Happy Hallo-weekend! Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, October 27 – October 29. We’ve curated the ones that we found most interesting and listed them here for you.
Disclaimer: Events are subject to change or sell out. Please contact the businesses directly to confirm availability via the links below.
Featured image used with permission from Matthew von Schenkel of Hidden DSM – a photographer to follow!
Friday, October 27
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Friday, October 27, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Pulse Dance Fitness Studio, 6920 EP True Pkwy Suite 115, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Strap up those heels (or sneakers), slip on your Halloween costume and get ready for a night of “wicked” entertainment at Pulse Dance Fitness. For those who have dreamed of being sultry dancers, dancer & choreographer Audrey Smithson, will work with you in learning a full choreographed dance to “Maneater” by Nelly Furtado. All are welcome, so come solo or bring friends while you join a fun community of aspiring dancers and sip on purple potions.
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Sunday, October 22 – Tuesday, October 31st, times vary
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
It’s Hallow-WEEK at Wooly’s, and they’re bringing you live music almost every single night leading up to Halloween. No worries if you missed the first half of the week, because there is so much more in store. Check out Magnolia Park, Haarper or Chelsea Gin X Suicide Silence for some crazy cool music talent- OR take this opportunity to check out a classic Wooly’s event, “Emo Nite”, channeling your inner emo.
- Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28, 7 p.m. – midnight
- Creme, 543 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50312
We couldn’t love Midnight Munchies more. So excited to see this late night dessert bar option with great sweets and drinks perfect for a date or date with yourself night. We also love Creme in the daytime for a quick break, loading up on local sweets, or sending some quick emails.
- Friday, October 27 & Sunday, October 28, 7 p.m.
- Up-Down, 500 E. Locust St Des Moines, IA 50309
Join your fav arcade bar for a 2-night Halloween Weekend Party! Up-Down is getting all decked out for this holiday, offering blood bag cocktails, photobooth and costume costume- you can enjoy their classic arcade games with some haunting vibes. Whether you’re looking to bar crawl downtown DSM or East Village this weekend, make sure Up-Down is a stop on your list!
- Wednesday, October 125 – Sunday, October 29, Noon – 9 p.m.
- Water Works Park, 2251 George Flagg Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50321
Did you know Des Moines has a seasonal outdoor beer garden? It’s open Wednesday through Sunday, all through the Fall season. Willkommen im Des Moines Biergarten! Set among the mature trees of Water Works Park, Des Moines Biergarten is a family-friendly popup German-themed beer garden offering steins of beer and German inspired eats.
- Friday, October 27 – Sunday, October 29, park opens at 6:30 p.m. – last admission at 10:30 p.m.
- Sleepy Hollow Scream Park, 4051 Dean Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50317
Challenge yourself to face your fears in Sleepy Hollow’s Scream Park! Open every weekend in October, the scream park is the best way to truly have a spooky experience. With multiple themed haunted “houses”, scary attractions, and so much more- bring your friends for an unforgettable night! (Pro tip: book your tickets ahead of time! It’s not uncommon for nights to sell out quickly, so make sure you grab your spot)
- Friday, October 27, 7 p.m. or Saturday, October 28 & Sunday, October 29, 2:00 p.m. & 7 p.m.
- Des Moines Performing Arts Center, Temple Theater, 1011 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Whether you know the story or not, this Ballet Des Moines performance is one you won’t want to miss! Watch as dancers unfold the classic, haunting tale of Jekyll & Hyde through a story of both good and evil. Support the local performing arts groups in Des Moines and check out this performance, with showtimes available all weekend.
Saturday, October 28
Downtown Farmers’ Market
Source: Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Saturday, October 28, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
LAST CHANCE to get a taste of the DSM Farmer’s Market! The Downtown Farmers’ Market is an open-air street market located in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Vendors will be set up outdoors on Court Avenue and adjacent side streets. It feels especially huge since it was limited to the pandemic and it’s back to full size. It’s one of the best in the country! Don’t miss it this summer to see some of our absolute favorite small business owners from around the metro.
Gabriel House Sessions: Wicked Art
- Saturday, October 28, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Historical Gabriel Mansion, 1701 Penn Ave., Des Moines, IA 50316
Makers, Bakers & Boos Halloween Market
- Peace Tree Brewing, 317 E Court Ave Des Moines, IA 50309
This not-so-spooky event is the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit, supporting local “makers and bakers” from all around the Des Moines metro in this pop-up market! Browse through seasonal decor, enjoy sweet treats, and order a pint or two from the bar at Peace Tree.
Storyhouse Book Pub Halloween Party
- Saturday, October 28, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Storyhouse Book Pub, 505 E Grand Ave Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Halloween After-Dark Party at Smash Park
- Smash Park, 6625 Coachlight Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50266
“Step into the shadows” with Smash Park’s After Dark Halloween Party! This event will boast a happy hour full of drink specials and perhaps some spooky cocktails, a costume contest, and of course access to all those Smash Park favs like pickelball, arcade games and more. Best part? Admission is FREE!
Skate South: Halloween Adult Skate Night
- Saturday, October 29, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
- Skate South, 10494 Country Line Road, Des Moines, IA 50320
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Macrame Class at Pots & Shots with Macrame by Jess
- Sunday, October 29, 12:30 p.m.
- Pots & Shots, 9500 University Avenue, West Des Moines, 50266 Suite 1101
MacrameXJess has partnered with us to offer these exclusive classes! Design your own one-of-a-kind macrame plant hanger using cream colored cord to fashion a beautiful well/pocket macrame hanger on 6in metal ring – complimentary 4in terra cotta pot and saucer included. Participants will enjoy 15% off all retail purchases on event day – not applicable in cocktail lounge. Tickets are limited to 15 participants.
Sunday Scaries Drag Brunch
“Come cure your Sunday Scaries the best way: with the QUEENS”. Serv’d Events and Willow on Grand are teaming up to bring you a spook-taculor drag brunch with your admission getting you access to elite drag entertainment and your brunch, with a full bar of Halloween cocktails available for purchase. Costumes are not required, but they’re highly-encouraged to truly get into the spirit. (Pro tip: make sure you’re strapped with cash to tip your queens!)
Trick or Treating at Paws & Pints
Is your pup all dressed up and ready for Halloween? Take them trick or treating at Paws & Pints! This free event is open to dogs both in and out of costume, their owners, or anyone else who is a pet-loving Halloween-enjoying person! Check out their on-site Haunted Dog House for fun activities, live music, costume contest, spooky egg hunt, and even pop-up mini photo sessions by Arf & Wag Studio perfect to capture your dog and their costume.
Valley Junction Pumpkin Walk
Start your trick or treating early with the Valley Junction Pumpkin Walk! Enjoy various vendors for food and drinks, as well as the classic Valley Junction shops who are open to the public during this event. For the kids in your life, there are activities lined up and down the streets, as well as hay rides and a live performance by the Betty Hill Dancers for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to snag your free pumpkin while you’re there (while supplies lasts)!
Boos & Brews 5k Fun Run
Join the Iowa Brewery Running Series for this weekend’s Halloween-themed 5k Fun Run over at Backpocket! Your admission includes access to a craft beverage post-run, choice of seasonal swag or collector pint, a chance to win door prizes, and so much more. Proceeds of this fun run will help support local organizations in the community, such as the Johnson Community School District. So help to give back, have fun, and get active this Hallo-weekend!
- Sunday, October 29, 1o a.m.
- Location: Mayalu Coffee, 4226 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
“Do you like to crochet? Do you live in Des Moines area? Do you do some other craft that’s not crochet that you could carry from one place to another? Then join us! Everyone is welcome!”
TUESDAY, October 31: Halloween On The Hill
After a two-year pandemic hiatus, Halloween on the Hill (HOTH) returns as Des Moines’s premier Halloween night event – Tuesday, October 31 from 6:30-8:30 pm. Residents of the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood will be going all out to decorate their homes with spooky scenes while collecting donations for the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry. Here’s a map to check it out.
