Fun Things To Do in Des Moines This Weekend:
Friday, October 31st 2025 – Sunday, October 2nd 2025
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.
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A Little House Christmas
Friday, October 31st | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, November 1st | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Little House On Main – Bondurant, IA
Little House On Main celebrates the launch of its 2025 Christmas collection with the 8th annual “A Little House Christmas.” Guests can enjoy a weekend of holiday cheer with live Christmas music, festive shopping, and a mission that gives back — a percentage of every purchase supports causes across Iowa. Learn More or Register Today!
Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest
Friday, October 31st, 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Surety Hotel – Des Moines, IA
Treat your pup to a night of Halloween fun at Surety Hotel’s Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest. Pups dine for free from the Mulberry Street Tavern puppy menu while their humans enjoy happy hour specials. Prizes include hotel stays, dinners, and unique “puppy wine” bottles for the winners. Learn More or Register Today!
Trunk or Treat Event
Friday, October 31st, 2025
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Little Endeavors Community – Waukee, IA
Families are invited to an evening of candy, costumes, games, and prizes at Little Endeavors Learning Center. Each family attending can enter to win a Family Boo Gift Basket in celebration of the Halloween season. Learn More or Register Today!
Scare Time After Dark
Friday, October 31st, 2025
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Spare Time Des Moines – West Des Moines, IA
Spare Time’s Halloween-themed Scare Time After Dark returns with unlimited bowling, shoe rental, lights, and music for just $15.99 per person. Costumes are encouraged for this late-night event filled with fun, food, and festive vibes. Learn More or Register Today!
Santa’s North Pole Village Craft Sale
Saturday, November 1st, 2025
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Ankeny Art Center – Ankeny, IA
Join the Ankeny Art Center for its 44th annual Santa’s North Pole Village Craft Sale. The event showcases talented Midwest artists and makers with handcrafted gifts, holiday treats, and festive décor — all part of the center’s largest fundraiser of the year. Learn More or Register Today!
Pumpkin Smash
Saturday, November 1st, 2025
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch – Cumming, IA
Wrap up pumpkin season with Howell’s annual Pumpkin Smash. Families can celebrate a successful harvest by turning leftover pumpkins into a fun and messy fall tradition on the farm. Learn More or Register Today!
Capitol Park Día de los Muertos Fall Party
Saturday, November 1st, 2025
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Birdland/Ding Darling Enclosed Shelter – Des Moines, IA
The Capitol Park Neighbors host their 7th annual Día de los Muertos Fall Party featuring cultural altars, pan de muerto, face painting, piñatas, and performances from Danza Folklórico del Oeste and GFJovenes Embajadores DSM. Guests can also enjoy hot cocoa, bingo, and community connections throughout the afternoon. Learn More or Register Today!
Hockeyween with Iowa Wild
Saturday, November 1st, 2025
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Casey’s Center – Des Moines, IA
Calling Iowa Wild Hockey! Celebrate Halloween on the ice during the Iowa Wild’s annual Hockeyween game. The night includes a trick-or-treat bag giveaway, drink specials, and local live music in a festive arena atmosphere. Learn More or Register Today!
Día de los Muertos at the Des Moines Art Center
Sunday, November 2nd, 2025
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Des Moines Art Center – Des Moines, IA
This Sunday the Des Moines Art Center celebrates 25 years of Día de los Muertos with music, dance performances, art vendors, and family activities! Visitors can enjoy traditional pan de muerto and Mexican hot cocoa while exploring exhibitions that highlight Latino artists and culture. Learn More or Register Today!
Explore Jester Park
Sunday, November 2nd, 2025
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Jester Park Nature Center – Granger, IA
Spend the afternoon outdoors at Jester Park. Visitors can hike scenic trails, explore the nature center, and visit the resident bison and elk herd while soaking in the colors of fall before they are gone! Learn More or Register Today!
Celebrate Día de los Muertos
Sunday, November 2nd, 2025
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Central Des Moines Public Library – Des Moines, IA
Latinx Immigrants of Iowa and the Des Moines Public Library host their 5th annual Día de los Muertos celebration. The event features traditional altars, folkloric dance performances, food, and crafts — all free and open to the public this Sunday! Learn More or Register Today!
