5 New Year’s Eve events to try near Des Moines

It’s about to be the end of 2025. Whether you want to ring in the new year with one last hurrah or you need something to do to forget it all, we’ve got you covered.

Here are a couple of events on New Year’s Eve near Des Moines:

New Year’s Eve Fantasy Tavern Adventure at Ironside Axe Club

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.

When: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., Dec. 31
Where: Ironside Axe Club, 2700 University Ave, Suite 100, West Des Moines
Tickets: $20 for entry, not including axe throwing, at ironsideaxeclub.com

NYE Studio Party at Mainframe Studio, #211

Avoid the crowds and have fun painting with good music and good vibes. You can bring your own drinks and snacks (must be 21+ to consume alcohol in the studio). Artist Teri Templeton Cadman will have a few options and demonstrations to show. And she is there to help with whatever you need.

Choose your canvas when you arrive. First-come, first-served choice of 11×14, 12×12 or 6×6 canvases.

When: 6-10 p.m., Dec. 31
Where: Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, #211, Des Moines
Tickets: $45 at mainframestudios.org.

New Year’s Eve Pops: Cirque at Des Moines Civic Center

World-renowned Cirque performers from Troupe Vertigo take the stage alongside the Des Moines Symphony. Beloved orchestral masterpieces soar to new heights, enhanced by gravity-defying aerialists, mesmerizing contortionists, lightning-fast quick-change artists and awe-inspiring strongmen.

When: 8-10 p.m., Dec. 31
Where: Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St. Des Moines
Tickets: $40 to $90 at dmpa.org

Comedy XPeriment Improv Show at Tallgrass Theatre Company

Des Moines’ longest-running improv troupe will bring its brand of improv to Tallgrass Theatre for New Year’s Eve. The event combines Comedy XPeriment’s improv with hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast at midnight.

The Grand Bollywood Ball

DJs will spin the night away with Bollywood and Punjabi tunes. With a free champagne toast at midnight, you can dance your heart out to a laser light show. The ball is being held by Iowa Loves Bollywood, celebrating 15 years of desi magic.