Fall is such a beautiful time of year. The air is crisp and fresh The Pumpkin Spice Lattes are flowing. Life is good! But, there's more to fall in Des Moines than what meets eye. This guide shares activities, food, drinks, decor, and tips to keep your entire family busy. Thanks to this guide, you'll never hear, "I'm bored" or "There's nothing to do" this season
Let the fall festivities begin! Here's your guide to all things fall in Des Moines
Hugs + PSL Chugs,
DSM Fall Highlights: September
BeaverdaleFallFestival 19
Wrap up summer with a hometown vibe think a charming neighborhood fair complete with parades, carnival rides, pie-loving contests, bounce activities, and a buffalo-sized dose of fall spirit �� Learn more
Movie under the stars? Yes, please. Cozy up with familiar film favorites, bring your blanket, and grab a hot pizza or drink from Porch Light before the flick starts in Ankeny’s Backyard See the full lineup, here!
Dirndl or lederhosen optional but highly encouraged Raise a stein, sway to polka, compete in stein-holding, and toast your way into fall with serious German flair �� [Grab tickets]
ApplePicking+OutdoorMusic@Wilson’s 23
Head to Wilson’s for apple picking (a family favorite spot of ours!) or attend their Sunday Funday FREE event, hosted every week at the farm, featuring local musical talent. Grab your foldable chairs, bring the kids and pets, and enjoy a summer afternoon filled with local music at our farm 21stAnnualOktoberfestatTheDistric 26
In Des Moines, the trees usually start to change color in late September, with the brightest fall colors showing up in early to mid-October �� A great local spot to catch the peak? The High Trestle Trail, Ledges State Park, or just cruising through neighborhoods like Beaverdale and Water Works Park
DSM Highlights: October PUMPKINPATCHES
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Activities include pumpkin painting, face painting, inflatables, train rides, character appearances, and more. Click here for more info!
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Pumpkins and Pints, Uptown Ankeny
Enjoy an evening farmers market at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion, where you’ll find a good number of our regular-season vendors, you can shop pumpkins from Ankeny Area Historical Society, and Uptown Garage Brewing Co will be on site with seasonal beer, cider, and more
See incredibly detailed, volunteer-carved Jack-O-Lanterns! Sunset is at approximately 7:00 See amazing Jack-O-Lanterns, Collusion hologram projections (best after sunset), glowing orbs, and the Sycamore Falls lighted tower. Follow a designated path and see all of the fun. There are planned activities. View the schedule here.
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Fall Fest, Polk City Town Square
Confirmed: Trick-or-treating on October 31
Communities including Des Moines, Clive, Johnston, Waukee, Urbandale, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, and West Des Moines have all moved their celebrations to Halloween night. This helps reduce confusion and aligns schedules across neighborhoods. dsm.city
DSM Fall Highlights: November
TBD JingleintheJunction
Jingle in the Junction offers a festive atmosphere with extended shopping hours, horse-drawn trolley rides, live entertainment, and over 100,000 holiday lights illuminating 5th Street It's a delightful event for families and visitors of all ages! Official dates for Jingle in the Junction to be released soon!
HolidayPromenade TBD
The Holiday Promenade in East Village offers festive activities for all ages, including extended shopping hours with holiday deals, a tree lighting ceremony at Brenton Skating Plaza, and horse-drawn trolley rides through decorated streets Official dates for The Holiday Promenade to be released soon!
Kick off the holiday season with a little Christmas magic at Rose Farm! On Nov. 29, Nov. 30, or Dec. 6, Santa himself will be flying in from the North Pole for a festive 45-minute experience inside the twinkling greenhouse
Shop one-of-a-kind gifts, sip seasonal drinks, and soak in all the holiday vibes while connecting with some of the best local makers and small businesses at the Des Moines Heritage Center With a carefully curated lineup of vendors, you’ll find unique treasures that aren’t on any big-box shelf
Support local farmers with autumn produce from the Downtown Farmers Market
Pick apples from Wilson’s orchard and make caramel apples or apple nachos
Take in Friday night lights at your town’s school football game
Switch out your library with fall-themed books from the Kirkendall library
Go on a fall nature scavenger hunt (see page 7!)
Escape the Haunted Forest in Ames or Sleepy Hollow’s Scream Park
Burn a fall-scented candle from Real Deal’s (Uptown Ankeny)
Pick the perfect pumpkin from Center Grove Orchard
Have a cozy movie night with a nostaglic throwback (check the list on pg 6!)
Shop and support local on Small Business Saturday
P S I love to see how YOU celebrate fall! Tag me in your stories as you check off any of these fun activities!
WHY WE LOVE FALL IN DES MOINES
Raising my family here in Des Moines means fall isn’t just a season it’s a collection of traditions we look forward to year after year ��. From apple picking and pumpkin patch adventures to cheering on our teams while tailgating and bundling up for trick-or-treating, each fall feels like a new chapter in our family story. As the boys grow, the memories just get sweeter (and busier ��). And what makes it even better? So many of these traditions come from local businesses and farms right here in our community. Supporting them while creating memories with my family is one of the things I love most about fall in the 515.
My hope is that this guide inspires you whether you’ve lived here forever or are just getting to know the metro to make the most of the season and fall in love with autumn in the 515 all over again. ����
