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) Sunday, October 30, from 6 – 8 p.m.  

  • Adel 

  • Altoona 

  • Ankeny 

  • Carlisle 

  • Clive 

  • Des Moines 

  • Indianola 

  • Johnston 

  • Norwalk 

  • Pleasant Hill 

  • Polk City 

  • Urbandale 

  • Waukee 

  • West Des Moines 

  • Windsor Heights 

Bondurant – October 29, 6 – 8 p.m. 

Grimes – October 31, 6 – 8 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!  

Family Halloween
Get the kids dressed up and visit Living History Farms on October 28 and 29 for Family Halloween. Families can visit the 1876 town of Walnut Hill to trick or treat at historic businesses, try pumpkin bowling, and go on a horse-drawn wagon ride. Admission is $8 or $7 for members.  

Greenwood Elementary Trunk R’ Treat Festival
Get some trick-or-treating in early by visiting Greenwood Elementary for the Greenwood Elementary PTA Trunk R’ Treat Festival on October 28. Trick-or-treating starts at 5:30 p.m. with the Monster Mash starting at 6 p.m. Families can also enjoy games, music, prizes, food from Top Bun, and more. 

Night Eyes
Enjoy a merry-not-scary night at Blank Park Zoo, October 27 – 30 for Night Eyes. During Night Eyes you can go on a treat safari, spend time in the fun zone with carnival games and bounce houses, see lights and fun displays, and see costume characters. Tickets are $8 or $6 for zoo members. 

Trunk or Treat
Stop by Highland Park Christian Church on October 29 for their truck or treat event. Kids can enjoy free candy, hot chocolate, and s’mores. The event runs from 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Ghouls, Goblins, and Ghosts
Before heading out for Beggars’ Night, stop by Franklin Junior High on October 30 for Ghouls, Goblins, and Ghosts presented by Central Iowa Wind Ensemble. The Halloween musical concert will begin at 4 p.m. After the concert kids can enjoy a Trunk ‘n Treat.  

Trunk or Treat
Revive Church is hosting their annual Trunk-or-Treat event for Highland Park and Oak Park on October 30. Get the kids dressed in their favorite costumes and enjoy free candy, bounce houses, lights, and music. 

Toddlerween
Get the kiddos excited for Halloween by dressing them up and visiting Get Air Trampoline Park on October 30 from 8 – 10 a.m. It’ll be a costume party with candy, music, and games. Toddlers will get two hours of air time for the price of one, and parents/guardians jump for free.

You can't have Halloween weekend without some fun for the adults as well! Check out some of the different events throughout Greater Des Moines this weekend.  

Boogeymen, Blood and Beer
Join Firetrucker Brewery for a Murder Mystery Party on October 28. The Boogeymen, Blood, and Beers Mystery Party will have vampires, zombies, werewolves, and more. Get your tickets here. 

Wine, Witches and Brews
Make your way to the Indianola Town Square on October 28 for Wine, Witches and Brews. Spend your evening shopping local shops and sampling wines and brews from 5 – 9 p.m. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. This is a 21 and older event with tickets costing $12. 

Phantom Fall Fest
It’s your last chance to check out Phantom Fall Fest at Adventureland, October 28 – 30. Enjoy family-friendly rides and activities through the day, and when the sun goes down, it’s spooky time with haunted attractions and scare zones. Get your tickets through Adventureland.   

Halloween on the Hill
Halloween on the Hill returns to Sherman Hill on October 31. Stroll through the neighborhood and see the homes decorated by residents. Decorations have included storm troopers, Freddy Kruger, Medieval knights, zombies, live performances of Thriller, and more. You are encouraged to bring a donation to go to the DMARC food pantry.