DES MOINES, Iowa —

From a puppy pumpkin patch and apple‑pressing open house to wine‑and‑witches shopping, bingo for rescue pups, a Jester Park spooktacular and Night Eyes at the zoo, central Iowa’s pre-Halloween weekend runs Oct. 24–26 across central Iowa.

Several central Iowa communities are starting their Halloween celebrations this weekend. Find our guide to trick-or-treating here.

Friday, Oct. 24

Drake University's Halloween Spike-tacular , 2601 Forest Ave., Des Moines

5 to 7 p.m. Friday

Cost: Free

Drake University is hosting a fun, family-friendly, and free event this Friday called the Halloween Spike-tacular. Named after the costumed mascot Spike, the event encourages people to dress up in costume, enjoy carnival games, and get free admission to Drake women's volleyball. I

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