around the metro. Anchored by the traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Grand Avenue at Noon on March 17, there's mischief to be made all week, from bar crawls and corned beef to dueling fiddles and LOTS of basketball. So, raise a glass of green beer and check out our full list here!
Iowa Wild Post-Game Concert
Hockey and a country concert? Sounds like a perfect night to us. On Saturday, March 11, the Iowa Wild will take on the Manitoba Moose at 6 p.m. Immediately following the game, country star Russell Dickerson will be taking the ice for a post-game concert. Your ticket to the game includes the concert from your seat, but you can upgrade your tickets for an on-ice pass. Tickets start at $20, get them here.
In Confidence
A mostly secret speakeasy, In Confidence, is officially open in Hotel Fort Des Moines. Known for its beautiful hotel, delicious restaurant, and lovely coffee shop in the lobby, Hotel Fort Des Moines is expanding its reach even further. Head to the northern end of the coffee bar, and you’ll see a door with a light. If the light is on, head on in. If it’s off, you’ll have to come back another time. You’ll find beautiful cocktails, mocktails, and eventually, fishbowls and other shared sized cocktails. You’re sure to confidently love this prohibition era style bar.
1776
Travel back in time to 1776 to experience John Adams persuading his colleagues to sign the Declaration of Independence. The Tony-award winning musical goes through the events leading up to this incredible moment of history, with a unique twist. One of the wittiest shows right now, 1776 is sure to entertain. It will be in town from March 14 – 19 at the Des Moines Civic Center. Tickets start at $40, get them here.
Iowa Cubs
Can you feel spring in the air? That’s because Opening Day for our friends, the Iowa Cubs, is quickly approaching. Head to Principal Park on March 31 to see the first game of the Minor League season. They will be taking on the Columbus Clippers in a three-day homestand. The best part? They are opening their season on a Friday which means fireworks! Single game tickets are on sale now, get them here.
