Now that you've spent the day taking in all the history, parks, and architecture of Des Moines, get ready for some serious fun at night. One of this city's most popular areas for nightlife is the Historic East Village. Here you can take advantage of shopping, dining and other activities. This is also where the Iowa State Capitol and Iowa State Historical Building are located. During warmer months, sports enthusiasts won't want to miss the Knoxville Raceway or Iowa Speedway. Maybe you prefer baseball. No problem. The Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, are based in Des Moines. For great dining, the downtown area is always a hit. Here you can enjoy Cajun-Creole dishes at Buzzard Billy's, or traditional German food at Hessen Haus. Steaks are very popular in Des Moines. Some of the best steak dishes you'll find anywhere are prepared at restaurants including Jesse's Embers, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Iowa Beef Steak House, and the elite 801 Steak and Chop House. For some traditional American food, try Johnny's Hall of Fame Sports Bar. For some after-dinner nightlife, the Liars Club always offers a party atmosphere. You can enjoy the best in local live bands at nightclubs such as the People's Court Avenue, House of Bricks, and the Grand Piano Bistro. For more refined entertainment, you'll want to check out the Des Moines Symphony. The symphony features a Yankee Doodle Pops concert every year around the Fourth of July on the grounds of the Iowa State Capitol.
Just like presidential hopefuls, you'll find plenty of great reasons to visit Des Moines.