May 22-28, 2026

Memorial Day Ceremony

Join the Polk City American Legion Post 232 this Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 8 a.m. to noon, to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Organizers invite the community to reflect on the meaning of the day through tradition, tribute and shared remembrance. Breakfast will be served by the Sons of the American Legion from 8-10:30 a.m. at Post 232 114 W. Broadway St., Polk City. The Memorial Day Ceremony will take place on the Polk City Square at 11 a.m., followed by refreshments back at Post 232. 

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move indoors at Post 232. For updates and additional information, visit the Polk City Iowa American Legion Post 232 Facebook page.

Free Field Day at the Watershed Mitigation Farm

Practical  Farmers of Iowa is hosting a free Field Day at the Watershed Mitigation Farm, 3989 N.W.  94th Ave., Polk City, on Friday, June 5, 10 a.m. to noon. Polk County NRCS received an award for using CRP and EQIP to establish multipurpose wetlands to intercept high nitrate field tiles and upland runoff.  This provides free high nitrate water and phosphates to rapid soil restoration (recent soil tested at 13.2% organic matter). Data collected shows this can boost table  food production 250%. NRCS has switched the fields from commodity crops to high value perennial food cropping. PFI is planning on hosting a second Field Day related to on-farm hands-on STEM in the trades for farming.  

Garage Sale and Bake Sale

The Sheldahl United Women in Faith are having a garage sale and bake sale on Saturday, June 6, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sheldahl United Metbodist Church, Sixth and Hubbell, Sheldahl. Features denim rag rugs, free coffee and bottled water.

Historical Society programs

Big Creek Historical Society, 116 S. 3rd St., Polk City • www.polkcityhistory.org

• The Dragoon Trail as Hiked by Kevin Mason: June 4, 6 p.m. Presented by Assistant Professor of History at UNI Kevin Mason. The story begins with the 1835 expedition of the First U.S. Dragoons. With archival records, maps, indigenous histories and ecological data, Mason will explore how Iowa's prairies and wetlands gave way to farms, towns and transportation networks. 

Polk City Public Library news

1500 W. Broadway   |   515-984-6119   |   www.polkcitylibrary.org

2026 Summer Reading Program

The 2026 Summer Reading Program has begun. This year’s theme is “UnEarth a Story.” Programs are available for children, teens and adults. The registration kickoff event is May 28 at the Polk City Farmers Market.

Kids and teens: June 1 – July 31


Stop by the library for participation details, free events and prize opportunities. Offerings include Movies on Mondays, storytime on Tuesdays, Comets Kids Club on Wednesdays (grades K-5), and the performers series on Thursdays. Teen events are also planned. Programming runs June 8–July 24, with reading logs beginning June 1.

Adults: June 1 – July 31


Participants can earn tickets toward grand prizes by reading and attending programs. The schedule includes DIY workshops, author visits and a Laura Ingalls Wilder program.

Activities

• Geri-Fit Strength Training Workouts. Mondays, 9 a.m. These strength-training workouts are designed for all ages and fitness levels. Participants will need light dumbbells, a sturdy chair and water. Open to ages 50 and older. Stretch bands and a Zoom link are available upon request.
• Movie Mondays. June 8, 15 and 22, 10 a.m. Family-friendly movies will be shown in the library multipurpose room. Popcorn is provided. June 8 — “Goat”; June 15 — “The Land Before Time”; June 22 — “Mulan”
• Chair yoga. Tuesdays, 9 a.m. Join via Zoom or watch on the library’s big screen. This class includes breathwork, mindfulness and gentle movements. Participants will need an armless chair and a small towel. Visit polkcitylibrary.org for the Zoom link.
• Tiny Tot Storytime (ages 5 and younger). Tuesdays, 10 a.m. This 20-minute program includes stories, songs and movement activities, ending with bubbles.
• Tuesday Playdate. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. A drop-in play session with simple art and sensory activities for young children.
• Qigong/Tai Chi. Wednesdays, 9 a.m. This low-impact practice combines movement, breathing and mindfulness to improve balance, flexibility and strength. Recommended for ages 50 and older.
• Ladies’ Wednesday Coffee. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to noon. Coffee and conversation.
• Comets Kids Club (grades K-5). Wednesdays, 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. Weekly hands-on activities. Registration opens the prior Wednesday; walk-ins welcome as space allows. June 10 — Paleontology; June 17 — Architecture Challenge; June 24 — Make Your Own Papyrus

Polk County Conservation events

Visit www.polkcountyiowa.gov/conservation/events for information about upcoming programs offered by Polk County Conservation and for registration links.

• Butterfly/Bee Bath Workshop. Saturday, May 30, 10-11:30 a.m., Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Give your local pollinators a helping hand by creating a beautiful, functional bee and butterfly water bowl to take home. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn why shallow water sources are essential for pollinator health during warmer months. All materials will be provided, and our naturalist will share tips for placement and maintenance. Ages 16 and up. Registration required by May 25.
• Spring Awakening Forest Bathing. Sunday, May 31, 9-11 a.m., Thomas Mitchell Park, 4590 N.E. 108th St., Mitchellville, meet at pond parking lot. Step into the gentle energy of early spring with a guided forest bathing experience at Thomas Mitchell Park. During this immersive session, you’ll be guided through a series of simple prompts designed to help you notice the subtle signs of spring. No prior experience is needed, just comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and an openness to slowing down. Ages 18 and older, registration required by May 27.
• Senior Fishing Day. Friday, June 5, 9 a.m. to noon, Easter Lake Event Center, 2830, Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Come join Polk County Senior Services for a fun day of fishing on Iowa’s Free Fishing Weekend. There will be prizes for the biggest, smallest, and most fish caught. Please bring your own pole if you have one. If not, Polk County Conservation will have a limited number available. Bait will be provided. Sack lunches will be provided to registered participants. Register at your normal senior meal site or call Sam at the Northwest Senior Center (515-279-2767). Participants can fish from an accessible fishing dock or natural shoreline. Adaptive fishing equipment will be available for individuals that may have difficulties sustaining grasp of a fishing pole. Ages 60 and older. Registration required for Luncheon only, by May 23.
• Wildflower Pressing and Identification Workshop. Sunday, June 7, 2-3:30 p.m. Easter Lake Event Center, 2830 Easter Lake Drive, Des Moines. Learn how to identify, harvest and preserve beautiful wildflowers to create lasting works of art. We will go on a flower identification hike where you will learn about Iowa’s native prairie plants, followed by harvesting and pressing your favorite flowers. Leave with a framable piece of art. Ages 12 and older, registration required by June 3.
• June Summer Skills. Tuesdays and Thursdays of June beginning June 9, 10 a.m. to noon, Jester Park Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center, 12130 N.W. 128th St., Granger. Summer is about having fun and playing outside. Join PCC naturalists as they introduce your child to some fun outdoor activities which can be enjoyed the rest of their lives. Come to one or sign up for an entire series. All equipment will be provided. Ages 10-16. Registration required by two days ahead of class. Classes are as follows: June 9 Paddling, June 11 Fishing, June 16 Air Rifle, June 18 Geocaching, June 23 Archery, and June 25 Outdoor Survival.

Area events

Email your event information to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

CITYVIEW Midday Mixer
Saturday, May 30, 1-4 p.m.
The District at Prairie Trail, S.W. District Drive, Ankeny
Enjoy summer cocktails to kick off the season. Check in is at El Presidenté, 1465 S.W. Park Square Drive,  Suite 102, Ankeny. Cost is $25 for advance tickets, $35 at the door. For tickets, click here.

Levitt AMP Earlham Music Series 2026 Food n’ Drink Lineup
Sunday, May 31 at 6 p.m.
Earlham City Park, Earlham
Music: Olivia Fox, Michael Zellmer-McMahan. Food trucks: Karam’s Grill, Deardorf Highland Cattle, Sabores De Mexico, Street Sweets, Jodee Sodees. Upcoming concerts:

• June 7: Music: Denitia, Emma Butterworth. Food trucks: Hotel Luna, Off the Griddle, C’est La Crepe, Jodee Sodees.
• June 14: Music: Ozone Creations, Robert Deitch. Food trucks: Smokin Bad Decisions, Iowa Noodz, Jack Frost Drink Lab.
• June 21: Music: Braided Janes, Soten Taiko Drums. Food trucks: Karam’s Grill, Pho Wheels & Sushi, C’est La Crepe, Jodee Sodees.

The Ingersoll Shows
The Ingersoll, 3711 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines
The Ingersoll announces some exciting additions to its spring performance lineup. Spanning world-class traditional music and beloved musical theater, these new shows promise unforgettable moments of live entertainment in the heart of the community.

• “The Roommate”: Sharon needs a roommate. Robyn needs to disappear. When the two women become unlikely housemates, their lives quickly take unexpected turns. Sharon’s quiet routine is disrupted by Robyn’s mysterious past and bold outlook on life, and what begins as a simple living arrangement soon spirals into something far more thrilling — and dangerous. Performances run May 28-31.
• Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience - 1990s Country: June 6. Matinee performance features dining at 11 a.m. and show at 1 p.m. Evening performance starts with dining at 5:30 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m.

CITYVIEW’s Summer Stirs
Friday, June 26, Downtown Des Moines
Friday, July 31, Des Moines East Village
CITYVIEW’s traveling cocktail parties return in 2026. For $25 advance ticket, sample 10 summer cocktails at downtown bars and restaurants. Cost is $35 at the door. For information and tickets, visit https://summerstirs.dmcityview.com.

Arts For All
Des Moines Performing Arts will bring free, world-class performances to parks and neighborhoods across the metro, meeting people where they are with joyful experiences that inspire and unite. This partnership with Hy-Vee transforms a vision for accessible arts into something the entire community can share. And, once again this summer, DMPA is teaming up with Operation Downtown in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership to bring Domino Effect by Ingrid Ingrid to Cowles Commons for an interactive experience from Aug. 29 to Sept. 30. You know that deeply satisfying feeling of setting off a chain reaction? This is that, but bigger. Domino Effect fills Cowles Commons with oversized luminous dominoes, each one humming with its own musical atmosphere. You push them over. That's the whole point. It's playful, it's communal, and it's oddly irresistible for every age. A season overview, including show descriptions and assets for each engagement, is available at https://dmpa.app.box.com/s/l4v8qwpiq32wy1dc4h2u5yjjbwuqe25r.

(Feature Impact) Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely weekend morning with the family or savoring those last few moments before rushing out the door, a filling, healthy breakfast is a perfect way to begin the day. Easy recipes that take less than 30 minutes (and can even be prepared the night before) make busy mornings a breeze.

Sheet pan pancakes are simple to whip up any day of the week — no flipping required. The versatility of these pancakes allows for endless customization and experimentation with different toppings, from fresh fruit and nuts to savory options like cheese and spinach, making them an ideal fit for the whole family. They also freeze well, so you can pop them in the toaster to have breakfast ready in a flash when hectic schedules interfere with your morning routine.

To find more ways to put a nutritious breakfast on the family table, visit HealthyFamilyProject.com.

Sheet pan pancakes
Recipe courtesy of the Healthy Family Project
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425 F. Cover baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
• In large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Add milk, egg and melted butter; mix until smooth.
• Pour batter onto prepared baking sheet and smooth into even layer that covers pan. Top with strawberries, blueberries and chocolate chips.
• Bake 5-7 minutes, or until cooked and golden brown. Let cool slightly before cutting into squares.

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

HELP WANTED: River Valley Golf Course is hiring for ProShop. Must be over 21 to be considered, 25-40 hours available per week, combination of weekday & weekend shifts, competitive pay based on experience and FREE GOLF! We'd love to have you be a part of our family! Call 515-993-4029 for more details.

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