Unique & Unusual Halloween Events Near Des Moines 2026

22 unique & unusual Halloween events near Des Moines.

Des Moines hosts numerous Halloween celebrations this season. For ticketed entertainment, consider After Hours: Halloween. If you're seeking a free, creative experience, the SPOOKY SUNDAY CRAFT CLUB offers art supplies and a craft brunch.

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Family-Friendly Fall Activities

1 of 40 Zoo Boo Tacoma

Features costumes, ghostly games, and underwater pumpkin carving.

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Food, Drink, and Parties

1 of 24 Halloween Party Cruise Seattle

Nighttime costume cruise on Lake Union and Lake Washington with a DJ.

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Haunted Experiences

1 of 14 Tacoma's Ultimate Haunted House Tacoma

Story-driven horror experience in an underground lair

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Movies, Theater, and Entertainment

1 of 4 Scream Queens: A Burlesque Horror Show Tacoma

Spooky burlesque horror show starring the Gritty City Sirens.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can kids come on ghost tours in Des Moines?

Family-friendly early tours, usually the 7 pm slot, keep stories spooky but not graphic and welcome ages 8-plus; late-night tours lean into murder and macabre detail and often set 13+ or 18+ minimums. Check the tour's stated age guidance and pick the early slot for first-timers. Ninety minutes of night walking is the real limit for younger kids, so check the route length.

How should we dress for October outdoor events in Des Moines?

October is the swing month: afternoon events can be warm while anything after sunset drops fast, so the answer is always layers, base, zip layer, packable shell, plus closed shoes for grass and gravel venues. Toss gloves and a beanie in the bag after mid-October for night tours and outdoor screenings. Check the hourly forecast at event time, not the daily high.

How do we plan around lantern parades and night processions in Des Moines?

Stake out the route, not the staging area: arrive 30-45 minutes early at a mid-route spot with a wall or storefront at your back for kids' sightlines. Bring your own lantern or glow items only if the event invites it. Transit beats driving, since road closures wrap the route, and know the dispersal point so your group reunites after the crowd releases.

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