Events
Join us for an exciting lineup of annual events that bring our community together! Dive into summer with our Neighborhood Swim Party in July, and strengthen community bonds during National Night Out in August. Plus, the SW 9th Street Party, the spooktacular Trunk or Treat, and the festive Holiday Lights Contest. There’s something for everyone, so mark your calendars and get ready for unforgettable memories!
October 25, 2026 | 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd- 3820 SW 9th St.
Get ready for some fall fun with your neighbors! Bring the whole family for a FREE neighborhood celebration filled with games, sweet treats, delicious hot dogs, and gooey campfire s’mores.
Hosted by Cub Scout Pack 22, Boy Scout Troop 40, and local neighborhood associations, this is the perfect chance to meet your neighbors, make some memories, and enjoy a little spooky-season fun!
👻 Bring your family
🍬 Bring your treat bag
🎯 Come ready to play, snack, and have fun!
Parking lot entrance off Maish Avenue. It’s FREE, it’s fun, and everyone’s welcome! We can’t wait to see you there!
WHNA Trunk or Treat
Oct. 28, 2026 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Park Ave. Christian Church- 3219 SW 9th St.
Get ready for a spooktacular time! Join us for a fun-filled Trunk or Treat where the parking lot transforms into a Halloween wonderland filled with creatively decorated trunks, loads of candy, and plenty of family-friendly fun!
🍭 Candy Galore: Visit festive, themed trunks and fill your treat bags with goodies!
🚗 Creative Trunks: Check out the amazing Halloween decorations created by church members and community volunteers.
👻 Costumes Encouraged: Dress up as your favorite superhero, princess, spooky creature, or anything your imagination dreams up!
🎉 Family Fun: Enjoy a safe, welcoming trick-or-treating experience with activities for kids and youth.
Bring the whole family, invite your friends, and come make some sweet Halloween memories with us!
🕷️ Costumes on, treat bags ready, and let the Halloween fun begin! 🎃🍬
WHNA Neighbors Meeting: Cocoa & Cookies
Park Avenue Christian Church Fellowship Hall
Dec. 14, 2026 | 6 - 8 p.m.
The holidays are sweeter when you share them with neighbors!
Join the Watrous Heights Neighborhood Association for a cozy holiday meeting filled with warm cocoa, delicious cookies, and good company.
Take a break from the holiday hustle, catch up with familiar faces, meet new neighbors, and enjoy a little festive cheer with our neighborhood community.
Whether you come for the treats, the conversation, or the holiday spirit, we’d love to see you there!
SW 9th Street Party
Sept. 20, 2026 | 12 - 4 p.m.
Come celebrate community at the SW 9th Street Party in Des Moines! This annual neighborhood event brings residents together for an afternoon of fun, food, music, and connection along one of Des Moines’ most vibrant corridors.
It’s a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, enjoy local businesses and activities, and celebrate the people and community that make the SW 9th Street area special. Bring the family, invite a neighbor, and come enjoy the festivities!
National Night Out
August 4, 2026 | 5-7 p.m.
Park Avenue Elementary
Join us for an evening of fun, food, and community connection!
This annual event is all about bringing neighborhoods together and strengthening the bond between residents and local law enforcement. It’s a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, chat with police and first responders, and enjoy a night full of family-friendly activities!
What to Expect:
-
Free food & drinks
-
Games & activities for kids
-
Information from various city, county and community organizations
-
Meet & greet with local police & fire departments
Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time resident, National Night Out is a perfect way to connect, share, and show our community pride.
Let’s light up the night together—stronger neighborhoods start with YOU.
Neighborhood Pool Party
July 18, 2026 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Nahas Aquatic Center
Get your swim gear ready for an evening of family-friendly fun in the sun and community! Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with your neighbors and cool off in the pool.
See you there!
Holiday Lights Contest
December 15, 2026
It’s time for the 8th Annual Watrous Heights Neighborhood Association Holiday Lighting Contest!
Deck the halls, light up your home, and show off your holiday spirit for a chance to win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in one of three categories:
-
🎅 Traditional Christmas – Capture the nostalgia of the season.
-
🎈 Crazy Inflatables – Go big with your favorite inflatables.
-
💡 Clark Griswold – The more lights, the merrier!
Prizes: 1st: $125 | 2nd: $100 | 3rd: $75
Plus, non-winning entries will be entered into a drawing for a smaller prize! You must live within the Watrous Heights Neighborhood Association boundaries to participate.
Let’s make Watrous Heights festive and bright this holiday season! 🎄✨