DES MOINES, Iowa — It's the end of 2023, and Des Moines is the place to be. But before you change the page on your calendar, there's still plenty of things to do around town.
Local 5 rounded up five events taking place Dec. 29-31 to help you end 2023 on a high note.
Whether you're manifesting what 2024 will look like or watching Iowa State face off against Tennessee with fellow fans, these events will make the last weekend of 2023 one to remember.
Have an event you want featured in Local 5's Weekend Guide? Text us at 515-457-1026 or email us at news@weareiowa.com.
Friday, Dec. 29 at 2:30 p.m. | Smash Park (6625 Coachlight Drive, West Des Moines) | Free to attend
If you can't make it to Memphis, you can still celebrate with fellow Cyclones fans in central Iowa. Smash Park will be showing the Liberty Bowl with sound on throughout the venue. At halftime, fans can participate in the "Football Toss Challenge" for a chance to win a free beer or seltzer.
Friday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. | Wells Fargo Arena (730 Third Street, Des Moines) | Tickets start at $21
End 2023 on a high note by witnessing a Wolves win at Wells Fargo Arena. The Iowa Wolves will face the College Park Skyhawks on Friday and Sunday. Friday is "Black out Pack out" night, and the first 1,000 fans will receive a free t-shirt. On Sunday, the first 1,000 fans will get a winter hat in celebration of Sustainability Day.
Saturday, Dec. 30 at 10 a.m. | Yoga & Co (2326 University Avenue, Des Moines) | $20
The start of a new year is an opportunity to envision your future, and what better way to do that than with others? Join this session to reflect, journal and "bring the body, mind and energy into balance." The session will feature a short yoga flow, as well as snacks and tea. Attendees are asked to bring a journal.
Sunday, Dec. 31 at noon | Science Center of Iowa (401 W Martin Luther King Jr Parkway, Des Moines) | Free with admission ($13)
Forget the ball drop, how about a balloon drop? Visit the Science Center of Iowa this New Year's Eve at the family-friendly time of noon. Not only will you get to enjoy all the activities the Science Center has to offer, you can ring in 2024 a whole 12 hours early. Last year, more than 1,000 people attended the annual event, so make sure to reserve your tickets in advance.
Sunday, Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. | The Royal Mile (210 4th Street, Des Moines) | Free to attend
If you can't stay up until midnight, celebrate like you're across the pond. Visit The Royal Mile for a meal and celebrate the New Year at 6 p.m., AKA midnight, London time. The celebration will include a champagne toast and a bagpipe performance by Iowa Pipes and Drums. If you want to arrive a little earlier, you can also celebrate the Belgian New Year at 5 p.m. upstairs at Red Monk.