![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-1.jpg\")
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Up-Down<\/a> Mt. Crescent Ski Area<\/a> Des Moines Metro Opera <\/a> Carver-Hawkeye Arena Des Moines Playhouse<\/a> Cresco Bowling Lanes Fleur Cinema & Caf\u00e9<\/a> var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { <\/p>\n googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1424368364801-0’); });<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Cobble Hill<\/a> The Last Laugh Comedy Theater<\/a> UNI Observatory<\/a> var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { <\/p>\n googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1424368364801-0’); });<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Peace Tree Brewing Company<\/a> The Red Monk<\/a> Pints Campbell Steele Gallery<\/a> var googletag = googletag || {}; googletag.cmd.push(function() { <\/p>\n googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-1424368364801-0’); });<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Hawkeye Tap<\/a> Wooly\u2019s<\/a> Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill<\/a> Maquoketa Caves State Park<\/a> Lime Lounge<\/a>
\n500 E Locust St
\nDes Moines, IA 50309
\n(515) 243-4322
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars; 28 Reviews.
\nIf you have a love for arcade games and beer, Up-Down is the place for you. \u00a0This bar meets arcade has all of the gaming classics, as well as several pinball machines, three skee-ball lanes, and life-size Jenga. I\u2019ll repeat myself: LIFE-SIZE JENGA.<\/p>\n2. Head To The Ski Hill<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Flickr User BLMOregon<\/div>\n
\n17026 Snowhill Ln
\nHoney Creek, IA 51542
\n(712) 545-3850
\nYelp<\/a>: 3 Stars; 11 Reviews.
\nFun ski hills aren\u2019t just out West. \u00a0It might not be a 14,000 foot mountain, but a ski day at Mt. Crescent is the perfect way to get your snow fix. \u00a0They\u2019re typically open into the evening every day of the week and until 9 pm on the weekends with special discounted passes for evening sessions.
\nMake sure you watch out for their special \u201cMidnight Madness\u201d days, when they stay open until 3am.<\/p>\n3. Share A Night At The Opera With Someone<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-3.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Flickr User ClubTransatl\u00e2ntico<\/div>\n
\n106 W Boston Ave
\nIndianola, IA 50125
\n(515) 961-6221
\nIf you\u2019re looking to class it up a bit, heading to a performance by the Des Moines Metro Opera is one way to do it. \u00a0With regular nightly shows throughout the year, getting dressed up and heading to the opera can make for a great date.<\/p>\n4. Cheer On The Hawkeyes<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-4.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Flickr User Phil Roeder<\/div>\n
\n402 Carver Hawkeye Arena
\nIowa City, IA 52242
\n(800) 424-2957
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars; 4 Reviews.
\nIf you\u2019re lucky enough to have a free night in Iowa on game day, make sure you take full advantage of the occasion. \u00a0With some of the craziest fans in the country, you won\u2019t regret buying tickets to catch the tip-off live.
\nNot in the Iowa City area? Head to a local watering hole so you\u2019re not cheering alone.<\/p>\n5. As Close To Broadway As You Can Get In The Hawkeye State<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-5.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Des Moines Playhouse via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n831 42nd St
\nDes Moines, IA 50312
\n(515) 255-3741
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars; 2 Reviews.
\nOne of the largest community theatres in the country, Des Moines Playhouse is always hosting shows worth seeing. \u00a0A few popular upcoming shows include Around the World in 80 Days, Charlotte\u2019s Web, and the Addams Family.<\/p>\n6. Get Your Buzz On While You Bowl<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-6.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Flickr User cote<\/div>\n
\n308 3rd St SW
\nCresco, IA 52136
\n(563) 547-3680
\nYelp<\/a>
\nTired of going to a bar and just sitting at the table not really doing much? \u00a0Cresco Bowling adds a little competitive twist to a night on the town. \u00a0With several lanes and a full bar, this place is worth the visit.<\/p>\n7. Kick It With Some Movie Stars<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-7.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: The Fleur Cinema and Caf\u00e9 via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n4545 Fleur Dr
\nDes Moines, IA 50321
\n(515) 287-4545
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars; 25 Reviews.
\nCozy and comfortable, Fleur Cinema and Caf\u00e9 is a really cool independent movie theater in the Des Moines area that specializes in showing a unique variety of feature films. \u00a0In addition to typical movie fare, this venue also serves coffee, wine, and beer, putting it a step ahead of most competition.<\/p>\n
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\n});<\/p>\n\n\n8. Have A Hot Date?<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-8.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Cobble Hill\u2019s website<\/div>\n
\n219 2nd St
\nCedar Rapids, IA 52401
\n(319) 366-3177
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars; 31 Reviews.
\nIf you\u2019re looking to impress a first date or commemorate a special occasion, there\u2019s no better place to do it than Cobble Hill. \u00a0Elegant and sophisticated, everything that comes out of the kitchen here is equal parts beautiful and delicious. \u00a0This is one place sure to keep you coming back.<\/p>\n9. Treat Yourself To A Laugh<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-9.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: The Last Laugh Comedy Theater via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n1701 25th St
\nWest Des Moines, IA 50265
\n(515) 943-9343
\nYelp<\/a>: 5 Stars; 4 Reviews.
\nIf laughter is the best medicine, then making a trip to the Last Laugh Comedy Theater is the prescription you need. \u00a0With shows featuring the best local talent around, fresh jokes help keep trips to this venue from ever getting old.<\/p>\n10. \u00a0\u00a0Get Lost In Space<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-10.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Flickr User Zach Dischner<\/div>\n
\nDepartment of Earth Science
\n121 Latham Hall
\nUniversity of Northern Iowa
\nCedar Falls, IA
\n(319) 273-2759
\nFree and open to the public during fall and spring semesters, the Observatory at the University of Northern Iowa will give you an experience you won\u2019t soon forget. \u00a0Home to one of the best telescopes in the state, the things you\u2019ll see here are quite out-of-this-world. \u00a0Shows take place Thursday nights, but make sure you check their website for start times.<\/p>\n
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\n});<\/p>\n\n\n11. \u00a0\u00a0Try Some Local Craft Beer<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-11.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Peace Tree Brewing Company via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n107 W Main Street
\nKnoxville, IA 50138
\n(641) 842-2739
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars; 12 Reviews.
\nBeer lovers rejoice, Iowa is no slacker when it comes to the craft beer movement. \u00a0If you want to try a few of the best brews that this state has to offer, Peace Tree Brewing Company is the place for you.
\nWith a diverse variety of delicious beers, you\u2019ll love experiencing their brewing process first-hand.<\/p>\n12. \u00a0\u00a0Show Off Your Smarts<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-12.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Flickr User DonkeyHotey<\/div>\n
\n210 4th St
\nDes Moines, IA 50309
\n(515) 280-3771
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars; 10 Reviews.
\nNothing livens up a party like a little bit of drunken trivia and the Red Monk is the perfect place to find it. \u00a0Hosting the \u201cGeeks Who Drink Pub Quiz\u201d every Wednesday night, you\u2019ll want to make sure you grab a few of your smartest friends and head this way ASAP.<\/p>\n13. \u00a0\u00a0Bar Crawl Like You\u2019re Back In College<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-13.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Pints Iowa City via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n118 S Clinton St
\nIowa City, IA 52240
\n(319) 351-9898
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars; 3 Reviews.
\nIf you\u2019re looking to relive the glory days, Iowa City is the place for you. \u00a0Their biggest crawl of the year is called Pedcrawl and it happens in May.
\nHowever, if you\u2019re not in town for that night, it\u2019s easy to make a crawl that\u2019s completely your own. \u00a0With bars like Brothers, Pints, The Summit, and Bojames, there are plenty of places to get your drink on.<\/p>\n14. \u00a0\u00a0Let Art Amaze You<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-14.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Campbell Steele Gallery via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n1064 7th Ave
\nMarion, IA 52302
\n(319) 373-9211
\nYelp<\/a>: 5 Stars; 5 Reviews.
\nFeeling artsy? \u00a0Campbell Steele Gallery has something for everyone. \u00a0With fine art, plenty of live music, and endless bottles of wine, the intimate atmosphere here is one-of-a-kind. \u00a0Check their website for special events and shows!<\/p>\n
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\n});<\/p>\n\n\n15. \u00a0\u00a0Flex Your Vocal Cords<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-15.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Flickr User masochismtango<\/div>\n
\n4646 Cheyenne Ave
\nDavenport, IA 52806
\n(563) 391-3096
\nYelp<\/a>: 4 Stars; 6 Reviews.
\nRegardless of whether you sound like Frank Sinatra or a dying cow, the Hawkeye Tap will let you take the stage. \u00a0With Karaoke Wednesdays happening every week, there are plenty of chances to find your slice of stardom at this Davenport staple.<\/p>\n16. \u00a0\u00a0Catch A Live Show<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-16.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Flickr User BarbaraWilli<\/div>\n
\n504 E Locust St
\nDes Moines, IA 50309
\n(515) 244-0550
\nYelp<\/a>: 4.5 Stars; 9 Reviews.
\nThere\u2019s no better place in Des Moines to catch a touring band than Wooly\u2019s. \u00a0Bringing in huge acts, as well as newcomers to the scene, cheap prices, friendly crowds, and a cozy set-up ensure that there\u2019s not a bad seat in the house at this joint.<\/p>\n17. \u00a0\u00a0Drink Like An Irishman!<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-17.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Flickr User Tim Dorr<\/div>\n
\n320 South 16th Street
\nAmes, IA 50010
\n(515) 956-3580
\nYelp<\/a>: 4 Stars; 58 Reviews.
\nWhen it comes to throwing a party, everyone knows the Irish do it best. \u00a0With plenty of delicious Guinness and traditional Irish fare, including corned beef and Shepard\u2019s pie, one trip here will have you recommending it to everyone you know.
\nSl\u00e1inte!…That\u2019s what the Irish say instead of \u201cCheers!\u201d<\/p>\n18. \u00a0\u00a0Pitch A Tent<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-18.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Flickr User Alan Light<\/div>\n
\n10756 98th St
\nMaquoketa, IA 52060
\n(563) 652-5833
\nYelp<\/a>: 5 Stars; 5 Reviews.
\nIowa has tons of awesome places to get outdoors, including the very awesome Maquoketa Caves State Park.
\nNestled in Jackson County, a camping getaway here will not only give you a chance to escape from the stresses of everyday life, it\u2019s also one of the best places to go hiking and spelunking in the Midwest.<\/p>\n19. \u00a0\u00a0Whip Out Your Dancing Shoes<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-19.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSource: Lime Lounge via Facebook<\/div>\n
\n435 E Grand Ave
\nDes Moines, IA 50309
\n(515) 333-4643
\nYelp<\/a>: 3.5 Stars; 10 Reviews.
\nNo night out on the town is complete without a little dancing. \u00a0If it\u2019s late, you\u2019ve had a few drinks, and you\u2019re ready to let a few of your signature dance moves loose, the Lime Lounge in Des Moines is what you\u2019re looking for. \u00a0
\nYou never know what quite to expect here, just prepare yourself for a good time.<\/p>\n20. \u00a0\u00a0Let Your Beer Get A Little Fresh Air<\/h2>\n
![\"20](\"http:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/citybuzz\/2015\/02\/iowa-nights\/ian-20.jpg\")
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