Des Moines residents looking for Halloween weekend plans have a schedule of events to choose from, ranging from pet costume contests to organ concerts and roller derby matches.
Halloween Weekend Events Across Des Moines
The weekend lineup kicks off with several events designed for different tastes and crowds across the city. Plymouth Church is hosting a Halloween concert featuring classics, pop favorites, and surprises played on the organ, starting at 6 p.m. with dinner served at 5 p.m. Admission is free.
For pet owners, Mulberry Street Tavern is holding a Howl-o-ween event at 11 a.m. The pet-friendly brunch features a costume contest with a hotel staycation up for grabs, and a portion of cocktail sales will benefit the Animal Rescue League.
Families can also check out the Día de los Muertos Community Celebration at Carver Elementary from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event includes cultural performances, community altars, local artists, food, music, storytelling, and family activities.
Sports fans can catch an action-packed roller derby doubleheader at the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Hot Shermans, Waveland Wavers, and Beast Village will battle for hometown bragging rights. Tickets are $15, and kids 12 and under get in free.
Adults looking for a unique evening can head to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for a Happy Hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visitors 21 and older can explore poisonous plants, bat pollination, and carnivorous plants, watch a live feeding, and take home their own plant. Tickets are $40.
The weekend continues Sunday with the Des Moines Symphony performing “Beautiful Monsters” at the Des Moines Civic Center at 2:30 p.m. The program features music by John Williams, Mussorgsky, Liszt, and Berlioz, including Symphonie fantastique. Ticket prices vary.
Music enthusiasts can also wrap up the weekend at The Blazing Saddle from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Showtunes Sunday, singing along to Broadway favorites while supporting the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus during its monthly beer bust fundraiser.
