I like the idea of repurposing a former junior high school and mega church. They are making it an…read moreentertainment venue and boutique hotel. They have not started on the hotel quite yet but tonight I attended a band that played there. It was a ton of fun and the parking is great. We had a great time and the venue would be perfect for so many different projects. I know that the political candidates have used this a place to organize crowds to talk to them about their agendas... Glad we attended tonight as the band was excellent as well as the venue.

I attended my Nephew's wedding here last Saturday. The Decades building used to be Dahl's grocery…read morestore, and I personally found that this place was hard to find, even with directions. The most likely reason is that the Antique Mall (that shares a common wall with Decades) otherwise known as the Picker Knows has clearer signage. Besides wishing Nathan and Brooke well, my other important task was driving my 95 year-old Dad (aka, the Family Patriarch) here, as he had a key part in the ceremony. Oh yes, my brother Tom and his daughter Charlotte were in town from Taiwan. They were in the car as well. Decades is basically one large room, that included the bar, lots of table seating, an area for the band, and of course, a place for the ceremony. Our family was in the minority, as the Bride's Italian clan in attendance was huge. And they were certainly enjoying themselves. I don't think our side fit in more than 2 tables, of which we were content to enjoy our "Dinner and a Show". And I did get to chat with all of my Nephews and Nieces in the process. I've attended fancier wedding venues, but when you consider the bar, seating, quite good buffet food, professional staff, guests enjoying themselves, the ceremony and of course the glowing Bride and Groom (and their Parents), our evening had great synergy and enjoyment. The overall noise level had its moments, but it was a wedding celebration after all. It would have been fun to stay longer, but when my Dad started looking at his watch, it was time to take him home. And I should be as active when I reach his age. My only wish is that he lives long enough to enjoy at least one great grandchild. Hint - Hint Nathan!

This review is for a large wedding party. We flew in for our family member's wedding. The space is…read morelarge with a large bar on one side. The staff at the bar aren't the most professional but they are friendly. There was a rent-a-cop hanging out to make sure that there were no underage drinkers. The entrance was great for greeting guests, signing in and dropping gifts and cards. The dance floor is great. Very large in the center of the room. The decor is fairly rustic, but nice enough for a traditional wedding reception. This is not the place for clean modern and showy. I think the adjoining business is a flee market or antique shop. If that is okay it's you then this is a solid choice for event space. The reception was about 200 people with room to spare. They had a private bride room. I didn't tnotice many other amenities. Definitely a space worth a look if you're looking. Just remember that many things aren't noticed when the lights are low.

If you have an upcoming event, I highly recommend this beautiful venue. They have several different…read morerooms, including a ballroom and what they called their green room. There are lush outdoor spaces. The worship team from my church recently held a recording session at the Monroe, and it was a perfect venue for us to be there. The staff was very accommodating. The building is beautiful and meticulously clean. Have a party and enjoy

Great Concert Venue -- Just Brace Yourself for the Prices…read more We saw .38 Special at Vibrant Music Hall last night and overall had a great time. The venue itself is impressive, the employees we dealt with were great, and the atmosphere for the concert was fantastic. The sound, lighting and effects were incredible, and .38 Special absolutely delivered. We were on the main floor and had a great view, but the seats are packed in really tight. It was almost impossible to sit without touching the people on both sides of you, which was probably my biggest disappointment with the actual concert setup. We eventually abandoned our seats and stood near the bar, where we could still see and hear everything just fine -- and actually had enough room to move around and dance a little. Honestly, that ended up being more enjoyable. My biggest gripe has nothing to do with the concert itself: the prices. Parking was a surprise $15, drinks averaged around $17, and the first shaker was $20. Beers appeared to be a little cheaper, but not by much. I expect concert pricing, but there comes a point where it just feels like price gouging. That said, Vibrant is a beautiful venue and the concert experience itself was excellent. I'd absolutely see another show here. Next time I'll just know to budget almost as much for parking and drinks as I did for the damn entertainment.

New venue in Waukee woooot wooooot! We saw Phil Rosenthal here and here was our experience:…read more PARKING: We paid $15 for premier parking and that got us access to the main lot - a few steps from the entrance. My mom said the regular parking lot is a few blocks away, so might be worth paying extra for a good spot! ENTRANCE: For our show, it was easy! We arrived an hour prior to the start and got in within 5 minutes. Staff was quick in checking our tickets and getting us in. SPACE: This space is stunning and clearly brand new! Cool local mural on the wall, fun designs and decor, great bar lighting and ambiance. DRINKS: Priceyyyy haha pregame elsewhere! A simple cocktail was $20+. But the amount of bars is a LOT - like 5+? - so you'll not have to wait in line long. FOOD: They had a corn dog or popcorn available at our show - not much for concessions. Again, I'd pregame elsewhere! BATHROOMS: Great facilities! Very clean, tons of stalls and sinks. And a cool vibe in there - hats off to the designer. MAIN FLOOR: On the main floor, it's usually GA/standing room only for concerts I'm sure. But for ours - a more interview style show, we had fold out chairs. The stage was high enough we never had any issue seeing! UPPER SEATING: The seats up here are super comfy looking - maybe quite a bit further back and I'm not sure how the view compares, but so comfy! The best seats are the company-bought "box seats" similar to at a baseball game. There is a row of seats right along the rail but I think you'd have to look out through the railing if seated.

This location is beautiful. The cottage is well set up for any occasion. It is warm and gender…read moreneutral in decor. All ages will feel at home and there are three different inside areas that can be used, two rooms for more intimate gatherings and a larger room with tables and chairs. The smaller room worked wonderfully for a family member who is hearing impaired as it filtered the volume from multiple conversations in other areas. Additionally, the facility is fully compatible with easy access into the building and restrooms. Lisa was a joy to work with. She had the larger room set up as we had discussed. I would 100% recommend this event for any gathering.

I visited the establishment on a night it was hosting a benefit for a local nonprofit. The space…read moreitself has tiered levels with a large flat portion at the bottom. Bathrooms were clean. Nothing was overly new or noteworthy, but it would make a adequate space to host an event.

My bridesmaids and I got ready here in October before my wedding. There were 7 of us, and there was…read moreplenty of space for us all in the seating area. There was PLENTY of space for our hair and makeup and the lighting was great! I loved that there was a little dining area in the back for us to keep drinks and bagels so we could eat breakfast and drink mimosas while getting pampered!! We were able to hook our phones up to the sound system to play our own playlists while we got ready too, which was such a good vibe for the morning of my wedding. I was also REALLY impressed with the customer service - we had a bit of a mix up while booking, and Samantha was INCREDIBLY accommodating. The space was SO cute and felt so special :)

I was in downtown Des Moines for work & was looking for somewhere within walking distance of our…read morehotel to hang out w/ my colleagues. A coworker suggested this ping pong bar which also has skee-ball & other games. As a former college tennis player, I was in & had such a blast. We came in at 9pm on a Wednesday night & it wasn't too busy. We 1st got drinks & had the friendliest bar tender. We were interested in local beers & she also easily rattled off helpful descriptions of each one. I was having trouble deciding between the Mango Cart wheat ale & the Citris Surfer by Big Grove Brewery. The bar tender said that both combined was pretty good & let me try it. I didn't even know you could do that so my mind was blown when it tasted great. Who knew how fun it would be to work up a sweat & drink beer at the same time?! We had almost gone to a brewery to hang out but I'm so glad we didn't. Also note that the nearby breweries close by 10pm so this place was a great option open much later so we wouldn't feel rushed or that our evening was cut short. I hadn't played ping pong forever but the easygoing but trendy-ish atmosphere made it fun! I'd def come back when I'm here for work again.

I've been here plenty of times, and I've never had any issues, but tonight was just stupid. My…read morefriend and I came in to celebrate his birthday with 2 shots. I could already tell the bartender was irritated, but did what she needed to do anyway. I asked about darts, she said they don't work, but she'd let us play anyway (but couldn't help to mention she usually doesn't do that after 1) yet there other people there currently deep in other games. My friend and i decided to play a game of bags. then we leave. Within 10 mins I realized I had left my phone there, so I rushed back to grab it, but the doors were locked (@1:48), and refused to let me in to find my phone (yet again people still playing games and finishing drinks). I had to ask them to search but CLEARLY did not want to. Had to ask twice for a more thorough search because I was not allowed in. And was told they did not see anything. I just know if it were them they'd be pissed. The employees were just over it, and ready to go. AND MY LOCATION IS ON, showing it is there. Currently 3:47AM, I have been walking up and down the street with my laptop trying to locate by phone knowing its there hoping they'd see me looking around and run it out to me, while the bartenders and "security" were having drinks at he bar after bar close mind you. Isn't that illegal? While I was desperately searching outside the building, a coworker comes up to tell me they found it and I can come get it in the morning, because they closed (I have been searching since 1:48AM) as if they did not see me outside the door looking for it while they drank at the bar, and came before they closed. I will never be back, and will for sure push the fact that the employees give lazy, selective, and unprofessional service and hospitality. In the heart of downtown I think service should be better. And why rush to close? To drink at the bar till 3:45AM with your coworkers? And then to let no one in when technically they should be open especially when other guests are still in the building, ESPECIALLY WHEN ALL I WANTED WAS MY PHONE THAT THEY HAD, and refused to care. Dude tried to apologize (getting in his car outside richotett) cuz he knew they could have done better. But still is making me come back to get it, when he could have right then?!?! LIKE WHAT?! I work downtown too, so this kinda service baffles me!!!