Free events in Urbandale, IA

Settle in for casual Magic: The Gathering Commander open play at Dungeon's Gate. Bring a favorite deck and enjoy a game or two in a welcoming setting. Deck power and player experience vary, so all levels fit right in. This is a free weekly meetup focused on relaxed, open play, and new players are welcome.

Enjoy free DJ Bingo at Mitzi's.

A free social run in Uptown Ankeny welcomes runners, walkers, and strollers of all ages and ability levels. Participants can choose routes of about 2, 4, or 6 miles, or go any distance that feels right. The starting point is Fitness Sports in Uptown Ankeny, offering an easy way to connect with others and build encouragement and accountability for health and wellness goals.

Enjoy classic bingo with a lively twist at LeRoy’s Place. Start with a complimentary bingo card, then pick up extra cards for $2 each from the bartender. Play for chances to win gift certificates, bar swag, and other prizes. Keep the good vibes going with drink specials that include $4 White Claws, $3 Garage Beers, and $1 Jello shots.

Striking Sparrow Lounge hosts DJ Trivia, a live, team-focused quiz led by a DJ. Questions appear on screens and span categories such as movies, history, and music. It is free to play, and prizes go to the top teams. The atmosphere is social and upbeat, with friendly competition as groups test their knowledge together.

Each Wednesday, 85 Bar West in Waukee hosts free DJ trivia. Food and cold drinks are available, and prizes are awarded to the winners.

Doug's Pub & Grub hosts free DJ trivia.

Free DJ trivia is happening at The Other Place in Clive.

Enjoy complimentary DJ bingo at The Other Place Ankeny.

Enjoy a free DJ Trivia event at The Pelican Post Bar & Grille.

Food distribution is offered as a convenient drive-through at New Life Lutheran Church in Norwalk. A first visit requires identification and proof of residency, and no proof of income is needed. Households within the Norwalk School District, including Norwalk and northern Warren County, may access the pantry up to three times a month. Each visit typically includes two to three prepacked bags of groceries, with meat and milk when available. Basic household items are available on a monthly schedule. For individuals who cannot travel, a limited delivery option is offered.

Enjoy free DJ-hosted bingo at Victory Lap Pub & Grub.

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.

Enjoy free DJ Bingo at GoodSons on Beaver Ave.

Free DJ-hosted trivia at The Station on Ingersoll offers a chance to test your knowledge.

The Regal Beagle in West Des Moines hosts a live, interactive trivia night presented by Think & Drink Entertainment. Participation is free, teams can include up to eight players, and prizes go to the top three teams with house cash up for grabs. Each game features four rounds that increase in difficulty and point values, covering a wide range of topics such as current events, history, geography, science, sports, and more. After each question a song plays, and teams have the length of that track to submit an answer. To keep the game fair, phones, smartwatches, and other web-connected devices are not permitted. Arrive early to secure a table and get set for friendly competition.

Sam's Bar & Grill presents free DJ bingo.

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

Geeks Who Drink hosts a pub quiz at The Royal Mile with seven rounds that blend audio clues, visual challenges, and questions led by a live host. There is no entry fee to participate. Bonus questions offer chances to win prizes, and gift cards are awarded to the top-scoring teams by the end. Teams are limited to six players in accordance with Geeks Who Drink rules. The quiz takes place upstairs at the venue.

Set aside 45 minutes to unwind in a class designed to ease stress, release tension, and calm anxiety while helping you reconnect with your health, energy, and vitality. The experience begins with a brief guided meditation, followed by restorative sound healing, all while being supported by Reiki. Reiki, a Japanese practice that fosters wellbeing, is gentle and meets each person where they are in their healing. There is no cost to participate and all are welcome. Registration is required because space is limited. This session is now held at Inner Space. Please bring a yoga mat and any items that add to your comfort.

Designed for individuals who have experienced cancer, this small-group training session at Wellmark YMCA provides personalized support no matter where someone is in their journey. A Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer leads the class, guiding participants through goal setting, nutrition and wellness coaching, cardio, resistance exercises, stretching, and breathing techniques. Each session is tailored to individual needs so everyone can move at a comfortable and appropriate pace. The program is free, but advance registration is required and it is not a drop-in class. For information on how to get started, contact mary@aboveandbeyondcancer.org.

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.

Shop a large children’s consignment sale serving Central Iowa, where hundreds of local families offer gently used items priced 60 to 90 percent below typical retail. Items are inspected for quality, making it easier to find dependable clothing and gear for growing kids. Expect clothing from infant through teen sizes plus maternity wear, along with shoes, baby equipment, furniture, toys, books, DVDs, electronics, bedding, and nursery decor, with more throughout the sale. Early access is available through a private presale with both paid and free ticket options. After the presale, entry is free and no ticket is required. Cash and credit are accepted. For questions, contact Diane Steele at dianesteele@rhealana.com or text 515-250-4337.

A competitive ACL Interstate cornhole showcase cohosted by the American Cornhole League, Aced Cornhole, and Mid-Iowa Baggers takes place at Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa. Spectators are welcome and there is no charge to watch. Players will find Womens, Seniors, and Juniors divisions, a Tier 1 blind draw, five tiers of singles, mixed doubles, and doubles rounders that split into tiers. A blind draw teams competition places participants on five person teams for best of three matches featuring singles, doubles, and tandem doubles. Entry fees are set as follows: Womens, Seniors, and Juniors at 25 dollars, Tier 1 and Tier 2 blind draw at 40 dollars, Singles Tiers 1 through 5 at 40, 35, 30, 25, and 20 dollars, Rounders Doubles for Tiers 1 and 2 at 80 dollars and for Tiers 3 through 5 at 60 dollars, and the blind draw teams event at 20 dollars per person with teams assigned at random. Payouts return 70 percent of entry fee pools, and door entry fees are added to prize pools to boost overall payouts. Singles and doubles use a tiered distribution of the total payout pool with Tier 1 at 55 percent, Tier 2 at 25 percent, Tier 3 at 12 percent plus prizes, Tier 4 at 8 percent plus prizes, and Tier 5 awarded prizes. All blind draws and Womens, Seniors, Juniors pay out 70 percent of the entry pool. Event Director Jeb Downard, Iowa State Director, can be reached at 920-217-6578. Outside beverages are not permitted, and the venue offers drink specials. BG Cornhole supplies prize bags that support the pooled payout structure for singles and doubles, and Horizon Events Center sponsors the event so door fees can be included in payouts. There are many hotel options nearby.

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.

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.

IowAbility Fair & Walk-N-Roll Fundraiser brings together individuals and families impacted by spinal cord injury, spina bifida, mobility impairments, and wheelchair users for a free day of learning, connection, and fun. Taking place at Easterseals Iowa’s Camp Sunnyside in Des Moines, it features indoor and outdoor adaptive sports and recreation, opportunities to try new activities, meet with product and service vendors, and build community. The Walk-N-Roll fundraiser is a key part of the experience. The day begins with registration, followed by the Walk-N-Roll, with activities and vendors available throughout and lunch offered partway through before the event concludes. Presented by the United Spinal Association’s Iowa Chapter and the Spina Bifida Association of Iowa.

Start the Halloween season with a lively art show at The Gabriel House, presented by The Des Moines Historical Society. Explore original works by local artists, enjoy live porch music, and learn about the history of the Gabriel House. Spooky vintage cars will be on site for scary photo opportunities. This kid friendly gathering encourages costumes, offering an early chance to dress up. Admission is free. Registration is available for artists and vendors, and applications are open for performers and musicians.

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.

The Lamplighters open the show for The Pork Tornadoes as part of the Sounds of Summer series at The Yard. Admission is free. Beer, wine, seltzers, and food truck options will be available for purchase, and outside alcohol is not permitted.

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.

Dungeon's Gate hosts casual open play for Magic: The Gathering Commander, welcoming players of all experience levels and deck strengths. Bring a favorite deck and jump into a game or two in a relaxed, friendly setting. New players are welcome. This is a free, weekly meetup focused on easygoing, social play.

xBk Live hosts a free, no cover blues competition featuring both bands and solo or duo performers. The lineup includes Dogtown Rhythm Band, Steffen Heins, TrashKat & the AlleyRats, Dave Zollo & Brian Cooper, Kat Blue & the True Believers, Dewey Cantrell, John-Paul Jones Group, Ernie Peniston Duo, and Fabulous TruTones, with an intermission during the program. Artists will compete for cash awards, paid performance opportunities such as the Winter Blues Fest, and a travel stipend to help with expenses for the International Blues Challenge. Top finishers will represent Iowa at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis on Beale Street, performing in front of music industry professionals, festival talent buyers, and media representatives. The Central Iowa Blues Society, an affiliate of The Blues Foundation, coordinates Iowa’s representatives for this international event.

Let's Talk provides a relaxed space for non-native English speakers to practice conversation with a native English speaker. Conversation topics include the latest news, timely events, and aspects of American culture. Participation is available in person or virtually on Zoom. For sign in details, email Library Staff at esol@johnstonlibrary.org. This program is free, and registration is not required, though it is appreciated.

Free DJ trivia is happening at GoodSons on Beaver Ave.

Free DJ Bingo takes place at The Pelican Post Bar & Grille.

Yankee Clipper hosts a complimentary DJ bingo event.

Lynn's On Merle Hay hosts free DJ Trivia.

Des Laugh Co. presents an all-ages improv jam at the xBk Annex, welcoming performers and comedy fans for a playful night where anything can happen. This open mic style format for improv invites experienced players and first-timers to take the stage, form teams, play short form games, and try new ideas. Admission is free. Seating is limited and available on a first come basis.

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.

Hosted by the Des Moines Chapter of the Midwest Auto Care Alliance (MWACA), this free career event combines networking with a panel designed for students interested in the automotive service industry. Connect with local independent shop owners, managers, service advisors, technicians, and parts suppliers, and hear real-world perspectives on career paths and opportunities. Refreshments are included. Students who attend can apply for a $1,000 scholarship, and applicants who are present will also be entered into a tool giveaway. Attendance is required to be eligible for scholarship awards. Eligible Des Moines students who apply are automatically considered for both the Des Moines Area Student Scholarship and the TTEF Student Scholarship, offering at least four scholarships of $1,000, plus a weekend training pass to VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo, a major event focused on automotive technical and management training.

Enjoy free DJ Bingo at The Other Place Clive.

Poncho's Friendly Confines hosts free DJ Trivia. Enjoy a fun, no-cost trivia experience.

Bevy's Tavern presents free DJ bingo. Bingo gameplay is led by a DJ.

Enjoy a free trivia night with a DJ at Mad Meatball.

Complimentary DJ Trivia takes place at Yankee Clipper. Put your knowledge to the test.