DES MOINES, Iowa — Halloween comes early this weekend as central Iowa residents look to celebrate the season.
If you're looking for something scary or sweet, Local 5 rounded up five events taking place this weekend that will be perfect additions to your calendar.
Have an event you want featured in Local 5's Weekend Guide? Text us at 515-457-1026 or email us at news@weareiowa.com
- When: Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.
- Where: Des Moines Community Playhouse (831 42nd St., Des Moines)
- Price: Tickets start at $29
Sink your teeth into this slapstick comedy inspired by Bram Stoker's "Dracula." The play centers around real estate agent Jonathan Harker, who inadvertently takes on Dracula as a client. When Dracula falls in love with Jonathan's fiancé, Lucy, his plan to seduce her quickly devolve into a chaotic romp that's sure to have audiences screaming... with laughter.
- When: Friday, Oct. 25, Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27
- Where: Adventureland Park (305 34th Ave. NW, Altoona)
- Price: Tickets start at $39.99
Whether you're looking for tricks or treats, Phantom Fall Fest promises something for the whole family. During the day, kids can participate in trick-or-treating, a scream contest or pumpkin painting. Many of Adventureland's classic rides will also be open. When night falls, anyone in need of a thrill can explore four themed haunted houses, plus scare zones like "Deadsville" and "Hellbillies."
- When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Where: Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (300 Court Ave., Des Moines)
- Price: Free to attend
Get your farmers' market fix in while you still can: The Des Moines Farmers' Market is taking place for the last time this season on Saturday. Stop by to see your favorite vendors and grab some fresh produces or fall-inspired snacks for the last time this year.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Where: Des Moines Art Center (4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines)
- Price: Free to attend
Celebrate Día de Los Muertos at the Des Moines Art Center this weekend. This year's Day of the Dead event, "Day of the Dead: Youth of the Eternal Flame", is in honor of young people who lost their lives too soon. The celebration will feature food, music, art activities and a traditional ofrenda (altar) designed by artists from Al Éxito.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m.
- Where: Knapp Center (2601 Forest Ave., Des Moines)
- Price: Tickets start at $10
It's almost basketball season! Tip off the season early with this exhibition game. The Bulldogs will face off against the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks. The two teams are raising money for the Greater Greenfield Community Fund and American Red Cross Nebraska-Iowa Region to help those affected by last year's storms. Make sure to submit the code WBBRELIEF when buying your tickets online to contribute to the relief efforts.