Check out our upcoming and past events below!
Want to get involved? Head over to our Volunteer or Donate page!
Upcoming Events
MLK DAY OF SERVICE
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Address: Wellmark Urban Dreams Community Center – 1615 2nd Ave. DSM, IA 50314
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Join us for a Day of Service to honor Martin Luther King Jr.! Volunteers will work in shifts of 2 hours or more at our Urban Dreams building.
Whether you’re using your VTO, volunteering with family, or earning silver cord hours, this is a meaningful way to make an impact in our community.
Interested members should fill out the Google form linked below to sign up for a volunteer shift.
Past events
10TH PRE-WINTER COMMUNITY CAR CHECK-UP
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Address: North High School – 501 Holcomb Ave. DSM, IA 50313
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Winter is coming! Is your car ready? Join us for a FREE pre-winter car checkup event to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the cold months ahead. No RSVP is necessary.
The first 500 cars will receive a swag bag and access to the services below:
- Exterior Lights Changed Out
- Windshield Wiper Blades Replaced
- Fluids Topped Off
- Tires Checked and Filled
- Overall Safety & Car Seat Check
- Vaccinations
ROAST & TOAST HONORING DOLPH PULLIAM
Date: Thursday, November 6th, 2025
Address: Drake Olmsted Center – 2875 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Join Urban Dreams for an unforgettable evening celebrating four decades of community impact and 10 years of Roasting & Toasting impactful leaders in Iowa.
This year, we are proud to honor Dolph Pulliam, a Drake basketball legend, Iowa’s first African American television broadcaster, and a longtime advocate for equity, youth, and education. Dolph’s career in Iowa spans nearly 50 years, and his dedication to service reflects the spirit of Urban Dreams.
Proceeds from this event benefit the Urban Dreams Youth Employment Program, which provides paid job experience, mentorship, and leadership development for 25 Des Moines students ages 14 to 19.
If you have any questions, please email tatum.clayburn@urbandreams.org.
THANKSGIVING BAG GIVEAWAY
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Address: Wellmark Urban Dreams Community Center – 1615 2nd Ave. DSM, IA 50314
Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Are you in need of assistance this Thanksgiving?
Stop by Urban Dreams for a FREE Thanksgiving Bag.
Each bag will include a variety of Thanksgiving meal ingredients and a $25 Fareway gift card.
We will be giving away 200 bags from 5 pm to 7 pm, or until supplies run out.
Stay tuned for more information!
DRIVING FOR DREAMS TOPGOLF OUTING
Date: Thursday, August 21st, 2025
Address: Topgolf Des Moines – 7680 Coachlight Dr. WDM, IA 50266
Time: 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Join us for the 2nd annual Driving for Dreams Topgolf Outing! Check back for more details about tickets and sponsorships.
MURAL UNVEILING
Date: Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Address: Wellmark Urban Dreams Community Center – 1615 2nd Ave. DSM, IA 50314
Time: Doors open at 4:00 pm, presentation at 4:30 pm
Join us as we unveil a stunning new mural at the Wellmark Urban Dreams Community Center!
Created by the talented local artist Indig Moore, this vibrant artwork reflects the spirit and unity of our community.
We’re excited to celebrate this incredible addition with you, made possible by the generous support of Bravo Greater Des Moines, Kyle and Sharon Krause, and the Polk County Board of Supervisors.
Please use the link below to RSVP!
SIP FOR THE FUTURE WINE FLIGHT WITH WINEFEST + BODKIN
Date: Thursday, April 10th, 2025
Address: Wellmark Urban Dreams Community Center – 1615 2nd Ave. DSM, IA 50314
Time: 6:00 pm
Partnering with Winefest and Bodkin Wines, Urban Dreams is hosting a Wine Flight Night! Guests will enjoy a four-course dinner expertly paired with fine wines.
Helen Miller’s book launch – “i don’t swim”
Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
Address: Wellmark Urban Dreams Community Center – 1615 2nd Ave. DSM, IA 50314
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Helen’s powerful new memoir, “I Don’t Swim”, takes us on a journey through her life, shaped by the Civil Rights Movement and the ongoing fight for equality. Her story is one of resilience, activism, and hope—a must-read for anyone passionate about justice and change.
Come celebrate this inspiring moment with us, hear Helen share her story, and get your copy signed! Let’s honor the past, embrace the present, and work toward a more just future together.
2025 SWEETHEART DANCE
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Address: Wellmark Urban Dreams Community Center – 1615 2nd Ave. DSM, IA 50314
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join us for a Valentine’s Day celebration at the Wellmark Urban Dreams Community Center! Enjoy a FREE afternoon of music, crafts, treats, and games.