Make sure to check out the calendar on the right hand of the screen. There are a lot of festivals and events going on this weekend not listed here!
1. Friday Funday “The Little Red Hen”
When: Friday 9:30 am, 11:30 am & 1:30 pm
Where and What: This is a once a month event! Located at the Des Moines Community Playhouse. This is an interactive theater for preschoolers! Each month they play out a different story and this month it is “The Little Red Hen”. This will be last one of this season, but this will be something to remember when it starts up again in June! For more information check out the website to purchase tickets and learn more about this awesome program!
2. Valley Junction – Gallery Night
When: Friday 5 pm – 9 pm
Where and What: Located in Valley Junction, walk around a visit six different galleries that will be open to the public. This events is FREE. Shops and other restaurants will be open later for this event. This would be a perfect date night!
3. Children’s Haunted Forest
When: Friday & Saturday 6:30 pm
Where and What: Located in Carlisle, this is the perfect opportunity for your kiddos to participate in a kid friendly “haunted” house! There will be swinging bridges, pirates, ball pits and more! Admission is $6 ages 12 and under in costume! Everyone else $8!
4. Ames Oktoberfest
When: Saturday 1 pm – 11 pm
Where and What: Located on Main Street in Ames come drink beer, play games and dance to Polka music! The Nadas will also be performing at 9 pm! You can purchase tickets ahead of time and take a look at their schedule of events here.
5. Walk for Wildlife
When: Saturday 8 am – 1 pm
Where and What: Come out to Jester Park for a beautiful fall walk! There is a 5 k or 10 k walk to choose from. You will walk through the woods, on trails and terrain. Activities will be available. Pets on leashes are also welcome! This is perfect for the entire family! For more information check out here.
6. Fall Craft Day
When: Saturday 1 pm – 2 pm
Where and What: Located at the Grimes Public Library for kids ages 7 and up. Come out and create fall crafts and decor including a spinning gourd. This event is FREE. Please register. For more information check it out here.
7. Zombie Nation 5 k Fun Run/Walk
When: Saturday 12:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where and What: Dress up as a Zombie and walk around Water Works Park! $35.00 for individual, $30.00 per person for teams of 4 plus, and $8.00 per kid (5-13 years). The proceeds to go various charities including Blank Childrens Hospital. There will also be an after party for individuals 21+! For more information and to register check out here.
8. Pint Size Science– On the Farm
When: Tuesday, October 15th at 1 pm & Saturday, October 19th at 10 am
Where and What: Located at the Science Center of Iowa, this is a perfect learning experience for your kiddo and the whole family. Help harvest crops, learn about planting pumpkins, learn how farm machines work, how to plant a garden, and much more! This is for children ages 3-5 and families. $12 for non-member and $8 for member. Pre- registration is encouraged. Check out their website to register and for other Pint Size Science classes available through out the year.
9. Madison County Covered Bridge Festival
When: Saturday & Sunday 9 am – 5 pm
Where and What: Located in Winterset, take a tour of the beautiful covered bridges. There will also be arts, crafts, entertainment and food available! Check out here for a list of vendors, list of events, and information on the scarecrow contest!
10. Planned Parenthood of the Heartland Fall Book Sale
When: Friday & Saturday 9 am – 9 pm AND Sunday & Monday 9 am – 6 pm
Where and What: This is a book sale you do NOT want to miss! There will be over 600,000 books available to purchase AND CD’s, DVD’s, puzzles, and posters. This book sale will be taking place at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Admission is $10 and Monday is FREE! For more information check out here.
It’s that time of the year! Check out these Haunted Houses!!
1. Sleepy Hollow Haunted Scream Park
Friday & Saturday
October 17th – 20th, 24th – 27th and 31st
7 pm – Midnight
$25.00 all inclusive
2. The Slaughter House
Friday & Saturday
October 18th – 19th, 25th – 27th, 31st AND November 1st – 2nd
8 pm – Midnight
$12.00, coupon on website for $2 off
3. Ultimate Haunted House
Friday & Saturday
October 18th – 19th, 25th – 26th
7 – 10 pm
Sunday October 20th & 27th – 31st
7 pm – 10 pm
$13.00, coupon on website for $2 off
4. Linn’s Haunted House
Friday & Saturday
October 18th – 19th, 25th – 26th AND November 1st – 2nd
7 pm – Midnight
October 20th, 27th – 31st
7 pm – 10 pm
$12.00, coupon on website
5. Haunted Barn
Friday & Saturday
October 18th – 19th, 25th – 26th AND November 1st – 2nd
8 pm – Midnight
October 20th, 27th – 31st
8 pm – 10 pm
$15.00, $3.00 coupon on website
6. Trail of Terror
Friday & Saturday
October 18th – 19th and 25th – 26th
6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Kids Trail
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
$8 children ages 12 and under. If you wear a costume $2.00 discount!
Here is an awesome website that lists a few more haunted houses, including the ones listed above and more information!
