Witches Night Out Returns to Downtown Burlington

Friday, October 16

Grab your ghoul friends and get ready for a spellbinding evening in Downtown Burlington during Witches Night Out on Friday, October 16.

This festive downtown stroll invites attendees to visit participating retailers, eateries and drinkeries while enjoying seasonal samples, special offers, giveaways and plenty of Halloween fun along the way.

Event check-in begins at 4:30 PM at The Busted Cup Brewhouse, where participants can pick up their witch hat, costume accessories and event map before heading out to explore Downtown.



Follow the mapped route throughout the evening, stop into participating businesses and enjoy everything Downtown Burlington has to offer before wrapping up the night back at The Busted Cup Brewhouse.



Witches Night Out is made possible with support from Presenting Sponsor KimAnne Portrait Design, Entertainment Sponsor F&M Bank & Trust and Last Stop Sponsor The Busted Cup Brewhouse.

Gather the coven, dress for the occasion and make plans for a wickedly fun night in Downtown Burlington!

Sponsored by: KimAnne Portrait Design

Last Stop After Party for Witches Night Out

Friday, October 16 8 PM

After Witches Night Out

Location: The Busted Cup Brewhouse, 724 Jefferson Street

Wrap up Witches Night Out with the Last Stop After Party at The Busted Cup Brewhouse. Expect festive décor, a lively dance floor, and the perfect finale to an enchanting evening downtown.

Downtown Partners, Inc. extends gratitude to The Busted Cup Brewhouse for hosting and to Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust for sponsoring the evening’s entertainment.

End your night with great music, good friends, and all the downtown magic, because it’s happening!

Entertainment Sponsor: F & M Bank & Trust

Last stop: The Busted Cup Brewhouse

Go Over the Edge for United Way

Friday, October 16 | F&M Bank, 221 Jefferson Street

Do you have what it takes to go Over the Edge?

United Way of Southeast Iowa is bringing a one-of-a-kind fundraising experience to Downtown Burlington on Friday, October 16, during Witches Night Out. Participants who raise at least $500 will earn the opportunity to rappel down F&M Bank, all while supporting programs and services throughout Southeast Iowa.

The excitement won’t stop at the rooftop. Jefferson Street will come alive with a block party atmosphere featuring live DJs, music, lights, costumes and plenty of spectators cheering on those brave enough to go over the edge.

Every dollar raised stays local and supports the work of United Way of Southeast Iowa.



Sign up, start fundraising or simply come Downtown to cheer them on. It’s going to be quite a view from Jefferson Street!

Night of the Living Windows Comes to Life in Downtown Burlington

Thursday, October 22 | 5-7 PM

Downtown Burlington is getting a spooky new twist this fall with Night of the Living Windows, a free, family-friendly community event bringing storefronts, costumes, entertainment and a few surprises to life throughout Downtown.

On Thursday, October 22 from 5 to 7 PM, visitors are invited to stroll downtown as participating business windows transform into live scenes and displays. Costumes are encouraged, and families may even find a little candy along the way!

The evening will also feature free Horse & Trolley Rides, seasonal activities and plenty of Halloween fun for all ages.

The Burlington Fire Department will be joining the festivities with s’mores, giving families another sweet reason to stop and enjoy the evening.

One of the biggest highlights will be a community-wide Thriller flash mob, choreographed by Stacey Sink, with performances scheduled for 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM in front of the Capitol Theater.

Mark the calendar, grab your costumes, start practicing those Thriller moves and bring the whole family Downtown for an evening of spooky fun as Downtown Burlington comes alive after dark!

Thriller Dance Sponsor: Rheinschmidt's Flooring America

Media Sponsor: The New Mix 107.3

Logistics Sponsor: Burlington Riverfront Entertainment's

Haunted Auditorium

Join the Thriller Flash Mob

Calling all zombies! Downtown Burlington is looking for community members to join the Thriller Flash Mob during Night of the Living Windows on Thursday, October 22.

No dance experience is needed. If you’re ready to have some fun, learn the iconic moves and help bring Downtown Burlington to life, you’re invited to join!

Rehearsals will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 PM on the north side of the Port of Burlington on:

• September 24
• October 1
• October 8
• October 15
• October 20

Local choreographer Stacey Sink will lead participants through the dance and get everyone ready for two performances in front of the Capitol Theater at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM on October 22.

Participants are encouraged to attend as many rehearsals as possible. Grab your friends, bring your best zombie moves and get ready to be part of a fun new Downtown Burlington Halloween tradition!

The 5&V Movie Series Returns with Psycho

October 22, 7:30 PM

Stick around after Night of the Living Windows for the return of the 5&V Movie Series!

At 7:30 PM on Thursday, October 22, head to the parking lot at 5th and Valley Streets for an outdoor showing of the classic thriller Psycho.

The movie is brought to you by Drake Hardware & Software and is free to attend.

Bring your own lawn chair and settle in for a spooky night under the stars. Bales of hay will also be available for seating.

After Downtown comes alive, stick around for a scary movie and help us welcome back a piece of Downtown Burlington history with the return of movies at the 5&V!

Thank you to the movie Sponsor, Drake Hardware & Software for bringing back this spooktacular movie!

Burlington Riverfront Entertainment Brings Scares to the Haunted Auditorium

The Haunted Auditorium returns the last 3 weekends in October with new scares and thrills behind every twist and turn!

Tickets can be purchased online or at the Memorial Auditorium Box Office Tuesday - Friday 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

Safe Trick-or-Treat Returns October 31

Get those costumes ready! The Burlington Police Department, along with local businesses and organizations, will host Safe Trick-or-Treat on October 31, beginning at 6 PM at the Port of Burlington.

Children can collect treats in a safe, indoor setting without worrying about crossing busy streets, unpredictable weather, or where their goodies came from.



It’s a favorite Burlington tradition and a great way for families to dress up, fill those treat bags and enjoy Halloween together!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Returns to the Capitol Theater

Oct 16

Get ready to do the Time Warp again!

The Capitol Theater will host a one-night-only interactive showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday, October 16 at 10 PM, celebrating the legacy of Tim Curry.

This is more than a movie! Audiences are invited to sing, shout and dance along throughout the cult classic. Each ticket includes a prop bag to join in the fun. No outside props are allowed. Costumes are highly encouraged!

Doors will open early for bar service, so come ready for a late-night Downtown experience.

Please note: This event is VERY adult in nature and recommended for ages 18+.

Thank you to event sponsors Burlington Black Water Mini Golf and Mississippi Moon Ice Cream Parlor for helping bring this Downtown tradition back to the big screen.

Spend a Sunday Afternoon with Elvis

October 18, 3 PM

Get ready for an afternoon fit for the King!

The Capitol Theater welcomes internationally acclaimed Elvis tribute artist Joseph Hall on Sunday, October 18 at 3 PM.

A Top 10 finalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Hall has been bringing the music, style and stage presence of Elvis Presley to audiences around the world since 2006. He has worked with Elvis Presley Enterprises and Legends in Concert, earned the Spirit of Elvis Award, and was named Branson’s Entertainer of the Year in 2010.

From the unforgettable hits to the signature moves, Hall delivers a high-energy tribute celebrating the music and legacy of the King of Rock and Roll.



Spend your Sunday afternoon Downtown and enjoy a little Elvis at the Capitol!

Pride on the Riverfront

Downtown Burlington

October 3

Celebrate community, inclusion and pride along Burlington’s beautiful riverfront during Pride on the Riverfront on Saturday, October 3.

Head to Downtown Burlington for a day dedicated to bringing people together with entertainment, activities and plenty of opportunities to connect and celebrate. Pride on the Riverfront welcomes friends, families and community members to enjoy the festivities along the Mississippi River and show their support for a welcoming community.



Make plans to spend the day Downtown and be part of Pride on the Riverfront!

11th Annual Organ Crawl Celebrates Music, History and Downtown Architecture

October 4, 2 PM

Spend a Sunday afternoon exploring music, history and some of Downtown Burlington’s beautiful architecture during the Burlington Organists Network’s 11th Annual Organ Crawl on Sunday, October 4 at 2 PM.

The annual event invites the community to experience the beautiful stained glass windows and historic spaces of two Downtown Burlington churches while enjoying music performed by local organists.

The Organ Crawl will begin at First Congregational Church and conclude in the chapel of First Presbyterian Church. Along the way, guests will have an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and history found inside these Downtown landmarks while hearing their organs come to life.

Admission is a free will donation, with proceeds helping subsidize organ lessons for new organists and encouraging the next generation of musicians to learn and continue the tradition.



Whether you love music, architecture, stained glass or Downtown history, the Organ Crawl offers a unique way to experience another side of Downtown Burlington.

Cornhole for a Cause

Saturday, October 17

Grab your team and get ready to toss for a good cause! The 2nd Annual Cornhole for a Cause returns to Downtown Burlington on Saturday, October 17, with all proceeds benefiting the Burlington Fire Department.

Much like the Bar Stool Open, four-person teams will make their way through Downtown Burlington, stopping at participating venues to play a game of cornhole. Teams will visit 10 locations throughout the day to complete their scorecard.

The fun begins at 10 AM at the Burlington Gym and wraps up at 5 PM at The Paddle Wheel Lounge.

Gather your four-person team, show off your cornhole skills and spend the day hopping around Downtown while raising money for our local firefighters.



Come play, give back and enjoy another great day Downtown!

For more information, contact The Paddle Wheel Lounge

KidSymphony Brings Halloween Fun to the Capitol

Bring the kids Downtown for a little Halloween music and fun! KidSymphony comes to the Capitol Theater on Saturday, October 31 at 4:30 PM.

This family-friendly, 45-minute concert is designed especially for young audiences and features familiar favorites, including “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters.

Kids are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes! After the concert, families can head to the stage to meet the musicians, see the instruments up close and discover a little more about how an orchestra makes its music.



Make an afternoon of it Downtown with KidSymphony at 4:30 PM, followed by Safe Trick-or-Treat at the Port of Burlington beginning at 6 PM!

History Club Brings Local Stories to Life Each Week

Wednesdays

Community members are invited to take a step back in time each week with the History Club, held every Wednesday at the Des Moines County Historical Society.

This free, informal gathering meets in the Bart Howard Lounge and is led by Executive Director Colton Overton. The club offers a welcoming space to explore local history, share memories, and uncover unique stories that have shaped the Burlington community.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas, topics, or questions, or simply come ready to follow where curiosity leads. Each session offers something a little different, making it a great opportunity for both longtime residents and those new to the area to learn more about the region’s rich history.

The History Club continues to be a meaningful way to connect with the past while building community in Downtown Burlington.

Downtown Deets: Fraud Prevention Training

October 26

Downtown Partners, Inc. will host its next Downtown Deets professional development session on Monday, October 26, at 8:30 AM, featuring Amy Whitaker of Mediapolis Savings Bank.

Whitaker serves as Senior Vice President and Head of Deposit Operations and is celebrating 29 years with the bank. During the session, she will discuss current fraud trends, common tactics used by scammers, and practical strategies businesses can use to recognize and prevent fraud.



Participants will also learn what steps to take when fraud occurs and receive trusted resources to help educate employees, customers, friends, and family members. This informative session will provide valuable tools to help businesses and organizations better protect themselves and their communities.

To RSVP, please contact Amy Moyner at amoyner@greaterburlington.com or 319-752-6365 or click the button below.

Players Workshop Brings the Drama

A special thank you to Players Workshop and its actors for helping bring Night of the Living Windows to life on October 22! We’re excited to have local performers joining the fun and lending their talents to this new Downtown Burlington event.

Before then, you can catch Players Workshop on stage for its 2026-2027 season opener, Angel Street, a suspense thriller by Patrick Hamilton and directed by Lee Franklin.

Set in Victorian London, Angel Street tells a dark story of deceit, manipulation and suspense. The play is also the origin of the term “gaslighting.”

Performances are October 2-4 and 8-11 at Players Workshop, 1431 Grove Street. Evening performances begin at 7 PM, with 2 PM Sunday matinees on October 4 and 11.



Support local theater, catch Angel Street this October and then watch for some familiar Players Workshop faces when the windows come alive Downtown on October 22!

Downtown Holiday Open House

Sunday, November 8 | 10 AM - 4 PM

The holiday season starts in Downtown Burlington! Make plans to spend Sunday, November 8, exploring local shops during the annual Downtown Holiday Open House.

From 10 AM to 4 PM, participating Downtown businesses will welcome shoppers with holiday specials, seasonal finds and plenty of reasons to start checking names off your gift list.

While you shop, be sure to register at participating businesses for your chance to win $1,000 in Downtown Dollars! The more participating businesses you visit, the more opportunities you’ll have to register.

There’s no better time to discover unique gifts, support your favorite local businesses and see what’s new Downtown before the holiday rush begins.

You do not need to be present to win. The $1,000 Downtown Dollars winner will be announced on the Downtown Burlington Facebook page the week of November 10.



Grab your shopping list, bring a friend and kick off the holidays in Downtown Burlington!

Kiwanis Lighted Holiday Parade

Saturday, November 28 | 5 PM

Get ready for a Red, White and BLUE Christmas in Downtown Burlington!

The Kiwanis Lighted Holiday Parade returns Saturday, November 28 at 5 PM, and this year’s theme puts a patriotic spin on the holiday season as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Expect plenty of lights, holiday cheer and a little red, white and blue along the parade route. From White Christmas to Blue Christmas, we’re combining the sounds of the season with a celebration 250 years in the making.

Want to join the fun with a lighted float? Parade entry forms are available at greaterburlington.com.

A special thank you to Standard of Beaverdale, Premier Sponsor, for making the Lighted Holiday Parade possible; Pritchard Broadcasting, Media Sponsor; and J&M Displays, sponsor of the lighted entertainment.

Bundle up, bring the family and join us Downtown for a Red, White and BLUE Christmas!

Living Windows Returns to Downtown Burlington

Thursday, December 10 | 5-7 PM

One of Downtown Burlington’s favorite holiday traditions returns December 10 as storefronts come alive for the 24th Annual Living Windows!

From 5 to 7 PM, stroll through Downtown and discover live window displays, twinkling lights, carolers, story readings, crafts, gingerbread houses, holiday treats and plenty of Christmas cheer along the way.

Enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides, stop into Downtown shops for complimentary treats and beverages, and get a little Christmas shopping done while you explore. And, of course, no Living Windows would be complete without a visit with Santa Claus at his cottage!

Living Windows is all about slowing down, strolling Downtown and making holiday memories with family and friends.

Want to bring a window to life? Businesses, organizations and community groups interested in participating in a Living Windows display can contact Amy Moyner at 319-752-6365 or amoyner@greaterburlington.com.

Discover Downtown with the Downtown App

Everything you love about Downtown Burlington is just a tap away! The free Downtown App makes it easy to discover local restaurants, boutiques, events, public art, historic landmarks, and more, all in one place. Whether you're planning a day downtown or exploring with friends and family, the app is your go-to guide for shopping, dining, entertainment, and self-guided walking tours.

Download the Downtown App today and experience everything happening in Downtown Burlington right from your pocket!

📱 Download the app now and get exploring!

• Google Play: Click here
• Apple App Store: Click here

Just don’t say we didn’t warn you: fun is highly likely.

Explore the Region with the Destination: Greater Burlington Podcast

Discover the people, places, and experiences that make Greater Burlington a destination worth exploring! Hosted by Chris Gram of the Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau and Amy Moyner of Downtown Partners, Inc., the Destination: Greater Burlington podcast highlights local attractions, events, businesses, and hidden gems throughout the region.

Whether you're planning your next adventure or looking for something new close to home, tune in on Spotify and let the Destination: Greater Burlington podcast inspire your next visit.

Downtown Living at McConnell Lofts

Downtown Burlington living is on the market at McConnell Lofts, offering a spacious three-bedroom, two-bath condominium in the heart of Downtown.

Listed at $319,000, the 1,488-square-foot unit was built in 2018 and has had just one owner. The property offers the convenience of low-maintenance condominium living while placing residents within walking distance of Downtown Burlington’s restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, events and riverfront.

With modern amenities, convenient maintenance and Downtown Burlington just outside the front door, this McConnell Lofts residence offers an opportunity to experience downtown living firsthand.



Interested in Learning More?

For additional information or to schedule a showing, contact:

Kelly Wolkenhauer, REALTOR® & Designer

Midwest Realty Group, Inc.

Office: 319-237-1139

Cell: 319-457-0344

Email: kelly@midwestrealtygroupinc.com

Website: www.midwestrealtygroupinc.com

It's Happening!

Now Open:

• The Daiquiri Lab - 718 Jefferson Street Suite 101
• Bulldogs - 713 Jefferson Street
• Becky Thee Braider - 718 Jefferson Street
• Jefferson Street Ice Cream Company - 314 Jefferson Street
• About the House - 312 Jefferson Street
• Wardrobe 111 & Studio - 122 N 4th Street

Don't miss all of the fun at the Art Center of Burlington

• Visit the Art Center of Burlington for winter classes, new art installations, and events for a date night, girls' night out, or family fun!

It's Happening all year long at the Capitol Performing Arts Center

• Visit the Capitol Performing Arts Center for Concerts, Movies, Comedy and more. It's Happening All Year!

The Burlington Public Library has so much scheduled all year long

• There is so much happening at the Burlington Library all winter long! Lots of activities for all ages! Visit the Burlington Public Library Calendar to see what's going on and join in on all the fun!

Thank You:

• Thank You to Our Amazing Supporters! Downtown Burlington wouldn’t be the same without you! Volunteers, businesses, and community organizations, your dedication makes our events, tours, and vibrant atmosphere possible. Every helping hand brings our downtown to life, creating unforgettable memories for all. Thank you for all you do!

Grants:

• Blade Sign Grant:

Downtown Partners, Inc. Business Signage Grant Program offers applicants up to $400 in matching grant funds for perpendicular “blade” signage for their businesses!

Blade signs have several benefits:

• Accentuating the traditional historic and walkable character of Downtown Burlington
• Emphasizing the Downtown district as a collection of small, independent, locally owned businesses
• Adding to the liveliness of the streetscape
• Freeing up sidewalk space occupied by sandwich board signs
• Encouraging businesses to explore their individuality and examine their branding
• Increasing business visibility for potential customers who would otherwise not know anything about the business unless they were directly in front of it

If you are interested in applying and for more information please contact Amy Moyner at 319-752-6365 or visit the Blade Sign webpage.

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