Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in January
Don’t let the winter blues get you down! We have hockey, the rodeo, and a few festivals to keep you going. Grab a cup of coffee and plan your January in Des Moines.
Check out these other fun winter resources to keep you busy all season long:
- Sledding in Des Moines
- Ice Skating in Des Moines
- Snowshoeing in Des Moines
- 10+ Fun Ways to Play in the Snow
- Indoor Play in Des Moines
- 50 Things To Do in Iowa This Winter
Harlem Globetrotters
Address: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Sunday, January 7th at 3:00 PM
Cost: Tickets start at $31 each
Come cheer on the Harlem Globetrotters as they dazzle you with their basketball skills, athleticism, and hilarious antics! Purchase a Magic Pass and get a chance to join the Globetrotters as well as their opponent, the Washington Generals, on the court before the game. You could also purchase a Celebrity Court Pass and get to do a meet and greet with the Globetrotters as well as see how the show comes together behind the scenes.
Iowa Wild
Address: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When:
- Friday, January 5th at 7:00 PM vs Grand Rapids Griffins
- Saturday, January 6th at 6:00 PM vs Grand Rapids Griffins
- Monday, January 22nd at 7:00 PM vs Texas Stars
- Wednesday, January 24th at 7:00 PM vs Texas Stars
- Friday, January 26th at 7:00 PM vs San Diego Gulls
- Saturday, January 27th at 6:00 PM vs San Diego Gulls
- Country Night Postgame Concert with Mitchell Tenpenny
Cost: Tickets start at $18 each
January is a perfect time to cheer on the Iowa Wild! Each game is action-packed with fast-paced skaters, impressive skills, and the electric energy of the crowd. There is a theme and a giveaway at each game. Enjoy $2 beer nights, $3 off Fireball drinks, and of course a $1 hotdog night! On January 6th, listen to music by Brother Trucker, or come on January 27th and enjoy a postgame concert with country star, Mitchell Tenpenny. Go Iowa Wild!
Winter Wonder Palace
Address: Raccoon River Lodge, 2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
When: Saturday, January 6th, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM (sign up for a 90-minute time slot)
Cost: $34 for one adult and one child. Must register.
Take a trip to the Winter Wonder Palace. West Des Moines Parks & Recreation is hosting this magical event. Sign up for a 90-minute time period where you and your little royal will experience three different worlds and meet four storybook characters.
Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo
Address: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Friday, January 12th at 7:30 PM and Saturday, January 13th at 7:30 PM
Cost: Tickets start at $20 each
The rodeo is coming to town! Head on over to Wells Fargo Arena for Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo. Doors open at 6:00 PM with a free pre-show event (included with your ticket) “down on the dirt”. Take a pony ride, meet the cowboys, hop in the clown’s barrel, take a seat in the bucking chutes on the live photo bull Silver Dollar, or check out behind the chutes. The show begins at 7:30 PM with action, entertainment, and competition between the cowboys who are trying to be crowned Pro Rodeo’s World Champion.
Saturday Specials at Harbach Center
Address: Harbach Center, 8505 Harbach Blvd, Clive, IA 50325
When: Saturday, January 13th, 10:30 AM-1:30 PM
Cost: Free
Bounce over to the Harbach Center in Clive for their Saturday Specials. This free event will have bounce houses set up in the recreation bay and crafts in the community room. What a perfect way to spend a cold, January morning!
FamilyFest with Waukee Parks and Recreation
Address: Lutheran Church of Hope, 305 NE Dartmoor Dr, Waukee, IA 50263
When: Saturday, January 20th, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Cost: Free
Let the kids burn off some energy at FamilyFest with Waukee Parks and Recreation, a free family-friendly event. Get a chance to check out Waukee Area Businesses while your kids bounce on the inflatables. Each business will also have a game or activity for children.
Havana Hop at Temple Theater
Address: Temple Theater, 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Saturday, January 27th, 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM (Sensory Friendly Show)
Cost: Tickets are $10 each
Come see a children’s tale of culture and confidence at Havana Hop. Take a journey with Yeila as she dreams of being a superstar but lacks the confidence to overcome her stage fright. Dance along with her as she discovers her roots through her mother and mentors. The one-actress show will keep you entertained throughout the performance. The 2:00 performance is a sensory-friendly show. This performance will still contain all the joy of theater but with a few adjustments such as sound and light and a variety of seating options.
Clive’s Cabin Fever Reliever
Address: Greenbelt Landing, 1801 NW 114th St, Clive, IA 50325
When: Saturday, January 27th, 5:00-7:00 PM
Cost: Free
Clive’s Cabin Fever Reliever is a great excuse to get out of the house during the dreary days of winter. This 3rd annual event will include professional ice sculpting, chainsaw art/wood carving, ice fishing demonstrations, stargazing telescopes, indoor crafts, campfire rings for smores, and food trucks.
