Des Moines Kids Celebrate Halloween on October 31 for First Time Since 1938

Severe weather forecasts prompt the historic shift from the long-standing Beggars’ Night tradition to Halloween night.

Des Moines traditionally held Beggars' Night on October 30 to reduce vandalism, a practice started in 1938.
Due to forecasts of severe thunderstorms, city officials moved Beggars' Night to October 31, aligning with national Halloween celebrations.
Children in Des Moines typically perform a trick, like telling a joke, to receive candy during Beggars' Night.
The change this year has sparked discussions about potentially moving Beggars' Night to weekends to avoid school nights.
Many suburbs of Des Moines also adopted the Beggars' Night tradition and followed the city's decision to shift to Halloween this year.