Free events in Des Moines, IA

A welcoming group ride with Major Taylor Iowa begins and ends at the amphitheater in Water Works Park. Riders follow a relaxed 17 to 20 mile loop that circles Water Works Park and Gray’s Lake, passes through downtown Des Moines, crosses the Inter-Urban trestle, heads toward the Beaverdale neighborhood, then reconnects with the trail network. The route blends trails, neighborhood streets, and some road sections, with a typical group pace of 12 to 16 miles per hour that adjusts to attendees. Plan to arrive a little early so the group can take a photo, review safety, and roll out together. Helmets are required. Bringing water, lights, and basic flat repair supplies is recommended but not mandatory. New riders are welcome for a trial outing, and free membership is available for those who want to continue on subsequent weeks. A waiver must be signed before participating, with forms provided prior to the ride.

Take part in free DJ Bingo at The Pelican Post Bar & Grille.

Free DJ trivia takes place at GoodSons on Beaver Ave.

Hawk Heaven Tavern hosts a free trivia night that puts a polished spin on the classic quiz. Test your knowledge and have some fun.

Hawk Heaven Tavern hosts free DJ Trivia. It offers a trivia experience at no cost.

Bevy's Tavern hosts a free DJ bingo event.

Mad Meatball hosts a free trivia night led by a DJ, offering a straightforward chance to put knowledge to the test.

Free DJ Bingo is happening at Mitzi's.

Classic bingo gets a lively twist at LeRoy’s Place. Players receive their first card at no charge, with each additional card costing $2. Pick up cards from the bartender and compete for gift certificates, bar swag, and more. Drink specials include $4 White Claws, $3 Garage Beers, and $1 Jello shots.

Teams square off in a live, DJ-led trivia game where questions appear on screens and cover categories such as movies, history, and music. It is free to play, prizes go to the winning teams, and the experience offers a social, engaging way to test knowledge in a friendly competitive setting.

NAMA's food pantry provides drive-through distribution at New Life Lutheran Church in Norwalk, IA. Service is available to households within the Norwalk School District, including Norwalk and northern Warren County. At a first visit, proof of residency and an ID are required. Proof of income is not needed. Households may visit up to three times per month and typically receive two to three prefilled bags of food, with meat and milk when available. Essential household items are offered on the third Thursday of each month according to the pantry's schedule. Limited delivery is available for those who are truly unable to come in person.

Valley Junction transforms into a lively farmers market with more than 80 vendors, including rural and urban farm stands, baked goods, arts and crafts, floral selections, and clothing. Choose from a wide range of food trucks and food vendors. A rotating lineup of musicians, dance groups, and other entertainers adds to the energy. The beverage garden in Railroad Park features a stage for live music.

Enjoy open play Mahjong at The Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe, a welcoming session where newcomers can learn the fundamentals and experienced players can find tables for their favorite pace. Tile sets on site are limited, so bringing your own set and supplies is encouraged. A small number of regular and large print Mahjong cards will be available to borrow. All styles are supported, including American, Chinese, and Riishi, and the format is drop in so you can stay for a short visit or settle in longer. Food and drinks from the cafe will be available to buy. There is no ticket fee for Mahjong Open Play, and the venue requires a PlayPass for entry during certain hours. Attendance is subject to the venue’s purchase and attendance agreement and privacy policy.

The Jason Wells Band performs a blend of late 60s and 70s blues, jazz, and rock and roll as part of Music in the Junction, a weekly concert series held in the beverage garden at the Valley Junction Farmers Market. Years of touring and performing shape Jason’s music, with songs drawn from lived rock and roll experience. The event takes place in Historic Valley Junction, and the beverage garden is situated in Railroad Park. Admission is free and suitable for all ages.

Empress Eva, Empress Eudora, and their Royal Family kick off a weekend celebrating a year of fundraising and community service with an in-state show at the Garden Restaurant and Show Bar. The showcase honors their efforts and welcomes the community to celebrate together. Admission is free. Those interested in performing can submit their music for consideration.

Enjoy free DJ Bingo at Victory Lap Pub & Grub.

Think & Drink Entertainment brings a live, interactive team trivia experience to The Regal Beagle in West Des Moines. It is free to play, and teams of up to eight players face four rounds that increase in difficulty and point values. Questions span a wide range of topics, including current events, history, geography, science, sports, and more. After each question, a song plays, and teams have the length of that song to turn in their answer. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams, with house cash up for grabs. Personal devices such as cell phones, web-connected gadgets, and smart watches are not allowed during play. Arriving early is encouraged to secure a table.

Free DJ Trivia is offered at The Station on Ingersoll.

GoodSons on Beaver Ave presents no-cost DJ Bingo.

Complimentary DJ bingo takes place at Sam's Bar & Grill.

Geeks Who Drink hosts a weekly, live pub quiz at The Royal Mile, held upstairs. Teams take on seven rounds that blend audio and visual challenges with an in-person host. It is free to play, with prizes for bonus questions and gift cards for the top teams at the end. Team size is limited to six players.

Designed for those who have faced cancer at any point in their journey, this small group personal training class at Wellmark YMCA provides individualized coaching. A Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer leads each session with personalized goal setting, nutrition and wellness guidance, cardio, strength training with weights, stretching, and breathing techniques. The format is tailored to each participant, it is free to attend, and advance registration is required. This is not a drop in offering, so arrange enrollment beforehand.

This free outdoor yoga session at Gray’s Lake Park is presented by Des Moines Parks and Recreation. Volunteer instructors guide an all-levels practice that emphasizes stretching, mindful movement, and relaxation in a peaceful natural setting. Sessions take place on the southeast lawn and are canceled if it rains. Certified yoga teachers are welcome to volunteer for open sessions later in the season.

The Sandy McNamar Food Pantry offers free food for anyone who needs it in a friendly, welcoming setting. Donations are appreciated and can be dropped off at the church. The pantry is ready to serve the community.

Porchfest Des Moines heads back to the Waveland Park neighborhood with a bigger footprint after last year’s strong turnout, filling the afternoon with free live music, food, and community spirit. Both 44th and 45th Street will be closed to make room for additional stages and performances. The lineup features The Blues Bureau, B. John Burns, Bridges 2 Harmony, Central Iowa Music Lab Student Band, Scott Davis, Ducharme-Jones Band, Scott Eggleston, Eric and the Dancing Foxes, Seth Hedquist, Marilyn Jerome, Major Blues and the Mugshots, Anne Lorelle and Tim Earp, The Night Lights, Bob Pace, RiverCity Opry, and Matt Terronez with Dave Bohl. Food vendors announced include Faustinos Taqueria, Porchswing Ice Cream, and Wheatgrass Girl. Admission is free. Bringing cash for musician tips is encouraged, and a lawn chair or blanket makes listening more comfortable. Bike racks will be available, and bringing a lock is recommended. Event merchandise such as T-shirts, stickers, and koozies will be on sale with Venmo and major credit cards accepted. The festivities also include a celebration with Invest DSM in recognition of seven years of support for the neighborhood. The event website will carry schedule updates, and a map with performance times and locations is available.

The new Monarchs of Iowa host their first fundraiser of Reign 34 at The Garden Restaurant and Show Bar. The show features a Drag Roulette format, with the option to make a donation to request a specific song. Admission is free.

Once known as Summer Sundays, this outdoor series offers free live music on Sunday evenings from mid August through early October, making it a relaxed way to take in cooler fall weather with performances by local bands and a changing lineup of food trucks. Plan to sit on the grass with lawn chairs or blankets because there is no permanent seating. Look for a different food truck each week, or pack your own picnic. Outside beverages are allowed, and the City of West Des Moines beverage policy outlines the guidelines for alcohol and glass.