Calendar of Events
Featured Events:
Mental Health Awareness Month
May 2025
15th Annual Healthiest State Walk
October 1, 2025
2026 Healthiest State Conference
Spring 2026
2026 Healthiest State Annual Awards
January 2026
Choose a date to view events, or scroll down to see events in order of upcoming dates.
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NEIAWRC Big Four Fair 5k
NEIAWRC Big Four Fair 5k invites you to join the fun of the fair, with a 5k walk or run. This scenic out and back course starts and ends at the fair grounds. Kids are encouraged to come participate in our run. Medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd for Male and Female participants. Post race refreshments included.

Ride the Island
This year, River Action is thrilled to present Ride the Island, an exciting twist on Ride the River! Join us on Father's Day for the opportunity to ride the roads and trails on the Rock Island Arsenal while exploring its rich history and visiting iconic landmarks.

Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Make It OK is community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.
Did you know 1 in 5 are diagnosed with a mental illness in a given year while 1 in 10 are diagnosed with diabetes? Yet how we talk about these two illnesses is very different.
In the 60 minute presentation you will:
Learn more about what Make It OK is
Better understand what you can do to reduce the stigma through key messages and resources
Feel more confident in talking more openly about mental illness, and helping people get the care and support they need
Location:
ZoomCost:
$0.00To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa.
*Please note that the presentation may be subject to cancellation if the number of registered attendees does not meet the minimum threshold of 10 participants.

Soft Trail Stroll: Center Trails Rollercoaster and Roses
Join us for a walk along the north part of Rollercoaster Trail and an excursion through the Rose Garden. We will meet on the west side of the Des Moines Art Center. Park on Myron and Jacqueline Blank Pkwy by 10:00 a.m.

Back the Black - Make It OK Presentation
We all have a story; let’s set an atmosphere to start healing together.
Join us in the movement to Make It OK to talk about mental illnesses in the Black community.
Did you know more than 7 million Black people in the U.S. are living with a mental health condition? You might not even know the signs, or realize it’s happening. But mental illnesses are just as common and treatable as a broken leg or bad eyesight. We’re here to start a movement and start talking about mental illnesses in our community.
In this 60 minute presentation you will:
Learn more about what Make It OK is
Better understand key messages and resources meant for us
Feel more confident in talking more openly about mental illness, and knowing how to guide people to the care and support they need.
Due to the sensitivity of this topic, we ask those interested in attending this presentation be part of the Black community. Read more about the why.
Location:
Zoom - Registration Required, linked below
Cost:
$0.00
To learn more about Back the Black prior to the presentation, visit https://www.iowahealthieststate.com/back-the-black.

Soft Trail Stroll: Grandview Loop
Let’s return to Grandview Park. It is a 60-acre park with several parking lots. Park along East 32nd Street just north of Guthrie Avenue. We will leave from there at 10:00 a.m.

Soft Trail Stroll: Sycamore Trails North Loop w/ Fresh Cut
Let’s stroll the short loop at Sycamore Trails in Johnston. Meet by 10:00 a.m. at the gravel parking lot on the south side of 66th Avenue, just west of the Des Moines River.

Soft Trail Stroll: Denman Woods Inner Loop
Join us for a walk at Denman Woods. This flat trail is south of Center Trails in Des Moines. Park along the south side of North Valley Drive west of the bridge over Walnut Creek. Meet by 10:00 at the west end of the bridge.

Orchard Place Moonlight Classic
Join the Orchard Place Moonlight Classic and cycle through the streets of downtown Des Moines in support of vital youth mental health programs. This nighttime ride welcomes cyclists of all skill levels and includes fun contests like best helmet light and best costume. Your participation supports Orchard Place in serving 6,000+ children annually and advances our mission of providing a safe environment for children and their families to heal, find hope, be empowered, and build resilience to overcome mental health adversity.

Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Make It OK is community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.
Did you know 1 in 5 are diagnosed with a mental illness in a given year while 1 in 10 are diagnosed with diabetes? Yet how we talk about these two illnesses is very different.
In the 60 minute presentation you will:
Learn more about what Make It OK is
Better understand what you can do to reduce the stigma through key messages and resources
Feel more confident in talking more openly about mental illness, and helping people get the care and support they need
Location:
ZoomCost:
$0.00To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa.
*Please note that the presentation may be subject to cancellation if the number of registered attendees does not meet the minimum threshold of 10 participants.

Great Rubber Duck Splash plus Duck Dash 5K
Join North Star for the annual Great Rubber Duck Splash. Adopt a duck for $5 and entrance is free. Come to The Falls on race day to cheer on your ducks as they "swim" the lazy river - first ducks across the finish line win cash prizes (first place is $1,000). This fun family-friendly event has swimming, games, balloon animals and this year there will be a pre-heat race!

Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Make It OK is community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.
Did you know 1 in 5 are diagnosed with a mental illness in a given year while 1 in 10 are diagnosed with diabetes? Yet how we talk about these two illnesses is very different.
In the 60 minute presentation you will:
Learn more about what Make It OK is
Better understand what you can do to reduce the stigma through key messages and resources
Feel more confident in talking more openly about mental illness, and helping people get the care and support they need
Location:
ZoomCost:
$0.00To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa.
*Please note that the presentation may be subject to cancellation if the number of registered attendees does not meet the minimum threshold of 10 participants.

Be The Light Suicide Prevention GLOW Walk
Be The Light is a GLOW Walk to raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental health services available in our community and across the state of Iowa. By shining a light on hope and healing, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment where participants can connect, support each other, and find strength in solidarity. Together, we aim to make a positive impact on our communities and help those in need.

Cedar Valley Focus on Diabetes
Focus on Diabetes celebrates 10 years of hosting the Cedar Valley Focus on Diabetes, the largest patient education healthcare event in eastern Iowa. Take charge of your health with free A1c, Dental, Foot Exams, and Blood Pressure screenings.

Clinton Half Marathon (and 5K, 10K)
Located in scenic Clinton, Iowa, runners can choose a race distance of 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon. The race starts along 5th Avenue South in Historic Downtown Clinton, quickly traversing Riverview Drive, paralleling the mighty Mississippi, with challenging hill climbs leading to Eagle Point Park’s majestic overlook of the widest part of the Mississippi River! This is one of the most exciting racing experiences of the season!

EmpowerED Minds: The School Wellness Summit
EmpowerED Minds: The School Wellness Summit (formerly known as the Iowa BEST Summit) brings together ~1,000 K-12 educators and higher education professionals for a transformative conference focused on fostering well-being and mental health within educational communities.
Join us September 30-October 1, 2025 in Des Moines.

Improving Health Outcomes Through Preventing Childhood Obesity Conference
Healthy LifeStars will host its seventh annual conference to bring awareness, education and networking opportunities to prevent childhood obesity by bringing together like-minded people to learn and network. The conference will be virtual this year. The conference will include experts from across the country presenting their cutting-edge research in childhood nutrition, physical activity, and prevention of long term adverse health effects caused by obesity.

Walk to Cure Arthritis
Lace up your walking shoes and join us as we walk to raise awareness for America's #1 cause of disability. Our morning will begin with registration, sponsor booths, carnival games, face painting, and a raffle. Enjoy entertainment along the walk route as you walk the half mile route around Principal Park.

National Trails Day at Fourmile Mountain Bike Park
National Trails Day is Saturday, June 7, and we are celebrating the new Fourmile Mountain Bike Park. “It features a network of soft surface trails that are ideal for mountain biking, hiking, trail running, and groomed trails for winter fat biking.“
We will meet at 9:00 a.m. in the gravel parking lot at the corner of Williams Street and East Washington Avenue.

Mental Health First Aid Training - Ankeny DMACC Campus
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge in adults ages 18 and over. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy, providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental health or substance use challenge.

Senior Health & Fitness Day
This event is all about celebrating the importance of staying active and healthy at any age. Come explore the center, meet our friendly staff and experience the many benefits of exercise in a supportive community. New members who join on this day will receive $0 enrollment.

Soft Trail Stroll: Southwoods Keep Right Loop
This free Soft Trail Stroll series is designed to help people looking for a simple way to become more active, and to increase appreciation of our local soft trails.

Back the Black - Make It OK Presentation
We all have a story; let’s set an atmosphere to start healing together.
Join us in the movement to Make It OK to talk about mental illnesses in the Black community.
Did you know more than 7 million Black people in the U.S. are living with a mental health condition? You might not even know the signs, or realize it’s happening. But mental illnesses are just as common and treatable as a broken leg or bad eyesight. We’re here to start a movement and start talking about mental illnesses in our community.
In this 60 minute presentation you will:
Learn more about what Make It OK is
Better understand key messages and resources meant for us
Feel more confident in talking more openly about mental illness, and knowing how to guide people to the care and support they need.
Due to the sensitivity of this topic, we ask those interested in attending this presentation be part of the Black community. Read more about the why.
Location:
Zoom - Registration Required, linked below
Cost:
$0.00
To learn more about Back the Black prior to the presentation, visit https://www.iowahealthieststate.com/back-the-black.

Soft Trail Stroll: Sycamore Trails North Loop to Levee w/ Fresh Cut
This free Soft Trail Stroll series is designed to help people looking for a simple way to become more active, and to increase appreciation of our local soft trails.

Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Make It OK is community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.
Did you know 1 in 5 are diagnosed with a mental illness in a given year while 1 in 10 are diagnosed with diabetes? Yet how we talk about these two illnesses is very different.
In the 60 minute presentation you will:
Learn more about what Make It OK is
Better understand what you can do to reduce the stigma through key messages and resources
Feel more confident in talking more openly about mental illness, and helping people get the care and support they need
Location:
ZoomCost:
$0.00To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa.
*Please note that the presentation may be subject to cancellation if the number of registered attendees does not meet the minimum threshold of 10 participants.

2025 Central Iowa Heart Walk
The Heart Walk is a fun, family-friendly event that brings our community together to get active, raise life-saving funds, and support the mission of the American Heart Association. Whether you're a seasoned walker or just looking for a great day out, join us to celebrate heart health, honor survivors, and remember loved ones affected by heart disease and stroke.

Fort Dodge Make it Ok Day Event/Walk
The community is invited to wear green, walk around the city square and talk with mental health resources who will have tables set up at the square.
There will be food truck available to purchase lunch.

Wear Green Day 2025 - Mental Health Awareness
Hey Iowa, make a statement and show your support for Mental Health Awareness Month by wearing your favorite green clothes on May 15th!
Share a photo with #MakeItOKIowa and #HeyIowa to social media, tag the Iowa Healthiest State Initiative, and share what mental health means to you to let your network know that you support Make It OK and ending the stigma around mental illness!

Building a Resilient Workforce: The Platinum Standard for Mental Health Training in the Workplace - FREE Webinar
This is a FREE webinar hosted by EFR. In today’s rapidly evolving work environment, creating a culture that prioritizes mental health is crucial for employee well-being and organizational success. This webinar will provide an impactful, practical guide to implementing mental health training programs that can benefit any workplace.

Soft Trail Stroll: Fourmile MTB Park, 102 and Clockwise
I lead group walks on different trails a few times a month. This free Soft Trail Stroll series is designed to help people looking for a simple way to become more active, and to increase appreciation of our local soft trails.
What is a soft trail? Simply, it is an unpaved trail. Its surface may be dirt, grass, or crushed rock/gravel. I am an avid mountain biker and know all these trails very well. I can guarantee that no one will get lost!

Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Make It OK is community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.
Did you know 1 in 5 are diagnosed with a mental illness in a given year while 1 in 10 are diagnosed with diabetes? Yet how we talk about these two illnesses is very different.
In the 60 minute presentation you will:
Learn more about what Make It OK is
Better understand what you can do to reduce the stigma through key messages and resources
Feel more confident in talking more openly about mental illness, and helping people get the care and support they need
Location:
ZoomCost:
$0.00To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa.
*Please note that the presentation may be subject to cancellation if the number of registered attendees does not meet the minimum threshold of 10 participants.

Mental Health First Aid Training - Iowa City
Mental Health First Aid instructor Megan Hammes (Hammes Homestead and Consulting) is hosting this MHFA in conjunction with MERGE/Greater IC. Megan has extensive experience in the safety, health, and well-being space and she is on a mission to train hundreds of new Mental Health First Aiders!

Soft Trail Stroll: Denman Woods Inner Loop
Join us for a 2.5-mile walk at Denman Woods. This flat trail is south of Center Trails in Des Moines. Park along the south side of North Valley Drive west of the bridge over Walnut Creek. Meet by 10:00 at the west end of the bridge.

The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality & Our Quest for an Inspired Life
Learn from Dr. Lisa Miller, one of the nation's leading neuroscientists and founder and director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute at Columbia University. Dr. Miller combines cutting-edge science with direct tools for application for all people. Participate in one of three sessions, either in person or virtually. Costs begin at $25.

Wellness Coach J Wellness Day
Join us for a powerful, community-focused Wellness Day filled with movement, motivation, and meaningful connections.
Whether you're just starting your wellness journey or looking to reset, there's something here for everyone. Bring your family and friends—this event is open to the entire community.

Chalk the Town Green - Mental Health Awareness
Join us as we put awareness into action on May 1st by chalking uplifting messages in your communities. We are chalking simple kindness across the state to remind and raise mental health awareness. Grab a friend, coworkers, family members, students or your pet and help us Chalk the Town Green with Make It OK.

Soft Trail Stroll: Ewing Park Lilacs
Let’s visit the Ewing Park lilacs! Meet by 10:00 a.m. in our usual Ashley Okland Star Playground parking lot on south side of McKinley, just west of Indianola Avenue.

Grand Blue Mile
The Grand Blue Mile, presented by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, is an annual one-mile road race in downtown Des Moines that brings together elite athletes, competitive runners, and families in a celebration of health and fitness. The event features multiple divisions, including the USATF 1 Mile Road Championships, youth and recreational races, and corporate wellness team competitions.

Soft Trail Stroll: Southwoods Clockwise Doubleback
Join us for a 1.5-mile stroll through the woods of Southwoods Park. This park is just off 35th Street, south of Mills Civic Parkway, in West Des Moines. Meet by 10:00 a.m. in the disc golf course parking lot.

2025 Arrowhead Trail Run
Arrowhead Trail Run is a 5k marked course at Arrowhead Park near Neola, Iowa. Choose the traditional 5k distance, 2 laps for a 10k, or complete as many laps as you can in a 4 hour Enduro! Medals will be awarded for the top 10 Male and Female in the 5k, 10k and Enduro events. ALL are welcome to run, jog, walk or hike at your own pace.

Drake Road Races
The Drake Road Races is a premier running event held annually in Des Moines, Iowa, as part of the Drake Relays festivities. The event offers three distances—5k, 10k, and half marathon—catering to runners of all abilities.

Back the Black - Make It OK Presentation
We all have a story; let’s set an atmosphere to start healing together.
Join us in the movement to Make It OK to talk about mental illnesses in the Black community.
Did you know more than 7 million Black people in the U.S. are living with a mental health condition? You might not even know the signs, or realize it’s happening. But mental illnesses are just as common and treatable as a broken leg or bad eyesight. We’re here to start a movement and start talking about mental illnesses in our community.
In this 60 minute presentation you will:
Learn more about what Make It OK is
Better understand key messages and resources meant for us
Feel more confident in talking more openly about mental illness, and knowing how to guide people to the care and support they need.
Due to the sensitivity of this topic, we ask those interested in attending this presentation be part of the Black community. Read more about the why.
Location:
Zoom - Registration Required, linked below
Cost:
$0.00
To learn more about Back the Black prior to the presentation, visit https://www.iowahealthieststate.com/back-the-black.

Soft Trail Stroll: Banner Coal Miner’s Daughter Blue
This free Soft Trail Stroll series is designed to help people looking for a simple way to become more active, and to increase appreciation of our local soft trails.

Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Make It OK is community campaign to reduce stigma by starting conversations and increasing understanding about mental illness.
Did you know 1 in 5 are diagnosed with a mental illness in a given year while 1 in 10 are diagnosed with diabetes? Yet how we talk about these two illnesses is very different.
In the 60 minute presentation you will:
Learn more about what Make It OK is
Better understand what you can do to reduce the stigma through key messages and resources
Feel more confident in talking more openly about mental illness, and helping people get the care and support they need
Location:
ZoomCost:
$0.00To learn more about Make It OK prior to the presentation, visit www.makeitok.org/Iowa.
*Please note that the presentation may be subject to cancellation if the number of registered attendees does not meet the minimum threshold of 10 participants.

Soft Trail Stroll: Grandview Loop Extended
Let’s explore more of Grandview Park. It is a 60-acre park with several parking lots. Park along East 32nd Street just north of Guthrie Avenue. We will leave from there at 10:00 a.m.

Public Health Conference of Iowa
The Public Health Conference of Iowa (PHCI) is a must-attend event for all Iowans who work in public health, environmental health, primary care, health promotion, health education, laboratory sciences and more!

Back the Black - Make It OK Presentation
We all have a story; let’s set an atmosphere to start healing together.
Join us in the movement to Make It OK to talk about mental illnesses in the Black community.
Did you know more than 7 million Black people in the U.S. are living with a mental health condition? You might not even know the signs, or realize it’s happening. But mental illnesses are just as common and treatable as a broken leg or bad eyesight. We’re here to start a movement and start talking about mental illnesses in our community.
In this 60 minute presentation you will:
Learn more about what Make It OK is
Better understand key messages and resources meant for us
Feel more confident in talking more openly about mental illness, and knowing how to guide people to the care and support they need.
Due to the sensitivity of this topic, we ask those interested in attending this presentation be part of the Black community. Read more about the why.
Location:
Zoom - Registration Required, linked below
Cost:
$0.00
To learn more about Back the Black prior to the presentation, visit https://www.iowahealthieststate.com/back-the-black.