Halloween on the Hill

Halloween on the Hill 2025

Thursday, October 30 | 6:30–8:30 PM | Sherman Hill Neighborhood

Since 2010, Halloween on the Hill has grown into Des Moines’ favorite Halloween tradition — a night when our historic neighborhood transforms into a glowing, ghostly wonderland. Homes come alive with spooky scenes, live performances, and creative community spirit, all while supporting local nonprofits.

This free, family-friendly event attracts thousands of visitors each year. Come in costume, bring your family, and join us for a night of magic, mischief, and meaning.

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What to Expect

Walk the historic streets of Sherman Hill and experience:

• Spooky decorated homes throughout the neighborhood
• Live performances including Thriller dancers and Bewitched Bellydancers
• Classic Halloween characters like knights, pirates, and even Freddy Krueger
• Local food vendors and nonprofit pop-ups
• A great cause — donations benefit the DMARC Food Pantry Network

📍 Multiple streets will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event. Please carpool and park in UnityPoint’s lots or garage — all within a block of the festivities.

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Giving Back

Halloween on the Hill isn’t just spooky fun — it’s about helping our neighbors in need.

DMARC Food Pantry Network

Our primary charitable partner.
Since 2022, community donations have grown every year:

• 2022: $8,809 raised + 7,641 food items
• 2023: $9,332 raised + 2,698 food items
• 2024: $12,038 raised + 2,953 food items collected
  DMARC now collects mostly through QR code donations, allowing them to purchase food in bulk for families in need.

Giving examples
$5 = 6 healthy meals for 1 person
$10 = 3-day supply (9 healthy meals) for one person living with food insecurity
$25 = Provides one jar of peanut butter for 23 households
$50 = 5-month supply of cereal for a household of four
$100 = 108 meals for one person experiencing food insecurity

>Give Now

Beacon of Life

A women’s resource center and transitional housing organization right here in Sherman Hill.
They’ll be serving hot chocolate and cider outside the Mickle Center — last year they raised $1,217! All proceeds support women in crisis.

Des Moines Refugee Services (DMRS)

Their Women of the World food tent features treats from across the globe. Last year they raised around $600 and plan to expand their offerings this season.

DSM Breakerz

A local youth breakdancing nonprofit that promotes confidence, creativity, and physical health through movement. They’ll be performing live during the event!

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Major Attractions

Here’s just a few of the spooky sights and sounds you’ll find:

• Horrors at Hoyt Sherman Place – spooky arts festival on the lawn
• Graveyard Ghouls Hearse Club – “waking the dead since 2023” with vintage hearses
• Haunted Driveway – animatronic-filled fright
• Medieval Knights & Dragons – beware the fire-breathing dragon on 16th Street!
• Harry Potter Quidditch – house teams compete for glory at 16th & Center
• Thriller Dancers – Dance Vision brings MJ’s iconic moves to life
• Pirate Ship – full-size ship on 16th Street with swashbuckling pirates
• DSM Breakerz – youth breakdancers building confidence through movement
• Bewitched Bellydancers – sword dances, fire play, and spooky shimmying
• Mid Iowa Ghostbusters – Ecto-1 and paranormal pros, ready to believe you!
• Haunted Big Top – nightmare circus with glowing clowns and eerie dancing
• Mad Scientists – wild experiments under the full moon
• Bad Electricity – Baker Group’s paranormal lift truck
• Beetlejuice Yard – Adam & Barbara try to banish BJ (don’t say it 3 times!)

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Food Vendors

Come hungry — your purchases support local makers and small businesses!

• Domestic Bones * – hand pies
• Magoo’s Pizza *– local favorite
• Bali Bulay Indonesian Satay * – authentic Indonesian cuisine
• Women of the World * – Global eats
• Lua Brewery – Craft beer & elevated pub grub, plus limited edition HOTH BROTH
• Big Grover Brewery – American food & craft beer
  
  * located at the Mickle Center

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Get Involved

Volunteer

Help us bring the magic to life!
We’re seeking volunteers for:

• Set-up crew
• Event crew
• Teardown crew

> Sign up to volunteer

Sponsor

Sponsors help cover essential event costs — like street closures, police, barricades, and insurance — allowing proceeds to go directly to DMARC.

Sponsors donating $500+ are recognized on the website, event signage, and promotional materials.

Contact Ryan at ryanphowell@gmail.com or > fill out our sponsorship form

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🕸️ Stay Connected

Follow our event on Facebook for frightfully fresh updates and spooky behind-the-scenes moments!

> Follow Halloween on the Hill on Facebook

Thank you to our sponsors!

Unity Point Health | Hoyt Sherman Place