Halloween Week Highlights Across DSM Oct. 24-30

Ready or not, spooky season is here in full force, and Greater Des Moines (DSM) is packed with ways to celebrate! Whether you’re a fan of creative costumes, crisp fall runs, cozy cocktails or community giveback vibes, there’s no shortage of festive fun to enjoy. From neighborhood trick-or-treating and haunted sips to epic whiskey tastings and small-town Halloween fun, you’ll find plenty of reasons to get out and about. Keep reading for five can’t-miss events happening across the region Oct. 24-30, and don’t forget your costume (or your appetite)!

Wine, Witches & Brews

Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 | Indianola Town Square, Indianola
This one’s basically Halloween for grown-ups, and you don’t want to miss it! Wine, Witches & Brews is back on the Indianola Town Square with wine samples, brews, boutique shopping and local food from 5–9 p.m. Think glowing jack-o’-lanterns, witch hats, drink samples and the perfect excuse for a Friday night out. Costumes are totally encouraged, and the VIP wristbands (hello, pre-party and swag bag) sell out fast. If you’re 21+ and love a fall vibe with your wine glass, this is your kind of Friday.
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Giver’s Night

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 | Highland Park/Oak Park Neighborhood, Des Moines
Think trick-or-treating, but with a little extra heart. Giver’s Night in the Historic Highland Park Business District is part Beggar’s Night, part community giveback and all kinds of fun. Dress up in your best costume, grab the kiddos (or your favorite grown-ups) and stroll through the local shops along 6th & Euclid Avenues collecting treats while also giving back. Bring donations like hygiene products, planners or household paper goods for The Beacon. Donations are not required, just good vibes and Halloween spirit.
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RUNorwalk

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 | McAninch Sports Complex, Norwalk
Get your steps in and support a great cause with this festive fall run in Norwalk! RUNorwalk kicks off at 8 a.m. with chip-timed 5K and 10K options (perfect for competitive runners or casual walkers), and the always-adorable Kids Fun Run follows around 9 a.m. No need to sign the little ones up in advance, just meet at the start area. Bonus: part of the proceeds support the Norwalk Easter Public Library, so you can feel extra good about lacing up your sneakers.
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Des Moines Whiskey Festival

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 | Horizon Events Center, Clive
Calling all whiskey lovers! The Des Moines Whiskey Festival is back and ready to warm you up from the inside out. This 8th annual event at Horizon Events Center features tastings galore, live music, axe throwing, cigar lounges, food, demos and more from noon to 5 p.m. (or 11 a.m. if you snag VIP early entry). Whether you’re a bourbon buff or just along for the fall vibes, this is one of the region’s most spirited events — pun very much intended.
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Trick-or-Treat and Beggars’ Nights

Saturday, Oct. 25, Thursday, Oct. 30 & Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 | Various DSM Locations
Get those costumes ready! Beggars’ Night and Trick-or-Treat nights are popping up all around DSM. Check your local times, bundle up and get ready for buckets of candy and neighborly fun. Here’s a quick rundown of a few local nights:

• Bondurant – Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 from 6–8 p.m.
• Granger – Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 from 5–7 p.m.
• Windsor Heights – Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 from 6–8 p.m.
• Pella – Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 from 6–8 p.m.
• Adel – Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 from 6–8 p.m.
• Carlisle – Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 from 6–8 p.m.

Whether you’re chasing candy or just tagging along with your kids, it’s a sweet way to make some memories.

 

Free fun is in the air this October! Across DSM, you’ll find a lively mix of events to explore, all without opening your wallet.

For additional events and seasonal festivities coming up in Greater Des Moines (DSM), visit the calendar of events. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series. Plus, follow @DSMpartnership on Instagram for even more things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around DSM.