Historic Halloween: Des Moines Kids Enjoy Trick-or-Treating for the First Time Since 1938

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — In a significant change for the city, children in Des Moines, Iowa, will be able to go trick-or-treating on Halloween for the first time since 1938. This marks a departure from a long-standing tradition that has seen Des Moines celebrating what is known as Beggars’ Night on the evening before Halloween.

Traditionally, trick-or-treating is a beloved activity across the United States on Halloween, where kids don costumes and go door-to-door asking for candy. However, Des Moines opted for a unique approach over 70 years ago, aiming to curb vandalism and encourage safer, more family-oriented festivities.

On Beggars’ Night, which typically occurs the night before Halloween, children not only shout “Trick-or-Treat” but are also expected to entertain the neighbors by telling a joke—or, historically, by singing or reciting poetry—before receiving their treats. The focus has shifted over time to joking, making it a fun interactive event.

This year, while Beggars’ Night was initially planned for Wednesday, it was postponed to Thursday due to forecasted heavy rains and thunderstorms, coinciding with Halloween as celebrated in the rest of the country. “To my knowledge, it has never been moved or canceled since it was established after Halloween in 1938,” said Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte. “However, ensuring the safety of our residents, families, and children is always our top priority, which led to the alteration of this year’s schedule.”

Typically, Beggars’ Night is held between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., giving families a set time to participate in the fun. Many suburbs surrounding Des Moines have also embraced this tradition but have chosen to align their celebrations with the national Halloween date this year, further bridging the gap between local customs and nationwide practices.

“I didn’t realize we were that much of an anomaly because for us, this is normal,” said Debbie Westphal Swander, owner of a costume shop in West Des Moines. “This year, we’re finally in sync with how the event is celebrated everywhere else. In the end, the most important aspect for me is the kids and their enjoyment during this festive time.”