Pumpkins After Dark Makes Its Des Moines Debut at Water Works Park This Friday.

Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, larger-than-life illuminated displays and family-friendly Halloween fun arrive at Lauridsen Amphitheater October 9–31

DES MOINES, Iowa — October 7, 2026 — This October, Water Works Park will glow in a whole new way as Pumpkins After Dark brings its award-winning Halloween experience to Des Moines for the first time.

Running October 9 through October 31, 2026, at Lauridsen Amphitheater in Water Works Park, Pumpkins After Dark invites guests to step into a spectacular nighttime world filled with thousands of intricately hand-carved pumpkins, illuminated displays, live entertainment, pumpkin carving demonstrations, seasonal treats and unforgettable photo opportunities.

Designed as a celebration of Halloween rather than a haunted attraction, Pumpkins After Dark offers a festive experience for guests of all ages — with no jump scares.

Families, couples, friends and Halloween fans can wander through glowing themed displays featuring everything from classic Halloween imagery to larger-than-life creatures, pop-culture-inspired creations and incredible works of pumpkin art.

A Halloween Experience for All Ages

Pumpkins After Dark combines artistry, entertainment and the atmosphere of a fall night out into one immersive experience.

Guests can expect:

• Thousands of hand-carved pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns
• Spectacular illuminated pumpkin displays
• Live pumpkin carving demonstrations
• Live entertainment
• Fall-themed treats and sweets
• Photo opportunities throughout the experience
• Family-friendly Halloween fun with no jump scares

Pumpkin artists bring intricate designs to life throughout the event, giving visitors an opportunity to see the craftsmanship behind the displays and watch professional carvers at work.

The experience is designed to be just as impressive for adults as it is magical for younger guests, making it an easy addition to family Halloween traditions, date nights and fall outings with friends.

Opening October 9 at Water Works Park

Pumpkins After Dark officially opens to the public Friday, October 9, and runs select evenings through Halloween night, October 31.

The event takes place at:

Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
Des Moines, Iowa

Tickets use time-slotted entry, and capacity is limited for each arrival window. Guests are encouraged to reserve their preferred date and time in advance.

On-site parking is available for $8, with the option to pre-book parking.

Tickets and complete event information are available at PumpkinsAfterDark.com.