This weekend in Urbandale, IA

UPTOWN DAIRY hosts a recurring first-Saturday breakfast featuring homemade Belgian waffles with an optional scoop of ice cream, affogatos that blend ice cream with espresso, and a complete coffee and espresso bar, along with additional options.

Take part in a friendly weekly miles meetup that sets out from Fitness Sports in Uptown Ankeny. It is open to everyone, whether training toward a personal goal or simply staying active, and welcomes runners, walkers, cyclists, and participants with strollers or dogs. After the miles, there is an optional visit to Porch Light for additional social time and to support another small business in Uptown Ankeny.

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.

Pickle For A Purpose brings the community together for pickleball with a mission, benefiting survivors through Dorothy's House. After heavy rain led to a safety-related postponement, the tournament has been rescheduled at Hickory Glen Park in Pleasant Hill with an updated format. Competition includes Women’s Recreational and Women’s Competitive divisions, along with Mixed Recreational and Mixed Competitive divisions, and a few spots remain in Women’s Competitive, Mixed Recreational, and Mixed Competitive. Entry fees support Dorothy’s House, which provides safety, essential needs, access to resources, and opportunities for community engagement to help survivors move forward in their healing. The event is made possible with support from Community State Bank, Dusky and Connie Terry, ITC, Foster Group, Scheels, Tom's Auto Sales, Marine Credit Union, Iowa Catholic Radio, Vision Bank, Beyond the Couch, Casey's, Peterson Financial Group, and Fareway.

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.

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.

Look for the Cousins Maine Lobster truck at 515 Brewing Company in Clive for a rare pop-up featuring fresh lobster rolls paired with craft beer. Guests can order at the truck, or place an order ahead in the mobile app to save time. The app opens one hour before the start once the previous stop has wrapped, and advance ordering applies to same-day posted events. If the app is unavailable, orders are taken at the truck. Payment is cashless with credit, debit, or Apple Pay accepted, and app users can collect points toward rewards.

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.

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.

Never Bored Games in Norwalk hosts a weekly Pokémon Trading Card Game league that emphasizes learning, deck building, and friendly competition. The environment welcomes all ages and supports newcomers with a free Learn-to-Play session offered before league matches begin, while experienced players can bring a deck and jump right into play. Matches follow three Swiss rounds, league points are recorded, and a monthly leaderboard awards prizes. Entry is $5 each week, or it is included at no cost with the purchase of a Never Bored League Deck. The Never Bored Training Grounds make it easy to build and refine strategies, with bulk Pokémon cards sorted by type, a dedicated Trainer section, energy always available, and bulk pricing that encourages experimentation. Ready-to-play League Decks, Fire Surge and Lightning Rush, are offered in-house and each includes a complimentary league entry. The league focuses on building a consistent, welcoming, and competitive Pokémon community in Norwalk where both new and returning players can improve and compete.

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.

A vibrant tribute to Selena takes the stage with 512, delivering a concert-style production that channels the energy of her 1995 era. Expect beloved hits such as Como La Flor, Amor Prohibido, Si Una Vez, and Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, with an atmosphere that encourages singing and dancing. Created by musicians dedicated to celebrating Selena for both longtime admirers and new listeners, 512 has appeared at performing arts centers, casinos, and festivals nationwide, and has performed for the Chicago Bulls as well as the United States Marine Corps in Okinawa, Japan. Tickets include a green salad with a choice of dressing, dinner rolls with butter, and a selection of entrée options, plus coffee, tea, and water. Additional items such as alcoholic and soft drinks, starters, entrée upgrades, and desserts are available for purchase during the dining portion.

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.

River City Opry headlines the Windsor Heights Fall Festival with an evening of live country music. Expect sing along moments, dancing, and a fireworks finale after the music wraps. The group brings Nashville honky tonk flavor to Des Moines, setting the tone for a lively celebration in Windsor Heights.

Taking Back Sunday performs alongside Thrice and Saves The Day in a live concert at Val Air Ballroom. Presented by First Fleet Concerts, this all-ages event brings these bands together on one stage.

Vibrant Music Hall hosts Tucker Wetmore on The Brunette World Tour for an all ages performance. Tickets are limited to eight per purchaser. Through a partnership with Face the Fight, a portion of proceeds from each ticket helps deliver suicide prevention efforts and mental health treatment for veterans. Ticket access options include presales for MotherTuckers Premium Members, the artist, Spotify, Live Nation, and Citi cardmembers, along with VIP package opportunities and preferred tickets for eligible Citi cardmembers.

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.

Bluebird Improv brings a night of made-in-the-moment comedy to Temple Theater. This world-touring ensemble features well-known comedians from television and film alongside performers who may become new favorites, all brought together by a shared love of improvisation and entertaining audiences. The lineup frequently features Matt Walsh from Veep and Ghosts, Tim Meadows of SNL and DMV, Joe Canale from The Mindy Project, Brad Morris from AP Bio, Rachel Dratch of SNL and Wine Country, and Marc Evan Jackson from The Good Place and Brooklyn 99. No two performances are alike. The cast starts with a quick chat with a couple of people in the crowd, and that conversation sparks the spontaneous, unhinged, and hilarious comedy that follows.

xBk hosts an evening with Cheekface, joined by Apes of the State and BanjoKat & The Sit-Ins. All ages are welcome. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. For ADA accommodations, please reach out to info@xbklive.com. A limited number of reserved tables are offered as an optional add-on and do not include admission. Each table can seat up to four people, and everyone in the party still needs their own general admission ticket. For example, a group of three would purchase three general admission tickets and one table. Any seating not reserved will remain first come, first served. Two table options are available for $50 plus fees each, either a floor high-top side table or a premium balcony high top table.

HardWay returns to Down Under Bar & Grill for a high-voltage rock set. Hailing from Des Moines, the band fires off dynamic covers from Aerosmith, Uriah Heep, Tool, White Zombie, Queen, Bad Company, and others, pairing big sound with commanding stagecraft to launch the night on a strong note.

This karaoke night unfolds in a lively, upbeat setting with a weekend crowd. Attendees can take the mic and enjoy drinks and food. The length of the singalong depends on crowd energy and interest.

DMVR hosts the 2026 Solo points event number 8 at Bell Ave Business Park, a full day of SCCA Solo autocross for those ready to take the wheel instead of watching from the sidelines. The flow of the day starts with tech inspection and registration, moves into a novice course walk, continues with a mandatory drivers meeting, and then the first runs begin on course. SCCA Solo focuses on accessible, safety-minded competition that helps participants build driving skills and explore vehicle performance in a controlled environment. Online registration is required. Participants must have a valid state-issued driver’s license and are responsible for classing their own car according to the 2026 rules. Drivers under 18 must have a Minor Release and Waiver signed by both parents or guardians, and if both cannot attend, arrangements can be made with the registrar in advance. Guests who are not participating are welcome, and everyone entering the site must sign a waiver.

A PDGA C-Tier at Walnut Ridge Disc Golf Course features a single round on the 18-hole short pad layout. The format is flex start within the designated window, with sign up and check in handled on site at the course. Cards start with at least three players and cap at five, and solo players are placed with a group. Scores are submitted using PDGA Live Scoring. Entry fees are $40 for professional divisions with cash payouts and $30 for amateur divisions with store credit payouts, with an additional $10 for players who are not current PDGA members. All participants must complete a liability waiver before playing, and preregistration serves as an electronic signature for that waiver.

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.

A community-focused 5K and 1 mile fun run in Des Moines raises awareness for congenital heart disease. The annual Superhero Heart Run is presented by Heart Heroes and Help-A-Heart.

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.

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.

Embrace the cozy spirit of autumn with a hands-on workshop where you create a personalized fall door hanger adorned with sunflowers, hydrangeas, and other soft, textured accents. High-quality faux florals are provided so your design stays lush and lovely throughout the season. The session is friendly to beginners, includes all materials, and offers guided support in a comfortable, welcoming setting. There will be moments to sip and shop, adding to a relaxed creative experience. Attend solo or with a friend, and leave with a finished piece for your door. The cost is $40 per person, and space is limited.

Enjoy a showtune-filled gathering at The Blazing Saddle hosted by the DMGMC. An all you can drink beer bust will be offered, with domestic drafts at $15 and craft drafts at $25. Proceeds benefit the DMGMC and help further its mission of singing music that matters.

Adventure Sundays gathers tabletop roleplaying groups at the Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe for an evening of dice, stories, and shared worlds. Whether a party needs a steady table or someone wants to try a new system, reserved space makes it easy to jump into a fresh quest or continue a campaign. During this event, two themed drinks include in-game perks at the GM’s discretion. The Mana Potion blends blueberry purée, blue raspberry syrup, sour mix, Fresca, and Sprite, and comes with a wooden token that grants +1 Mana to refresh a spell slot. The Health Potion mixes strawberry purée, raspberry syrup, peach syrup, Fresca, and Sprite, and includes a wooden token worth +10 HP that can be used as temporary or restored health. All systems are welcome, including DND, Pathfinder, Kids on Bikes, Call of Cthulhu, Cyberpunk, Warhammer, and more. By attending, guests agree to the venue’s Purchase and Attendance Agreement, and a Privacy Policy is available from the organizer.

Sunday evenings at Dungeon's Gate are dedicated to Dungeons & Dragons, with five tables rotating every other week for a total of ten ongoing campaigns. All tables are currently full. Players looking for a group can request to be added to the waitlist through the Dungeon's Gate Discord server in case a spot becomes available.

Immerse yourself in a multi-day quilting retreat centered on creativity, laughter, and connection with fellow quilters. Two sessions are available, each lasting several days, with a cost of $249 per session. Participants enjoy ample workspace for quilting with friends, meals included, a Show and Tell evening to share completed or in-progress pieces, plus shared cutting and pressing stations and plenty of inspiration supported by quality quilting products. Those who register for both sessions receive a complimentary full day of sewing between them. The gathering takes place at the Holiday Inn Express in Ankeny, Iowa, where a room rate of $139 per night is offered; for lodging, call 515-965-2400. The cancellation policy provides a full refund in store credit when canceled 60 or more days in advance, store credit of $219 when canceled 30 to 59 days prior, and no refunds or credits within 30 days, though a spot may be transferred to another attendee.

Live band karaoke takes place every Sunday at Locals. Singers perform with a live band for a karaoke experience backed by real instruments.