🌟 Happy New Year, Des Moines!
Your weekly nudge to get out, feel connected, and love where you live.
In this week’s AroundDSM:
🍸 A moody bar, a cocktail list you could read for days, and a flatbread that tastes just like a cheeseburger…
🖍️ Vision boards, but make them fun: turn your 2026 hopes into a Bingo board.
🎮 A Sunday morning throwback: classic arcade games + family time.
🍽️ Restaurant Spotlight
The Urban Grill | 3651 86th Street, Urbandale |
Cheeseburger Flatbread | Photo: Emily Johnson
Drinks | Photo: Emily Johnson
Happy Hour That Deserves Its Own Applause – Urban Grill’s happy hour is one of the best-kept secrets in the metro. From 3–6 pm daily, you’ll find $6 Urban classic cocktails (and yes — the cocktail list is basically a book), $5 house wine, $4 domestic beers, and $8 flatbreads that are hearty enough to be a full meal. It’s the kind of happy hour that turns into “let’s stay for dinner.”
Don’t Sleep on the Flatbreads (or the Soup) – I’ll admit it: I doubted the cheeseburger flatbread . . . until I tried it. One bite and you’re convinced. The pickles make it. Close your eyes and it really does taste like a cheeseburger in flatbread form. Add in their out-of-this-world clam chowder or the pecan-crusted chicken salad with creamy parmesan dressing, and you’ve got multiple reasons to come back.
Moody, Cozy, and Always Welcoming – The low lighting, cozy atmosphere, and lively bar area create that perfect feeling of camaraderie — the kind of place where you instantly relax. Service is consistently top-notch, which makes it an easy go-to whether you’re meeting friends, grabbing a solo bite at the bar, or settling in for a longer night. This is comfort food, cocktails, and connection done right.
👉 View the menu here.
🤝 Partner Spotlight: It’s a Date!
You pick the time of day, length, and cost (free is available!), then scratch and see what your date will be!
An example of a date :)
Date nights don’t have to feel planned, pricey, or predictable. It’s a Date is a scratch-off activity deck that turns choosing what to do into part of the fun. Scratch, reveal, and go. It’s an easy way to break out of routine, laugh a little more, and actually do something together instead of defaulting to the couch.
Perfect for January resets, cozy weekends, or anytime you want to make connection feel intentional but still lighthearted.
Grab it on Amazon #ad here 👉 https://amzn.to/495GYAI
🎟️ Reserve Tickets Now: Winefest’s Wine & Dine Week | Winefest Des Moines
January is for lingering meals and supporting local restaurants and Wine & Dine Week makes it easy to do both. Participating restaurants across the metro (Harbinger, Palms DSM, Panka, Splash, and more) are offering special prix-fixe menus and curated dining experiences, making this the perfect excuse to plan a night out (or two) during a typically quiet restaurant month.
📅 Jan. 9th–18th, 2026
👉 Book your table now: winefestdesmoines.com | $50-80/person
🎉 Top 5 Things to Do
The best bets handpicked for your week:
🎨 January First Friday - Bright Beginnings | Mainframe Studios | 900 Keo Way, Des Moines
Start the New Year surrounded by creativity. January’s First Friday at Mainframe Studios invites you to explore the DUALITIES exhibition, discover original artwork from one of the 180 studios, and connect with the makers who bring Des Moines’ creative scene to life. It’s an easy, energizing way to ease into January — browse, shop small, and soak up inspiration. | Friday, Jan. 2nd, 5–8 pm | FREE | mainframestudios.org
🛍️ Iowa State Fair Flea Market | Iowa State Fairgrounds, Varied Industries Building
If treasure hunting is your love language, this one’s for you. Spend the weekend browsing aisles filled with antiques, collectibles, home décor, jewelry, purses, and all kinds of vintage finds. It’s the perfect January outing — slow wandering, unexpected gems, and the thrill of finding something you didn’t know you were looking for. | Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 3rd–4th, 9 am–3 pm | iowastatefairgrounds.org
🎯 2026 Bingo Board Workshop | Brightside Aleworks, 480 Center Place, Altoona
Start the New Year with intention and a little creativity. This hands-on workshop invites you to design your own 2026 Bingo vision board, turning goals, hopes, and milestones into something visual you can revisit all year long. Poster board and basic art supplies will be available, and you’re encouraged to bring your own glitter, stickers, markers, and inspiration to make it uniquely yours. Grab a drink, spread out, and spend the afternoon creating something meaningful. | Sunday, Jan. 4th, 1–6 pm | Brightside Aleworks FB page
🎮 Family Hours at Up-Down | Up-Down, 500 E. Locust, Des Moines
Start the New Year with a little nostalgia and a lot of fun. Up-Down opens its doors to all ages for Family Hours, inviting kids and adults alike to enjoy classic arcade games, pizza by the slice, soda, and other kid-friendly drinks. It’s a relaxed, playful way to get out of the house before the space returns to 21+ later in the day. | Sunday, Jan. 4th, 10 am–2 pm | All ages welcome (minors must be accompanied by someone 21+) | updownarcadebar.com🌿🎶 Botanical Blues | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Ease into the New Year surrounded by greenery and live music. Botanical Blues brings soulful blues performances into the warm, plant-filled spaces of the Botanical Garden. Wander the conservatory, enjoy the music, and let the relaxed atmosphere do its thing. It’s low-key, cozy, and a lovely way to spend a winter afternoon. | Sunday, Jan. 4th, 12–4 pm, show begins at 1pm | dmbotanicalgarden.com
Stop wondering what to do and start doing. Pick one and make it happen!
Up-Down Arcade Des Moines | Photo: https://updownarcadebar.com/des-moines/#drinks
🐾 Pet Pick-Me-Up
Now get out there, Des Moines!
With local love,
Emily
AroundDSM
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