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
New this year, experience the dome like never before during Eerie Evenings. The conservatory will glow with haunting lights, spooky plants, and magical vibes.
Dates: October 25, 28, 29, 30, and 31
Time: 6 to 9 p.m. nightly
Enhance your evening with spooky add-ons like the Succulent Cauldron Drop-In (Oct. 28–31 only) or Halloween Happy Hour (Oct. 30, ages 21+).
Spooky + Creative Halloween Classes
Kick off your October with hands-on experiences that are both festive and fun! The BOOtanical Garden is hosting a lineup of classes to help you get into the spooky spirit:
- Spooky Terrarium Workshop
- Carnivorous Plants (yes, they eat bugs!)
- Succulent Cauldron Planter
- Halloween Happy Hour
Perfect for a night out with friends, a date night, or even some solo self-care time. Check out all the details and register for a class!
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 24 from 7 to 10 p.m.
This 21+ event will feature:
- Brewery samples from local favorites like Reclaimed Rails, Brightside Aleworks, Exile, Lua, Uptown Garage, HiFi Brew Lounge, and Parallel Brewery Collective
- Live DJ entertainment by The Known Group
- Strolling magic by Jonathan May
- Tarot card readings with Maggie Howe
- Professional pumpkin carving by Luke Schroder
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 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Your kids will love:
- Costumes + trick-or-treating throughout the garden
- Face painting, balloon twisting, and acrobatics
- Magic shows with Jonathan May
- Professional pumpkin carving demos
- Hands-on activities with local community partners like Blank Park Zoo, Polk County Conservation, and more
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
Add the Greater Des Moines BOOtanical Garden to your family’s Halloween bucket list this year!
