By Redacción
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For the first time since 1938, children in Des Moines, Iowa, will go trick-or-treating on Halloween night.
While going door-to-door for candy on Halloween is typical across the U.S., Des Moines has long observed a different tradition, known as “Beggars’ Night,” held on October 30. The tradition was established over 80 years ago to reduce mischief and provide a safer way for children to celebrate. Unlike most places where children shout “Trick-or-Treat” and receive candy, in Des Moines, kids are expected to tell a joke before receiving their treat.
This year, Beggars’ Night was scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, but due to forecasts of heavy rain and thunderstorms, city officials postponed the event until Thursday. This means, for the first time in over seven decades, children in Des Moines will join the rest of the nation in trick-or-treating on Halloween night itself.
Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte emphasized the significance of this decision. “To my knowledge, [Beggars’ Night] has never been moved or canceled since it was established after Halloween in 1938,” Schulte said. “However, the safety of our residents, families, and children is always our top priority and led to the change in this year’s scheduled Beggars’ Night.”
A Tradition Born Out of Concern for Safety
The tradition of Beggars’ Night dates back to the late 1930s, when a former city parks director suggested moving trick-or-treating away from Halloween night as a way to curb vandalism and mischief, which had become common in the area. The new approach encouraged children to dress up and celebrate, with an emphasis on wholesome fun. Early on, children were even encouraged to sing, recite poems, or perform other types of entertainment in exchange for treats, though the tradition eventually evolved to focus primarily on jokes.
Beggars’ Night typically runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with limited hours designed to help ensure a safer, family-friendly experience for the community. Over the years, the practice has spread to Des Moines’ neighboring suburbs, many of which follow the same custom. However, due to the weather delay, these suburbs will also be shifting their celebrations to Halloween night this year.
A Local Perspective on the Change
For many residents of Des Moines, Beggars’ Night has become a local institution. Debbie Westphal Swander, owner of a costume shop in West Des Moines, said she hadn’t realized how unique the tradition was until the shift brought attention to it. “I didn’t realize we were that much of an anomaly because for us, this is normal,” Swander said. “We’re going to be in sync at least for this year with the way the event is celebrated everywhere else.”
She emphasized that for her, the most important aspect of Halloween and Beggars’ Night remains focused on the children. “The big picture for me is, it’s absolutely about the kids. That’s the most important thing,” she added.
As Des Moines temporarily joins the rest of the country in trick-or-treating on October 31, the event has stirred some nostalgia and curiosity among locals. While this year may be an exception, the unique tradition of Beggars’ Night remains an integral part of Des Moines’ Halloween culture, celebrated by generations of families who have grown up with its distinctive twist on the holiday.
