Good morning, Des Moines.

Photos from Sherman Hill’s Halloween on the Hill on Oct 30 showed many local residents in costumes and enjoying dance performances—supporting the DMARC Food Pantry Network.

The event brought neighbors together to celebrate and raise funds for the local food pantry.

Organizers of the Parks Community Thanksgiving Dinner in Highland Park report a surge in meal requests caused by the government shutdown—by 5:00 p.m. on Monday they received over 590 orders and by Wednesday it had passed 1,000.

The nonprofit offers dine-in and carry-out meals on a first-come, first-served basis while still needing volunteers, including delivery drivers.

Iowans may need extra help in November as halted SNAP benefits have led local groups to offer free meals and food supplies amid the government shutdown.

The services include 14 DMARC food pantries, four community fridges at public libraries, free meals at The Connection Cafe and Central Iowa Shelter—all of which welcome donations and volunteers.

Joe Stevens has planned a tiny home village on the old Chesterfield school site on Des Moines' southeast side by leasing 5.5 acres from the city and seeking an extra 5.5 from the Water Reclamation Authority.

The nonprofit will repurpose the school building as a community center and add 54 homes over two phases—pending fundraising speed—with supportive amenities like gardens, a medical center, and a small grocery store, breaking ground in 2026 with tenants moving in by 2027.

City officials opened Two Rivers Park this month near the East Village with nine acres of green space and an observation platform—designed for inclusive use with benches, picnic tables, and braille signs.

MidAmerican Energy owns the land and says the park will host events and help spur new residential and business development as plans for the Market District are unveiled soon.

Most Des Moines-area communities have ended Beggars’ Night and scheduled trick-or-treating for tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in cities including Des Moines, Ankeny, and Urbandale—while Bondurant, Granger and Windsor Heights held festivities on Oct 25; some neighborhoods hosted alternative events on Oct 30 and the forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with temperatures around 50 during trick-or-treat hours before falling to 34.

A fire on Thursday morning forced employees to evacuate Herschel Parts (1301 North 14th Street) in Indianola as fire crews from Indianola and Norwalk arrived at 8:43 a.m. and contained the blaze by 9:16 a.m., with officials saying the fire likely started in an oil vat (used in the heat-treating and cooling process) and that no one was hurt.

The Iowa State Fair auction started on Oct.

27 and will end on Nov. 6 at Iowa State Fairgrounds—more than 700 items including Sky Gliders, livestock pens and vintage displays are on sale—and bidders have already placed 50 bids on a tractor attachment now at $420.

DMPS Principal Eddie McCulley said the $265 million bond will help replace the aging Moulton Elementary School building—aiming to provide safer, modern facilities for students.

The Head Start program at Community Action of Eastern Iowa will lose funding Saturday because the five-year grant is expiring—leaving 300 children without care and forcing 45 staff layoffs.

Families in South Central counties are worried about losing childcare support—officials say the shutdown adds to the strain on parents.

As Iowa trick-or-treaters hit the streets this weekend, parents are urged to check that candy is in its original packaging and select costumes that allow clear visibility—nurse Janna Day from the Iowa Poison Control Center noted that while candy tampering is rare, attention to allergies and pet safety is also crucial. Parents should remain vigilant to ensure that treats and costume choices do not put children at risk.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!

An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma

7:30-9 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Tickets available — Experience legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma in a special performance blending music and reflections on art and humanity.

Iowa Reptile Show

10 AM – 4 PM — Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines — Tickets available at the door — A family-friendly event featuring thousands of reptiles, amphibians, and supplies to explore.

Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad

6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with a hands-on art activity each week in a fun and welcoming environment.

Monthly Writing Night

7-9 p.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — A casual evening for writers to create and share inspiration over coffee.

RC Coffee Networking Event

9-10 a.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — Connect with local remodelers over coffee and networking opportunities.

Holiday Social 2025

5-9 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $30 per person — Enjoy a casual evening of appetizers and drinks while mingling with fellow locals.

Elevated Dining Experience at Judges

5:45-7:45 p.m. — Judges — Cost varies — Enjoy shareable starters and inventive cocktails in a modern comfort food setting.

The Fitch Building Open Studio

6-9 p.m. — Fitch Studios LLC — Free entry — Explore a vibrant array of local artists showcasing their creative works in an interactive studio environment.

Des Moines Holiday Boutique

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — EMC Expo Center — $12 online, $14 at the door — Discover unique gifts from over 130 small businesses this holiday season.

Novel November Write In

4-7 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Keep your writing momentum going with fellow novelists during this collaborative write-in session.