I'd heard so much raving about Wooly's, I was excited to see a show there. It was a serious disappointment. 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! read more

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Wooly's is a rad music venue living in the East Village. It's a more intimate venue (just under 700 people 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. read more

Wooly's always puts on great shows. This place is a cozy venue, perfect size for great eveninh of music. There is plenty of room to move around and dance to your favorite bands. Unless you pay extra for a table, be prepared to stand for the night. read more

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Good place for a show. Cash only tickets, but cards accepted for drinks. If it's a busy or sold out show, prepare to stand all night like sardines. Great sound system and views from the whole standing area. Plenty of "meatheads" re-living their youth, but overall pretty well controlled. Bar and restroom lines are long and slow for busy shows. Drinks are reasonable for a show venue, but would recommend tuning up somewhere reasonable like High Life Lounge ahead of time. Could use some bouncers patrolling the floor with a lot of idiots on display for busy shows. read more

This Rock Show Venue is Rad!! Soo close to all the comforts of the East Village; Parking, Restaurants, Cocktails, and Streetscape "for people watching". This Place has a Super Street presense and the flow moves just like a well fueled Concert Hall, "Smartly staffed Machine". This Place has an interior that feels like a cool club venue but opens itself up to hold a flock of Rockers, "Bar to the left, find an opening and stay There"... well that's my anchor. This Place has the concert goer in mind as you see the staff and all that they do in melodic pace, "Bar staff was on point keeping everyone in great Rock Show form". This Place brought an Awesome show to Des Moines, "Even on a thursday night it felt like a weekend Bash"....Static X & 4 opening bands. One after another with only enough time to grab an outside drink and/or a slice of rad pizza just next door; "My pizza break came way after the show Ended", just chilled out front watching the crew tear down and the Band hop right on the Bus!!! This Place...What can I say, "This place just Rocks". read more

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Still a premier music venue here in Des Moines supporting national and regional talent on a nightly basis! They also continue to be a location for other awesome events, that are not music focused! The staff is always really pro and do a great job! I have got the opportunity to play here, be here as a music fan, and also be a part of a few non music events here and they always do a great job. The sound is great, the sight lines are great, it clean and comfy but still has a cool rock club feel! Sometimes the bathrooms get a little crazy, and sometimes I end up spending to much at the bar, but hey when in rock n roll mode, one must rock! read more

Wooly's - Music Venues Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

This is a great venue. I have been here a few times. Tonight it was sold out concert. The booze was flowing and the place was a jumping. What a fun night. The venue is a perfect place for smaller concerts. Everyone can see and enjoy the show. You can be right up against the stage or back and still enjoy it all. I recommend this venue for location and concerts alone. read more

Great little venue. I really love music of all kinds and they have some really legit concerts here. From big names to the names you should and do wanna know about. They get a good variety as well, which I dig. Love the sound and love the hardwood floors. Good music and good vibes. Will definitely come here for countless more shows. read more

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Wooly's is a Great venue in the Heart of downtown Des Moines! Plenty of parking, easy to get in and out of and cheap beers. Sold! Surrounded by great bars also to pre drink and after party. read more

Wooly's - Woolys - Music Venues Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

I'm a sucker for small venues. This one meets all my standards. Have seen a couple shows here so far. They pull in decent bands. Wish there were more country artists coming in! read more

Great rock club for midsized touring acts or big locals! Good sound guys and a pretty rocking system! Nice staff and good beer selection. If you're in a band, this is a good place to play! They've got nice facilities backstage and treat the bands well. read more

Wooly's is a really fun place to catch a show -- kind of a mix between a Texas saloon and a dive bar. Is that one in the same? I don't know... At any rate, Wooly's is one big wide open room. There is a really great, worn, hard wood floor that's great for stomping when you're dancing. There's a big long bar along one wall and some booths along the other. Other than that, it's pretty much wide, wide open space. The only thing to avoid is the metal poles throughout the room. But as long as you don't get stuck behind a pole, you're good. Beer was good, fresh on tap with good variety and reasonably priced. Fully stocked bar looked more than adequate, but I stuck with beer. The bar staff was super friendly and very helpful and also knew when to cut people off. Much appreciated. The acoustics are really good for a small venue -- loud, powerful and true to sound. The stage has great lights and even though it's smaller, totally did the job and was high enough that everyone in the room could see well. Like most venues where you have a wide open space and the opportunity to catch some good music, things can get a bit rowdy. Girls: This is not a nice dress and high heels kind of place. This is a jeans and a T-shirt, travel light and leave your purse at home kind of place. Be prepared and go with that mindset and you'll have a great time. I was absolutely exhausted when I left, having danced myself into oblivion and both spilled beer on a girl (sorry again!) and had beer spilled on me (karma?). Overall, the staff was well-organized, in control and able to handle a sell-out crowd having a really good time. Props to them for having the brains to hand out fliers for upcoming shows as the crowd exited the building. There is a coat check for $2 (cause hi, we live in the Midwest) and parking on the street nearby was ample and free. I did wish the girls' room had more than 2 stalls, but other than that, no complaints. Thumbs up! We'd definitely come back for another show. read more

Wooly's is what Des Moines desperately needed. We have bars and tiny venues for local acts, and Wells Fargo Arena, even 7 Flags and the Val Air for bigger acts, but the bands that are on the come up, or 7 years past their prime, but still awesome have found a home at Wooly's. I've been to dozens of concerts here, but they also host things like podcasts, live storytelling events, and The Iowa Leather contest. It's a great space in the East Village and it's not so large that you don't have a good view. My only complaint about Wooly's is that there is nowhere to sit, unless you shell out (I have no idea how much) money to reserve a booth. That means, your 2 hour concert, and the 2 hours of openers is spent all on your feet on that hard concrete floor. Now, maybe I'm just getting old, but it kills my back and feet, and I don't really want to sit on the sticky booze covered floor. So, my advise? Get their early, snatch one of the two or three (free) coveted tables with chairs, and notice as everyone around you gives you a jealous side eye as you watch Dance Gavin Dance, X Ambassadors, Warren G and Guster sing your favorite songs while sitting with your feet hovering over the cold concrete floor. read more

Kicked out for water... Had a cup of ice water and the workers insisted it was vodka. Kicked out before I got to see the main performance. read more

Came here as a visitor to Des Moines seeing an artist perform and I overall enjoyed the experience. Managed to stand in the front incredibly close to the performers and the acoustics were decent. Didn't try the bar but I imagine it was a standard venue bar. Loved that there was some seating as well. read more

If you enjoy live music, keep an eye on Wooly's calendar. This is a not too big, but big enough to draw some national acts. While this space has a handful of booths, it seems like they are usually reserved, so do your sitting before you get here. Lots of options near by for preshow dinner or drinks. read more

Good open space. Great parking. No wine, could at least have canned wine. Stage set way way too low to be able to enjoy a show from anywhere except at the front row of crazies. People wearing hats pretty much ruin a show for all but the tallest in the population. So if you want to hear a certain group live and tickets are less than $20 then this is good enough. read more

The best event of the year is the Warren Morrow Memorial Concert that happens in late July, early August. In 2015 it's on July 25th. It brings unique bands like Estrofia (Spanish rock), Brazilian 2wins (current hits with a funk/Samba twist) and Parranderos Latin Combo (Caribbean beats). The most energetic and diverse crowd you'll find, and plenty of room to watch, listen, drink and dance. 3 live bands for a $10 cover at the door - best deal in town! I highly recommend this event at Wooly's. read more

Wooly's - Parranderos Latin Combo, Brazilian 2wins, Estrofia, - July 25th at Wooly's. $10 for 3 awesome bands. Best deal in Des Moines! - Music Venues Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Drove up from KC to see Royal Blood and Mini Mansions. I was impressed by the size and acoustics. Moreover I was impressed that a club in Des Moines got Royal Blood and for $16. That is amazing. Overall great experience, the door staff and box office staff was ultra cool. The crowd was peaceful. If they get another band like Royal Blood there again I would make the 3 hour trip. read more

I've been going to Wooly's now for a couple years for concerts and shows. I have to say, it's my favorite place for concerts in Des Moines. It's small enough to put on a good, intimate show. No matter where you are standing, you're not so far away that you can't see the band. And it's big enough to house enough of a crowd to really amp up the band. The Highly Suspect and Pop Evil shows were probly my favorite shows there so far. Since Wooly's is also a bar, getting drinks at shows is easily accessible with average prices. Security is reasonable as well. I highly recommend checking them out next time they're hosting a band or act you enjoy. read more

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I've been to Wooly's many times over the years. The pros is great bar service; great sound for concerts; and mostly unobstructed views of the stage. The cons is depending on where one stands obstructed views due to pillars or seated at the booths to the right facing the stage partial obstruction due to pillars. Still, Wooly's is a great venue for shows, and their staff has always been helpful and friendly in my experiences. read more

Comedy show was good but the concerts not well organized. Too hot and too long of a wait.

Pretty cool establishment, chill and down to earth. We went to see the Sublime Tribute Band, not bad...but they dragged on and on...wouldn't ever come back from the break they needed, way to much down time to make everyone wait and the buzz was leaving everyone. Make sure If you see this tribute band make sure you have your phone is charged and download some games and or whatnot to keep busy while they are taking the long ass break. Also when you say great for all ages to come and see, I wouldn't want to do that now because of the aroma in the air. Also have some peanuts or bags of chips for sale, need munchies for the taking. read more

I feel like the floor is going to cave in. Even the toilet in the ladies room is loose. However, the band's are always great! They should show them on the tv's, it's kind of weird that theydont. That's why people are there. The door guys are always friendly & the bartenders too. There is some guy that picks up trash & restocks beer named Kyle & he seems to always be drunk, hitting on women, and is quite rude. But he's the only staff I've seen that was less than great. Also, I never win free tickets & the people that do, appear to be friends with staff there. Not exactly fair. But whatevs, they have enough good music & events there. read more

Yay! I'm a fan. I love that Wooly's helps bring the musician up close and personal. I'm not sure what the max capacity of the venue is, but there really isn't a bad place to watch bands here. Plus it's always full of eager fans watching their favorite bands. You'll usually find me back near front of house. I love to listen from there. Plus the sound guys are amazing, so it's a win win for me. You can see the stage from anywhere and if you pay attention talk to the musicians when they wander the crowd prior to their show. They have a bar, waitress working the crowd, and a beer trough back by the sound. You'll never be thirsty that's for sure. You have to ask, but they have koozies also to keep you beer cold. Wooly's doe's a great job of bring all kinds of talent to the stage. I've seen everything from big acts doing a small show to local guys I've never heard of before. It's refreshing that DeMo has a place that covers just about every type of music available. At affordable prices that keep you coming back. They've done a great job of keeping the music seen vibrant in Des Moines. If you are a lady, sorry they don't do a great job with the bathrooms here. Hence the 4 star rating. Upstairs or downstairs, but if I was a woman I'd choose the downstairs. They seem less used and a little cleaner. read more

Wooly's - Music Venues Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

A bar that won't give you a glass of water even after a hefty bar tab is lame. Stupid business model to sell bottled water for $2. I won't be back. Dumb. read more

Wooly's has been the host to some of my favorite shows this year! It sort of reminds me of Sokol Auditorium in Omaha, but maybe a third of the size and with no balcony. Like the malnourished cousin who was never very good at sports. It's location in the East Village is super convenient with a lot of available street parking. My favorite thing about Wooly's is it's versatility. It's large with a good amount of seating and chairs as well as enough floor room up front. That means if I'm going to see my favorite band, I have plenty of room to stand comfortably and still be able to see and hear everything. At the same time, if I come to a show with my dad, I can sit comfortably in a booth or table and enjoy the show. This is especially nice as they also provide table service! All the staff has always been incredibly nice and helpful. The bar, while perhaps a bit pricey, is huge with a lot of selection. All that stuff is cool, but do you want to know my actual favorite thing about Wooly's? In my experience, all of the bigger shows (featuring touring acts) that I have been to always have the bus or van IN FRONT of the venue, right on the street. This means the band has to unload and load (assuming the band is doing their own unloading/loading) their gear through the front doors. I think this is so cool because it allows an interaction between band person and audience member, which, at least in for my generation, is a really big deal. Maybe that's just the only option there is but whatever, I just think it's cool, OKAY?! But, yeah. If Wooly's continues to book bands I like I will be there, duh. read more

This is a fun place to catch a show that's local! I love the bar all along the left side and other stations to grab a cold one. Wooly's get a good variety of music and seems to be booking more and more EDM shows. Could use a little more reggae (IMO). They have bathrooms both upstairs and lower level. Staff is also friendly and I have never witness a bad incident with staff or fans while in this venue. Usually a great vibe! Only thing is cash only. ATM is available. Just make sure you don't stand in line for that ticket and not have it. read more

I've been to some great shows at Wooly's and I'm really grateful to them for helping build the Des Moines music scene. If it weren't for them, I doubt I would have seen my favorite bands play in the past few years. As a venue, it's pretty nice. The sound and lighting are great. The stage is a little hard to see in a crowd, but that's likely due to my height rather than anything Wooly's could reasonably change. The only complaint I have is the bathroom. If you haven't been there before, it's not that easy to find. I've had one or two bad experiences with rude staff, but those have been few and far between, read more

Great place to see live music and books great acts! If you want water they don't serve it unless you want to purchase bottled. There is however a drinking fountain downstairs along with 2 more restrooms, if there's a long line upstairs you can go downstairs just by the entrance on the west side of the building. Lots of different beer on tap, can, full bar. Also, they are open during the week for cash only ticket sales from (I believe) 1-5pm m-f! Which is very convenient if you don't want to pay fees for ticket sales! read more

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One recent Friday night, I trekked up to Des Moines for the Friday night concert of one of my favorite musical acts. I border on stalker status for this musician, but that's another story. Woolys was a great music venue, sans the loud 40-something drunk woman for whom I suspect this was a regular night at her home-away-from-home, versus a night out enjoying live music. Her whisper was far from faint. No judgment! I think much of Woolys music is of a louder variety, but for the show I attended, the light coming off the beer cooler(s) was blinding for people along the bar side of the venue. It was horrid when everything else was good. My only suggestion for the venue would be that they tone down the cooler lights. I mean, the bar runs the full length of the venue. People are going to be able to find it. We got it. Drinks available along the left wall. Got it! But that odd visual of having one eye in darkness and one eye in the glare of the sun lasted throughout the show. But besides that Mrs. Lincoln.... I would make the trek back for another show. For sure. Big venue. High ceiling. Fairly comfy seating with elbow room between you and the next music fan. Big stage. Mostly-good vibe. Cheap drinks (but horrific margarita!). Good sound. Woolys is a good spot fo' sho'. Take in a show but don't sit by the bar. read more

Cane early but not enough chairs. Spent 40 on tickets and was very disappointed. Went elsewhere to eat. Strange that they do not show the band on the big screen. read more

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Drove down from Minneapolis to see The Turnpike Troubadours it was badass! Tall boys were $4 a piece and there is never a line for the bathroom as they have more downstairs. We had a table up front with our own server. I had an awesome time and we drank with the band at the Tap! This was worth the 3.5 hour long drive to get there. I will be back for more shows here for sure. Long Live Red Dirt Music!!! read more

Wooly's - Music Venues Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Went last night for the PennyWise show. Was amazing!! The venue is the perfect size and so much fun. The bartenders were awesome! They same guy made our drinks all night. He remembered me even though It was packed. He was friendly and fast. I've been to lots of venues like this all over the US. Sometimes it can get hot and crowded. They had massive ceiling fans they turned on when the body heat started to climb. So all my makeup didn't melt off my face. And they even had coat check available with I thought was freaking awesome! read more

They bring in good bands to a town that desperately needs entertainment, but I can't give it 5 stars because the bartenders are obviously unhappy to be employed there, drinks are overpriced, and the bands often play too early and quit by like midnight. read more

I was kicked out before the opener even went on stage for having a 2 oz. unopened bottle of fireball in my pocket. You give these bouncers a little voice of authority and they take their positions too far. The guy just kept saying "zero tolerence" like a robot that couldn't think for himself. He drew the line in the sand without taking the situation in hand. (The situation) Show hasn't started, $30 ticket, $5 beet +2$ for a tip. Three minutes later I'm kicked out for a $1.89 shooter in my pocket. I guess I did break the house rules, but I say unfair. read more

One of my favorite venues!! Love the old vintage hole-in-the wall feel, but never feel creeped out or uncomfortable. Love coming here! I can't say much for parking b/c like anything in that area (and for an event nonetheless) parking is first come first serve and pretty sparse so always end up taking an uber or carpooling with friends. The sound is always good, friendly staff, & there is space to move around. They don't seem to over book/over sell tickets making it a much more pleasant experience. read more

According to the app Swarm, I have checked into Wooly's 50 times as of yesterday (which doesn't include the times I have been there without my phone to check in). Needless to say, I love this place! Great shows, sound, lights, and venue. The staff is super friendly, the beer selection is good, and the facilities are well ventilated and breezy. The bathrooms could use a facelift--or a plumber, at least--but they're not as bad as what I have seen at some venues. read more

Wooly's has filled the void left by People's Court IMO. It's decent place and has a monopoly on the mid-size shows (up and coming national touring bands typically). They get a good mix of shows and have 3-5 per week. Yes, drink prices are steep and they do take plastic but it's a $15 minimum. The floor is a bit shady sometimes too. Used to be a Woolworth's department store - hence the name. A nice place to see some bigger names but lacks the hometown vibe. read more

This venue is beyond amazing!! My husband and I were in Des Moines on business, for one night only. What to do at night in Des Moines??? Clicked on "live music" and OMG...found Gogol Bordello (favorite band ever) playing in concert ( for one night only) at this place called - WOOLY'S!! Hotel concierge helped us acquire tickets, and off we went!! The venue was sold out by the time we arrived, and yet, when we checked in, we asked if there could possibly be any seats as we are "OLD" !! The guy at the counter said, "Wait right here for staff", and he arrived with two tall chairs, and put us at the rear of the floor. We watched, we yelled, we danced in place... and had the time of our lives!! The cocktail waitress was delightful, and charmingly brought truly fabulous Gin & Tonics, (usually we suffer though a G & T at a concert venue as neither of us likes beer) The staff were friendly and helpful!! - again, almost impossible to find in a music venue. If that weren't enough, I lost my glasses, and contacted them to ask if they might have found them. Not only did they find them, but they returned them to me, in California, in perfect condition. If we return to Des Moines, WOOLY'S will be on our "must do" list - no matter who is preforming!! read more