Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend

Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:

Friday, October 30th 2026 – Sunday, November 1st 2026

Every weekend there are amazing Fun Things to do in Des Moines, Iowa! We have created a list of what we think are the most fun, most interesting family events in the Des Moines area this weekend – so you can have the best time together!

The page will be updated every week so be sure to come back and see what great kids’ events we have coming up for the weekend in Des Moines. Take a look at our full FREE, extensive event calendar to plan your weeks and days in Des Moines, Iowa.

Downtown Ames Trick or Treat

Friday, October 30th, 2026
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Downtown Ames – Ames, IA

Grab your costumes and head to Downtown Ames for a fun-filled morning of trick-or-treating! Local businesses are opening their doors to welcome little ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and princesses for a festive Halloween celebration. This family-friendly event is a wonderful opportunity to collect treats, explore downtown, and connect with the Ames community. Learn More or Register Today!

A Harkin Halloween

Friday, October 30th, 2026
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The Harkin Center – Des Moines, IA

The Harkin Center welcomes families for an inclusive Halloween celebration designed for children of all abilities! Enjoy accessible trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed crafts, and festive activities in a welcoming environment that prioritizes accessibility, including accommodations for disabilities, neurodivergence, and dietary restrictions. This event is free and open to the community, with costumes optional and registration encouraged. Learn More or Register Today!

Howl-oween Glow Foam Party

Friday, October 30th, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Paws & Pints – Des Moines, IA

Bring your furry friend along for a glowing Halloween celebration at Paws & Pints! Dogs and their humans can enjoy a glow foam party featuring music from DJ Brad, festive drink specials, tarot card readings, and plenty of spooky fun. Costumes are encouraged, and exit baths will be available for pups who need a little cleanup before heading home. Learn More or Register Today!

Halloween on the Hill

Friday, October 30th, 2026
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sherman Hill Neighborhood – Des Moines, IA

Get ready for one of Des Moines’ most beloved Halloween traditions as the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood transforms into a spooky wonderland! Families can wander through streets filled with elaborate decorations, haunted houses, live performances, creepy characters, and festive surprises. This free community celebration brings Halloween magic to life with plenty of creative costumes and neighborhood fun. Learn More or Register Today!

Downtown Farmers’ Market

Saturday, October 31st, 2026
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Historic Court District – Des Moines, IA

Don’t miss the final Downtown Farmers’ Market of the 2026 season! Spend your Saturday morning browsing fresh produce, homemade baked goods, seasonal flowers, artisan products, and delicious food from local farmers and makers. With live entertainment and family-friendly activities throughout the market, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a favorite Des Moines tradition before the season wraps up. Learn More or Register Today!

Spooky Science

Saturday, October 31st, 2026
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Science Center of Iowa – Des Moines, IA

Celebrate Halloween with a little science and a whole lot of spooky fun at the Science Center of Iowa! Families can explore hair-raising experiments, meet creepy-crawly critters, and enjoy special Halloween-themed programming throughout the day. Costumes are encouraged, and all activities are included with regular admission, with free entry for SCI members. Learn More or Register Today!

2026 Día de los Muertos Community Celebration

Saturday, October 31st, 2026
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Carver Community School – Des Moines, IA

Gather with the Des Moines community for a meaningful Día de los Muertos celebration honoring loved ones, culture, and connection. Families can enjoy cultural performances, beautiful community altars, storytelling, music, children’s activities, local artists, and delicious food. This free, family-friendly event welcomes everyone to learn about traditions, celebrate together, and explore community wellness resources. Learn More or Register Today!

Trunk or Treat at Pumpkinville

Saturday, October 31st, 2026
5:00 PM – 6:15 PM
Pumpkinville & Cornmaze – Mitchellville, IA

Put on your favorite Halloween costume and head to Pumpkinville for its third annual Trunk or Treat celebration! Families are invited to enjoy a festive evening at the farm, collecting candy and celebrating Halloween together. It’s a fun way to add a little farm charm to your family’s trick-or-treating plans. Learn More or Register Today!

Goldie’s Halloween Party

Saturday, October 31st, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
State Historical Museum of Iowa – Des Moines, IA

Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and explore the State Historical Museum of Iowa for a not-so-spooky celebration with Goldie! Families can enjoy a special museum scavenger hunt, festive storytime, hands-on crafts, and a joke station where kids can practice their favorite Beggars’ Night jokes. Sweet treats will also be available while supplies last, making this a fun opportunity to celebrate Halloween while exploring Iowa history. Learn More or Register Today!

Des Moines Symphony: Beautiful Monsters – John Williams & Symphonie Fantastique

Saturday, October 31st & Sunday, November 1st, 2026
Performance Times Vary
Des Moines Civic Center – Des Moines, IA

Enjoy a Halloween weekend filled with dramatic music and haunting melodies as the Des Moines Symphony presents Beautiful Monsters. This exciting performance features music by John Williams, Mussorgsky, Liszt, and Berlioz, bringing supernatural stories and thrilling orchestral sounds to life. Halloween costumes are encouraged, making this a memorable outing for music lovers and anyone looking for a unique weekend experience. Learn More or Register Today!

Musical Storytime

Sunday, November 1st, 2026
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe – West Des Moines, IA

Little music lovers are invited to Reading in Public for a playful morning of stories, movement, and music! Friends from Pied Piper Studios will lead an interactive session featuring instrument play-alongs, engaging read-alouds, and activities designed for young children. It’s a cozy way for caregivers and kiddos to spend a Sunday morning together while discovering the joy of music and books. Learn More or Register Today!

Day of the Dead 2026: ¡Sí Se Puede!

Sunday, November 1st, 2026
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Des Moines Art Center – Des Moines, IA

Celebrate the 26th annual Día de los Muertos at the Des Moines Art Center with an afternoon of art, culture, and community connection. Families can enjoy live music, dance performances, hands-on art activities, food vendors, a community ofrenda, and a festive Catrina photo opportunity while honoring loved ones and learning about this meaningful Mexican tradition. This year’s theme, ¡Sí Se Puede!, celebrates community strength and Latino civil rights history, with free hot cocoa and pan de muerto samples available while supplies last. Learn More or Register Today!

Cribbage Tournament

Sunday, November 1st, 2026
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Brightside Aleworks – Altoona, IA

Looking for a laid-back Sunday activity? Head to Brightside Aleworks for a free, friendly cribbage tournament welcoming players of all ages and experience levels! Whether you’re a longtime cribbage fan or just learning the game, this welcoming competition offers an afternoon of friendly matches, community connection, and prizes for top finishers. Sign-in and practice begin at 1:00 PM, with tournament play starting at 2:00 PM. Learn More or Register Today!

Hockeyween with the Iowa Wild

Sunday, November 1st, 2026
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Casey’s Center – Des Moines, IA

Celebrate Halloween weekend on the ice as the Iowa Wild take on the Charlotte Checkers during Hockeyween! Young hockey fans ages 12 and under can enjoy trick-or-treating along the concourse and visit local vendors while cheering on their favorite team. The first 1,500 fans will also receive a special tote bag giveaway, making this a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family.

Learn More or Register Today!

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