Des Moines Halloween Display to Conclude Operations 2026
The Selby family's annual Harry Potter-themed installation ends in 2026, marking the end of a long-standing local fundraiser.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy
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The Selby family has announced that their popular Harry Potter-themed Halloween display, a free community attraction in Des Moines, will conclude operations in 2026. The installation, located at 3720 Brook Ridge Court, has served as a fundraising venue for the Salvation Army.
Why it matters
The display serves as an example of how private property owners leverage seasonal investments to drive local charitable contributions. The family’s decision to sunset the project marks the end of a multi-year effort that has required significant individual investment in time and capital since at least 2021.
The display has operated as a charitable venue since 2021, funneling donations to the Salvation Army from visitors at 3720 Brook Ridge Court. The scope of future fundraising for the charity through this specific channel remains undetermined beyond the 2026 conclusion.
The players
The Selby family
A private household in Des Moines that has managed and financed a charitable Halloween installation since 2021.
Salvation Army
An international charitable organization that receives financial support generated by the display's visitors.
The details
The display operates as a private initiative where the family invests personal capital and labor to curate a large-scale Harry Potter-themed environment. By providing free access to the public, the organizers create a high-traffic destination that facilitates ongoing collections for the Salvation Army.
Timeline
2021: KCCI first showcased the display.
2026: The final year of the display.
Market Landscape
The display follows the broader trend of high-production residential holiday installations functioning as community-based fundraising hubs. Its closure represents a shift in the local philanthropic landscape as one of the area's most visible volunteer-led initiatives concludes its cycle.
Local business owners and operators should monitor the shift in community-led fundraising venues as these residential sites often serve as significant regional donor funnels. The conclusion of such an initiative necessitates an evaluation of alternative channels to maintain comparable charitable support levels.
The takeaway
The end of a multi-year charitable project highlights the volatility inherent in volunteer-managed philanthropic infrastructure. Operators looking to maintain community engagement should track how the Salvation Army identifies new fundraising partners to replace the recurring donations lost by this closure.
What happens next
The display will continue to operate through the 2026 season before closing permanently.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolution of local Philanthropy efforts in the Des Moines area.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KCCI.
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