Trick-or-treat in historic Walnut Hill, October 17-19 and October 24-26, at Living History Farms.
Enjoy Halloween in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill—trick-or-treating and so much more! Watch historic trades like blacksmithing and letterpress printing. Concoct potions in the Drug Store, hear stories, have your fortune told, make crafts, and play games. And don’t forget a twilight ride in a horse-drawn wagon before you leave! Find more details here.
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For Halloween-themed events happening in the metro, check out our haunted houses guide and Halloween events guide.
Things to Do in Des Moines October 2025
October 1 | Sips & Sweets, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Sips & Sweets is a ‘taste’ of their upcoming annual gala fundraiser Champagne & Chocolate. Enjoy a bubbly beverage as you stroll and vote for your favorite of three Chocolaterie Stam sweets to be the signature chocolate for the November event. Ages 21+
October 3-4 | Windsor Heights Fall Festival, Colby Park
This exciting community event is packed with fun for everyone, featuring bounce houses, the WHAMM 5K, a lively parade, spectacular fireworks, a petting zoo, live music, a silent disco, and so much more! Bring your friends and family to celebrate the season with us and make lasting memories in Windsor Heights.
October 4 | Pumpkin & Pints Harvest Market, Uptown Ankeny Farmers Market
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Enjoy an evening farmers market at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion, where you’ll find a good number of our regular-season vendors, you can shop pumpkins from Ankeny Area Historical Society, and Uptown Garage Brewing Co. will be on site with seasonal beer, cider, and more.
October 4 | Princess in the Park, Lion’s Centennial Shelter in Urbandale
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Come to the park and have a tea party with your special adult! We will provide lemonade (tea), cookies, and a craft for everyone to do with their favorite princess! Bring a camera along to take pictures with, and feel free to dress up like your favorite character as well.
October 4 | Wauktoberfest, Waukee Downtown Triangle
3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Prepare to raise your steins, polka the night away, and rock out to your heart’s content at Wauktoberfest. Local amazing bands are all set to make this Oktoberfest celebration a memory you’ll cherish forever.
October 4 | Harvest & Handmade, Water Works Park
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This family-friendly event is a treasure trove of vintage and handmade vendors, emerging artists, live entertainment, a pumpkin patch, chicken bingo, kids’ activities, food trucks, Des Moines Biergarten, and more.
October 4 | Spooky Sprint – Des Moines, Big Creek State Park
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
The Spooky Sprint – Des Moines, hosted by Bodies Race Company, returns with a festive 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon guaranteed to get hearts racing; and not just from running. Costumes, sneakers, and smiles. Bring it all to Des Moines’ favorite Halloween tradition. Whether you run, walk, or cheer, you’ll leave with memories, a medal, and a heart full of community spirit.
October 5 | Jonas Brothers, Casey’s Center
7:30 p.m.
Jonas Brothers are headed to Des Moines with their “JONAS20 Greetings From Your Hometown” tour – a powerful, full-circle celebration of their 20-year journey from performing in malls to headlining the biggest stadiums in the world.
October 5 | Beautiful Land Pop-Up Market, Fareway Ames
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
A carefully curated market featuring over 70 local makers, vintage collectors, food trucks, and live music in the heart of Ames.
October 10-12 | Spirits in the Garden, Reiman Gardens
Featuring more than 1,000 Jack-O-Lanterns hand-carved by volunteers, Spirits in the Gardens has become a central Iowa tradition for Halloween family fun. It’s also great for date nights and fun with friends, so come in costume and have a spooky good time! Tickets must be purchased online.
October 11 | Fall Festival & Candy Crawl, Grimes South Sports Complex
The festival will be packed with fun activities and booths for kids of all ages, including the Candy Crawl. There will be food trucks, local vendors, games, bouncy houses and much more. Costumes are highly encouraged!
October 11 | The Goonies in Concert, Des Moines Civic Center
3:30 p.m.
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of this timeless adventure when the Des Moines Symphony brings Dave Grusin’s iconic score to life while the movie plays on the big screen. And remember… Goonies never say die!
October 11-12 | Kids Pumpkin Painting, The Haunting at Exile
Get creative this spooky season! Kids (and kids at heart) can decorate their very own mini pumpkin during The Haunting at Exile. Make your reservations! Pumpkins will be available for $5 on a first-come, first-serve basis.
October 14-18 | Take2 Consignment Sale, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Knapp Animal Learning Center
Don’t miss this seasonal consignment sale of gently used and new children’s clothing, shoes, sporting goods, and toys.
October 15 | The Night Before Christmas, Doe a Deer
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Join them for their big HOLIDAY reveal before they open up to the public. This is a TICKETED EVENT with 2 time slots (4:30-6 & 6:30-8). Tickets are $25.
October 16-19, 23-26 | Night Eyes, Blank Park Zoo
Roam through life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, enchanted lighted displays, a merry-not-scary treat safari, and enjoy live entertainment and games.
October 17-19; 24-26 | Family Halloween, Living History Farms
Enjoy a fun trick-or-treating experience through the historic businesses in Living History Farms’ 1876 town of Walnut Hill. Hear enchanting stories, get a silly fortune told, enjoy live demonstrations, crafts, games, and a twilight horse-drawn wagon ride.
October 17 | Des Moines Community Baby Shower, Junior Ballroom at the EMC Expo Center
4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Count the Kicks is hosting this FREE event to shower expecting families with joy, pampering, baby essentials and vital pregnancy information. The evening will include exciting giveaways like strollers, a suite of nursery furniture from Homemakers, nursing pillows, bassinets, play gyms and more! Attendees can also enjoy food and drinks, health screenings, educational sessions and much more.
October 18 – 19 | DMLS – Gem, Jewelry, Mineral & Fossil Show, Iowa State Fair Elwell Family Food Center
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This event is family-friendly, with children’s activities, speakers, demonstrations, displays, and much more to see. 20+ Vendors from across the United States.
October 19| Labubu Canvas Class, Kids Create
12 p.m.
Calling all Labubu Fans! This class is for you! Participants will create a cute or spooky Halloween themed Labubu canvas painting, enjoy snacks, listen to good tunes, and hang out with other monster enthusiasts. Registration required. Kids in grades 3rd – 7th grade.
October 19-22 | The Great Pumpkin Party, Valley Church
Wear your family-friendly costumes and enjoy giant inflatables, barrel train rides, carnival games, free popcorn, and more! Join in on all sorts of free fun at Valley Church, the Valley Community Center, and our outdoor areas.
October 21 | Final Act Ensemble: Fright Night, Des Moines Playhouse
Start the evening with a thrilling, fright when a young lady out for an evening stroll with her boyfriend falls witness to some spooky circumstances as the full moon rises. Next comes the classic tale of “The Monkey’s Paw” and the warning to be careful what you wish for. To end, follow “The Frumples” as they search to find a lost little boy and end up finding more than they bargained for. The show features spooky, live sound effects and music, along with some truly monstrous commercials!
October 24 | Nature Center After Dark-Halloween, Jester Park Nature Center
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Visit the Jester Park Nature Center after dark! The time will include storytelling, crafts, open Nature Center exhibits, and a short program on the theme of the night. This October, feel free to come in costume.
October 25 | Trick or Trees, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join Halloween weekend at the Greater Des Moines BOOtanical Garden for Trick or Trees and celebrate the spooky side of plants! Explore and enjoy festive entertainment, educational activities, and fall-favorite foods throughout the garden at this family-friendly event. Bring costumes and curiosity for a full day of fun at the BOOtanical Garden!
October 25 | Trick or Treat Night at the Outlets of Des Moines
5 pm to 7 pm
Children 12 and under can visit participating retailers marked with orange bows on their outside door handle for treats (while supplies last, first come first served).
October 25 – 26 | Des Moines Comic & Toy Show, Merle Hay Mall
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
It’s a pop culture celebration at Merle Hay Mall! This free event will take over the mall and include ONE HUNDRED vendor/artist spots. Get ready to walk the mall to see all the cards, games, comics, pops, posters, action figures, art, and more! Multiple buyers/appraisers on site.
October 28 – 30 | Cauldron Succulent Plant Drop In, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Embrace the spooky season with the Cauldron Succulent Drop In activity! In this self guided activity, you’ll have the opportunity to plant a vining succulent in a mini cauldron. This activity is perfect for plant lovers and Halloween enthusiasts alike! No registration needed. Ages 10+. $10 per adult participant.
Ongoing Events in Des Moines
Tuesday & Thursdays | Toddler Time, Get Air
10 a.m.
Little jumpers get special access to the trampolines on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Admission is $8.99 (free for a parent). It’s a great way to burn some winter energy!
Thursdays | Caterpillar Club, Reiman Gardens in Ames
Get outside and have some fun with a weekly storytime at Reiman Gardens. This program is designed for kids ages 2-5 with an adult. Program is included with general admission to Reiman Gardens.
Thursdays | Tot Town, Valley Community Center
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Bring the little ones out to play at the Valley Community Center. This event is free.
2nd Monday of the Month | Storytime with Ruby the Reading Red Panda, Blank Park Zoo
11 a.m.
Each month they read a story and you get to meet a special live ambassador animal from the Zoo’s education department.
1st Thursday of the Month | Toddler Tales, Jester Park Nature Center
Let your imagination run wild with this nature-themed story time. Hear a story followed by the naturalist’s choice of an activity such as an animal encounter, puppets, or a craft. This event is designed for ages 3 and up.
Once a Month on Wednesdays | Knee-High Naturalists, Jester Park Nature Center
Are you ready to get outside and explore? Come and hear a story followed by some outdoor fun! As naturalists, you will hike, investigate, and navigate the trails and grounds of Jester Park as you learn what makes the outdoors such an amazing place. Dress to be outside. Cost is free; registration is required.
Send us an email if we missed anything, and we’ll add your event to the list.
We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
Love, all the information.