Halloween on the Hill

Halloween on the Hill Returns!
October 30 | 6:30–8:30 PM

Des Moines’s premier Halloween event, Halloween on the Hill (HOTH), is back on October 30 from 6:30–8:30 p.m.! Residents of the historic Sherman Hill neighborhood will once again go all out, transforming their homes with spooky, spectacular scenes while collecting donations to benefit the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) Food Pantry Network.

This beloved neighborhood tradition is perfect for families and Halloween fans of all ages. Visitors can expect to see everything from Imperial stormtroopers and Medieval knights to zombie spiders, Freddy Krueger, a full-size pirate ship, and live Thriller performances. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience—and all for a great cause.

Since its start in 2010, Halloween on the Hill has grown into one of Des Moines’s most anticipated events, drawing thousands each year. At its heart, though, it has always been about community—celebrating creativity while helping those facing food insecurity.

In 2020, due to public health concerns, we paused the in-person festivities—but our support for DMARC never stopped. That year, Halloween on the Hill raised over $1,000 and collected nearly 5,000 food items to support DMARC’s vital work.

This year, we’re adding something new: you can vote for your favorite Halloween display by making a donation!

Will it be the 7-foot Frankenstein? The creepy clowns? Freddy roaming the streets? Cast your vote and make a difference by donating here:
👉 justgiving.com/campaign/Halloweenonthehill

“Halloween on the Hill is an event we always look forward to, and we’re excited to keep its spirit alive while elevating the issue of food insecurity in our community,” said Matt Unger of DMARC.

DMARC is the largest food pantry network in Iowa, serving more than 55,000 individuals across Greater Des Moines—35% of whom are children or youth. Your support helps DMARC provide food at pantry sites in West Des Moines, Ankeny, Clive, Johnston, Urbandale, and Des Moines.

Let’s make this Halloween meaningful and memorable. Come for the chills—stay for the cause.