Best events in
Runnells

Looking for events or things to do in Runnells, IA? The town's event calendar centers on community-driven gatherings that create a small-town, family-friendly atmosphere. For a wider range of entertainment, many locals make the short drive to nearby Altoona and Pleasant Hill.

The small-town atmosphere in Runnells proper is perfect for community-focused fun at places like the Runnells Community Center and the Runnells Historical Society.
Nearby Altoona serves as an entertainment hub, with larger venues like Prairie Meadows Casino and Adventureland Resort hosting concerts and seasonal festivals.
Outdoor events are common in Pleasant Hill, where Copper Creek Lake Park is a popular spot for summer music series and community festivals.

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Clive

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Waukee

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Brooklyn

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Grimes

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Nevada

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Altoona

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Pella

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Adel

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Redfield

43 miles away

Norwalk

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Boone

46 miles away

Maxwell

26 miles away

Perry

44 miles away

Grinnell

37 miles away

Montezuma

44 miles away

Oskaloosa

39 miles away

Cumming

21 miles away

Bondurant

14 miles away

Polk City

25 miles away

Newton

20 miles away

Baxter

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Online Events

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The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM GMT

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This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Wednesday • 7:30 PM GMT

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The Claude Code Security Summit

Wednesday • 9:00 AM EST

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

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Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

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How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Thu, Dec 3 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

Tomorrow • 10:00 AM GMT

Check ticket price on event

This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

Wednesday • 7:30 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

The Claude Code Security Summit

Wednesday • 9:00 AM EST

Check ticket price on event

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Sat, Nov 14 • 1:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

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Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

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Thu, Dec 3 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Events near Runnells

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NXT515: No Excuses Tour

Tuesday • 8:00 AM

Community Choice Convention Center

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An Evening with Charlie Cook

Wednesday • 7:00 PM

Sheslow Auditorium

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2026 Sages Over 70

Thu, Nov 12 • 4:30 PM

Krause Gateway Center

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Coffee and Cows

Sat, Nov 14 • 9:00 AM

9090 NE 72nd St

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Perfume & Petals

Sat, Nov 14 • 6:00 PM

Petals & Moss

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2026 Iowa Nature Summit

Wed, Nov 18 • 8:00 AM

Olmsted Center

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Date Me DSM 100th Dating Event

Fri, Nov 20 • 7:00 PM

Val Air Ballroom

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3k Beer Run x Confluence Brewing| 2026 IA Brewery Running Series

Sun, Dec 6 • 12:00 PM

Confluence Brewing Company

Check ticket price on event

NXT515: No Excuses Tour

Tuesday • 8:00 AM

Community Choice Convention Center

Check ticket price on event

An Evening with Charlie Cook

Wednesday • 7:00 PM

Sheslow Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

2026 Sages Over 70

Thu, Nov 12 • 4:30 PM

Krause Gateway Center

Check ticket price on event

Coffee and Cows

Sat, Nov 14 • 9:00 AM

9090 NE 72nd St

Check ticket price on event

Perfume & Petals

Sat, Nov 14 • 6:00 PM

Petals & Moss

Check ticket price on event

2026 Iowa Nature Summit

Wed, Nov 18 • 8:00 AM

Olmsted Center

Check ticket price on event

Date Me DSM 100th Dating Event

Fri, Nov 20 • 7:00 PM

Val Air Ballroom

Check ticket price on event

3k Beer Run x Confluence Brewing| 2026 IA Brewery Running Series

Sun, Dec 6 • 12:00 PM

Confluence Brewing Company

Check ticket price on event

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Frequently asked questions about Runnells

What are some family-friendly things to do in the Runnells area?

Runnells itself offers many family-oriented activities. The Runnells Community Center hosts recurring bingo nights, and the Runnells Historical Society puts on annual craft fairs and a car show. For larger amusement, Adventureland in Altoona is a popular choice for families.

Where can I find live music events near Runnells?

The Wet Spot Bar and Grill hosts bike nights with live music in Runnells. For more options, Pleasant Hill's Copper Creek Lake Park has the Chill on the Hill summer series, and Haines Park in Altoona hosts a monthly Music in the Park event in summer.

Are there any good spots for outdoor events around Runnells?

Copper Creek Lake Park in Pleasant Hill is a key venue for outdoor community events. The park is known for hosting seasonal festivals and a summer music series. In Altoona, Haines Park also offers outdoor music events, while Brightside Aleworks hosts a seasonal farmers market.

What's the nightlife scene like around Runnells?

The local nightlife is relaxed, centered on spots like The Wet Spot Bar and Grill. For more high-energy entertainment, Prairie Meadows Casino in Altoona offers gaming, concerts, and live racing. Altoona provides a broader selection of bars and evening activities.

What kind of food and drink events are near Runnells?

Local farmers markets are a highlight of the food scene. The Runnells Farmers Market is held on summer evenings, and Brightside Aleworks in Altoona hosts another seasonal market. For a festive atmosphere, Adventureland Resort holds an annual Oktoberfest.

How can I find free events to attend near Runnells?

Many community gatherings in the area are free to attend. Consider the annual Fourth of July Parade in Runnells or the Music in the Park series at Haines Park in Altoona. Farmers markets in both Runnells and Altoona also offer free admission to these community events.

Which neighborhood is best for entertainment events near Runnells?

Altoona is considered the primary entertainment hub for the region. It is home to major attractions like Adventureland and Prairie Meadows, which host large-scale concerts, festivals, and racing events. The city offers the most variety for a day or night out.

What are some good date night ideas in the Runnells area?

A great date night could involve enjoying the summer music series at Copper Creek Lake Park. Alternatively, Prairie Meadows Casino in Altoona offers concerts and horse racing for a more lively evening. For a casual outing, check out a local brewery like Brightside Aleworks.

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Nearby cities

Des Moines

West Des Moines

Ankeny

Ames

Urbandale

Windsor Heights

Clive

Waukee

Brooklyn

Johnston

Grimes

Marshalltown

Nevada

Altoona

Pella

Adel

Redfield

Norwalk

Boone

Maxwell

Perry

Grinnell

Montezuma

Oskaloosa

Cumming

Bondurant

Polk City

Newton

Baxter

Des Moines

West Des Moines

Ankeny

Ames

Urbandale

Windsor Heights

Clive

Waukee

Brooklyn

Johnston

Grimes

Marshalltown

Nevada

Altoona

Pella

Adel

Redfield

Norwalk

Boone

Maxwell

Perry

Grinnell

Montezuma

Oskaloosa

Cumming

Bondurant

Polk City

Newton

Baxter

Online Events

The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

The Claude Code Security Summit

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

The World of Bunny vs Monkey Workshop with Jamie Smart

This Little World: a New History of Tudor and Stuart England

The Claude Code Security Summit

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Physicians Financial Wellness Conference 2026

Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

How to Choose a (New) Career Fast

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Events near Runnells