Ready to ring in 2026? Whether you’re into a midnight countdown or prefer an early celebration, we've got you covered. For those who aren’t night owls or have little ones who can’t hang until midnight, check out the awesome Noon Year’s Eve events! But if you're all about dancing, drinks, and celebrating until the ball drops (and beyond), there are plenty of places to keep the party going into the new year. No matter how you choose to celebrate, Greater Des Moines is bringing the fun this New Year’s Eve!
Events
New Year's Eve Breakfast & Bowling at Backpocket
Kick off your New Year's Eve Day with a hearty breakfast and a few rounds of bowling. This is a perfect way for kids to start the celebration before evening festivities.
Where: Backpocket Pin & Pixel
When: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., December 31
Tickets: $15, ages three and older
Noon Years Eve Balloon Drop
The Noon Year’s Eve Balloon Drop at Playground for Kids offers a fun-filled early celebration with a countdown and balloon drop at noon, giving families and little ones a chance to ring in the New Year before the clock strikes midnight. Enjoy concessions while the kids play and bounce their energy away.
Where: The Playground for Kids
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., December 31
Tickets: Walkers-Age 23 months $8; Ages 2-12 $11; Adults Free w/participating Children
Countdown To Noon-Years Family Glow Bowling Party
The Countdown to Noon Year’s Family Glow Bowling Party is a vibrant, family-friendly event featuring glow-in-the-dark bowling, pizza, pop, party favors, and a special countdown to noon.
Where: Warrior Lanes
When: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., December 31
Tickets: $79.95 per lane
Kids Noon Year's Eve at Big Grove/Des Moines
Kids can ring in the New Year early at Big Grove Des Moines with their Noon Year’s Eve celebration, featuring music, dancing, and a special balloon drop at noon, 2:00, and 4:00 p.m.
Where: Big Grove Brewery
When: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., December 31
Tickets: Free
Noon Year's Eve
Celebrate the New Year early at the Clive Public Library’s Noon Year’s Eve event, featuring crafts, games, and a special countdown to noon.
Where: Clive Public Library
When: 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., December 31
Tickets: Free
Judge's New Year's Eve Dinner
Judge's New Year’s Eve Dinner features a luxurious multi-course meal with a choice of delicious entrees, including ribeye and red snapper, along with specialty cocktails and decadent desserts.
Where: Judges Des Moines
When: 4-10 p.m., December 31
Tickets: $110
New Year’s Eve at AJ’s Steakhouse
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at AJ’s Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows with an elegant evening of classic steakhouse favorites. Guests can enjoy signature dishes like filet mignon, a center-cut ribeye, jumbo shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque, and more.
Where: AJ’s Steakhouse at Prairie Meadows
When: 4-11 p.m., December 31
Hessen Haus' New Year's Eve Celebration at 5 pm!
Prost! Head to Hessen Haus for an early celebration featuring a Champagne toast at 5 p.m. when it’s midnight in Germany. Embrace the German bier hall spirit with hearty fare, imported brews, and delicious food.
Where: Hessen Haus
When: 5 p.m., December 31
Iowa Wild vs Texas
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with fast-paced hockey as the Iowa Wild take on the Texas Stars at Casey’s Center in Des Moines. Stick around after the final buzzer for post-game fireworks, and if the Wild win, you win a free ticket to the next Wednesday home game.
Where: Casey’s Center
When: 5 p.m., December 31
Tickets: Varies
New Year's Eve Fantasy Tavern Adventure
Step into a fantastical world this New Year’s Eve with the Fantasy Tavern Adventure at Ironside Axe Club. Dress as your favorite adventurer and enjoy an immersive evening of Dungeons & Dragons-style quests, games like Magic: The Gathering, comedy, music, axe throwing, and tavern-style fun.
Where: Ironside Axe Club
When: 6 p.m.-1 a.m., December 31
Tickets: $20
NYE Studio Party
Head into the New Year flexing your creative skills at Mainframe. This celebration features a party atmosphere in a studio space with music, drinks, painting, and more. This is sure to be a fun and artsy way to ring in 2026 before heading out for the rest of your night.
Where: Mainframe Studios, Suite #211
When: 6-10 p.m., December 31
Tickets: $45
Royal Mile New Year's Eve Party at 6 pm
Join friends for a festive evening of British fare at Royal Mile. Enjoy fish and chips or steak pie and pints, then raise a glass at 6 p.m. to toast the New Year as it’s celebrated in London when Big Ben strikes midnight.
Where: Royal Mile
When: 6 p.m.-2 a.m., December 31
A Very Rook Room New Year's Eve
Join fellow board-game lovers and friends for an evening of tabletop play, fun themed cocktails and snacks, and festive vibes at Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe.
Where: Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe
When: 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., December 31
Tickets: $30
New Year's Eve Pops: Cirque
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in spectacular style with New Year's Eve Pops: Cirque at the Des Moines Civic Center. This one‑of‑a‑kind celebration combines the thrilling live music of the Des Moines Symphony with breathtaking Cirque performances from world‑renowned aerialists, acrobats, and visual artists. This is all set to dramatic, space‑inspired symphonic favorites like Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Planets, and more.
Where: Des Moines Civic Center
When: 8-10 p.m., December 31
Tickets: $40-$90
NYE @ The Ingersoll w/ The Grand Marquis
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at The Ingersoll with a dinner‑and‑show experience featuring the soulful sounds of Grand Marquis. Your evening begins with a gourmet dinner and is followed by a lively performance blending blues, soul, and New Orleans‑style rhythms.
Where: The Ingersoll
When: 8:30 p.m., December 31
Tickets: $225-$235
New Year's Eve Improv Comedy - With Comedy Xperiment
Des Moines’ longest running comedy ensemble wants to keep you laughing into the new year with a night of improv. Arrive early for a dessert bar and a meet and greet.
Where: Tallgrass Theatre
When: 10 p.m.-midnight, December 31
New Year’s Eve Party
Ring in the New Year at Smash Park with a fun‑filled party that runs all day into the late night. Enjoy arcade games, pickleball, drinks, music, and more.
Where: Smash Park
When: 11 a.m.-12:30 a.m., December 31
New Year’s Eve at Oak Park
End 2025 with an elevated dining experience at Oak Park, where a special five‑course tasting menu has been crafted exclusively for New Year’s Eve.
Where: Oak Park
When: Limited reservations, December 31
Tickets: $200 per person
The Grand Bollywood Ball
Ring in 2026 with an elegant Bollywood-themed party featuring DJs spinning a mix of Desi and Top 40 hits, a laser light show, professional photography, and a champagne toast at midnight.
Where: Rewind Hotel
When: 8 p.m.-1 a.m., December 31
Tickets: Starting at $10
New Year’s Day Brunch
What better way to start the New Year than with bottomless brunch at Gilroy’s. Enjoy unlimited food and mimosas and refuel yourself heading into 2026.
Where: Gilroy’s
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., December 31
