Family events in Urbandale, IA

Breeders and fans of Valais Blacknose sheep will find a national hub at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, where the USA National Valais Blacknose Sheep Show, Grading and Sale brings the community together for a breed-focused showcase. The event centers on the show ring and official grading, and also features both a live auction and an online sale offering more than 20 purebred ewes and rams. Exhibitors can enter over 50 classes covering breed up and purebred rams, ewes, and wethers, with special classes for youth and Spittis. Purebred animals can be graded on site. Education is a major focus with more than 20 hours of workshops created specifically for Valais breeders. Sponsors and exhibitors with deep industry experience are available to answer questions, and there are opportunities to connect with other breeders and enthusiasts. An international team of judges and graders oversees competition and evaluations.

Car lovers gather at Pleasant Hill Diner for a laid back meet where drivers park, show off their rides, and connect with other enthusiasts. Classics, custom builds, and daily drivers are all welcome. Expect great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of cool cars to check out.

The Southeast Polk Homecoming Parade is planned, with route information and other details to be announced as they are finalized. Homecoming activities also include a football game in which Southeast Polk will play Iowa City High.

The biggest homecoming celebration for Southeast Polk returns for 2026 with a free pre-game bash hosted by the SEP Education Foundation and the SEP Alumni Association, presented by Meta. Set in the greenspace on the south side of Southeast Polk Senior High School, the event offers dinner from several food trucks, the Meta Spirit Station to build school spirit, and a Well Wishes Station where messages can be shared with SEP athletes now in college and the pros, along with additional activities. Through this event, the Southeast Polk Education Foundation raises funds to provide grants for educational projects within the Southeast Polk School District, supporting the success of students and graduates.

At Skate South, families can spend Friday night skating together while music plays and lights set the scene. A pizza special is available every Friday night. It is a welcoming place for birthday celebrations, time with friends, and making memories away from screens.

Movies in the Park features Hocus Pocus at Colby Park, with community partners helping create a fun October movie night. The film follows Max, his sister Dani, and their friend Allison after Max accidentally revives the Sanderson sisters on Halloween. With help from a magical black cat named Binx, they work to stop the witches from casting a spell that would keep them young forever before the sun comes up. Support comes from Presenting Sponsor Bolton & Menk, the Windsor Heights & Urbandale Chamber as Movie Sponsor, and contributions for cookies, popcorn, drinks, and pizza from Walmart, Flix, Pepsi, and Margo Kromminga State Farm.

Now in its fifth year, this community festival in Windsor Heights celebrates the season with activities for all ages. Highlights include bounce houses, the WHAMM 5K, a parade, fireworks, a petting zoo, live music, and a silent disco. It offers a full slate of entertainment for friends and families to enjoy together.

Cool Cars for Cats returns for its fifth year with a community car show and cat food drive in partnership with WesleyLife Meals on Wheels. The gathering at Franklin Jr High spotlights the AniMeals program, which helps ensure both people and their pets receive the nutrition they need. Admission is one unopened bag of cat food or a freewill donation. Car owners can participate without preregistration, and awards will be presented to standout entries. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Brown Dog Bakery transforms into a world of wizardry for dogs and their humans. Each pup will be matched to a house through an official-style sorting, then can roam the store to enjoy a themed photo booth, the Honeydukes Treat Station, a Golden Snitch scavenger hunt, and wizard inspired games with prizes. Exclusive specials will be available during the event. Whether a dog channels Gryffindog, Hufflepup, Ravenpaw, or Slytherhound, there is magic tailored for every four-legged wizard. Attendees are encouraged to dress their dogs in wizard attire for a day filled with treats, playful challenges, and photo worthy memories.

Walk-N-Roll 2026 at Easterseals Iowa & Camp Sunnyside brings the community together to raise awareness and essential funding for people across Iowa who are impacted by spina bifida. Families, friends, and teams take part in a supportive walk that centers on connection and advocacy. After the walk, the IowAbility Fair features adaptive sports, vendors, and activities for all ages, creating an inclusive and lively atmosphere around the cause.

Celebrate heritage, food, and fun with live music by the Weary Ramblers and performances by Native Pride, Indigenous performers. Connect with the Polk County Master Gardeners through hands-on, informative activities. Press fresh apple cider on an antique press, try building a log cabin, enjoy heritage-themed games and crafts, dissect owl pellets, and learn about the Mexican heritage of Valley Junction. There is more to discover, with free, family-friendly fun for the whole family.

Experience a hands-on animal encounter at the Windsor Heights Fall Festival petting zoo. Children and families can feed and gently pet a llama, an alpaca, a miniature donkey, a miniature horse, a miniature cow, pygmy goats, Nigerian Dwarf goats, Shetland sheep, a four-horned Jacob sheep, Babydoll sheep, a miniature potbellied pig, rabbits, and more. Entry is free.

At Blood Cancer United Light The Night, the community comes together at DMACC - Ankeny Campus to celebrate, honor, and remember people affected by cancer. Families, friends, schools, corporate teams, and sponsors unite to shine a light against blood cancers while raising funds that support research, advocacy, and services for patients and their loved ones. This family friendly gathering features a Kids Glow Zone, local food vendors, fireworks, and plenty of activities for all ages. Registered participants receive a lantern, and many groups form fundraising teams to support the vision of a world without blood cancers.

The Last Ride brings a fall community car show to The Repair Companies Shop, marking the final meetup of the season. Bring a vehicle or come with family for a day of standout builds, food trucks, raffle drawings, awards, and local vendors. Vehicles of every make and model are welcome, and the atmosphere is designed for all ages. Awards include People’s Choice, a Staff Pick, and a Kid’s Choice. There is no registration or entry fee. To reserve a featured parking spot, email media.trcs@gmail.com. For questions, call 515-986-6204.

Enjoy a family-friendly skating day at Skate South on Sunday. All-day skating welcomes skaters of every age, with lively music and a cheerful atmosphere. Share smiles, make memories, and turn Sunday into a favorite tradition on wheels.

Experience the featured film for All Pleasant Hill Reads with a full screening of a documentary connected to the themes and culture of the All Pleasant Hill Reads book. Settle in, enjoy the story, and explore new perspectives as each episode builds on the last. The presentation is offered in two sessions, starting with the opening episodes and concluding with the remainder at a follow-up showing. This program is supported by the Local Arts and Culture Program Grant from Bravo Greater Des Moines.

Board Game Night at Dungeon's Gate offers open tabletop play in a friendly setting. Attendees may bring a favorite title to share, take a seat at an existing table without bringing anything, or pick from the venue’s demo library with more than 400 games. Admission is free, and the event welcomes players of all ages and experience levels.