Top Urbandale Venues

• Spaces for 2,000 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Convention Center

Prairie Meadows Casino and Hotel is a nonprofit entertainment destination in Altoona, Iowa, operating as one of only two nonprofit casinos in the country. Founded in 1989, the property combines a full-scale casino, live and simulcast horse racing, hotel accommodations, and extensive event facilities under one roof. The Meadows Event Center spans more than 34,000 square feet with over 20 configurable rooms, accommodating events of up to 2,000 guests. From business conferences and galas to weddings and race day corporate outings, the facility supports a wide range of occasions with chef-prepared catering, state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, and a dedicated conference concierge. AJ's Steakhouse offers a private dining room for smaller gatherings, from intimate celebrations to executive dinners. As a licensed 501(c)(4) organization, Prairie Meadows has contributed more than $2.4 billion to the state of Iowa through taxes and charitable donations, directing proceeds toward economic development, arts, education, and human services across central Iowa communities.

• Spaces for 40-325 Guests
• 1 Ballroom
• 2 Event Spaces
• 1 Meeting Space

Za-Ga-Zig Shrine is a Masonic fraternal organization and event venue located in Altoona, Iowa, just off I-80 near Adventureland Drive. The temple grounds sit within a mile of Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Adventureland Amusement Park, and numerous hotels, making it a convenient gathering point for guests traveling from across the region. The facility centers on the Pyramid Room, a spacious hall that accommodates up to 300 guests and is well suited to weddings, banquets, private dinners, corporate functions, school events, and organization gatherings — with room for a dance floor and ample space for dining. A smaller West Room handles more intimate groups of up to 40, and several boardrooms are available for meetings. Za-Ga-Zig Shrine offers flexibility for outside caterers, a fully stocked lounge, and a large adjacent parking lot that makes loading in and out straightforward for planners and vendors alike.

• Spaces for 200 Guests
• 1 Bar
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Historic Space

Founders Banquet Hall is a remodeled event space in Bondurant, Iowa, housed in a building dating to the 1880s. Neutral walls, hardwood floors, and a row of arched natural-light windows give the hall a character well-suited to weddings, anniversary parties, corporate functions, birthdays, and holiday gatherings. The space accommodates up to 200 guests and comes with a full bar and catering menu. Servers and bartenders are included at no additional charge, and events can run as late as 2 a.m. Tours are available during business hours on a self-guided basis or by appointment.

• Spaces for 50-350 Guests
• 2 Outdoor Spaces
• 1 Event Space
• 3 Gardens

The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is a community-supported public garden set on landscaped grounds in Madrid, Iowa, offering outdoor and indoor event spaces for weddings, receptions, corporate gatherings, showers, and anniversaries. Surrounded by botanical gardens, tree groves, native prairie trails, and interactive natural spaces, the arboretum provides a distinctive natural backdrop that sets it apart from traditional banquet venues. The Hughes Education Center serves as the primary indoor event space, accommodating up to 175 guests with 22 sixty-inch round tables, large windows overlooking the grounds, and access to a full catering kitchen, wireless internet, and audio equipment. Outdoor ceremony areas seat up to 200 guests, with a sound system available and four hours of pre-ceremony access included. For intimate gatherings, the Treehouse Venue offers a micro-wedding setting for up to 50 guests. Dance floor rental is available as an add-on for receptions.

• Spaces for 160 Guests

Hotel Pattee opened in 1913 in Perry, Iowa, built by brothers Harry and William Pattee to honor their father D.J. Pattee at a cost of over $150,000. From its earliest days, the hotel served as a social hub for central Iowa, hosting grand banquets and Saturday night dances in a building recognized at the time as the finest hotel in the region. After decades of ownership changes and renovations, the hotel was restored to reflect its original character while celebrating Iowa's cultural heritage. Each of its 40 guest rooms is individually decorated to honor the traditions and immigrant communities that shaped the area. Public spaces include the Howard F. Ahmanson Lobby — a restored 1913 interior featuring Persian rugs, terra cotta tile, replica chandeliers, and an original marble staircase — alongside the Willis Library, a wood-paneled reading room with a fireplace and Arts and Crafts furnishings. For private events, the Spring Valley Ballroom anchors the venue's gathering spaces, its east wall dominated by a mural of Perry's history painted by Iowa artist Doug Shelton. The outdoor Soumas Court offers a courtyard setting among brick architecture, greenery, and art installations, well suited to ceremonies and celebrations. The Pattee Café, with its three dining areas styled after the railroad era, adds a distinctive backdrop for smaller private gatherings.

• Spaces for 180 Guests
• 1 Event Space
• 1 Park

The E.J. Giovannetti Community Shelter is an enclosed event facility at Walker Johnston Park in Urbandale, Iowa, opened in September 2013. The approximately 3,000-square-foot building accommodates up to 180 guests and is available for private rentals including celebrations, gatherings, and community events. The shelter's main event room features a modern interior with warm wood accents, a gas fireplace, and large windows overlooking the park. A 60-by-30-foot covered outdoor patio extends the gathering space beyond the interior. The facility includes a commercial kitchen, full heating and air conditioning, and comes furnished with 16 round tables, 8 rectangular tables, and 180 chairs. Built from precast concrete panels, the shelter also serves as a designated tornado safe room — a distinction that reflects the building's durable construction alongside its function as a community gathering space. Reservations are available up to 365 days in advance through the Urbandale Parks and Recreation online booking system.

• Spaces for 50-500 Guests
• 4 Hotels
• 3 Ballrooms
• 1 Meeting Space

The Ramada by Wyndham Des Moines Tropics Resort & Conference Center is a full-service hotel and event venue located at 5000 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines, Iowa, just off the interchange of I-35 and I-80. The property combines resort-style amenities with more than 10,000 square feet of dedicated event space, making it a practical choice for both corporate functions and celebratory gatherings. The centerpiece of the conference center is the Main Ballroom, a 5,200-square-foot space with 14-foot ceilings that accommodates up to 350 guests for banquets or 500 in a theater arrangement. Additional ballroom sections and salon rooms allow for flexible configurations ranging from intimate breakout sessions to large receptions. In-house catering, bar service, and onsite event coordinators are available to support the planning process. Beyond the meeting facilities, guests have access to an 18,000-square-foot indoor water park with waterslides and a poolside tiki bar — an amenity that distinguishes the property for multi-day events and group stays.

• Spaces for 55-300 Guests
• 5 Hotels
• 1 Ballroom
• 5 Total Spaces

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center sits in Johnston, Iowa, just minutes north of downtown Des Moines with easy access to Wells Fargo Arena, the Iowa Events Center, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The property draws on a rustic, northwoods aesthetic — log furniture, natural wood finishes, and warm fireplaces — that lends a distinctive character to gatherings of any size. The conference center offers more than seven dedicated event rooms, anchored by the Northwoods Ballroom, which accommodates up to 300 guests for banquets or 400 in theater configuration. The Pioneer Room handles mid-sized events for up to 120, while smaller breakout spaces — including the Meadows, John Deere Room, and Bear's Den — seat groups from 55 to 80. Outdoor patio areas and fireside seating extend the gathering options beyond the main rooms. Wedding packages include a dance floor, lighted pipe and drape, linens, centerpieces, and a dedicated event coordinator, with on-site accommodations available for overnight guests.

• Spaces for 1,200 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Ballroom
• 1 Convention Center

The Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel brings together 22,321 square feet of event space and 285 guest rooms under one roof in West Des Moines, Iowa — a ten-story full-service hotel positioned at the interchange of I-35, I-235, and I-80, fifteen minutes from Des Moines International Airport. At the heart of the property is the five-story Atrium Party Deck, a 2,300-square-foot semi-private gathering space ringed by lush greenery and a signature waterfall. The atrium sets the tone for the rest of the venue: a setting where scale and warmth coexist. For larger celebrations, the Convention Center accommodates up to 1,200 guests, with the full portfolio of 16 function rooms handling events from intimate board-room dinners to grand receptions. Wedding packages include a stage and dance floor, tables and chairs, china and glassware, linens, a champagne toast for the head table, and a dedicated catering sales manager. The hotel's culinary team handles all food and beverage in-house, with plated and buffet dinner programs, hors d'oeuvres, and bar service tiers available. Guest room blocks — courtesy (up to 15 rooms) or guaranteed (16 or more) — give out-of-town guests convenient access to the celebration without leaving the building.

• Spaces for 250 Guests

Timberline Campground operates two family-friendly campgrounds in Iowa — Timberline West in Waukee and Timberline East in Newton — offering year-round outdoor gatherings under the banner of "country camping with city convenience." The Waukee location sits along Interstate 80 on the outskirts of the Des Moines metro, with retail and dining close by; the Newton location features wooded campsites near Iowa Speedway and Adventureland Amusement Park. Both locations are equipped for group stays and celebrations, with amenities including a swimming pool, stocked fishing pond, campfire areas, jump pad, and playground. Timberline hosts themed weekend events throughout the year and welcomes groups looking to book multiple accommodations — from cabins to glamping units — for family reunions, milestone gatherings, and outdoor getaways.

• Spaces for 500 Guests

Water Works Park is a nearly 1,500-acre public park and event venue in Des Moines, Iowa, operated by Des Moines Water Works along the Raccoon River near Gray's Lake. The park's grounds feature the Charles Sing Denman Memorial Fountain — a geyser-style fountain set within a formal garden — and the adjacent South Garden Gazebo, both available for outdoor wedding ceremonies from Memorial Day weekend through early October. A covered south shelter is available for picnic receptions and gatherings, with electricity, water, and picnic tables on site. The park also connects to an extensive trail network and hosts an equestrian area, fishing ponds, and open fields suited to a range of outdoor events. Amplified sound is permitted with a City of Des Moines sound permit, and alcoholic beverages are limited to beer and wine.

• Spaces for 300 Guests

• Spaces for 150-250 Guests
• 1 Hotel
• 1 Meeting Space

Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport is a full-service hotel located minutes from Des Moines International Airport, offering convenient access for both overnight guests and event attendees. The hotel provides complimentary airport shuttle service, making it an accessible choice for groups traveling from out of town. The property features over 4,000 square feet of flexible meeting and banquet space across four rooms, accommodating up to 250 guests for conference-style events or 150 for banquets. In-house catering and AV capabilities support a range of gatherings — from corporate meetings and seminars to private celebrations and receptions. Guests and event attendees have access to a heated indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and complimentary continental breakfast, rounding out the stay-and-celebrate experience.

• Spaces for 70-1,000 Guests
• 1 Bar
• 1 Outdoor
• 3 Event Spaces

Principal Park is a 11,500-seat professional baseball stadium in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, home of the Iowa Cubs — the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Opened in 1992 and renamed Principal Park in 2004 following a naming rights agreement with Principal Financial Group, the ballpark sits at the confluence of the Des Moines River and the Raccoon River, offering views of both the skyline and the surrounding waterways. The park's event programming spans game-day group packages and non-game-day private rentals across several distinct spaces. The climate-controlled Left Field Lounge accommodates groups of up to 70 and includes a full bar, audio and visual capabilities, and views of Sec Taylor Field. The Mezzanine, on the second level behind home plate, hosts groups of up to 1,000 with panoramic views of the city and the field. The CKF Left Field Landing, situated above the home bullpen, serves as an exclusive picnic area for groups of up to 125. The venue's catering team customizes packages for reunions, receptions, graduation parties, holiday events, business meetings, and staff retreats. Ample parking and a convenient downtown location make Principal Park easily accessible for guests arriving from across the Des Moines metro.

• Spaces for 10-700 Guests
• 5 Meeting Spaces
• 5 Convention Centers

The FFA Enrichment Center is a multipurpose conference and event venue adjoining the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Ankeny Campus in Ankeny, Iowa. The 60,000-square-foot facility opened in 2010 and was built through a collaboration of agricultural and civic partners to support educational programs, leadership development, and community events. The center offers 17 multi-purpose rooms across a range of sizes, from intimate boardroom-style spaces to large conference halls accommodating up to 700 guests in a theatre layout. The John Deere Exhibition Hall — a two-story atrium-style space — anchors the facility and hosts trade shows, receptions, and registration areas. Two large conference rooms can be used individually for up to 240 banquet-style guests each, or combined to seat 480 for larger galas, conferences, and fundraisers. All event spaces come equipped with ceiling-mounted projectors, projection screens, integrated sound systems, and on-site technical support. A catering kitchen and preferred catering partners support on-site food and beverage service. The facility hosts approximately 400 corporate meetings and events annually alongside weddings, holiday parties, and nonprofit galas.

• Spaces for 240-300 Guests
• 1 Event Space

The Euclid Room is an event space operated by Hy-Vee at 2540 East Euclid Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa. Designed as a blank canvas with neutral tones and an open floor plan, the space accommodates up to 240 seated or 300 standing guests and can be configured to suit a wide range of celebrations — from wedding receptions and ceremonies to corporate conferences and birthday parties. Hy-Vee provides all catering, food, and beverage services for events held in the room, giving planners access to full-service support in one place. Tables and chairs are included with rental, and a large parking lot with valet service is available for guests. Events can be reserved by contacting the Hy-Vee catering department directly.

• Spaces for 270 Guests

• Spaces for 400 Guests

• Spaces for 200 Guests

Voas Nature Area is a 705-acre public nature area and education center operated by Dallas County Conservation, located near Minburn, Iowa. The property encompasses oak and hickory forest, tallgrass prairie, and wetland complex, with over five miles of mowed trails suited to hiking and cross-country skiing in all seasons. The grounds include a seasonal observation deck and picnic tables, making the area available for permitted special events through the Dallas County Conservation Board. The on-site Voas Nature Area Museum — open by appointment — houses a collection of rocks, minerals, fossils, and stone tools that trace the natural and cultural history of Iowa, from prehistoric habitats to the Henry Voas family farm that first settled the land in 1863. Event use of the property requires a permit; the Conservation Board office coordinates reservations and can provide pricing details.