Slipknot’s hometown Des Moines to allow Halloween for first time since 1938

After an 86-year tradition of celebrating Halloween differently, Des Moines, Iowa – famously known as the birthplace of metal band Slipknot – is finally joining the rest of America in traditional Halloween celebrations. Weather concerns have prompted this historic shift, marking 2024 as the first year since 1938 that children will trick-or-treat on October 31st.

The city’s unique approach to Halloween has long intrigued outsiders. Instead of the traditional October 31st celebrations, Des Moines residents have observed “Beggars Night” on October 30th. This distinctive tradition required young trick-or-treaters to earn their candy through entertainment – most commonly by telling jokes, though singing, poetry recitation, and other performances were also welcomed.

“This is the first time we’ve had to adjust the schedule since its establishment in 1938,” notes Assistant City Manager Jen Schulte. The decision came in response to forecasted severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, originally predicted for the traditional Beggars Night date.

The change has sparked conversations about local traditions, with some residents only now realizing how unique their celebration has been. Local costume shop owner Debbie Westphal Swander expressed surprise at learning about their city’s distinctive approach: “For us, this is normal – I hadn’t realized we were such an outlier.“

The original 1938 switch to Beggars Night was implemented to combat “hooliganism” in the city, creating a more structured celebration that emphasized entertainment and community engagement over simple candy collection. While this year’s weather-forced change aligns Des Moines with national Halloween traditions, it represents a significant shift for the community.

This convergence with national Halloween customs means Des Moines children will, for the first time in over eight decades, join millions of other American kids in trick-or-treating on October 31st. However, given the city’s rich history with alternative celebrations – and its connection to one of metal’s most theatrical bands – it’s possible some residents might keep the joke-telling tradition alive, even as they adapt to the new date.

The shift prioritizes children’s safety while maintaining the celebratory spirit, demonstrating how even long-standing traditions can evolve when circumstances require. As Westphal Swander emphasizes, “The big picture for me is, it’s absolutely about the kids. That’s the most important thing.“