October is here and with it the official start of the 'ber months! Pumpkins and Halloween decorations are popping up overnight in our neighborhood even though I promise it was just the 4th of July!
Whether you ’ re ready to dive into the spooky season or are just excited about the crisp fall air, there’s plenty to look forward to this month in Central Iowa.
Keep reading for your October rundown on events, local recommendations and a snapshot of the Central Iowa real estate market.
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The Market at a Glance
IN THE PAST 30 DAYS IN DALLAS & POLK COUNTY
Residential Single Family
Dubuque, IA 3 hours 15 min - 200 miles
Things to do:
Restaurant: Convivium Urban Farmstead
Restaurant: Catfish Charlie’s Brew Pub
Activity: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Activity: Ride the Fenelon Place Elevator for scenic views
Galena, IL - 3 hours 30 min - 230 miles
Things to do:
Restaurant: (In Galena) Fried Green Tomatoes
Restaurant: Catfish Charlie’s Brew Pub
Activity: National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
Activity: Ride the Fenelon Place Elevator for scenic views
Mason City/Clear Lake - 2 hr - 120-130 miles
Things to do:
Restaurant: Mason City has The Dome Café
Restaurant: Clear Lake area – Lake Time Family Restaurant
Activity: Visit Music Man Square / Meredith Willson’s birthplace in Mason City
Activity: Walk or bike along Clear Lake, enjoy autumn views or local parks
Events in Central Iowa this month
OctoberBucketList
BOOtanical Halloween / Trick or Trees
October 25, 2025
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Des Moines Whiskey Festival 2025
October 25, 2025
Horizon Events Center, Clive
IIowa Home Expo
October 10-12, 2025
Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines
Women Lead Change Conference
October 15-16, 2025
Iowa Events Center, Des Moines
Catch the “death bloom” of the Blue Glow agave at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
One of the garden’s agaves is expected to bloom (and then die) sometime in October — a rare, dramatic botanical event you won’t want to miss.
Experience “Night Eyes” at Blank Park Zoo
Each October, Blank Park Zoo hosts a special evening/semi‑haunted walking experience after dark — mix animals, lights, and fall creepiness.
Play board games late night at The Rook Room
Open late Fridays and Saturdays (and evenings other nights), The Rook Room is a cozy hang where locals can sample from its 700+ board game library over food and drink.
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October Home Maintenance Checklist
Clean and store outdoor furniture
Winterize sprinkler system
Reverse ceiling fans to clockwise to circulate warm air more effectively
Inspect and clean chimneys and fireplaces
Clean and organize garage ✓
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Stock up on citronella candles or invest in a bug zapper
Whether you ' re interested in purchasing your first home, moving up, downsizing, or investing, my team and I are here to be a resource to you.
Reply to this email if you have any questions I'm always here to help!
