Sometimes it’s easy to forget to make plans for yourself to enjoy festive holiday fun when you’re caught up tracking down costumes, attending school parties, and you know…momming. But this is your reminder that you SHOULD make time to have some fun as the holidays approach. Whether it means a night out with mom-friends, an extra date night, a mini trip, or just some dedicated time at home to celebrate the season, Halloween can be just as fun for adults as it is for kids. Here are a few ideas to embrace the holiday this year.
1. With the girls:
Grab your girlfriends and enjoy a Witches’ Night Out. This is the perfect opportunity to break out that little black dress that has been gathering dust in your closet, round up the girls, and embrace your inner “witch” with a festive evening complete with food, cocktails, tarot card readings, a witch-craft, and more!
When: Thursday, October 24, 2019 from 6:30-9:00pm
Where: Little Lights Events (West Branch)
How: Tickets Required in Advance, sales end Th 10/17
2. With a group:
Halloween Bar Crawl
One of the many reasons we love Iowa River Landing is the line-up of establishments that actually cater to grown ups (#notincollegeanymore) by providing truly enjoyable food, cocktails, and entertainment in an environment that still allows for conversation. IRL has a festive bar crawl event that starts at 30 Hop, moves to Marquee Pizzeria, then on to Louie’s Wine Dive and ends at Backpocket Brewing, including all sorts of fun like a punch card for each location, raffle prizes, costume contest, selfie station, and DJ Poison Candy mixing up some tunes! This sounds like an awesome way to celebrate with friends.
When: Friday, October 25, 2019 from 7:00 – 11:30 p.m.
Where: Iowa River Landing (Coralville)
How: Pre-ordered tickets will be $5 (here). Day-of tickets will be $10.
3. With a special date:
Spooky Speakeasy Swing Night
You can’t go wrong with a 20’s themed swing dance halloween party! You’ll get to dance, enjoy limited time only drinks, and dress in your favorite 20’s attire while you enjoy a modern take on vintage jazz and gypsy swing performed live by Vandello Band all while overlooking Iowa City at Vue Rooftop.
When: Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.
Where: Vue Rooftop (Iowa City)
How: Advance tickets available for $10 each here. Walk-ins will be welcome for $10 cover until they hit capacity.
4. With a weekend away:
Haunted Halloween Ball
This is the self-proclaimed “biggest Halloween party in the state of Iowa” and it’s back for 5th year at the Doubletree in Cedar Rapids. If you’re looking for more of a weekend getaway then hit the road, reserve a room and enjoy all the festive fun of this epic event. It includes live music by the Pork Tornados (swoon) and a costume contest with $3,000 in cash prizes!
When: Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 7:00 p.m. – Midnight
Where: Doubletree Ballroom (Cedar Rapids)
How: Tickets are $25 here.
5. Without leaving home:
Movie & Candy Binge
Put the kids to bed, warm up some apple cider, and pull out that stash of new candy for a festive, yet relaxing, celebration binging all things Halloween! Snuggle up on the couch and embrace the occasion with one of these classic Halloween movies or cue up a documentary on real-life ghost stories.
Happy Halloween!
