What's on in Iowa for free?
169 upcoming events
We've rounded up 169 upcoming events in Iowa for free — concerts, parties, theatre, exhibitions, family outings — updated every day. Pick a theme or just scroll.
Events in Iowa for free
Mon5
Today
TodayFree
🖼️Exhibition
Call to Water II: A Retrospective by Lynn Hall
Kirkland Town Library
TodayFree
🎨Creative workshop🖼️Exhibition
12th Annual Storybook Pumpkin Expo
Kirkland Town Library
At 9:45 AMFree
🏋️Fitness🤾Sports & fitness
Chair Exercise
Kirkland Town Library
At 11 AMFree
📖Story time0–2 yrs
Baby Sensory Play
Kirkland Town Library
At 10 AMFree
🎨Creative workshop📖Story time
Pre-K Prep Storytime
Fairmount
At 12:15 PMFree
🗣️Talk🏛️Politics & Economy
Authoritarianism and Legitimacy in Afghanistan: The Case Study of Taliban 2.0
Uris Hall
At 1 PMFree
🀄Mahjong
Mah Jong
Kirkland Town Library
At 10:30 AMFree
🎨Creative workshop🪇Music for toddlers2–8 yrs
STEAM Family Story Time
Woodmont Library
At 2 PMFree
✂️Workshop🏺Ceramics & pottery
Intro to Drawing Glass Objects with ArtVenture
North County Branch Library
At 3 PMFree
📖Story time7–10 yrs
Homeschool Book Club
North County Branch Library
At 3 PMFree
✂️Workshop
Mending Mondays
Main
Tue6
Tomorrow
At 6 PMFree
✂️Workshop
Family Craft Night
Kirkland Town Library
TodayFree
🀄Mahjong🎷Swing
Beginner Mahjong at the Pines Pizza and Pub
The Pines Pizza and Pub
At 5 PMFree
🗣️Talk🧾Drop-in services
First Look Complimentary Member Event
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
At 6:30 PMFree
🔢Bingo
Halloween Family Bingo
Fairmount
At 7 PMFree
❓Quiz
Trivia Night at The Bar
The Bar
At 7 PMFree
❓Quiz🌳Outdoors
Trivia Night at Wise Guys Pizza & Pub
Wise Guys Pizza & Pub
At 7 PMFree
❓Quiz
Trivia Night at Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe
Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe
At 7:30 PMFree
🕊️Human rights🗣️Talk
Ruby Bridges: Lessons in Courage
Hancher Auditorium
TomorrowFree
🗣️Talk🧾Drop-in services
Engaged Citizen Challenge
Kirkland Town Library
Tomorrow · 10 AMFree
🎪Kids' show🪇Music for toddlersfrom 2 yrs
Kindie Rock with Key Wilde
North County Branch Library
Tomorrow · 10 AMFree
🧾Drop-in services
Tech Help by Appointment
North County Branch Library
Tomorrow · 10:30 AMFree
📖Story time🪇Music for toddlers0–5 yrs
Wigglers Story Time
Kirkland Town Library
Tomorrow · 10 AMFree
📖Story time🎪Kids' show
Walkers & Wigglers Storytime
Eastern
Tomorrow · 10:30 AMFree
🖼️Art & Culture
Toddler Playgroup
Eastern
Tomorrow · 12:30 PMFree
✂️Workshop
Pins and Needles: Knitting
Surratts-Clinton Library
Tomorrow · 2 PMFree
🎬Cinema
Afternoon Movies
Kirkland Town Library
Tomorrow · 2 PMFree
✂️Workshop
Adult Improv Series
North County Branch Library
Tomorrow · 2 PMFree
🎬Cinema
Tuesday Cinema
Main
Tomorrow · 2 PMFree
🎬Cinema
Tuesday Cinema
Main
Tomorrow · 2 PMFree
🎬Cinema
Tuesday Cinema
Main
Tomorrow · 2 PMFree
🪇Music for toddlers📖Story time
Family Storytime
Fairmount
Tomorrow · 3:45 PMFree
📖Story time5–8 yrs
Reading Buddies
North County Branch Library
Tomorrow · 4 PMFree
🎨Creative workshop
Let's Make Art!
Eastern
Tomorrow · 4:30 PMFree
🗺️Guided tour🌳Outdoors
Tour & Explore Wild Rose Park
Wild Rose Park
Tomorrow · 5:30 PMFree
🐉Tabletop RPG🎒Students
Teen Dungeons and Dragons
North County Branch Library
Wed7
Wednesday 7 October
Tomorrow · 6 PMFree
📚Literature
New Adult Book Discussion: Chat and Color
Surratts-Clinton Library
Tomorrow · 5 PMFree
🎪Street party
Dog Fest
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
Tomorrow · 5 PMFree
🎨Creative workshop🧾Drop-in services
Kids' Advisory Board
Fairmount
Tomorrow · 6 PMFree
🎨Creative workshop0–15 yrs
Culture Craft Family Night: Mexico
North County Branch Library
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Tomorrow · 3:30 PMFree
🎨Creative workshop🧾Drop-in services6–12 yrs
Tinker Tuesday
Woodmont Library
Tomorrow · 6:30 PMFree
Writing Workshop ~ Witchcraft in Poems of Emily Dickinson
The Salt Leaf
Tomorrow · 6 PMFree
📚Literature
Release Night: The Witch
Sisters Books & Nooks
Tomorrow · 4:30 PMFree
🎨Creative workshop
LEGO Club
Des Moines Library
Tomorrow · 6:30 PMFree
🏳️🌈LGBTQ+🗣️Talk
QC Pride in Memory
Fairmount
Tomorrow · 7 PM$0
🌙Indie🎸Rock
Opal in Sky
xBk Live
Tomorrow · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz
Trivia Night at Jerseys Pub & Grub
Jerseys Pub & Grub
Tomorrow · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz
Trivia Night at Mulligan's Pub
Mulligan's Pub
Tomorrow · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz🎫Concert
Trivia Night at The BLK Squirrel
The BLK Squirrel
Tomorrow · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz
Trivia Night at Wellman's Pub
Wellman's Pub
Tomorrow · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz🎤Music quiz
Trivia Night at Vue Rooftop
Vue Rooftop
Tomorrow · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz
Trivia Night at Bix & Co.
Bix & Co.
Tomorrow · 8 PMFree
❓Quiz
Trivia Night at Joe's Place
Joe's Place
TomorrowFree
🗣️Talk🗣️Language café
Talk Time: English Conversation Practice
Des Moines Library
Tomorrow · 8:30 PM$0
🎬Cinema🌳Outdoors
Movies on the Patio: Practical Magic
Big Grove Brewery
Tomorrow · 8:30 PMFree
🎬Cinema🌳Outdoors
Addams Family: Movies on the Patio
Big Grove Brewery
Wed 7 · 8 AMFree
💼Career
1 Million Cups Des Moines
Elevator
Wed 7 · 8 AMFree
💼Career
1 Million Cups Des Moines
Elevator
Wed 7 · 8 AMFree
💼Career
1 Million Cups Des Moines
Elevator
Wed 7 · 8 AMFree
💼Career
1 Million Cups Des Moines
Elevator
Wed 7 · 10 AMFree
📖Story time🎨Creative workshop3–5 yrs
Preschool Storytime
North County Branch Library
Wed 7 · 10:30 AMFree
📖Story time🪇Music for toddlers0–5 yrs
Walkers Story Time
Kirkland Town Library
Wed 7 · 11 AMFree
🧾Drop-in services
Tech Drop-In
Kirkland Town Library
Wed 7 · 10 AMFree
📖Story time🎪Kids' show
Walkers & Wigglers Storytime
Fairmount
Wed 7 · 10:30 AMFree
📖Story time
Story Time at Iowa
Iowa Branch Library
Wed 7 · 10:30 AMFree
🖼️Art & Culture
Toddler Playgroup
Fairmount
Wed 7 · 12:15 PMFree
✂️Workshop🧘Wellness
Guided Mindfulness Meditation with the Let’s Meditate Initiative
Willard Straight Hall
Wed 7 · 12 PMFree
🗣️Talk🍽️Food
Lunch & Learn: The Many Lives of Julia Child
Convivium Urban Farmstead
Wed 7 · 2 PMFree
📖Story time🎪Kids' show
Family Storytime
Eastern
Wed 7 · 3:30 PMFree
🖼️Art & Culture
Girls Who Code
Eastern
Wed 7 · 4:30 PMFree
🎨Creative workshop📖Story time5–8 yrs
Mini Makers
North County Branch Library
Wed 7 · 4 PMFree
👾Video games🐉Tabletop RPG
Teen Gaming Club
Fairmount
Thu8
Thursday 8 October
Wed 7 · 6 PMFree
🖼️Exhibition
Call to Water II - Artist's Reception
Kirkland Town Library
Wed 7 · 6 PMFree
🧸Kids5–12 yrs
Blue Star Families: START Family Book Club
Surratts-Clinton Library
Wed 7 · 6 PMFree
🗣️Talk🧘Wellness
A Strategy for Responding to Criticism in a Productive Way
Henry Carter Hull Library
Wed 7 · 4 PMFree
🎯Board games✂️Workshop
Teen Hangout
Des Moines Library
Wed 7 · 4 PMFree
✂️Workshop
Monster On The Loose! Youth Writers workshop with Author Eldritch Black
Clinton Community Hall
Wed 7 · 6 PMFree
💼Career
Heartland 2026 Depuy Synthes Dinner
Proudfoot & Bird
Wed 7 · 7 PMFree
✂️Workshop🪡Crafts
Floral Embroidery - Dyeing Threads
North County Branch Library
Wed 7 · 7 PMFree
✂️Workshop🪡Crafts
Floral Embroidery - Design & Image Transfer
North County Branch Library
Wed 7 · 6 PMFree
❓Quiz
Trivia Night at 7 Hills South
7 Hills South
Wed 7 · 4:30 PMFree
📚Literature🎒Students
Reading Buddies
Des Moines Library
Wed 7 · 6:30 PMFree
📚Literature
See YA Book Club
Eastern
Wed 7 · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz
Trivia Night at Lindale Neighborhood Pub
Lindale Neighborhood Pub
Wed 7 · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz
Trivia Night at Barley's
Barley's
Wed 7 · 7 PMFree
🎤Music quiz❓Quiz
Trivia Night at Public House
Public House
Wed 7 · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz🎫Concert
Trivia Night at The Ingersoll Tap
The Ingersoll Tap
Wed 7Free
🧾Drop-in services
مرکز استقبال / The Welcoming Center
Woodmont Library
Wed 7 · 6 PMFree
📚Literature
Knit Lit Book Group
Woodmont Library
Thu 8 · 8 AM$0–13.39
💼Career📺Match screening
Des Moines CC | Coffee Connections + Annual Meeting Watch Party
Simonson and Associates Architects
Thu 8 · 8 AM$0–13.39
💼Career📺Match screening
Eastern Iowa CC | Coffee Connections + Annual Meeting Watch Party
Neumann Monson Architects
Thu 8 · 10 AMFree
📖Story time2–3 yrs
Toddler Storytime
North County Branch Library
Thu 8 · 10:30 AMFree
📖Story time0–5 yrs
Talkers Story Time
Kirkland Town Library
Thu 8 · 10:30 AMFree
📖Story time🎪Kids' show0–5 yrs
Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 2-3
Surratts-Clinton Library
Thu 8 · 9:30 AM$0
✂️Workshop💼Career
Concepts Breakfast
RE/MAX Concepts Education Center
Thu 8 · 10 AMFree
🪇Music for toddlers📖Story time
Lapsit Storytime
Eastern
Thu 8 · 10:30 AMFree
🪇Music for toddlers
Baby Playgroup
Eastern
Thu 8 · 1 PMFree
✂️Workshop
Crafting Group
Kirkland Town Library
Thu 8 · 10:30 AMFree
🪇Music for toddlers📖Story time0–5 yrs
Family Story Time
Des Moines Library
Thu 8 · 1 PMFree
🎬Cinema🗣️Talk
Afternoon Classics
Fairmount
Thu 8 · 2 PMFree
❓Quiz👴Seniors
Nostalgia Trivia
North County Branch Library
Thu 8 · 4 PMFree
🎨Creative workshop🎪Street party0–15 yrs
Free Community Event for Kids! Meet Pete the Panda and Friends
312 South Blvd W, Davenport, FL 33837
Thu 8 · 4:30 PMFree
🃏Trading cards
Cartoon Fan Club: Pokémon Club
Surratts-Clinton Library
Thu 8 · 4:30 PMFree
🎨Creative workshop9–13 yrs
Tween Scary Stories Writing Workshop
North County Branch Library
Fri9
Friday 9 October
Thu 8 · 6 PMFree
✂️Workshop🪡Crafts
Crochet Pumpkin Workshop
Pillows and Things Studio
Thu 8 · 5 PMFree
🌳Outdoors🧺Market
2026 Dubuque Fall Night Market
Jackson Street between 7th and 9th Streets
Thu 8 · 5:30 PMFree
🖼️Art & Culture
Cardboard Cosplay Workshop
Fairmount
Thu 8 · 6:30 PMFree
🧾Drop-in services
FOHCL Board meeting
North County Branch Library
Thu 8 · 3:45 PMFree
🧾Drop-in services🎒Students
Tutors at Des Moines Library (Study Zone)
Des Moines Library
Thu 8 · 6 PMFree
🏳️🌈LGBTQ+🗣️Talk
Pride Storytelling Night
Eastern
Thu 8 · 6 PMFree
🀄Mahjong🏆Tournament
Cocktails and Cardboard and Mahj
The New Northwestern Cocktail & Wine Bar
Thu 8 · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz🎫Concert
Trivia Night at Simple Man Saloon and Grill
Simple Man Saloon and Grill
Thu 8 · 6 PMFree
❓Quiz🎫Concert
Trivia Night at Exile Brewing Company
Exile Brewing Company
Thu 8 · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz🎫Concert
Trivia Night at Spare Time Cedar Rapids
Spare Time Cedar Rapids
Thu 8 · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz🌳Outdoors
Trivia Night at St. Burch Tavern
St. Burch Tavern
Thu 8 · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz
Trivia Night at The Regal Beagle
The Regal Beagle
Thu 8 · 8 PMFree
❓Quiz
Trivia Night at Red Monk
Red Monk
Fri 9 · 9 AMFree
✂️Workshop
Library Bookmark Design Contest Drop-In
Eastern
Fri 9 · 9 AMFree
✂️Workshop
Library Bookmark Design Contest Drop-In
Fairmount
Fri 9 · 9 AMFree
✂️Workshop
Library Bookmark Design Contest Drop-In
Fairmount
Fri 9 · 9 AMFree
✂️Workshop
Library Bookmark Design Contest Drop-in
Main
Fri 9 · 9 AMFree
✂️Workshop
Library Bookmark Design Contest Drop-in
Main
Fri 9 · 10:30 AMFree
📖Story time🪇Music for toddlers0–2 yrs
Books & Babies
North County Branch Library
Fri 9 · 10 AMFree
📖Story time
Stories @ Main
Main
Fri 9 · 11 AMFree
💛Inclusivity
Play to Learn
Eastern
Fri 9 · 10:30 AMFree
🪇Music for toddlers0–5 yrs
Baby & Toddler Dance Party
Des Moines Library
Fri 9 · 4 PMFree
💼Career
Happy Hour Networking
Ironside Axe Club
Sat10
Saturday 10 October
Fri 9 · 5 PMFree
🖼️Exhibition🌳Outdoors
Gallery Night
Historic Valley Junction
Fri 9 · 7 PMFree
❓Quiz🎫Concert
Trivia Night at Front Street Brewery & Taproom
Front Street Brewery & Taproom
Sat 10 · 7 AMFree
🌳Outdoors🧺Market
Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market
Historic Court Avenue District
Sat 10 · 8 AMFree
🌳Outdoors🧾Drop-in services
OWLT & About: Freight House Farmers Market
Davenport Public Library
Sat 10 · 8 AMFree
🌳Outdoors🧺Market
Downtown Fall Des Moines Farmers Market
Historic Court Avenue District
Sat 10 · 8 AMFree
🤝Volunteering🌳Outdoors
2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's
Principal Park
Sat 10 · 8:30 AMFree
🏃Running🌳Outdoors
Raccoon River 5K WOD#4
Raccoon River Park
Sat 10 · 8:45 AM$0–40
🏃Running🏋️Fitness
Back The Blue Pump N Run
5200 Grand Ave
Sat 10 · 9 AMFree
⚔️Miniatures🏆Tournament
Moosehut Mayhem RTT
First Turn Games
Sat 10 · 10 AMFree
🎪Kids' show🪇Music for toddlers
Ballet Storytime
North County Branch Library
Sat 10 · 9 AMFree
🌳Outdoors🤝Volunteering
Global Greens International Farmers Market
Global Neighbors Parking Lot
Sat 10 · 10 AMFree
🧺Market🪡Crafts
Appalachian Arts Fall Maker Market and Porch Sale
Appalachian Arts Craft Center
Sun11
Sunday 11 October
Sat 10 · 4 PMFree
✂️Workshop
Mini Ofrenda Pop-Up Card
Des Moines Library
Sun 11 · 10 AMFree
🎯Board games
CultuRoll Game Day
Rook Room Game Lounge and Cafe
Sun 11 · 11 AM$0–12.50
👗Fashion & Design💼Career
Forever in Love: Bridal Show
Events Center West
Sun 11 · 1 PM$0
🎪Street party🤝Volunteering
Wag-o-Ween with AHeinz57 Pet Rescue | Big Grove Des Moines
Big Grove Brewery
Sun 11 · 11:30 AMFree
✂️Workshop🪡Crafts
Woodmont Library Garden Club
Woodmont Library
Sun 11 · 3 PMFree
🎻Classical🎫Concert
UNDER THE BIG TOP
Staplin Performing Arts Center
Later
Mon 12 · 10 AMFree
🗣️Talk📚Literature
Short & Sweets
Fairmount
Mon 12 · 10 AMFree
📖Story time🎪Kids' show
Pre-K Prep Storytime
Fairmount
Mon 12 · 1 PMFree
📚Literature
Monday Book Group
Kirkland Town Library
Mon 12 · 2 PMFree
🎨Creative workshop📖Story time6–10 yrs
Homeschool STEAM: Mini-Makers
North County Branch Library
Mon 12 · 4 PMFree
🎨Creative workshop
Creepy Clay Creatures
Fairmount
Mon 12 · 6:30 PMFree
📚Literature
Nonfiction Book Group
Kirkland Town Library
Mon 12 · 6:30 PMFree
📖Story time5–8 yrs
Little Scientists
North County Branch Library
Mon 12 · 6 PMFree
🖼️Art & Culture
Adult DIY: String Art
Eastern
Mon 12 · 6:30 PMFree
🧘Yoga🧘Wellness
Teen Yoga
Fairmount
Tue 13 · 10 AMFree
🧾Drop-in services
Tech Help by Appointment
North County Branch Library
Tue 13 · 10 AMFree
📖Story time🎪Kids' show
Walkers & Wigglers Storytime
Eastern
Tue 13 · 11 AMFree
📖Story time0–8 yrs
Halloween Parade & Concert
North County Branch Library
Tue 13 · 10:30 AMFree
🖼️Art & Culture
Toddler Playgroup
Eastern
Tue 13 · 2 PMFree
✂️Workshop🎲Improv
Adult Improv Series
North County Branch Library
Tue 13 · 1:30 PMFree
Central Iowa — AI: From Buzz to Build
The Iowa Taproom
Your passions nearby
Tap what you're into — we'll find the outings around you.
Venues in Iowa for free
Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe
218 events
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
187 events
German American Heritage Center & Museum
160 events
Theatre Cedar Rapids
152 events
Eastern
111 events
Fairmount
93 events
Main
85 events
North County Branch Library
60 events
Surratts-Clinton Library
51 events
Stephens Auditorium
46 events
Raccoon Motel
43 events
Hoyt Sherman Place
39 events