Ring in 2026 at xBk Live with two distinct NYE celebrations
By Fred Love
New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all occasion. This year, xBk Live is presenting two community-centered events designed to bring people of all ages together to ring in 2026, whether that means dancing before lunch or counting down to midnight.
The day begins with the NYE Morning Kids Party featuring Derry & the Dirty Dishes, a family-focused gathering that emphasizes accessibility, creativity and shared experience. Doors open at 10 a.m., when the DJ Kitty Cat twins will welcome families with an all-ages mix of upbeat, danceable tracks. At 10:30 a.m. sharp, Derry & the Dirty Dishes take the stage for a lively set of rock music crafted for kids but written smartly enough to keep adults engaged. The show wraps at 11:15 a.m., leaving families plenty of time for lunch and nap schedules.
Derek Muse Lambert, who leads Derry & the Dirty Dishes, said the project grew out of songs he and his wife, Ramona, wrote as their three children were born and began growing up. The goal was to create kid-friendly compositions played with the energy and instrumentation of a rock band. Although the couple initially had no plans to record or release the material, the enthusiastic reactions from their children and friends’ kids encouraged them to produce an album and begin performing live. Muse Lambert said the band can swell to as many as 15 members, adults and children alike, often dressed in coordinated costumes that give the show a “goofy circus” vibe.
The morning event includes a kid-friendly countdown and balloon drop, allowing young revelers to experience one of the holiday’s signature traditions in a way that fits their world. Families are encouraged to wear festive, sparkly attire to heighten the sense of celebration. Coffee, juice boxes and a full bar menu will be available. Babies get in free, and individual and family ticketing options are on sale now. Derry & the Dirty Dishes’ debut album, Three Day Weekend, is streaming now for anyone who wants to learn the songs ahead of time.
As a parent himself, Muse Lambert said one of his priorities is keeping the event convenient for families.
“At least for our family, we find the perfect window is from 10:30 a.m., right before lunch and nap time and before the kids are too overstimulated with their day,” he said. “We keep these shows precisely on schedule because we know how important those routines are to families with young kids.”
A More Mature Celebration
That evening, xBk shifts gears for a different kind of party as The Guilty Pleasures & Friends return to the stage for a high-energy night designed to take the crowd straight into the New Year. Doors open at 8 p.m., with music beginning at 9. Known as one of Des Moines’ most electric party bands, The Guilty Pleasures deliver crowd-pleasing hits, tight harmonies and a commitment to keeping the dance floor moving.
Bassist Brian Hulten said the band has earned a reputation for playful, unexpected mashups that move from song to song with split-second transitions and big audience reactions.
“We’ll do something from Sir Mix-a-Lot into Metallica,” Hulten said. “Another one we do is Lady Gaga into Talking Heads. Anything goes, and it’s all about having fun.”
The New Year’s Eve show will also feature several guest performers, whose identities will be announced as the date approaches. The promise of surprise collaborations, paired with the band’s high-energy approach, makes the event a standout option for anyone seeking a festive night out.
Together, these two events highlight xBk Live’s role as a gathering place for the Des Moines community. From morning countdowns with families to late-night celebrations with friends, xBk offers memorable ways for people to connect, reflect and welcome 2026.
New Years Eve – Wednesday, Dec. 31
NYE Morning Kids Party w/ Derry & The Dirty Dishes
Doors 10 a.m. Show 10:30 a.m.
All Ages
Doors 8 p.m. Show 9 p.m.
All Ages