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 Beggars’ Night. Here’s a round-up of all the frightfully fun Halloween events going on in Greater Des Moines.

Where and when to Trick or Treat in Greater Des Moines: 

Beggars’ Night (learn the history of this Greater Des Moines-specific ritual here)
Wednesday, October 30, from 6 – 8 p.m. 

  • Altoona

  • Ankeny 

  • Carlisle 

  • Clive 

  • Des Moines

  • Indianola 

  • Johnston 

  • Norwalk 

  • Pleasant Hill 

  • Polk City 

  • Urbandale 

  • Waukee 

  • West Des Moines 

Saturday, October 26, 6 – 8 p.m. 

  • Bondurant
     
  • Windsor Heights

Thursday, October 31, 6 – 8 p.m. 

  • Grimes
     
  • Winterset (5 – 7 p.m.)

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

Trunk or Treat
Local businesses and city officials in Grimes will have their cars and trunks decked out in Halloween décor for Trunk or Treat. Stop by from 2 – 4 p.m. on October 20 at the South Sports Complex. 

Trick-or-Treat on Ingersoll Avenue
Businesses along Ingersoll Avenue in The Avenues will be handing out all treats, no tricks on October 23. Trick or treat from 4 – 5:30 p.m. 

Trick or Treat Around the Lake
Pleasant Hill businesses invite you to Trick or Treat Around the Lake at Copper Creek Lake Park. Wear your favorite costume and fill your candy buckets from 5 – 7 p.m. on October 24. 

Trick or Treat
Shop the Outlets of Des Moines and trick or treat from businesses with orange bows from 5 – 7 p.m. on October 26. From 6 – 8 p.m., there will be a showing of Hotel Transylvania outside near the food pavilion.

Trick and Treat with your Pup
Dress your furry best friend up and head to Paws and Pints for their Trick or Treat with your Pup from Noon – 4 p.m. on October 27. Along with trick or treating for your pup, there will be a costume contest, DJ, photo booth, and a haunted dog house to explore. 

Mall-O-Ween
Valley West Mall is hosting Mall-O-Ween on October 27. Trick or treat from participating stores from 3 – 5 p.m.

There's plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween. Check out all the other spooky events happening in Greater Des Moines!

Family Halloween
Enjoy Halloween activities during Family Halloween at Living History Farms, October 18 – 20 and 25 – 27. Trick or treat at the storefronts in the 1876 town of Walnut Hill, get your fortune told in the Millinery, hear storytellers in the Gothic Church, watch demonstrations, play games, go a horse-drawn wagon ride, and more.  

Night Eyes
It’s a merry-not-so scary Halloween event at Blank Park Zoo, October 17 – 20 and 24 – 26. Wear your best costume and go on a treat safari, see lighted displays, enjoy carnival games and inflatables, and watch live entertainment. Check it out from 5:30 – 9 p.m.

Bark Before Dark Halloween Pawty
The dogs in your life deserve some Halloween fun too! Head out to Reno Memorial Dog Park on October 22, Ewing Dog Park on October 23, or Riverwalk Dog Park on October 24 for Bark Before Halloween Pawty. Dogs will receive a goodie bag, run through the park, and compete in a costume contest. Registration is $5. 

Benton Boo-Tacular
Do some trick or treating early at Benton Boo-Tacular on October 22 and Brenton Skating Plaza. Booths will be set up around the rink giving out candy and Halloween treats from 5 – 6:30 p.m. Then head over to the Armory Building parking lot to see Disney’s “Coco” outside. 

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
The sounds of Halloween are brought to life during Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics on October 24. Candles will light up The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates as you listen to renditions of “Thriller,” “Halloween (theme),” and “The Addams Family (theme).” Tickets start at $56. 

Jack O’Lantern World 5K
Run a 5K through 15-foot-tall inflatable Jack O’Lanterns marking each mile during the Jack O’Lantern World 5K on October 25 at Principal Park. The evening run will have carved pumpkins lining the finish line chute. Finish with photos, pumpkin donuts, and Halloween Candy. Register here. 

Wine, Witches and Brew
Visit the Indianola Town Square from 5 – 9 p.m. on October 25 for Wine, Witches and Brew. Shops and businesses will be open late for shopping, Halloween magic, and samples! Tickets are $20. 

Spooky Science
The Science Center of Iowa invites you to join them on October 26 for Spooky Science. Wear your costume and enjoy hair-raising experiments, critters, and more spooky programming.  

Trick or Trees
Trick or Trees is back at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden on October 26. Get ready for trick or treating, interactive activities, learning about spooky botanicals, and entertainment.  

Halloween Party
Smash Park is hosting a Halloween Party on October 26 starting at 6 p.m. Wear a costume and get a free treat! There will also be live music from The Sheet and a variety of drink specials.

Boo-tanical Brews
Visit the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden after hours for Boo-tanical Brews from 7 – 10 p.m. on October 26. This 21 and older event will have you sampling local brews, enjoying entertainment in their enchanted conservatory, and competing in a costume contest. Tickets are $25.50 for members and $30 for nonmembers.  

Halloween on the Hill
The homes in Historic Sherman Hill are decorated and ready for you to check out their terrifying décor during Halloween on the Hill on October 31. Check out the homes from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. where not only will be homes spooky, but creepy creatures will be roaming the streets as well. This is free to attend, but a free will donation or non-perishable food item encouraged. 

‘Til Death Do Us Part Party
The Republic on Grand has the spirits flowing with their Halloween pop-up bar. They are taking advantage of the décor and hosting a “Til Death Do Us Part Party from 7 – 10 p.m. October 26. Don your best costume and enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, drinks, and a costume party.