Frighteningly Fun Can’t-Miss Events This Week in Downtown Des Moines: Oct. 25-31

There’s no shortage of exciting events to get you in the fall spirit! It’s officially spooky season in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), and from family-friendly fun to thrilling performances, there’s so much going on this week! Whether you’re in the mood for Halloween fun, Día de Los Muertos celebrations or unforgettable live performances, Downtown DSM has you covered!

Spooky Season Activities

Now – Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024 | Various Locations
Spooky season is here! Check out these events happening this week in Downtown DSM:

• Pumpkin Carving Contest at Exile
  Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 – Friday, Oct. 25, 2024
  Bring your carved pumpkin to Exile for their first-ever Pumpkin Carving Contest! Every participant gets a BOGO Beer Token, and the winner (announced October 26) will receive a $150 Exile gift card.
• Halloween with The Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra at Noce
  Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024
  Enjoy a special Halloween jazz program with Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra at Noce. Expect thrilling twists on musical styles performed by this elite 18-piece big band featuring Iowa’s finest musicians.
• Ghoul’s Night Out in the Historic East Village
  Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024
  From 5 – 8 p.m., gather with your gang for a spirited good time in the East Village. Drinks, treats, late-night shopping and special events. Costumes are encouraged!

Find even more spooky season and Halloween happenings in Downtown Des Moines, if you dare!

Downtown Farmers’ Market

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 | Historic Court District
Don’t miss the very last Downtown Farmers’ Market of the regular season happening from 8 a.m. – Noon! Celebrate Iowa’s diverse community of agriculture and business with an array of local vendors, including minority farmers and entrepreneurs. Shop for fresh fall produce, baked goods, fresh-cut flowers, handmade art and enjoy live music. Plus, many vendors will be handing out candy for the kiddos (while supplies last!), so wear your Halloween costumes.

And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market on Nov. 22-24, 2024, at the Iowa Events Center in Downtown DSM. You’ll find late season produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, jams, salsas, holiday products and more — perfect for kicking off the holiday season!
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Día de Los Muertos / Day of the Dead Events

Monday, Oct. 28 – Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 | Central Library
Learn more about Día de Los Muertos / Day of the Dead at Downtown DSM’s Central Library with a series of exciting upcoming programs, exhibitions, and events:

• I Spy: Dia de los Muertos
  Monday, Oct. 28, 2024 - Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024
  Visit the Central Youth area to learn about Día de Muertos! Discover how families celebrate this holiday, and when you’ve found everything, stop by the Youth desk to claim your prize!
• Exhibición de Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead Exhibit
  Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024 - Monday, Nov. 4, 2024
  See a stunning ofrenda created by Latinx Immigrants of Iowa, on display at the Central Library. It includes flowers made by Library visitors throughout October, honoring lost loved ones. The 2023 display is shown below.
• Taller de Elaboración de Ofrenda de Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead Ofrenda Crafting Session
  Tuesday & Thursday, Oct. 29 & 31, 2024 6-7:30 p.m.
  Join a crafting session to make paper flowers and decorations for the Día de Muertos ofrenda, created in partnership with Latinx Immigrants of Iowa.
• Celebración del Día de Muertos / Day of the Dead Celebration
  Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024
  Bring the whole family to celebrate Día de Muertos! Enjoy tamales, pan de muerto, and Mexican hot chocolate, see the ofrenda, watch Coco (2017), and take part in crafts, free flu shots, and a Luchador Storytime for kids!

 

Drive-By Truckers - Southern Rock Opera Revisited

Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024 | Wooly’s
Looking for a must-see live performance in Downtown Des Moines this week? Head to Wooly’s in the Historic East Village to catch Drive-By Truckers as they hit the road with their Southern Rock Opera Revisited tour! Celebrating the 23rd anniversary of their landmark album Southern Rock Opera, the band will be performing it in near entirety, along with fan favorites and other classic tracks. With their signature three-guitar attack and thought-provoking lyrics, this show promises to be an unforgettable experience. The band plans to revisit the album with a modern twist, reflecting on the social and political issues of today. For die-hard fans, there’s even a special VIP experience that includes a soundcheck party and limited-edition items. Don’t miss your chance to catch this unique performance — tickets are on sale now!
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Beggars’ Night

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 | Downtown Des Moines
Taking place the night before Halloween, Beggars’ Night in Downtown DSM is such a fun, family-friendly twist on traditional Halloween celebrations! Instead of just saying “trick-or-treat,” the kids must tell a joke to get their candy — how cute is that? The streets are filled with adorable ghosts, goblins, superheroes and princesses, all cracking jokes for sweet treats. Local businesses and neighborhoods get totally into it, handing out candy and making it a festive night for everyone. It’s a laid-back, kid-friendly way to enjoy a family-centric Halloween. Whether you’re walking around with your little ones or just enjoying the costumes and atmosphere, Beggars’ Night is a must for making awesome fall memories in Downtown DSM!

 

If you’re looking for even more events in Downtown Des Moines this October, check out this list of free things to do.

For this week’s events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional events coming up in Downtown DSM, visit the events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for even more things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.