From haunted houses with the wandering undead to family-friendly trick-or-treat-a-thons, Iowa is bursting with events to help you celebrate Halloween.
Halloween at the Market
Iowa City
Halloween at the Market, hosted by Iowa City Farmers Market, will take place on Oct. 30, from 10 a.m. to noon. With free admission, a costume parade, trick-or-treating and pumpkin decorating, what more could you need to kick off the start of Halloween weekend? The event will also host its traditional local vendors, some of which will be featuring some fall goodies.
To learn more about Halloween at the Market, visit www.icgov.org/farmersmarket.
Halloween HayDay Parade
Dallas Center
Join the Dallas Center Seasonal Fun Committee on Oct. 30 for its Halloween HayDay Parade. Enjoy an evening of arts and crafts, a chili cook-off, hot apple cider and, of course, the HayDay Parade. Admission is free, and the event starts at 3:30 p.m. and will run until 6 p.m. Stay after-hours and take the little ones on a town-wide trick-or-treat event until 8 p.m.
To learn more about Halloween HayDay Parade, visit zioniowa.org/event/halloween-hayday-parade.
Downtown Trick-or-Treat
Downtown Ames
Calling all ghosts and witches to Downtown Ames on Oct. 29 for a trick-or-treat fest that is open to both kids and adults. Adults are encouraged to dress up and join in on the trick-or-treating fun, in addition to shopping downtown’s strip and stopping for a bite to eat at local spots. The event is free and will start at 10 a.m.
To learn more about Downtown Trick-or-Treat, visit www.amesdowntown.org.
BOOtanical Garden’s Trick-or-Trees
Des Moines
Join the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Trick-or-Trees, a spooktacular day of festive fun. The event will include trick-or-treating throughout the gardens, a pumpkin scavenger hunt, opportunities to learn about spooky botanics and much more. Costumes are encouraged, and admission begins at $7.
To learn more about Trick-or-Trees and to purchase tickets, visit www.dmbotanicalgarden.com.
Bella Terror’s Halloween Party
Glenwood
Bella Terre Vineyard has been taken over by the ghost, Bella Terror, for a spooky night of wicked cocktails, fine wines, dancing and the opportunity to win $1,000 during the costume contest. Bella Terror’s party is 21-plus, and tickets are $75 each. The haunted vineyard night will take place on Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
To learn more about Bella Terror’s Halloween Party, visit www.bellaterre.com.
ScareDSM
Des Moines
If you’re looking for something a bit scarier to celebrate Halloween, Des Moines’ premiere haunted house, ScareDSM, will be placing thrill-seekers into an abandoned paint factory where the undead have awakened. The haunted house will be open on Oct. 30 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. with catering from Zombie Burger and $20 admission.
To learn more about ScareDSM and to purchase tickets, visit www.scaredsm.com.