How did the ghost get hurt while golfing? He fell on his boo-tee. Brace yourself for the punniest dad jokes told by costumed kiddos looking to score a coveted full-size candy bar on Halloween. Here’s a round-up of all the frightfully fun Halloween events going on in Greater Des Moines. 

This year, trick or treating in the Des Moines metro will take place on Saturday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. for every suburb. 

Community Halloween Events & Trick-or-Treating 

Looking for other chances to have the kids workshop their jokes and get another use out of that costume? Take a look at these community trick or treat and Halloween events!  

Water Works Pumpkins After Dark
Happening all month long, enjoy the illuminated splendor of over 10,000 jack-o-lanterns lighting your way through Water Works Park. Opening each weekend after dusk, you won’t want to miss this Halloween-themed spectacle. Learn more here.

Spirits in the Gardens
Reiman Gardens becomes even more of a hauntingly good time this Halloween with volunteer-carved jack-o-lanterns along the garden paths. Along with fun visuals and spooky, yet sweet exhibits, families can enjoy activities and start a new tradition this season. Learn more here. 

Junie B. Jones in Boo...And I Mean It
Beloved character, Junie B. Jones, learns how to overcome her fears of Halloween and embrace the fun of the holiday in this production by the Des Moines Community Playhouse. This show runs Fridays-Sundays from October 16-November 1. Learn more here. 

Haunt on the Hill
Held where the National Balloon Classic takes place in Indianola, Haunt on the Hill is a Halloween festival taking place every Friday & Saturday from October 16-31. Get lost in a hay maze, do mini golf, walk a trail of haunted and Halloween-themed fun, play arcade games, and more. Learn more here.

Halloween Drag Brunch Bingo
It’s a spoooky drag brunch at Big Grove on October 18! This fabulous brunch will feature wickedly cool performances, food and drinks, and of course, bingo. Reserve a table for your group (or coven) and get ready for a hauntingly good time. Learn more here. 

Halloween Movies on Big Grove Brewery’s Patio
From 8:30-10 p.m., settle in for a movie on the patio starring “Hocus Pocus”. Grab some grub and order your favorite craft brew or bite; no reservations required. From soonest to late, be sure to check out these flicks throughout the month of October: Practical Magic, The Adams Family, Hocus Pocus, and The Goonies. Learn more here.

Family Halloween at Living History Farms
Trick or treat your way through the storefronts of the 1876 town of Walnut Hill! Living History Farms is hosting a family Halloween weekend October 23-25 with storytelling, silly fortunes, games and crafts, and a twilight horse drawn carriage ride. Get your tickets and learn more here. 

Eerie Evenings at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Explore the botanical garden in a way you never have before, after dark and under the immersive lighting and decor of Halloween. The BOOtanical garden comes to life in the evenings October 23, 25, 27, 29, & 31. Learn more and get your tickets here.

Trunk or Treat at Spare Time
Spooktacular themed trunks will fill the parking lot of Spare Time in West Des Moines on October 24, with trunk or treating to be had from 10 a.m.-1p.m. Meet Benny the Pin, wear your costume, and even receive game coupons for more family fun. Learn more here. 

Trick or Treat with Your Pup at Paws & Pints
On Sunday, October 25, treat your pup to their own Halloween at Paws & Pints. All afternoon, dogs and their owners can take part in contests, a photobooth, and free day passes for your costumes. Learn more here. 

Trick & Treat at ARL Iowa
Support our local Animal Rescue League with a four-legged friendly Trick or Treat event on October 25. Bring your pup for treats, games, prizes, and activities — bonus points if they’re in costume (and if they don’t have one yet, check out the Animal House Store at the ARL!). Learn more here. 

Spooky Science at Science Center of Iowa
On October 31, the Science Center of Iowa is celebrating Halloween all day long with spooky, science-y fun. Get in your costume, enjoy hair-raising experiments, meet creepy crawlies, and participate in some fun programming. Learn more here.

Trick or Trees at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Not into the scary stuff? No problem! Take part in “Trick or Trees”, a day of non-scary and totally fun trick or treating (with a side of plants) at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden on October 31. Enjoy acrobatics, face painting, fall-favorite foods, shows, and other activities. Learn more here. 

Tunnel of Terror
Tommy’s Express Car Wash in West Des Moines is transforming into a “tunnel of terror” with spooky surprises, live role players, and of course some “killer” decor. Designed to be enjoyed inside the comfort of your own vehicle, you can drive through October 23 & 24 and October 30 & 31 from 7-9 p.m. Learn more and get your tickets here.

Other Spooky Events in Des Moines 

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween, even as an adult. Check out all the other spooky events happening for those who are just a little bit older. 

Ballet Des Moines: Ghost Stories
Watch as elite ballet dancers of Ballet Des Moines bring the works of Edgar Allen Poe to life on the stage of Hoyt Sherman Place. On October 23, this performance will also feature narration by Des Moines local Billy Weathers and live music from the Belin Quartet. Get tickets and learn more here. 

FrightCrawl Des Moines 
This Halloween bar crawl is making its way all around downtown Des Moines. Register for all, one, or two events; FrightCrawl Thursday Night, FrightCrawl Day Crawl, or the Official Halloween FrightCrawl.With so many options to choose from, you can find or create new costumes to wear for each one. Grab your friends, get your tickets, and learn more here.

Boos & Brews at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
This annual event transforms the Botanical Garden into a spooky conservatory filled with local brewery and cidery samples, wood-fired pizzas from Flora, live music, glam body art, and so much more. Get your tickets for this event on October 30. Learn more here. 

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
For those who are looking for a more refined way to celebrate Halloween, check out “A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics”, where you’ll listen to the most notable pieces that bring Halloween characters and stories to life on October 30. Learn more here. 

The Halloween Bar Crawl: Starting at Hessen Haus
Need one more chance to celebrate Halloween at the bars? Crawl With Us is hosting a Halloween night crawl among select Court Ave District bars, starting at Hessen Haus. Enjoy drink and food specials, meet new people, and party all night long. Learn more here. 

Costume Party at Wicked Heights
The Republic on Grand is closing out their Halloween pop-up, “Wicked Heights”, with a bang! Come dressed in your best for a costume party happening all night long on October 31 with spooky cocktails, festive decor, and a DJ to keep the vibes up. Learn more here. 

(Psst.... don’t forget to check out our guides to Haunted Houses and Halloween-Themed Pop-Up Bars around Greater Des Moines!)