Des Moines’s Premier Halloween Event is back on a new day
Get ready for a frightfully fun evening that combines spectacular Halloween displays with meaningful community impact! Because of changes to the Beggar’s Night tradition, this year’s festivities return to Des Moines’ historic Sherman Hill neighborhood on October 30th from 6:30-8:30 PM, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with the Sherman Hill Neighborhood Association for this incredible charity event.
A Night of Thrills That Helps Fill Pantries
Halloween on the Hill isn’t your ordinary trick-or-treat experience. This unique neighborhood haunted house transforms an entire historic district into a spooky wonderland while collecting vital donations for the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network. As you wander through streets filled with elaborately decorated homes, you’ll encounter everything from Imperial storm troopers and medieval knights to zombie spiders, live performances of “Thriller,” and even a full-size pirate ship!
But here’s what makes this event truly special: every spine-tingling moment serves a greater purpose. The Sherman Hill community opens their doors and hearts to address food insecurity in our region, creating an event that’s as meaningful as it is memorable.
Foods We Love
Our top donation needs are Peanut Butter, Fruit Canned in its own Juice, and Whole Grain Cereals. But there are lots of items like diapers, pet food or other nonperishable food items that are helpful to bring as a donation. See our full list of foods we love.
Record Need, Record Impact
The timing of this event couldn’t be more crucial. In the past year, the DMARC Food Pantry Network assisted over 75,000 unique individuals – a record in the organization’s nearly 50-year history. This staggering number reflects the growing need in our community, making events like Halloween on the Hill more important than ever.
Last year’s Halloween on the Hill demonstrated the incredible power of community collaboration, raising an impressive $9,332 for DMARC and collecting 2,698 food items from an estimated 4,000+ attendees.
Plan your spooky adventure
When: October 30, 2025, 6:30-8:30 PM Where: Historic Sherman Hill neighborhood, Des Moines
Donation Drop-off Points:
- Hoyt Sherman Place (1501 Woodland Ave.)
- 15th St. & Center St. (UnityPoint parking lot)
When you drop off your donation, you’ll receive a map guiding you to the spookiest displays throughout the neighborhood. Multiple streets will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event, so we encourage carpooling and using the designated parking lots and garage at UnityPoint.
Important Note: This event is “all trick, no treats!” However, you can purchase hot chocolate and other refreshments, with proceeds benefiting Beacon of Life, a nonprofit that empowers women in crisis.
For event updates and more information, follow the Facebook event page and visit shermanhilldsm.org.
Halloween on the Hill is made possible through the generous support of sponsors including UnityPoint Health and Hoyt Sherman Place, along with countless volunteers and community partners who believe in the power of neighbors helping neighbors.
