AARP Iowa Events

Join us for one or more of these upcoming events:

Des Moines Events

Lunch & Learn: VPNs
September 15, 12 – 1 p.m.
MidAmerican Energy RecPlex – 6500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines
REGISTER

In this lecture, you’ll learn what VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) do, when they can be helpful, and why many people can safely go without one. We’ll review how to choose a VPN if you really need one, as well as simpler ways to protect your privacy online. You’ll leave better informed, so you can make choices that feel right for you. A light lunch will be provided.
 

Movies for Grownups: Field of Dreams
September 23, 6:30 p.m.
Cinemark Century Jordan Creek – 101 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines
REGISTER

Kevin Costner stars in this beloved baseball film about an Iowa farmer who turns his ordinary cornfield into a place where dreams can come true. 
 

Lunch & Learn: Intro to Chatting with AI
October 6, 12 – 1 p.m.
Urbandale Public Library – 3520 86^th Street, Urbandale
REGISTER

Curious about using AI chatbots but not sure where to start? This session will cover how to write effective prompts to get better results from generative AI tools for work, personal projects and everyday tasks. We’ll also share privacy and security best practices so you can use AI with confidence. A light lunch will be provided. Registration required.
 

Pickleball
October 8; Choose Session 1 or Session 2
Polk County Pickleball – 2222 SW Vintage Parkway, Ankeny
REGISTER FOR SESSION #1 (8 – 10 a.m.)
REGISTER FOR SESSION #2 (10 a.m. – Noon)

Join us for an indoor pickleball clinic open to players of all skill levels. We’ll cover the basics, including rules, scoring, serving and dinking, then put those skills into practice during round-robin play. All equipment is provided. All players must wear tennis shoes. Choose one of the two sessions when registering.
 

AARP “On Tap” Trivia Night
October 13, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Felix & Oscar’s – 4050 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines
REGISTER

Join us for AARP “On Tap” Trivia Night, featuring complimentary food and beverages, fun pub trivia and cool prizes. Test your knowledge of AARP issue areas, meet new people and enjoy an evening of food, drinks and friendly competition. Registration is required.
 

Fall Bike Ride with Friends of Des Moines Parks
October 21, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Meet at Riverside Bridge Park – 1250 SE 1^st Street, Des Moines
REGISTER

Join AARP and the Friends of Des Moines Parks for a free bike ride at a moderate, family-friendly pace on low-stress trails. Complimentary snacks, water, and gift will be provided before the ride, and riders can enjoy drink discounts at El Bait Shop afterward. Two route options are available (~8 miles or ~17 miles). Registration required.
 

Movie Night: The Father
November 5, 6:30 p.m.
The Palms Theatres – 200 NE Westgate Drive, Waukee
REGISTER

Starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, The Father is a powerful drama that places viewers in the perspective of a man experiencing dementia, blurring the line between reality and confusion. Hopkins delivers an Academy Award-winning performance in this poignant story about memory, family, and the challenges of caregiving. Registration required.
 

Tech Basics for Caregiving
November 10; Choose Session 1 or Session 2
Reichardt Community Recreation Center – 915 College Avenue, Des Moines
REGISTER FOR SESSION #1 (9 – 10 a.m.)
REGISTER FOR SESSION #2 (11 a.m. – Noon)

In this session, we’ll explore ways to integrate technology into the daily routine of caregivers: from scheduling reminders with your phone or home assistant, to accessing self-care resources and making the most of telehealth appointments. We’ll also discuss options for ordering and receiving essential items like groceries and prescription drugs from home. There are two available sessions for this class; the content is the same. Please only register for one session.
 

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Cedar Rapids Events

Movies for Grownups: Field of Dreams
September 24, 6:30 p.m.
Collins Road Theatres – 1462 Twixt Town Road, Marion
REGISTER

Kevin Costner stars in this beloved baseball film about an Iowa farmer who turns his ordinary cornfield into a place where dreams can come true. 
 

AARP “On Tap” Trivia Night
October 15, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Goldfinch Tap + Eatery – 740 10^th Street, Marion
REGISTER

Join us for AARP “On Tap” Trivia Night, featuring complimentary food and beverages, fun pub trivia and cool prizes. Test your knowledge of AARP issue areas, meet new people and enjoy an evening of food, drinks and friendly competition. Registration is required.
 

Lunch & Learn: Protecting Your Medical Info Online
October 22, Noon – 1 p.m.
Hiawatha Community Center – 101 Emmons Street, Hiawatha
REGISTER

Health care portal accounts can offer convenient access to medical records, test results and communication with providers. Learn more about these portals and the security features that protect your information. We’ll cover tips for keeping your accounts safe, protecting your privacy, and spotting phishing attempts and scams. A light lunch is provided. Registration required.
 

Pickleball
October 29; Choose “beginner” or “intermediate” session when registering
Smithfield Tennis & Pickleball Center – 3511 18^th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids
REGISTER FOR BEGINNER SESSION (1 – 3 p.m.)
REGISTER FOR INTERMEDIATE SESSION (3 – 5 p.m.)

Join us for an indoor pickleball clinic designed for all skill levels. The beginners’ session will cover fundamentals like rules, scoring, serving and dinking. More advanced players can register for the intermediate session and jump straight into round-robin play! Registration required.
 

Movie Night: The Father
November 5, 6:30 p.m.
Collins Road Theatres – 1462 Twixt Town Road, Marion
REGISTER

Starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman, The Father is a powerful drama that places viewers in the perspective of a man experiencing dementia, blurring the line between reality and confusion. Hopkins delivers an Academy Award-winning performance in this poignant story about memory, family, and the challenges of caregiving. Registration required.
 

Lunch & Learn: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
November 12, 12 – 1 p.m.
Cedar Rapids Public Library Busse Branch – 1845 Sandberg Lane, Cedar Rapids
REGISTER

In this lecture, you’ll learn what VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) do, when they can be helpful, and why many people can safely go without one. We’ll review how to choose a VPN if you really need one, as well as simpler ways to protect your privacy online. You’ll leave better informed, so you can make choices that feel right for you. A light lunch will be provided. Registration required.
 

Veterans Caregiving Forum
November 23, Noon – 2 p.m.
Veterans Memorial Building (Ballroom) – 50 2^nd Avenue Bridge, Cedar Rapids
REGISTER

Veterans and military family caregivers are invited to join us for a complimentary lunch and forum to connect you with local Cedar Rapids resources to support your caregiving journey. Speakers will share practical tips, valuable insights, and guidance for navigating the challenges of caregiving. Following the program, participants are welcome to join an optional tour of the historic Veterans Memorial Building and Museum. Registration required.
 

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Virtual Events

Filing for Social Security: Sometimes Timing is Everything
September 15, 2 – 3 p.m.
Online on Zoom
REGISTER

Not sure when to file for Social Security? This is where AARP can help. Social Security doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution, but knowing what questions to ask can help you maximize your payments. Join us for a FREE virtual seminar to explore Social Security eligibility requirements, how age, employment and marital status factor in, and helpful tools like the AARP Social Security Resource Center.
 

Key Questions to Consider About Medicare Initial Enrollment
September 22, 2 – 3:20 p.m.
Online on Zoom
REGISTER

Are you getting ready to enroll in Medicare for the first time? This is where AARP can help. Medicare initial enrollment can seem complicated, but understanding your personal needs and priorities can help you make informed decisions. Join us for a free virtual seminar for unbiased information, tools, and resources to help you find a Medicare plan that meets your needs. 
 

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