October Just Got Cooler at the Greater Des Moines BOOtanical Garden
Halloween in Des Moines is getting a spooky (and botanical!) twist this year. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is transforming into the Greater Des Moines BOOtanical Garden all October long! With family-friendly activities, creative classes, festive workshops, and even a 21+ bash, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re looking for Halloween events in Des Moines that mix nature with magic, you’ll want to mark your calendar for these fun happenings at the BOOtanical Garden.
Eerie Evenings: Roam the Dome After Dark
Dates: October 23, 25, 27, 29 & 31
Time: 6 to 9 p.m. nightly
Experience Eerie Evenings at the BOOtanical Garden after dark as the tropical conservatory and Gardeners Show House transform! Enjoy immersive Halloween décor, dramatic lighting, and spectral plants. Wander at your own pace and embrace the eerie side of the plant world at one of Central Iowa’s most unique Halloween destinations.
TICKETS: Adult: $14; Senior: $13; Youth: $11. Members receive $6 off each ticket.
Boos & Brews: A 21+ Halloween Party
Date night never looked so good. Looking for a grown-up way to celebrate? Don’t miss Boos & Brews, happening Friday, October 30 from 7 to 10 p.m.
This 21+ event will feature:
- Enjoy samples from regional favorites alongside a live DJ, strolling magic, creative body art, and more at one of Central Iowa’s most distinctive Halloween events.
- FOOD & DRINK: Flora will offer fast-fired pizza, concessions, and a cash bar. Featured breweries and cideries will have select products available at the cash bar while supplies last.
- ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES: Live DJ by the Known Group. Strolling magic by Jonathan May. Glam face painting, festival glitter, airbrush body tattoos, and hair tinsel by CreaTiviah Entertainment and partners are subject to change.
- FEATURED BREWERIES & CIDERIES: Big Grove Brewery, Fenceline Beer Lab, Firetrucker Brewery, Iowa Brewers Union, Reclaimed Rails, Wilson’s Orchard & Far.
Tickets are limited, so snag yours early for this unforgettable Halloween celebration.
Trick or Trees: Family-Friendly Fun
Families won’t want to miss Trick or Trees, a non-scary trick-or-treating event on Saturday, October 31, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Your kids will love:
- Bring your curiosity and your costume for a full day of fun at the BOOtanical Garden.
- FOOD & DRINK: Kettle corn, roasted nuts, and lemonade by Jeff E Pop Flora Café, open 11 AM-2 PM
- ENTERTAINMENT & ACTIVITIES: Activity & trick-or-treating stations | 9 AM-4 PM Face painting by CreaTiviah | 9 AM-11 AM Laura Ernst acrobatic variety shows | 10:30 AM & 1:15 PM Toby the Balloon Dude | Noon-3 PM Stilt walker by FEAT Acrobatics | 12:30-2:30 PM Strolling magic by Jonathan May | 1-1:30 PM & 3:15-3:45 PM Stage show by Jonathan May | 2-3 PM Entertainment, schedule, and partners are subject to change.
This is a must-do Halloween event for families in Des Moines! Snag your ticket today.
Bonus Perks: Iowa Taproom Partnership
Double your Halloween fun!
- Bring your BOOtanical Garden event ticket to the Iowa Taproom this October and get a FREE pint (with purchase of another).
- Or bring your Iowa Taproom receipt back to the BOOtanical Garden for FREE daily admission (with purchase of another).
Plan Your Visit to the BOOtanical Garden
- Address: 909 Robert D. Ray Drive in Des Moines, Iowa
- Tickets and class registration can be found at dmbotanicalgarden.com