Top 8 Things To Do in Des Moines in January
January doesn’t have to be boring. Shop at the Big Indoor Garage Sale Extravaganza, cheer on the Harlem Globetrotters, or skate to Taylor Swift hits at Swiftie Skate. Plan your January in Des Moines today.
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
Winter Wonderland Palace
Address: Raccoon River Lodge, 2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
When: Saturday, January 4th, 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 10th at 7:30 PM and Saturday, January 11th at 7:30 PM
Cost: Tickets start at $26 each
Pretend you are part of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch at 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.
Big Indoor Garage Sale Extravaganza
Address: Iowa Event Center, 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Saturday, January 11th, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
Cost: $5 admission at door ($3 for children)
Don’t wait for spring to start garage sale hunting! Instead, head to the Big Indoor Garage Sale Extravaganza to find hidden treasures. Shop a variety of items including clothing, home goods & decor, books, games, electronics, and more. Cash or card will be accepted by most vendors.
Harlem Globetrotters
Address: Wells Fargo Arena, 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Sunday, January 12th at 3:00 PM
Cost: Tickets start at $43 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.
Mixology Night at the Science Center of Des Moines
Address: Science Center of Des Moines, 401 W Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50309
When: Saturday, January 17th, 6:00 PM-9:00 PM
Cost: Purchase tickets (21+ over event)
- $20 per ticket
- $10 for members
Gather your friends for an adults-only evening at Mixology Night at the Science Center of Des Moines. Become a detective for the night and solve a mystery as you find hidden clues throughout the museum. Mingle and enjoy cocktails as you crack the case.
Swiftie Skate
Address: RecPlex, 6500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266
When: Saturday, January 18th, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Cost: $25 per person
Swifties come to shake it off at Swiftie Skate at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex.
Enjoy an evening of ice skating to music from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. After skating, make a bracelet at the friendship bracelet-making station. Everyone is welcome! If you plan to skate, make sure you register.
Clive’s Cabin Fever Reliever
Address: Linnan Park and Harbach Center, 8505 Harbach Blvd, Clive, IA 50325
When: Saturday, January 25th, 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. Due to construction, the event will be held at Linnan Park and Harbach Center. This 4th 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.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Address: 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312
When:
- Friday, January 17th at 7:00 PM
- Saturday, January 18th at 1:00 PM
- Sunday, January 19th at 1:00 PM
- Friday, January 24th at 7:00 PM
- Saturday, January 25th at 1:00 PM
- Sunday, January 26th at 1:00 PM
- Friday, January 31st at 7:00 PM
- Saturday, February 1st at 1:00 PM
- Sunday, February 2nd at 1:00 PM
Cost:
- Adult: $19 each
- Child: $14 each
If your child loves the books then they will enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical! This hilarious and heartfelt musical will have you take an adventure back to middle school, whether you loved it or not! Find out how Greg survives middle school and if his antics to become popular payoff.
