Sept. 22-28, 2026

Homecoming Parade road closures

The Johnston High School homecoming parade steps off at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, on Pioneer Parkway. Because of this, the northbound lane of Pioneer Parkway will be closed from 4-8 p.m. from Greendale Road to N.W. 62nd Avenue. Access to Hy-Vee along Greendale Road will be limited during staging until the parade route has passed. However, southbound traffic on Pioneer Parkway will remain open.

WWII Era USO Dance

The public is invited to a WWII Era USO Dance from 7-11 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Recreation Hall, Building 3572, on Camp Dodge. The event is hosted by the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum. Experience a nostalgic night of fun and classic swing music with original World War II era big band and vocal music hits. Period 1940s fashion and uniforms (or current service uniforms) are encouraged. Soft drinks and light snacks will be provided courtesy of USO Iowa.

NAMIWalks Iowa

The public is invited to NAMIWalks Iowa to help create a future where every Iowan feels seen, supported and connected. The event is Saturday, Sept. 26, at Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston. The event will be one loop around Terra Park (less than 1 mile) or a longer 5K route. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., with an opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m.. The walk begins at 10 a.m. The event ends at 11:30 a.m. Learn more here.

Veterans salutes

Submit your Veterans Profiles to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com. Include photo, name, town where you live, military branch, rank, enlistment dates, and answer to: “What would you like others to know about serving your country?”

Lions Club Trunk or Treat

Join the Johnston Lions Club from 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 31 for their Trunk or Treat event at 6501 Merle Hay Road. Join this family-friendly event to see the kid-themed trunks and get some sweet treats from community partners.

Military Nurses Exhibit to be dedicated

Oct. 10, 11 a.m.
Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston

The public is invited to The Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, Camp Dodge, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston, at 11 a.m. Oct. 10 for the dedication of the museum’s Military Nurses Exhibit, honoring the generations of military nurses whose courage, compassion and commitment have cared for America’s service members in times of war and peace.

The dedication will feature the Iowa Nurse Honor Guard and Lt. Col. Katie Lunning, a critical care nurse at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System whose distinguished military service represents the continuing legacy of Iowa nurses who have answered the call to serve.

Walk for NICU Superheroes

The nonprofit organization Holding Tiny Hands will host its first annual Walk for NICU Superheroes at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Terra Park, 6400 Pioneer Parkway, Johnston. Registration for the family-friendly community event opens ahead of the 10 a.m. start time. The walk will bring together Neonatal Intensive Care Unit families, NICU graduates, healthcare professionals and local supporters to raise awareness and vital funds for families navigating the NICU journey across central Iowa.

All event proceeds will directly fund Holding Tiny Hands programs, such as parent support boxes, isolette quilts, NICU events and ongoing resources for families with NICU babies at the MercyOne Des Moines, Mercy West and Blank hospitals. The event is family-friendly and includes superheroes, yard games, a balloon artist, music, food trucks and more.

The walk coincides with broader advocacy efforts, as September marks national NICU Awareness Month. According to national health statistics, one in 10 babies in the United States is born prematurely, arriving before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Holding Tiny Hands supports more than 1,000 NICU families in central Iowa each year.

For more information, to register, or to learn about the organization’s mission, visit www.holdingtinyhands.org or follow Holding Tiny Hands on Facebook and Instagram.

100 Years of Pioneer

Learn how Pioneer became a worldwide leader in seed development and production and the key role it has played in the history of Johnston. Dean Podlich and David Bowen, the coauthors of the book, “100 Years of Pioneer - 1926 to 2026,” will be presenting an overview of that history on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Johnston Public Library, large meeting room, 6700 Merle Hay Road. The event is presented by the Johnston Station Historical Society. 

Mayor’s Run for the Trails

Mayor’s Run for the Trails will be held Saturday, Oct. 10, starting at Terra Park Amphitheater. Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. (Skip the line by picking up your packet Friday, Oct. 9, 4-6 p.m. at Crown Point Community Center). Racers should be at the start line by 9 a.m. The kids' 100-meter dash goes first, followed by the kids' 0.62-mile race, then 5K walkers, with 5K runners starting at 9:30 a.m. T-shirts and finisher medals are included with registration by Sept. 21 to guarantee your shirt (medals will still be given out after that date while supplies last). Bagels, water and fruit will be available post-race, and 5K runners are eligible for age-group awards.

Museum open

The Johnston Historical Society 1902 Simpson House Museum at 6161 Northglenn Drive in Johnston will be open on the second Sunday of each month from 2-4 p.m. through December. Guided tours will be available. The museum is also open by appointment. Email johnstonhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call 515-330-0687 for an appointment.

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

The final concert in The Yard Summer Concert Series presented by The Cork 50131. Concerts is Saturday, Oct. 3, from 7-10 p.m. at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. Pork Tornadoes will perform.

Tunes at Twilight Concert Series

The final Tunes at Twilight, presented by The Cork 50131, will be held Thursday, Sept. 24  from 6:30-9 p.m. featuring two acts. Admission is free, and no tickets are required for this event, held at The Yard at Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road. Bands will be The Sheet and Damon Dotson.

Johnston Lions Club BINGO night

The Johnston Lions Club will host BINGO games on Oct. 8 and Nov. 12, from 6-8 p.m. at the Johnston Lions Club, 6501 Merle Hay Road. Fundraising from this activity is used for other community enrichment programs. Braille BINGO cards are available.

Johnston Farmers Market

The 2026 Johnston Farmers Market is held every Tuesday until Sept. 29, 4-7 p.m,
Johnston Town Center, 6221 Merle Hay Road. Sales begin promptly at 4 p.m., and live performances from several local musicians truly make the market the place to be.

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast

The Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast will be from 7:30-11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Johnston Middle School, 6501 N.W. 62nd St. Enjoy breakfast while also supporting the Kiwanis and their community projects.

Public meetings

• Wednesday, Sept. 23: Park Board Meeting
• Wednesday, Sept. 23: Tree Board Meeting
• Monday, Sept. 28: Planning and Zoning Meeting

Treat yourself at JPL this October

By library staff

It is trick-or-treat time, so stop by the library and treat yourself and your family to a ghostly story, creepy craft, magical movie, haunted scavenger hunt or illuminating presentation. Read on for more details.

We are turning off the lights for Spooky Story Time. Kids 10 and younger can join us for glow-in-the-dark tales on Monday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m.

Crafty kids in grades four and five can make their own seasonal décor at Needle-Felted Pumpkins on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 2-3 p.m. Crafters will learn the basics of needle felting as they sculpt a fuzzy pumpkin. Registration is required so we can provide supplies for a whole patch of pumpkins.

If your teens are looking for somewhere spooktacular to hang out on the two no-school days this month, they can head to the library any time between 1 and 6 p.m. for School’s Out: Extended Teen Space Hours on Monday, Oct. 12 and 26. We’ll start with a spellbinding movie and Shrinky Dinks at 1 p.m., followed by Mario Kart World, Gang Beasts and FIFA 26 video game tournaments from 3-6 p.m. The featured movies will be “Hocus Pocus 2” on Oct. 12 and “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” on the Oct. 26.

Who haunts the stacks after dark? Teens in sixth grade and up can come and see for themselves at Haunted Library After Hours: Halloween Takeover on Friday, Oct. 30, from 6:30-8 p.m. Brave souls can bring a flashlight and join us for a scary scavenger hunt in the dark, where frightening characters are hiding in the shadows. Those who complete the scavenger hunt will get a Halloween candy prize pack. We will also have a costume contest, scary-good snacks, eerie video games, ghoulish crafts and more. Registration is required for those who dare to enter.

Contrary to its grim-sounding name, Swedish Death Cleaning is the thoughtful method of cleaning and organizing intended to ease the burden on loved ones and bring calm to the clutter. On Monday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m., professional home organizer Carrie Blackburn will share practical tips and tricks for decluttering and downsizing based on Margareta Magnusson’s best-selling book, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.”

Get into the spirit of the season at Try DIY: Spooky Macrame. Drop in any time between 6 and 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, and we will guide you through the steps to make a simple macrame ghost.

More information about all events and resources at Johnston Public Library can be found online at JohnstonLibrary.com or by calling the library at 515-278-5233.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Heritage Jubilee
Saturday, Oct. 3, 1-4 p.m.
Historic Jordan House, 2001 Fuller Road, West Des Moines
Everyone is invited to an afternoon of hands-on learning and fun at the 2026 Jordan House Heritage Jubilee. Visitors will have the opportunity to hear the toe-tapping tunes of the Weary Ramblers on the Jordan House porch; walk in the footsteps of history during an Underground Railroad experience; make a wreath and learn how to use natural materials to dye fabric from the Polk County Master Gardeners; learn about Indigenous music and storytelling with Native Pride dance and drum crew; and crush apples, taste fresh cider, churn butter, make a rag doll and much more. Learn more at www.wdmhs.org/heritagejubilee.

Des Moines Civic Orchestra performance
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m.
Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University
The Des Moines Civic Orchestra (previously The Des Moines Community Orchestra) will present its first concert of the 2026-2027 season with its new conductor and music director, Dr. Jonathan Sturm. There is no admission charge, but donations are always welcome.

Iowa Brewery Running Series
Various dates and breweries
The Iowa Brewery Running Series is back for its seventh season of casual fun runs that start and end at local breweries. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just in it for the beer, these events offer something for everyone: local brews, live music, food trucks, vendors, giveaways and all-around good vibes. Register and learn more at www.breweryrunningseries.com/iowa.

• Oct. 24: Dimensional Brewing Co., Dubuque
• Oct. 31: HiFi Brew Lounge, West Des Moines (Boos & Brews 5K)
• Nov. 15: Field Day Brewing Co., North Liberty
• Dec. 6: Confluence Brewing Co., Des Moines (Winter 3K)

Made in the Midwest Season
Stoner Theater, Des Moines Civic Center, 221 Walnut St., Des Moines
Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) is turning up the volume on local talent with the return of its Made in the Midwest series — a celebration of regional artists that continues to spotlight the creativity, diversity and energy of Midwest musicians. The fall 2026 lineup showcases five stand-out acts spanning indie, soul, pop, jazz and bluegrass:

• Thursday, Oct. 15: TAE and The Neighborly, Soul and Pop. Opener: Rutabaga
• Saturday, Nov. 7: NOLA Jazz Band Quartet, Jazz.
• Saturday, Nov. 14: GreenTTea and The Tempos, Soul. Opener: Indi&Mk
• Thursday, Dec. 3: MoonShroom, Bluegrass/Americana. Opener: Casey Joe Collins

Tickets for all performances are available at DMPA.org, by calling 515-246-2300 or by stopping by the Civic Center Ticket Office at 221 Walnut St. in Des Moines. Remaining tickets will be available for purchase onsite the night of each performance.

The Slaughterhouse Haunted Attraction
Select nights, Sept. 26 - Nov. 1
500 Locust St., Des Moines
The Slaughterhouse Haunted Attraction is preparing to celebrate its 15th year with its largest and most ambitious season to date. Located beneath downtown Des Moines, The Slaughterhouse will return this fall with more than $1 million invested in sets, props, effects and Halloween overload, creating an expanded experience filled with immersive environments, original characters and relentless live scares.

• Special events at The Haunt, Wednesdays in October: The Halloween season will continue beyond The Slaughterhouse’s regular operating nights through a rotating lineup of special Wednesday evening events at The Haunt, the year-round speakeasy of the macabre located within The Slaughterhouse property. Throughout October, The Haunt will present an assortment of theatrical performances, live entertainment and interactive experiences, including: Puppet’s Peepshow, a Halloween-themed burlesque revue; Squeamish, a theatrical production presented by About Time Theater, Nocturne, The Haunt’s live DJ night; and Dungeon Night, a live horror trivia game show.
• Trunk or Treat, Thursday, Oct. 29: This year’s event will feature an assortment of hearses, rat rods and uniquely decorated vehicles, along with the return of family-friendly Halloween festivities and an unusual new attraction: a Zombie Animal Petting Zoo. Additional event times, participation details and visitor information will be announced closer to the event.

Individual dates, reservations and event details will be announced through The Haunt and The Slaughterhouse. Visit https://slaughterhousedm.com/. Get tickets at https://app.hauntpay.com/events/theslaughterhouse.

Pumpkins After Dark Des Moines
Oct. 9-31
Des Moines Water Works Park, 2201 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines
The Water Works Park Foundation introduces a new Halloween-themed event this October that promises to become a beloved annual celebration in Des Moines Water Works Park. Welcome to Pumpkins After Dark, an award-winning outdoor Halloween attraction. This family-friendly, walk-through experience features more than 10,000 hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns illuminating the Lauridsen Amphitheater, Manatt Great Lawn, Arboretum Road and the Des Moines Biergarten. There are no actors and no jump scares — just creativity, wonder and the warm glow of thousands of pumpkins. Purchase tickets at https://pumpkinsafterdark.com/des-moines.

If you’re looking for a tasty twist on tailgating tradition that’ll give you as much energy in the stands as the athletes on the field, look for a steakhouse-worthy side dish that’s loaded with complex carbohydrates and fueling flavor.

These Steakhouse Hasselback Potatoes, loaded with caramelized onions and crispy bacon, feature Wisconsin Russets — a complex carbohydrate that plays an important role in the body by providing energy to cells, the brain and certain parts of the kidney. As a healthier choice than simple carbs, which are composed of sugars that break down faster in your system, potatoes are also a good source of vitamin B6, potassium, copper, vitamin C, manganese, phosphorus, niacin, dietary fiber and pantothenic acid, making them a superstar selection on game day.

Tackle your next tailgate with more delicious recipes by visiting eatwisconsinpotatoes.com.

Steakhouse Hasselback Potatoes
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 90 minutes
Servings: 8

Hasselback Potatoes:

• 4 Wisconsin Russets (about 1 pound each)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

Caramelized Onions:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2.2 pounds yellow onions, sliced thin
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/4 cup cognac or brandy (optional)

To Plate:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
• 12 ounces hickory smoked bacon, cooked and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 F.
• To make Hasselback potatoes: Using vegetable brush, wash potatoes. Dry well and place on cutting board. Arrange handles of two wooden spoons so they are alongside potatoes to prevent knife from slicing all the way through. Make several cuts down each potato about 1/4 inch apart. Repeat with remaining potatoes and arrange on baking sheet fitted with wire rack.
• Drizzle with olive oil, making sure some oil is in slices. Sprinkle salt on each potato.
• Bake 90 minutes, or until potatoes are crispy on outside, fluffy in center and internal temperature is 205 F. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
• To make caramelized onions: In heavy-bottomed shallow pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add sliced onions and season with salt. Continue to cook, stirring regularly until onions are deep brown and caramelized. Deglaze pan with cognac or brandy, if desired, scraping caramelized bits off bottom of pan. Remove from heat and set aside.
• To assemble, sprinkle potatoes with cheese, about 1/4 cup per spud, ensuring some cheese is in potato slices. Place cooked bacon pieces in some slices.
• Return potatoes to oven for about 5 minutes, just long enough to heat potatoes slightly and melt cheese. Place potatoes on serving platter and garnish with caramelized onions, sour cream and chopped chives.

WANTED: Stereo and electronic radio stuff, receivers, speakers, guitar amp, etc. Any age or condition is OK. Call 515-238-3343.

DECLUTTERING AND ORGANIZING SERVICES – FIND YOUR PEACE: Overwhelmed by clutter? Let me help you create a calm, organized home for a healthier, happier living space. Services include home organization, decluttering, and tailored packages. Call Jennifer at (515) 991-2511 to book your consultation!

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