DES MOINES, Iowa — Thousands of kids across Central Iowa will be trick-or-treating on Friday, but celebrating Halloween on Halloween night may be unusual for some Iowans.

For the first time in 87 years, the city of Des Moines planned to have trick-or-treating on Halloween.

In 2024, severe weather moved Beggars’ Night to Halloween night in several Central Iowa communities. Last year was the first time Des Moines kids went trick-or-treating on Halloween since 1938.

As a result of last year’s change, many communities decided to keep the festivities on the holiday.

With Halloween taking place on a Friday this year, the Des Moines Police Department said it’s expecting more people to be celebrating in downtown Des Moines this weekend. Sergeant Paul Parizek said Court Avenue will likely see more crowds than usual.

“We’re ready for that. We have our crew down on Court Avenue. We want everyone to come out and have a good time. Just don’t get arrested,” he said.

Parizek also urges people to have a plan for a safe ride home.

“Don’t overindulge. Come out and have a good time, but keep your head screwed on straight,” he said.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is providing $10 Uber vouchers. The offer is available Friday through Sunday.

Below is a list of some communities that will host trick-or-treating on Friday:

• Adel
• Altoona
• Ames
• Ankeny
• Boone
• Carlisle
• Clive
• Des Moines
• De Soto
• Grimes
• Huxley
• Indianola
• Johnston
• Nevada
• Norwalk
• Perry
• Pleasant Hill
• Polk City
• Urbandale
• Waukee
• Winterset
• West Des Moines