Fun Things to Do in Greater Des Moines This Fall (2025 Edition)
by Keith Soldwisch
Fall in the Greater Des Moines area is packed with festivals, pumpkin patches, spooky attractions, and cozy seasonal traditions. Whether you’re after Oktoberfest beers, apple picking with the family, or crisp autumn hikes, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to the best fall events and activities happening in 2025.
Des Moines’ Original Oktoberfest
📅 September 26–27, 2025
Ankeny
This longtime Oktoberfest celebration has moved to Ankeny, but it’s still the metro’s go-to party for beer lovers. Expect steins, dancing, and plenty of polka music.
STAR1025.com: Oktoberfest Des Moines
Howell’s Trick-or-Treat on the Farm
📅 October 26, 2025
Howell’s Pumpkin Patch, Cumming
Dress up in costume and enjoy Halloween fun with games, candy, and pumpkin-themed activities at this family-friendly event.
Wills Family Orchard Fall Weekends
📅 Saturdays & Sundays, September 13 through October
Wills Family Orchard, Adel
Pumpkin and apple picking, hayrides, and fall treats make this orchard a must-visit for families looking to soak up seasonal traditions.
Windsor Heights Fall Festival
📅 October 3–4, 2025
Colby Park, Windsor Heights
A small-town style festival right in the metro, featuring food trucks, live entertainment, and seasonal fun for all ages.
Haunted Houses & Spooky Attractions
📅 September–October 2025
Sleepy Hollow, The Slaughterhouse, and more
For thrill-seekers, haunted houses across the metro—like Sleepy Hollow and The Slaughterhouse—deliver plenty of chills this Halloween season.
Pumpkin Patches Around Des Moines
📅 September–October 2025
Center Grove Orchard, Howell’s Pumpkin Patch, Berry Patch Farm, and more
Take a hayride, find the perfect pumpkin, and sip cider at one of the area’s many pumpkin patches.
Fall Foliage Walks & Scenic Drives
📅 Mid-October(peak colors)
Jester Park, Easter Lake Park, Iowa Arboretum, Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway
Grab your camera and enjoy the beauty of Iowa’s fall colors with a hike or a scenic drive.
Final Thoughts
Fall in Greater Des Moines offers something for everyone—whether you’re chasing Oktoberfest steins, strolling through pumpkin patches, or exploring haunted houses. Make the most of the season by marking these events on your calendar and enjoying the crisp autumn air.
