Free events in Urbandale, IA

Casual open play for Magic: The Gathering Commander takes place at Dungeon's Gate. This free weekly gathering welcomes both newcomers and seasoned players, and tables often feature a mix of deck strengths and experience levels. Participants usually bring their favorite decks and enjoy a few friendly games.

A barbecue at Tower Park offers shared food, giant yard games, and friendly company. Charcoal for grilling will be provided, so bring your own meats and a side to share. Coordination for what is being cooked is available on Discord. This family friendly gathering is at a park with a splash pad, so plan accordingly.

A welcoming crochet meetup at Uptown Garage Brewing invites participants of all experience levels. Tori will be available to teach beginners, provide guidance, and answer questions. Attendees can bring their own projects, or purchase starter supplies on site. The event is free and open to all ages. There are plans to make it a monthly gathering. RED Witch may also set up a pop up shop at the side bar with finished pieces available to buy.

Set out on a relaxed 17 to 20 mile loop starting at Water Works Park Amphitheater. The route circles Water Works Park, passes Gray's Lake and downtown Des Moines, crosses the Inter-Urban trestle, heads into the Beaverdale neighborhood, then returns to the trail. Expect a mix of trails, neighborhood streets and some road sections, with a typical pace around 12 to 16 miles per hour depending on the group. Plan to arrive a little early so everyone can be ready for a prompt rollout after a quick photo and a brief safety chat. The group gathers near the restrooms at the Lauridsen Amphitheater. Helmets are mandatory. Bringing water, lights and basic flat repair items is recommended but not required. All are welcome to try a single ride, and free membership is needed to continue on additional weeks. A signed waiver is required before taking part in any Major Taylor Iowa ride.

Let’s Talk offers a welcoming space for people whose first language is not English to practice speaking with a native English speaker. Conversations focus on current news, timely events, and aspects of American culture. You can attend in person or participate online through Zoom. Contact library staff for sign-in details for the virtual option. The program is free to attend, and registration is not required, though it is appreciated.

Yankee Clipper hosts free DJ Bingo.

Enjoy a free DJ trivia event at Centerfield Sports Bar.

Enjoy free DJ bingo at The Pelican Post Bar & Grille.

Test your knowledge with free DJ-led trivia at Lynn's On Merle Hay.

Enjoy a family friendly set at the Johnston Farmers Market featuring live music from DSM Metro musician Joe Demerath. His acoustic performance covers favorites from past and present across many genres, and he welcomes requests throughout. A disabled Army combat veteran, he directs tips and donations to support local Iowa veterans and organizations. The market is known for bringing the community together with local food, goods, and live music.

Board Game Night at Dungeon's Gate welcomes tabletop enthusiasts for casual play and community. Bring a favorite game to share, jump into an open table without bringing anything, or explore a library of more than 400 demo titles ready to try. The event is free and open to everyone, with new and experienced players of all ages encouraged to take part.

Enjoy free DJ Trivia at Tito's Lounge.

Yankee Clipper hosts free DJ trivia.

Family Night has a few updates. Children 12 and under eat free with an adult purchase, and this offer is available every Wednesday. Only the regular full menu will be available. A salad bar is coming soon.

Hosted at Smash Park Des Moines, this meetup centers on connection, community, and positive local impact. Attendees can learn about the group’s mission, meet members and alumni, and explore ways to contribute in their community while enjoying relaxed conversation. The gathering is free and welcomes both members and non-members, offering a friendly space to make new connections and share a few laughs.

Enjoy free DJ Bingo at The Other Place in Ankeny.

Free DJ trivia takes place at Doug’s Pub & Grub, with no charge to participate.

Enjoy a music-fueled twist on a classic game at Bix & Co. in West Des Moines with Think & Drink Entertainment. This Music Bingo night blends bingo with name-that-tune moments and lively singalongs. It is free to play, open to all ages, and prizes include free drinks. Instead of numbers, your card features parts of songs. When you recognize a tune and can name its title without using phones or other devices, mark the square. Five in a row means you have a bingo.

Revel Lounge & Patio features live performances by local musicians alongside specialty cocktails, a full menu, and a relaxed outdoor setting. Admission is free, and dogs are welcome on the patio. Weekly entertainment continues regardless of weather and suits after-work meetups or a low-key midweek evening out in Des Moines.

At Barista's Bouquet in Urbandale, Sapling Story Time offers little ones a chance to explore stories and spark their imaginations in collaboration with Wandering Raccoon Books. This free gathering features $1 kid's coffees and warm chocolates, with a selection of fully caffeinated beverages available for adults.

NAMA's food pantry distribution at New Life Lutheran Church operates in a convenient drive-through format. Bring proof of residency and an ID for your first visit. Income verification is not needed. Each household can come as many as three times in a month. Expect two to three prepacked bags of groceries, with meat and milk included when available. Essential household goods are offered on the third Thursday of each month. A limited delivery option is available for those who cannot come in person. Service is limited to households within the Norwalk School District, including Norwalk and northern Warren County residents.

ENGLISH serves up a flavorful blend of rock, funk, soul, and alt-country with a dash of the unexpected, powered by a tight groove, fiery horns, and a standout lead vocal. The band even jokes that their sound is like a comfort-food casserole of styles. This performance is part of Music in the Junction, a weekly concert series held in the beverage garden at the Valley Junction Farmers Market. The concert is free and open to all ages.

This supportive gathering is for anyone who has been harmed in traditional religious communities and wants space to rebuild a personal spiritual path and reconnect with others. It provides a confidential, pressure-free environment to share experiences and begin healing together. There is no required fee, and optional donations are welcome to help keep the programming accessible. Please RSVP so attendance can be planned appropriately. Questions can be directed to hello@pollinateritual.com.

Lynn's On Merle Hay hosts DJ bingo at no charge.

Experience the Summer of Great Taste series at Homemakers, with food trucks set up at the front of the store and picnic table seating nearby for an easy place to enjoy a meal. Step inside HomeGrounds Cafe to pick up a free cookie during your visit.

Free Flicks transforms the park into an open air cinema with a giant LED screen for a screening of Back to the Future at Gray’s Lake Park. Pack a blanket or lawn chair and your favorite movie snacks for a relaxed movie under the sky. Admission is free, locations rotate through parks and community spaces around Des Moines, and screenings do not take place if it rains. This family friendly series features popular picks that appeal to all ages.

Open darts continues at The Cottontail, with Steve keeping the games going. Cricket and 501 are free to play during the event, while other specialty games are not included in this offer but can still be played for a fee.

The Uptown Ankeny Farmers Market takes place at Ankeny Market & Pavilion Park and features vendors offering fresh produce, local meat and eggs, homemade foods, and handcrafted items. Presented with support from Roof Iowa. Be cautious of fraudulent comments that claim to offer additional vendor spaces and do not share money or personal information with them.

More than 35 Iowa makers come together under one roof for the 3rd Annual St. Paul Artisan Fair in Johnston. Explore a wide range of work, including ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, stained glass, fiber art, paintings, and other handmade gifts. The event takes place indoors with air conditioning, and both admission and parking are free.

This storewide sampling event at Hy-Vee invites visitors to taste their way through the aisles. Offerings include appetizers, dips, and other bites available throughout the store. It is an easy way to discover new favorites while exploring the selections.

After a seven year pause, the Historic East Village is helping bring an event back to Simon Estes Amphitheater. Vibes in the Village offers complimentary live music along the river, with alcohol available for purchase from The New Northwestern and food from East Village vendors. Attendees can spread out on the lawn with blankets and enjoy the performances. The festivities continue in the neighborhood with opportunities to shop and dine, and many stores offering specials. Timed to follow the Downtown Farmers’ Market, it provides an easy way to keep the day going across the river in the East Village.