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Halloween Weekends 2026 (weather permitting)
Starts: 09/25/2026 - Ends: 10/18/2026
Halloween Weekends 2026 at the Des Moines West KOA Holiday are officially on the calendar, and they are some of the most anticipated camping weekends of the year.
Each fall, families return to Adel to celebrate Halloween in a fun, festive, and family friendly campground setting. If you are looking for Halloween camping near Des Moines, RV sites for fall weekends, or a cabin rental for a spooky getaway, our campground offers the perfect balance of seasonal fun and peaceful evenings.
Halloween Weekends 2026 will include themed activities such as site decorating contests, costume contests for all ages, pumpkin decorating while supplies last, and interactive attractions designed to bring out the spirit of the season. Guests are encouraged to decorate their campsites and join in the fun, as participation is part of what makes these weekends so memorable.
Camping during Halloween allows families to enjoy fall weather, colorful scenery, and community atmosphere while creating traditions that many guests return for year after year. After a full day of activities, relax around your campfire and enjoy crisp autumn evenings in a quieter setting just outside Des Moines.
Des Moines West KOA Holiday offers full hookup RV sites, pull through and back in RV sites, tent camping, glamping tents, one room camping cabins, deluxe cabins, and RV rental units. Whether you are traveling with a large motorhome or booking a cabin for the weekend, we provide accommodations for families, couples, and groups looking for Halloween camping in central Iowa.
Halloween Weekends are among the most popular dates of the fall season, and availability fills quickly. If you are searching for RV parks near Des Moines for Halloween, cabin rentals in Adel Iowa for fall, or family friendly Halloween camping experiences, we encourage booking early to secure your preferred dates.
We are keeping a few tricks up our sleeves for 2026, with additional details to be announced as the season approaches.
Reserve your site now and start planning your costumes.
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Spooky Campfire
Starts: 10/09/2026 - Ends: 10/11/2026
Spooky Campfire Weekend is coming up October 9–11 at the Des Moines West KOA, offering a fun and festive fall camping experience just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa.
Guests can enjoy spooky decorations throughout the campground, a costume contest, pumpkin decorating while supplies last, and a variety of family-friendly Halloween activities. Activities are available weather permitting.
This popular fall weekend is a great opportunity to enjoy cooler weather, campfires, and time outdoors with family and friends.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site and enjoy a memorable Halloween camping experience.
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Monster Bash
Starts: 10/16/2026 - Ends: 10/18/2026
Monster Bash Weekend takes place October 16–18 at the Des Moines West KOA, marking the final Halloween weekend of the season just outside Des Moines in Adel, Iowa.
Guests can enjoy decorated campsites, a costume contest, pumpkin decorating while supplies last, and a haunted maze throughout the campground. Activities are available weather permitting.
This final fall weekend is a great opportunity to enjoy cooler weather, campfires, and one last themed camping experience before the season winds down.
Reserve your RV site, cabin, or tent site and end the season with a memorable camping weekend.
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Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market
Starts: 05/02/2026 - Ends: 10/31/2026
Experience one of Iowa's most popular community events at the Downtown Farmers' Market in Des Moines. Held every Saturday morning from May through October in the Historic Court District, this vibrant market brings together local farmers, artisans, food vendors, and entertainers from across the region.
Stroll through rows of vendors offering fresh fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, locally raised meats, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, flowers, and unique gifts. The market is also a great place to meet up with family and friends, enjoy live entertainment, and experience the energy of downtown Des Moines.
Whether you're looking for fresh ingredients for your next campground meal, unique Iowa-made products, or simply a fun morning exploring the city, the Downtown Farmers' Market offers something for everyone.
Located just a short drive from Des Moines West KOA Holiday, the market makes for a perfect day trip during your camping getaway. Spend the morning shopping and exploring downtown, then return to the campground to relax and enjoy the rest of your day.
The Downtown Farmers' Market is a must-visit attraction for campers looking to experience local flavor, support small businesses, and discover the best of central Iowa.
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Madison County Covered Bridge Festival
Starts: 10/10/2026 - Ends: 10/11/2026
Experience one of Iowa's most beloved fall traditions at the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival in nearby Winterset. Held every second full weekend in October, this annual event attracts visitors from across the Midwest to celebrate the history, beauty, and charm of Madison County's famous covered bridges.
Visitors can browse handcrafted goods, sample local food favorites, enjoy live performances, and experience the welcoming atmosphere that has made this festival a fall favorite since 1970.
One of the highlights of the weekend is the opportunity to visit Madison County's iconic covered bridges. For those looking to avoid festival traffic and gravel roads, the Winterset Rotary Club offers guided bus tours of several historic bridges, including the Roseman Bridge, Hogback Bridge, and Cutler-Donahoe Bridge, along with the historic North River Schoolhouse. Knowledgeable guides share the history, stories, and local lore that have made these landmarks famous throughout Iowa.
History enthusiasts will also enjoy visiting the Madison County Historical Complex during its special "History on the Hill" celebration. Guests can explore historic buildings, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, visit a Civil War encampment, watch reenactments, and participate in family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.
Sunday brings even more excitement with one of central Iowa's largest car shows, organized by the Central Iowa Auto Club. Hundreds of classic and custom vehicles gather near Winterset Elementary School, creating a must-see attraction for automobile enthusiasts. The weekend concludes with the Covered Bridge Festival Parade on Sunday afternoon.
Located just a short drive from Des Moines West KOA Holiday, the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival makes an excellent day trip during your camping getaway. Spend the day exploring Winterset, discovering historic covered bridges, shopping local vendors, and enjoying seasonal festivities before returning to your campsite, cabin, or RV site for a relaxing evening.
If you are searching for fall festivals in Iowa, things to do in Winterset, covered bridge tours, or family-friendly autumn events near Des Moines, the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival is a must-see destination.
Make plans to experience Madison County's signature annual event and discover why visitors return year after year.
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Wills Family Orchard Fall Festival | Adel
Starts: 09/12/2026 - Ends: 10/25/2026
Fall in Adel, Iowa is one of the best times to visit Des Moines West KOA Holiday, and Wills Family Orchard is a big part of the seasonal fun. The 2026 Apple & Pumpkin Festival weekends run September 12 through October 25 on select Saturdays and Sundays.
Families can enjoy apple and pumpkin picking when available, a corn maze, hayrides, Fields of Fun activities, farm animals, seasonal food and the colorful sights of an Iowa autumn. It is the kind of easygoing fall outing that works beautifully for families camping near Des Moines.
Wills Family Orchard is located right in Adel, making it especially convenient for guests staying at Des Moines West KOA Holiday. Plan a fall camping weekend, explore the orchard during the day and come back to the campground to enjoy your own campfire and outdoor time.
For current 2026 festival dates, hours and activity availability, check Wills Family Orchard before visiting.
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Vintage & Made Fair | Adel
Starts: 10/10/2026 - Ends: 10/10/2026
Vintage treasures and handmade finds take over Adel during the 2026 Vintage & Made Fair on October 10. Held at the Dallas County Fairgrounds, the event features more than 150 Midwest vendors along with food trucks and live music.
Because the Vintage & Made Fair takes place right here in Adel, it is an especially convenient outing for guests staying at Des Moines West KOA Holiday. Spend the morning browsing vendors and discovering unique items, then return to the campground without a long drive.
The fair is a great fit for collectors, decorators, shoppers, couples and anyone who enjoys finding something a little different from what you see in traditional stores.
Combine the event with a fall camping weekend and explore more of Adel and the surrounding Dallas County area while you are here.
Check the event organizer for current vendor, ticket and event information.
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Decades On the Orchard | Winterset
Starts: 10/17/2026 - Ends: 10/17/2026
Music lovers can make a fall evening out of Decades on the Orchard in Winterset on October 17, 2026. The event brings music from multiple generations together with food, vendors and the atmosphere of a fall evening at Winterset Cidery.
For couples and adults staying at Des Moines West KOA Holiday, this is a fun way to enjoy a night out while keeping a relaxing camping weekend on the itinerary.
Spend the day exploring Winterset, enjoy dinner or a local attraction, then head to the orchard for an evening of music and entertainment. Afterward, return to Adel and your campsite for a peaceful night.
Winterset's historic courthouse square, scenic countryside and famous covered bridges also make it easy to build an entire weekend around the event.
Check the event organizer for the latest 2026 lineup, tickets and event hours.
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IMT Des Moines Marathon Weekend | Des Moines
Starts: 10/18/2026 - Ends: 10/18/2026
October brings runners, families and spectators together for the IMT Des Moines Marathon weekend. The event includes multiple races and gives runners the opportunity to experience Des Moines during one of the city's biggest fall running events.
For visitors coming to Central Iowa for race weekend, Des Moines West KOA Holiday in Adel offers a camping option outside the city while keeping guests within reach of the Des Moines metro.
Whether you are running the race, cheering on a family member or simply enjoying the excitement surrounding race weekend, there is plenty to experience throughout the area.
Plan ahead for race day traffic, road closures and parking, and check the official IMT Des Moines Marathon website for current 2026 race schedules, registration information and course details.
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Family Halloween at Living History Farms | Urbandale
Starts: 10/23/2026 - Ends: 10/25/2026
Halloween takes on a historic twist at Living History Farms during Family Halloween October 23–25, 2026.
Families can trick or treat through the historic Walnut Hill town, enjoy games and crafts, see demonstrations and experience a twilight horse drawn wagon ride. It is a fun alternative to traditional Halloween activities and gives families a chance to combine seasonal fun with Iowa history.
Guests staying at Des Moines West KOA Holiday can make Living History Farms part of a full Halloween weekend. Enjoy campground activities, head into the Des Moines area for Family Halloween and then return to Adel for an evening around the campfire.
If you are searching for family friendly Halloween activities near Des Moines, this is one to keep on your fall calendar.
Check Living History Farms for current ticket information, event hours and activities.
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Living History Farms Race | Urbandale
Starts: 11/07/2026 - Ends: 11/07/2026
Looking for an active way to experience Central Iowa this fall? The Living History Farms Race returns November 7, 2026, offering runners a unique five mile course through the historic grounds of Living History Farms in Urbandale.
The race combines running, outdoor recreation and Iowa history for an experience that is different from a typical city road race.
For runners traveling to the Des Moines area, staying at Des Moines West KOA Holiday in Adel can turn race day into a weekend camping getaway. After completing the race, slow down at the campground, explore Adel or discover another attraction around the Des Moines metro.
If you enjoy running, outdoor recreation and camping, this event is worth adding to your November plans.
Check Living History Farms for current registration information, race details and event updates.
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Family Christmas at Living History Farms | Urbandale
Starts: 12/05/2026 - Ends: 12/05/2026
Step back in time and experience an old fashioned holiday season at Living History Farms Family Christmas on December 5, 2026.
The annual event brings historic holiday traditions, demonstrations and family activities together for a festive day in Urbandale. It offers families a chance to enjoy the holiday season while learning more about Iowa's past.
For families staying at Des Moines West KOA Holiday, Family Christmas is a fun addition to a December camping trip. Spend the afternoon at Living History Farms, explore more of the Des Moines area and then return to Adel for a cozy evening at the campground.
The event can be especially enjoyable for children, grandparents and multigenerational families looking for something memorable to do together.
Check Living History Farms for the latest admission information, schedule and activities before visiting.
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Winterset Festival of Lights | Winterset
Starts: 11/27/2026 - Ends: 11/27/2026
The holiday season comes to life in Winterset during the Festival of Lights on November 27, 2026.
The historic courthouse square becomes the center of holiday activity with lighted displays, Santa, food and beverages, a lighted parade and a free showing of Elf at the Iowa Theater.
For families staying at Des Moines West KOA Holiday, the Winterset Festival of Lights is a wonderful way to turn Thanksgiving weekend into a holiday getaway. Spend the day exploring Madison County before enjoying the evening festivities in downtown Winterset.
The small town setting gives this celebration a warm, community focused holiday atmosphere that makes it especially appealing for families looking for a festive evening outside the larger Des Moines metro.
Check the Madison County Chamber for the latest 2026 schedule and event details.
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Christkindlmarket Des Moines | Des Moines
Starts: 12/03/2026 - Ends: 12/13/2026
Experience a little European holiday tradition in the heart of Des Moines during Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 3–13, 2026.
Held at Principal Park, the holiday market features handcrafted gifts, European food, cultural traditions, entertainment and family activities. It is an opportunity to enjoy something a little different during the holiday season while exploring downtown Des Moines.
Guests staying at Des Moines West KOA Holiday can make Christkindlmarket part of a winter camping getaway. Spend the day exploring the city, visit the market and enjoy the festive atmosphere before returning to Adel.
With multiple dates and daytime and evening opportunities, the market can easily fit into a longer Central Iowa visit.
Check the official Christkindlmarket Des Moines schedule before visiting because dates and hours vary throughout the event.
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Iowa's Largest Arts & Crafts Show | Des Moines
Starts: 11/13/2026 - Ends: 11/15/2026
Holiday shopping gets a handmade twist in Des Moines November 13–15, 2026, when Iowa's Largest Arts and Crafts Show returns to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
With more than 300 exhibitors expected, shoppers can browse handmade products, unique gifts and creative finds while getting a jump start on their holiday shopping.
For guests staying at Des Moines West KOA Holiday, the November arts and crafts show is an easy way to add shopping to a fall or early winter camping weekend. Spend the day at the show, explore the Des Moines area and then return to Adel for a quieter evening.
If you prefer unique gifts and handmade items over traditional retail shopping, this event could be a great addition to your Central Iowa itinerary.
Check the official event listing for current hours, admission and exhibitor information.
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Winter Solstice Market | Winterset
Starts: 12/11/2026 - Ends: 12/12/2026
Holiday shopping gets a small town Iowa twist during the Winter Solstice Market in Winterset December 11–12, 2026.
The market brings curated arts, crafts and food vendors to the historic courthouse square, creating an opportunity to shop for unique gifts while supporting local makers and small businesses.
For guests staying at Des Moines West KOA Holiday, the Winter Solstice Market is a great reason to explore Winterset during the holiday season. Pair the market with a meal in town, a scenic drive through Madison County or another local attraction for a full winter day trip.
If you are looking for holiday shopping with more local character and less of the traditional mall experience, this is an event worth considering.
Check current event information before traveling for the latest 2026 market schedule and participating vendors.
