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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Request an endorsement and we will help you spread the word!

NEIAWRC Big Four Fair 5k
Jun
14

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.

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Ride the Island
Jun
15

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.

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Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Jun
16

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:
    Zoom

    Cost:
    $0.00

    To 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.

View Event →
Back the Black - Make It OK Presentation
Jun
17

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

View Event →
Orchard Place Moonlight Classic
Jul
12

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.

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Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Jul
17

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:
    Zoom

    Cost:
    $0.00

    To 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.

View Event →
Great Rubber Duck Splash plus Duck Dash 5K
Jul
19

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!

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Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Aug
12

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:
    Zoom

    Cost:
    $0.00

    To 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.

View Event →
Be The Light Suicide Prevention GLOW Walk
Sep
4

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.

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Cedar Valley Focus on Diabetes
Sep
6

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.

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Clinton Half Marathon (and 5K, 10K)
Sep
7

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!

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EmpowerED Minds: The School Wellness Summit
Sep
30

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.

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Improving Health Outcomes Through Preventing Childhood Obesity Conference
Jan
13

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.

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Walk to Cure Arthritis
Jun
7

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.

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National Trails Day at Fourmile Mountain Bike Park
Jun
7

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.

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Mental Health First Aid Training - Ankeny DMACC Campus
Jun
4

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.

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Senior Health & Fitness Day
May
28

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.

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Back the Black - Make It OK Presentation
May
22

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

View Event →
Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
May
19

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:
    Zoom

    Cost:
    $0.00

    To 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.

View Event →
2025 Central Iowa Heart Walk
May
17

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.

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Wear Green Day 2025 - Mental Health Awareness
May
15

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!

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Building a Resilient Workforce: The Platinum Standard for Mental Health Training in the Workplace - FREE Webinar
May
14

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.

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Soft Trail Stroll: Fourmile MTB Park, 102 and Clockwise
May
13

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!

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Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
May
7

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:
    Zoom

    Cost:
    $0.00

    To 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.

View Event →
The Awakened Brain: The New Science of Spirituality & Our Quest for an Inspired Life
May
5
to May 6

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.

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Wellness Coach J Wellness Day
May
3

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.

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Chalk the Town Green - Mental Health Awareness
May
1

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.

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Grand Blue Mile
Apr
22

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.

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2025 Arrowhead Trail Run
Apr
19

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.

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Drake Road Races
Apr
19

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.

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Back the Black - Make It OK Presentation
Apr
17

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

View Event →
Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness Presentation
Apr
9

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:
    Zoom

    Cost:
    $0.00

    To 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.

View Event →
Back the Black - Make It OK Presentation
Mar
25

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

View Event →