Check out this list of events happening in the Des Moines area this weekend, October 24-26. 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.
Photo by Britt Fowler on Unsplash
Friday, October 24
“Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Collaborations” Exhibition Opening at the Des Moines Art Center
- Friday, October 24, 5 – 7 p.m.
- Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
This Friday, the Des Moines Art Center is hosting the opening celebration of “Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Collaborations” in the Anna K. Meredith Gallery! “Gather to view the art and enjoy this free community event. Manuel Álvarez Bravo is sometimes called the father of Mexican photography, but he did not reach the heights of his field on his own. He achieved his place in history through conversations and connections with some of the greatest minds of the 20th century in Mexico and abroad. With over 100 photographs and ephemera, this exhibition illustrates that working with others was a central part of the artist’s creative process.”
Puppy Pumpkin Patch at Paws & Pints
- Friday, October 24, 5 – 7 p.m.
- Paws and Pints, 6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Nature Center After Dark at Jester Park
- Friday, October 24, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
- Jester Park Nature Center, 12130 NW 128th St, Granger, IA 50109
Boos & Brews at the Des Moines BOOtanical Garden
- Friday, October 24, 7 – 10 p.m.
- Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
The Botanical Garden will transform into the BOOtanical Garden this Friday! All 21+ garden-goers are encouraged to dress up to sample seasonal brews, enjoy live entertainment, and stroll through the gardens. Limited tickets remain, so get them while they last!
Saturday, October 25
LAST 2025 Downtown Farmers Market
- Saturday, October 25, 8 a.m. – Noon
- Des Moines’ Historic Court District
It is the last weekend of the 2025 Market season! Enjoy the 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’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.
- Saturday, October 25, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Des Moines Botanical Garden, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
The Des Moines Botanical Garden has spooky fun for the whole family at Trick or Trees! Enjoy festive entertainment, educational activities, and costumed fun for a full day at the BOOtanical Garden. Check out the full schedule complete with face painting, balloon animals, magic shows, acrobatic exhibitions, and pumpkin carving!
- Saturday, October 25, Noon – 5 p.m.
- Horizon Event Center, 2100 NW 100th St, Clive, IA 50325
It’s back! The Annual Des Moines Whiskey Festival is back for an eighth year at the Horizon Events Center. The grand tasting begins at noon (with VIP early entry at 11 a.m.), and the entire day will feature live music, food, axe throwing, demos, cigars, and whiskey (of course)!.
- Saturday, October 25, 12:30 p.m.
- Greenwood Park, 4500 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
All of our directionally challenged Des Moines Girlies (this contributor included…) are invited to sign up to complete this year’s Great Pumpkin Hunt by navigating GPS! Enjoy the fall foliage of Greenwood park while learning how to use GPS to uncover hidden treasures and the great pumpkin prize. Registration is $10 for this family-friendly event.
- Saturday, October 25, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
- Iowa Food Cooperative, 4938 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310
Mushrooms are all the rage! From dietary health benefits, homeopathic uses, or replacing the rising cost of meat, there is so much to learn about these fun fungi! In this class, Farmer Aaron Johnson of Joygrow will teach you how to properly prepare mushrooms and why they are the new food trend. Snacks and refreshments provided, and mushrooms available for purchase! $10 registration required.
- Saturday, October 25, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
- Shelf Love DSM, 2326 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Shelf Love DSM is the newest bookstore on the block. If you haven’t checked out the romance bookstore in the Drake Neighborhood, this Halloween party is the perfect opportunity! Hang out for Halloween fun during extended evening hours complete with tarot, treats, and more! Costumes encouraged 🙂
- Saturday, October 25, 9 p.m.
- Wooly’s, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Embrace your inner and outer emo at Emo Nite! Pull together your best emo fit or Halloween costume and get your tickets for a night full of your favorite emo hits. Doors open at 8 p.m. for the 9 p.m. event.
- Saturday, October 25, 10 p.m.
- The Garden DSM, 525 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Sunday, October 26
Jigsaw Puzzle Swap at The Rook Room
- Sunday, October 26, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- The Rook Room, 300 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Trick or Treat at Iowa Arboretum and Gardens
- Sunday, October 26, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Iowa Arboretum and Gardens, 1875 Peach Ave, Madrid, IA 50156
“Costumed revelers of all ages and abilities travel the paved accessible trail at Treehouse Village collecting treats along the way! Halloween Scavenger Hunt, coloring contest, and more. Family friendly fun!” Participation for this event is included in regular admission.
Pumpkin Walk in the Historic Valley Junction
- Sunday, October 26, 2 – 5 p.m.
- Historic Valley Junction, 137 5th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Celebrate Halloween in the Historical Valley Junction! Grab your gal pals, family, or fly solo for an afternoon of trick-or-treating, hay rides, magic shows, Halloween activities, and live music. Plus, pick up FREE pumpkins while supplies last!
Paint & Sip at Brightside Aleworks
- Sunday, October 26, 2 – 5 p.m.
- Brightside Aleworks, 480 Center Place, Altoona, IA 50009
Join Painting With a Twist at Brightside Aleworks for an afternoon of painting, sipping, and fun! Class is $44, which includes two hours of instruction to paint “Harvest Moon,” all supplies, and a canvas that is yours to keep! While you are welcome to bring your own snacks, wine and apps will be available for purchase.
DSMG EVENT: NEXT TUESDAY
FREE Viewing Party: Dancing With The Stars Halloween Night
- Tuesday, October 28, 6:30 p.m. (Show begins at 7 p.m.)
- Locust Experience Center 1408 Locust Street, Suite 102, Des Moines, IA 50309
We had such a blast with our Love Island USA watch parties this summer that we’re bringing the fun back! Are we too young or too old to be obsessed with Dancing With The Stars? Who cares—we’re tuning in together for the “Halloween Night” episode!
Community Choice is hosting the party with plenty of snacks and drinks, plus a special giveaway: two tickets to the Dancing With The Stars Live Tour at Stephens Auditorium in Ames on February 26!
FREE RSVP REQUIRED! Click the link below to save your spot. We only have room for 75.
