What to do with the family this fall season

October 3, 2023

It’s fall, folks! Enjoy everything fall related in Ames this season; from pumpkin spice to spooktacular Halloween themed events, we got you covered with these festivities.

 

Visit a pumpkin patch or apple orchard 

Grab a pumpkin and some apples at the nearest pumpkin patch. DeMoss Pumpkin Farm and Black’s Heritage Farm have a great variety of pumpkins for your choosing. If you want apples and pumpkins, check out The Berry Patch. For a little bit of a drive outside Ames, we love Center Grove Orchard with apples, pumpkins, and more!

 

Taste the flavors of fall

Need something delicious? Grab a hot chocolate or apple cider from Burgies South. Café Milo South also has a delicious blended pumpkin chai special that is guaranteed to taste like fall! Don’t stop there; we love the apple cider cheesecake and the apple galette from Provisions Lot F.

Decorate your home 

Head to American Country HomestoreHome GoodsHobby LobbyNook and NestTJ Maxx, and if all else fails – Target to (pumpkin) spice up your home! Get your fall and Halloween-themed décor at one of these great places in Ames!

 

Go to the Farmers’ Market 

The Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market isn’t done yet. October 14 is the last day of this farmers market season. Don’t miss out on the few more weeks to enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables (and the food trucks, too).

@discoverames Ames has my whole ❤️ with this Wednesday night farmers’ market and food truck showdown! Which one was your favorite?? #foodtruck #farmersmarket #gyro #discoverames #downtown #fyp ♬ Island In The Sun – Weezer

 

Experience the fall beauty 

The leaves are changing, and you don’t want to miss it! Walk through one of Ames’ beautiful parks or on campus for amazing scenery. Join the Fall Color Walk at the Iowa Arboretum on Oct. 14. We also recommend visiting Reiman Gardens to enjoy more fall colors.

 

Attend Cyclone Football 

What’s more fall than football? Attend one of the Iowa State home games happening Oct. 8, Nov. 4, and Nov. 18. See the full football schedule here.

iowa state football game

 

Visit Iowa States University Museums art exhibits 

With the Jack Trice 100-year anniversary, Iowa State has a great display of unique exhibits this fall. You can find more information here.

 

Participate in the fall spooktivities this October

  • 7, 14, 21: The Pumpkin Express at Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. More info.
  • 13: Halloween Hides and Creepy Caches at McFarland Park. More info.
  • 13-15, 20-22: Reiman Gardens Spirits in the Gardens. More info.
  • 21: Trick-or-Treating at Dakins Lake. More info.
  • 26: Octubaween at Tye Recital Hall. More info.
  • 27: Downtown Ames Trick-or-Treat. More info.
  • 27: Creatures of the Night at McFarland Park. More info.
  • 28: Halloween spooktacular at Hickory Grove Park. More info.
  • 28: A night with the Addams family. More info.
  • 31: Rovers at Reiman: Howl-o-ween costume walk. More info.
  • 31: Trick-or-Treat night in Ames. More Info.
  • Adult focused events
    • 13: RuPaul’s Drag Race: The Night of the Living Drag (18+). More info.

 

By Rachel Gantt, Marketing and Communications Intern

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One Response

  1. Such a comprehensive guide to fall in Ames! Your attention to detail and local insights make it easy to plan the perfect autumn adventure. Thanks for sharing the best of what this season has to offer in your charming town!

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