Color me impressed!!!! We finally made it to XBK Live and it is now a favorite venue…read more The vibe is very chill and intimate. The acoustics are great and the staff is terrifiic. XBK will be a new haunt for us!

I had never been to XBK before. We were greeted at the door to have our tickets scanned. The…read moreshow was all ages, so we were "banded." Two bartenders were working hard. We waited for 1 person to get served ahead of us. I would not consider that a "wait." The stage is only a foot or so off the the ground. So not sure the view fro. The back. We We were upfront. The sound was great. Did not realize it was on the loud side till we went outside. We had a great time. The venue seemed very clean, even the restroom area. I think the common sink area out the stall rooms helps the flow of people. We can't wait to go back.

I'd heard so much raving about Wooly's, I was excited to see a show there. It was a serious…read moredisappointment. With all the great venues and shows that come through Des Moines I am not in a rush to return. The crowd was extremely rude, talking over the opener. She was a talented songwriter with a gorgeous voice, but it was hard to make out all of her lyrics due to the patrons shouting over her. The place is dirty and staff was less than pleasant. The restrooms cinched the deal for me. They are in a creepy basement and are filthy. I'll pass next time!

Wooly's is a rad music venue living in the East Village. It's a more intimate venue (just under 700…read morepeople fit) with limited seating (you can get a booth reserved for a fee), a plethora of bars and a diverse calendar of bands/shows. Reasons why Wooly's is rad. -The staff was friendly. -Air circulation -- they have massive fans which are a godsend. -Cool shows come here. -Pricing is on point-- honestly my bar tab was less than I thought! -Tons of food/drink options nearby to grab a bite before or after the show. -Not a bad seat in the house... unless you're stuck behind a giant. Reasons why you may not think Wooly's is rad. -Holy gross bathroom, Batman. -- I mean, this is par for the course. -No coat check? -- I went to a sold out show a random Friday in December and due to it being a sellout there was no coat check! Eek. -AXS App required. -- I'm all for putting tickets in my wallet. Having a separate app was another hoop to jump through but now that I have it, no complaints. Wooly's has been a DSM staple for over a decade. Peep their calendar and go to a show.

This place hasn't changed. Great "dive" bar. The drinks are reasonably priced. They beers were…read morecold. They have live music. The great part was we were here on a Friday and the music started at 5. The music wasn't too loud. We could still talk. They also had a TV with football on. We enjoyed a few hours here before our movie

The great atmosphere and top-notch bands make this a stellar dive bar! The very reasonable drink…read moreprices make up for the mostly surly bartenders. You just have to learn to ignore their attitudes and enjoy the music and the vibes! Ha ha!

We try to catch at least one show a year at Noce (but it is always nice when we go more than…read moreonce!). We usually try to go as part of my birthday celebration and tonight we enjoyed the Des Moines Big Band playing "Sounds of the Season". Two hour show with about a 20-minute break and it was an excellent concert. My husband and I both enjoy jazz and Noce is an excellent venue. Small and intimate with a full bar and, if you are hungry, you can order a cheese plate or salty snacks. There was a biting wind when we went tonight so the hot toddy warmed us from the inside out. Our server replenished the hot water midway through, which was appreciated. Great night out, we really should do it more often!

Max Wellman has created and fostered one of the warmest, most welcoming, creative and lovely rooms…read morein all of Central Iowa with Noce! It is among my favorite local gems to introduce locals and visitors alike to. The jazz music line-up is always evolving, and Max has such a gift for curating a calendar that elevates other artists (musicians, singers, dancers and more). I have so many fond memories made here over the past 9 years. It's a grown-up night out that's not stuffy or stale, and the service is always a beautiful ballet to watch, too! Highly recommend visiting early and often throughout the year, any time Max and/or Napoleon are singing or for all of the Voix de Ville and holiday shows you can snag tickets for. You won't be disappointed!

Incredible little low-key spot. It's grungy, it's cool, you meet creative and interesting people…read morethere. Everyone is very friendly, and it's a great vibe. We just moved back here and my coworker recommended it. We've now been twice and loved it both times. There's absolutely nothing like in Des Moines-- It feels like New York underground, but Des Moines, down to earth, easy parking and SO welcoming. Also, bartenders are super nice. The girl bartender servicing us even said she would make us a custom cocktail, based on what we were in the mood for. My husband told her what he was craving and she made him exactly that. Might I add...with little information on his part. (He's not the biggest talker hehe!). He said it was his favorite drink he's ever had. Tonight was a little more chill, but the first time everyone was dancing and it was just as fun both times. This is our favorite new little spot and we will definitely be back!!

Didn't have any food here but did have a few drinks. No complaints…read more We kind of accidentally went here on our way to Ceviche. I'll definitely be back. Really enjoyed the vibe.

The Val Air Ballroom is such a trip. It literally feels like you are walking back into the '70s in…read morethe venue's lime green color palette and style. They also have some far out features like an old school box office (which didn't seem to be in use when we were at our show), a phone booth, and a cute mural of retro musicians. The venue itself was pretty good as far as lighting, seating, and audio go. The event we attended was a comedy show (Jay and Silent Bob), and it was in late June. Being in late June/almost July, it was HOT outside and the venue didn't seem to have very good or any air conditioning that we could feel. Very sticky night. The show we were at was a seated event, so luckily not a lot of movement, but we were still sweating! I could not imagine a concert or show that people are dancing and moving around all night. I think if you see a show posted at the Val Air Ballroom that interests you, definitely consider checking it out. Just be sure to pay attention to the weather that day and dress accordingly (shorts/tanks would have been great for my show!)

Great venue for a show in this once upon a time ballroom that gives roller rink vibes without the…read moreblacklight decor. Some limited seating is available but expect to show up early to grab it. Not sure if it is a typical policy but the show we went to didn't have reentry, so once you are in you can't go back out until you are ready to leave. My only gripe today was I was on the floor standing by a group who apparently hadn't seen each other in a while because they were really excited about talking and catching up during the show. I get this happens but I haven't experienced something inside this bad. But sound and lighting was great. Beers were more than we were used to ($10/domestic tallboy) but I guess that's just life anymore.

The lovely, grand former home, up on a hill was gorgeous as we pulled up. The complimentary parking…read morelot was fantastic! The staff inside were very kind and helpful. They answered our questions easily. The upstairs area is an art gallery, museum, cocktail and snack bar and more. It was so unique and felt so nice to start our evening here. Seating was comfortable with very nice views of the stage. The theater was as beautiful as the other areas.

I've lived in the Des Moines metro for over 30 years and have never been inside of Hoyt Sherman…read morePlace until last night... Probably more surprising since I lived just up the street from the venue, in an efficiency apartment at 17th and Pleasant, there in the Sherman Hill neighborhood for two(ish) years in the early '90s. The first place I'd had of my own after getting out of the US Navy in 1992.... I went with a friend to see Michael Blaustein. We used valet parking for a 730 PM show. Staff was great to work with on arrival, while finding our seats, to exiting after the performance. The inside of Hoyt Sherman Place is beautiful...and whether you're on the main floor or up in the balcony... There's not a bad seat in the house! A really great experience!

Loved the atmosphere, the service and pizza were great. I'm really picky with my pizza but I loved…read moreMaggie's.

We like to come on Tuesdays when pizza is half off. They…read morehave an event called the tune up where people park their classic cars in thr parking lot and it's pretty neat to see! Just have to be aware that it can be pretty packed especially later in the evening. Our fav is the white lightning pizza with chicken. I have had their onion rings as an app which are pretty good too.

I really enjoy the space in this theater. It brings the show right up and close to the audience…read more In spite of the smaller scope they have a great setup. With multiple layers on the performance area they allow many parts to be played out in different ways for the audience while maintaining separation for the locations. The seating is rather hard and tightly spaced which can be a bit uncomfortable if the show lasts over an hour and has no intermission. I thought their ability to use such a space in such a great way was terrific. The lights and sound worked really well.

I came to Kum & Go Theater over the holidays, I was able to attend the Chow Down Improv show and…read morewas surprised at how cozy this theater is but still provides space for a great show. Refreshments were on point, great beer selection that rivals a tap room even though it's just in support of the theater. Great facility overall, small enough that there really isn't a bad seat in the house. Bathrooms and other amenities were clean and well kept. Definitely looking forward to a return trip the next time I am in Des Moines! If you haven't checked out the Chow Down, you must go!!!

We went to the Barnstormer's game last night at the arena and were treated to a fun night of…read moreaction. It wasn't packed but it was a decent crowd. They do a good job here hosting events and providing a good atmosphere where you can enjoy your time and feel safe! The seats could be cleaner and the prices of all the concessions are higher than expected, but I guess they have to keep the lights on! Good job to all the workers who make it enjoyable!

If you or loved one has sensory sensitivity, they have a calming room on the main concourse near…read more119.