Free events in Ankeny, IA

Co-hosted by Des Moines Parks and Recreation and Captain Roy's, the 5th Annual Adult Recess offers a nostalgic evening of schoolyard fun. This free, adults-only event features a tug of war contest, four square, board games, a hula hoop contest, and bags. A DJ plays throwback hits, and there are food and drink specials. The focus is on playful competition, laughter, and summertime memories. Pre-registration is required.

Open darts continues at The Cottontail, with Steve keeping the games going. Cricket and 501 are free to play for this event. Specialty games are not included in the free offering, but they are available on a pay-to-play basis.

The Uptown Ankeny Farmers Market takes place at Ankeny Market & Pavilion Park and features a variety of offerings from market vendors. Expect fresh produce, locally raised meat and eggs, homemade foods, and handcrafted goods. Roof Iowa is the presenting sponsor. Please be cautious of unofficial comments that claim to sell extra vendor spaces, do not share payment or personal information, and send questions to farmersmarket@uptownankeny.org.

Start the morning with a free yoga session guided by local instructors. If the weather is warm, the class meets at Civic Plaza, and if it is cold or rainy, it shifts to the Sidebar at Brightside Aleworks. Presented by Brightside Aleworks and Sarah Kavalier REALTOR with support from weekly sponsors. It is a refreshing way to begin the day.

Kick off the weekend with gentle movement, mindful breathing, and fresh air as YogaSix instructors guide a free outdoor yoga class. The session welcomes everyone, from first-timers to seasoned practitioners, and focuses on leaving participants recharged and ready for the days ahead. Bring a yoga mat and water, and invite a friend for a calm start in the park.

Shared on behalf of Post 682 American Legion Auxiliary, this candlelight ceremony centers on awareness of Agent Orange. It takes place at the Enabling Gardens in Altoona, situated behind the southeast corner of the Altoona Hy-Vee. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for comfortable seating.

Set out from Water Works Park Amphitheater for a friendly group ride covering roughly 17 to 20 miles. The route loops through Water Works Park, continues by Gray’s Lake and downtown Des Moines, crosses the Inter-Urban trestle, heads into the Beaverdale neighborhood, then returns to the trail, using a mix of trails, neighborhood streets, and some road segments. The anticipated pace is about 12 to 16 miles per hour and may vary with the group. Newcomers are welcome to try one ride, and free membership is required to participate on additional weeks. Plan to gather near the restrooms for a quick photo and a brief safety chat before rolling out together. Helmets are required. Bringing water, lights, and basic flat-repair items is recommended but not mandatory. A waiver must be signed before participating and is provided prior to the ride.

Hawk Heaven Tavern hosts a free DJ-led trivia event for anyone who wants to test their knowledge.

Yankee Clipper hosts DJ Bingo with no admission cost.

Free DJ Trivia takes place at Lynn's On Merle Hay, with trivia questions that let participants test their knowledge.

Enjoy a regular board game night at Dungeon's Gate, where tables are ready for casual play and discovery. Bring a favorite to share, jump into an open game without bringing anything, or choose from a library of more than 400 demo titles available in-store. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome, from first-time players to long-time enthusiasts of any age.

An upbeat, crowd friendly performance brings the concert series to a close and caps a summer of music. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and relax on the lawn just south of the Urbandale Public Library. Open to all ages, with coolers allowed so you can make an evening of it. Admission is free. Presented with support from AO Wealth and the City of Urbandale.

Enjoy free DJ trivia at Sam's Bar & Grill.

Enjoy free DJ Trivia at Tito's Lounge. Test your knowledge and have some fun.

Enjoy a free DJ trivia event at Yankee Clipper.

All Ages Recess is a free outdoor gathering at Cowles Commons that makes it easy to get outside, connect with the community, and enjoy downtown. Framed as a playful pause in the workday, it offers games, music, local food, sweet treats, and plenty of community fun. Food trucks for this occurrence include Hotsy Totsy, Fruits N Such, and Matcha LUV.

Family Night offers free meals for children 12 and under with an adult purchase. There are a few updates, as only the full menu will be available, and the salad bar is coming soon. This offer is available every Wednesday.

A free weekly meetup at Dungeon's Gate offers casual Commander open play for Magic: The Gathering. Participants can bring one or more favorite decks and enjoy a few friendly games. Players of all experience levels and deck strengths are welcome, including newcomers.

A healthy baby shower for new and expecting mothers in Polk County provides information on pregnancy nutrition, infant development, and community resources, along with opportunities to connect with other expectant mothers. Each participant receives a Healthy Baby Backpack containing baby gifts worth over $100. There is no cost to attend, made possible by the Polk County Extension Council and partners. Those who cannot attend in person can participate virtually.

This free social run welcomes all ages and abilities for an easygoing outing through Uptown Ankeny. Options include 2, 4, or 6 miles, and all distances are welcome. It offers a friendly way to connect with others, share encouragement, and build accountability for health and wellness goals. The group meets at Fitness Sports in Uptown Ankeny.

Enjoy free DJ trivia at Doug's Pub & Grub.

Think & Drink Entertainment brings a music-powered spin on bingo to Wellman’s Pub. Instead of numbers, each square features a piece of a song. Identify the title without using phones or apps, place a chip, and aim for five in a row to win. The night blends classic bingo with name-that-tune moments and lively sing-alongs. It is free to participate, winners can earn free drinks, and all ages are welcome. The playlist spans every decade and genre, from brand-new tracks to songs your parents might recognize, and it changes from week to week.

Throughout the summer, Revel Lounge & Patio features weekly live music from local artists in a relaxed outdoor setting. Guests can enjoy house cocktails and a complete food menu while taking in the show. Admission is free, dogs are welcome on the patio, and performances continue in any weather. With live entertainment each week, it is a convenient spot for an after-work meetup or a midweek night out in Des Moines.

Enjoy free DJ Bingo at The Other Place in Ankeny.

Rainbow Planeswalkers brings a casual, queer-focused Magic: The Gathering experience to Dungeon's Gate. This free, drop-in gathering welcomes players ages 13 and up who self-identify as queer, with allies invited to take part alongside them. Bring a deck to play or use one that will be available, and no prior experience is needed. Games are most often played in the Commander format, and participants are welcome to suggest other formats.

Sam's Bar & Grill hosts a free-to-play DJ Bingo event.

Enjoy free DJ Bingo at Lynn's On Merle Hay.