Things to Do During Spooky Season in Downtown Des Moines

Spooky, scary skeletons are shivering their way through Downtown Des Moines (DSM) this fall! If you’re feeling superstitious (or just looking for some fun!), check out these Halloween-themed attractions and events happening in Downtown DSM throughout October — including spooky venues, family friendly events, date ideas and fun outings for a group, too!

Spooky Venues in Downtown Des Moines

Black Sheep

This underground bar in the Historic East Village gives a dark and moody vibe. Check it out during the spooky season … if you dare.
facebook.com

John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Look closely and you will find a few spooktacular sights in the Sculpture Park! Grab a selfie in front of Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin (L), or Spider by Louise Bourgeois. The white, twisted tree-like sculpture titled Air Gets Into Everything Even Nothing gives off haunted forest vibes, and the two Ugo Rondinone pieces look like friendly (or scary!) spirits. The Post Balzac sculpture depicts an empty dressing gown, which perhaps feels a little ghost-like once the sun goes down.
dsmpublicartfoundation.org

Slaughter House

Not for the faint of heart! This haunted attraction has been bringing screams and scary dreams to Iowans for more than 10 years.
slaughterhousedm.com

Escape Chambers

Are you up for a little scare? At Escape Chambers in Downtown DSM, you and a group of friends can choose from several scary, creepy and eerie room themes and escape reality for a little while.
escapechambers.com

Downtown Des Moines Fright-Night Friends' Outing

Downtown DSM Halloween Bar Crawl

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 | Various Downtown Bars
Don your best costume and check out Downtown DSM’s nightlife scene! Participating bars include VooDoo Lounge, Hessen Haus, Tipsy Crow, Revival House and several more.
eventbrite.ca

Halloween Drag Brunch

Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 | The River Center
Join the fun for tricks, treats and Halloween spirit! Enjoy a delicious brunch menu and sip on mimosas or whatever you fancy! Come dressed to slay in your spookiest, most over-the-top Halloween fit for the chance to win amazing prizes! 
tix.servdevents.com

Halloween on the Hill

Thursday, Oct. 31 , 2024| Sherman Hill
The historic homes of Sherman Hill are putting on a real thriller! This all-tricks, no-treats event includes a self-guided walking tour of the neighborhood where homeowners have decked out their houses and lawns with haunted décor (pictured above). The event is free, but visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or donation to benefit the Des Moines Area Religious Council food pantry.
facebook.com

Downtown Des Moines Halloween-y Date Ideas

Beetlejuice

Monday, Oct. 3 – Saturday, Oct. 8, 2024 | Des Moines Civic Center
Based on the Tim Burton film starring the famous demon in stripes, this Broadway production, a part of the Willis Broadway Series, is in Downtown DSM for a limited time!
desmoinesperformingarts.org

An Afternoon with Ghost Hunters

Saturday, Oct. 8, 2024 | Central Library
Learn about paranormal research and investigation with Iowa City Ghost Hunters. You’ll hear firsthand tales from their experiences across the state of Iowa.
dmpl.org

SALEM by Ballet Des Moines

Oct. 20-22 & 27-29, 2024 | Stoner Theater
The Ballet Des Moines troupe will create an immersive exploration of the infamous story of the Massachusetts witch trials.
balletdesmoines.org

Halloween at the BOOery

Saturday, Oct. 29, 2024 | Confluence Brewing Co.
Beer for the adults and candy for all! Wear your costume — free beers to anyone in costumes, a costume contest at 7 p.m. and more! — and take in the festive atmosphere, including lots and lots of Halloween décor. Kids are also welcome before 9 p.m. There will be a photo booth from 6 - 9 p.m.
confluencebrewing.com

The Haunting at Exile

Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 – Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024  | Exile Brewing Co.
Get in the Halloween spirit at the Haunting at Exile pop-up! Expanded through the upstairs dining room and beer hall, Exile is serving up spooky-themed drinks, dishes, and decor for a truly unforgettable experience. 
exploretock.com 

Art 101: Jack-o-Lantern Jars

Monday, Oct. 21, 2024 | Central Library
Join artist Fueche Vang for a fun Jack-o-Lantern Jar workshop! Start with basic pumpkin designs and get creative using Mod Podge. Don’t miss this spooky, fun activity in Downtown DSM!
dmpl.org

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 | Des Moines Civic Center
Celebrate the 49th Anniversary Spectacular Tour with Barry Bostwick! Enjoy a screening of the unedited film, live shadow cast, audience participation, memorabilia display, costume contest, and V.I.P. Meet & Greet.
desmoinesperformingarts.org

Wicked Heights Costume Party

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 | The Republic on Grand
Don't miss the exclusive Halloween rooftop pop-up oat The Republic on Grand, with DJ cdisiac setting the mood. Enjoy a night of eerie elegance, spellbinding cocktails, and a costume party you won’t forget!
facebook.com

Downtown Des Moines Halloween Family Events

Brenton BOO-tacular

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 | Brenton Skating Plaza
Enjoy a ghoulishly good time at Brenton Skating Plaza! Dress up, bring your candy bags, and enjoy a night of treats and spooky surprises. Afterward, head over to the Armory Building parking lot for a special outdoor screening of Disney’s Coco sponsored by the Historic East Village. 
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Bark Before Dark Halloween Pawty

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 – Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 | Riverwalk Dog Park and More
This costume contest is for pups only! Des Moines Parks and Recreation will dole out a dog-friendly goodie bag for each furry friend, and dogs can also participate in Halloween activities and win prizes.
dsm.city

The Avenues of Ingersoll & Grand Trick-or-Treating

Wednesday, Oct. 23,  2024 | Shops between 28th - 31st Streets & 36th and Ingersoll Avenue
Calling all ghosts, goblins, princesses, and superheroes! Enjoy a fun, family-friendly trick-or-treating experience along Ingersoll Avenue, just outside Downtown DSM. Local businesses along the corridor will be handing out treats to all who stop by. Don’t miss the Halloween fun with no tricks, just treats!
theavenuesdsm.com

Dress Up at the Downtown Farmers’ Market

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 | Historic Court District
It’s a costume party at The Market (shown above)! During the last Market of the regular season, many vendors will share candy with children (while supplies last). Farmers’ Market hours are 8 a.m. – Noon, and remember to have your joke ready!
dsmpartnership.com

Spooky Science

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 | Science Center of Iowa 
Get ready for spooky fun in downtown DSM! Enjoy Halloween at the Science Center with creepy critters, hair-raising experiments, and tons of spooky activities. Costumes are encouraged (no weapons, please), and all activities are included with admission — free for SCI members! 
sciowa.org

Trick or Trees Presented by VOYA

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 | Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Head over to the BOOtanical Garden for a family friendly Halloween festivity! There will be trick-or-treating, creeptastic activities and spooky botanicals. Costumes are encouraged!
facebook.com

Beggar’s Night in Des Moines

Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024  | City of Des Moines
Downtown DSM will be abuzz with trick-or-treaters going door-to-door on the metro’s Beggar’s Night, which takes place the night prior to Halloween. Check City websites for details on sanctioned times.
dsm.city

Looking for more fall-inspired fun in Downtown DSM? Take a look at these upcoming indoor fall events in Downtown. And don’t forget to check out these fall flavored beers and cocktails, or this round-up of autumn coffee and tea drinks to get you in the mood for the season! 

Make it one epic autumn in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) by exploring, experiencing and enjoying what Downtown DSM has to offer. Plan your visit to Downtown DSM with these tips for parking and navigation and discover restaurants and nightlife, things to do and events!