October 02, 2026
By: Greater Des Moines Partnership
5 Things to Do Across Greater DSM This Week: Oct. 2-8
Crisp fall days and October nights are setting the stage for another week of can’t-miss events across Greater Des Moines (DSM). Lean into spooky season with a night of haunted stops, take in the changing fall scenery from a horse-drawn wagon or spend a Saturday exploring a little local history. You can also bring your four-legged friend along for an afternoon supporting a good cause or get creative with a seasonal project you can take home. From Ankeny and Granger to Newton, Winterset and Cumming, this week’s lineup gives you all kinds of reasons to head out in a different direction and see what’s happening around the region. Here are five can’t-miss things to do across DSM Friday, Oct. 2 - Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
![Haunted Trolley Tour]()
The Haunted Trolley Tour
Fridays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2026 | Whiskey River, Ankeny
Why drive yourself from one haunted attraction to the next when you can climb aboard a trolley and make a whole night of it? The Haunted Trolley Tour leaves Whiskey River in Ankeny at 6:30 p.m. sharp for an evening of scares, drinks and Halloween shenanigans. Your $80 ticket includes transportation and VIP entrance to The Slaughterhouse, Monsterama Pubcade and Haunted Woods before returning to Ankeny around 11:30 p.m. This one is strictly for ages 21 and older, and you can BYOB for the ride as long as you leave the glass containers at home. Friday is the first of five tours happening throughout October. Grab your bravest friends and get ready for one seriously spooky night out.
LEARN MORE
![Jasper County Museum]()
Jasper County Museum Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 | Jasper County Museum, Newton
Make a Saturday road trip to Newton for one last visit to the Jasper County Museum before it closes for the season. The museum’s Fall Festival brings demonstrations, games, crafts and food together for a day of old-fashioned fall fun, with time to wander through the museum and explore Jasper County history along the way. Bring the family, try your hand at the activities and see what you discover inside before the doors close for the year. If you’ve been meaning to visit the museum or simply need an excuse to head to Newton this fall, this is a good weekend to make the trip.
LEARN MORE
![Drafts with Drafts]()
Drafts with Drafts
Saturday Oct. 3, 2026 | Jester Park Equestrian Center, Granger
Here’s one way to enjoy a couple of drafts this fall, and yes, we mean both kinds. Drafts with Drafts pairs local brews with the draft horses at Jester Park Equestrian Center for an adults-only evening outdoors. Climb aboard for a 30-minute wagon ride while a naturalist points out signs of the changing season, then tour the equestrian facilities and spend some time around the fire roasting marshmallows and sipping local beer. The event is for ages 21 and older and costs $30 per person. Registration is required by Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, so make your plans before heading out to Granger.
LEARN MORE
Looking for even more fall fun? Head to Grimes for the Grimes Fall Festival and Candy Crawl on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.
![Dog Days at the Winery]()
Dog Days at the Winery
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 | Covered Bridges Winery, Winterset
Grab the leash and bring your favorite four-legged drinking buddy along for Dog Days at Covered Bridges Winery. This outdoor event supports IOWA Service Dogs, an organization that trains service dogs for veterans and first responders, with all $5 cover charges and additional donations going directly to the organization. Corbett Reeves will provide live music while Harvest Market serves burgers, brats and sides from 12-4 p.m. Bring a lawn chair, settle in with something from the winery and enjoy a Sunday afternoon in Winterset while supporting a good cause. Dogs are welcome, of course, but make sure your pup stays leashed while on the winery grounds.
LEARN MORE
![Succulent Pumpking Workshop]()
Living Succulent Pumpkins Workshop
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 | Iowa Distilling Co., Cumming
Put a different spin on pumpkin decorating during the Living Succulent Pumpkins Workshop with Ted Lare Garden Center, held at Iowa Distilling Co. Instead of carving a jack-o’-lantern, you’ll turn a real pumpkin into a fall centerpiece using fresh succulent cuttings, preserved moss and dried floral accents. Everything you need is included, and you’ll learn how to care for the succulents so they can stick around long after pumpkin season ends. No experience is needed, so grab a friend, order a cocktail or mocktail and get creative from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Registration is $30 per person and includes your pumpkin, succulents, supplies and instruction.
LEARN MORE
Keep up with the momentum that's happening in and around Greater Des Moines (DSM) when you subscribe to one or all of the Greater Des Moines Partnership's newsletters — they're packed with the latest news, highlighting everything from upcoming events to development projects to policy updates. Join the mailing list to connect with The Partnership and help amplify stories from around the region.