Spring is here and we know just how to spend it. Here are the Ames spring highlights featuring all the best things to do, eat, and enjoy during the next few months of spring.
Easter activities
Check out any of the Easter egg hunts hosted by Ames’ churches. Easter egg hunts are being held by St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, North Grand Christian Church, Cultivating Hope Farms and Autism Society, and Bethesda Lutheran Church. Take the “Kids Easter Snacks with Kim” cooking class by The Recipe. If you don’t want to do the cooking, head to Easter brunch or dinner at the Clouds café.
Spring Enchantment at Reiman Gardens
Celebrate spring this April with classes, events, and beautiful blooms!
Experience the Spring Enchantment of Reiman Gardens! Don’t miss popular events like the Mid-Iowa Woodcarvers Show (April 20), as well as Rovers at Reiman (Tuesdays in April), which will allow you to bring your furry friends (dogs only) for a small fee so you can enjoy the Gardens together.
All month long, search for whimsical fairy doors and creature homes, created by local artists hidden throughout the Gardens. Later in April, don’t miss the amazing bulb display featuring thousands of tulips, hyacinths, and other spring blooms. Enjoy extended visiting hours until 8 p.m. to see the tulips in their prime on April 18-20 and April 25-27.
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Entertainment
See shows, music, and performance series throughout Ames.
Watch George Straight, Chris Stapleton, and Little Big Town at Jack Trice Stadium on May 25.
Stephens Auditorium offers a plethora of entertainment! See shows such as Swan Lake Ballet (March 21), Chanticleer (April 5), MANIA: The ABBA Tribute (April 6), Mean Girls the Musical (April 11), comedian Charlie Berens (April 12), Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue (May 1), Science Friday (May 4), Chicago the Musical (May 14), and more. Visit their website for more info.
Watch performances of the Tribute Band Series at the Ames City Auditorium with Jett Threatt: A Tribute to Joan Jett and The Blackhearts (March 23) and Thrash of the Titans: A Tribute to the Big 4 of Thrash Metal (April 13).
With music and comedy events happening most Thursdays to Saturdays, Alluvial Brewing Company is the perfect place to have a brew and enjoy a show. See their calendar.
Spend your Saturday evenings at Cornbred Barbecue, where the food isn’t the only thing that rocks! Cornbred has musical entertainment every Saturday at 7 p.m. View the lineup.
Ames Renaissance Faire
Explore the Ames Renaissance Faire on April 13 and 14 at 1400 South 4th Street, Ames! Travel back in time and experience the magic of the Renaissance era. Partake in the colorful marketplace filled with artisans, craftsmen, and unique treasures. Witness thrilling jousting tournaments, marvel at breathtaking performances, and indulge in delicious food and drinks. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a fun day out, the Ames Renaissance Faire promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. Don’t miss out on this exciting adventure!
Center Grove Orchard
Experience the joy of playing with a farmtastic lineup of baby lambs, chicks, goats, kittens, bunnies, and many other adorable farm animals, all in a safe and welcoming environment! While you’re there, check out the other spring-time specialties Center Grove has to offer like strawberry picking, delicious food and treats, and more!
Patio season
Spring is here, and so is patio season (as long as it’s not raining)! We’ve rounded up some of the best places to sip, eat, and sit outside in Ames.
Enjoy delicious food on patios like Dublin Bay, Cornbred Barbecue, Sweet Caroline’s, and Stomping Grounds Café. We also love the rooftop seating at Wallaby’s Bar and Grille. Don’t forget to check out Prairie Moon Winery and Alluvial Brewing Company to enjoy great beverages and outdoor seating.
Outdoor Recreation
Spring weather isn’t always predictable, so it is important to get outside and take advantage of the nice days when we get them.
See the blooming flowers during the free Spring Wildflower walks on April 25, May 2, and May 9.
Enjoy the nice weather and nature at parks such as Ada Hayden Heritage Park and Brookside Park. With walking and biking paths, water views, and picnic tables, these parks are the perfect spot for a nice day outside.
Downtown Ames
Our favorite time of the year is just around the corner. The opening day for the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market is May 4! Check out local vendors with food, produce, unique finds, and more every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Explore the excitement in downtown Ames for 515 Week. 515 Week starts Wednesday, May 15, and goes through Saturday, May 18. Join in on the fun of Downtown After Sundown, family night, restaurant specials, and a concert at Bandshell Park on the final day of fun.
@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
Written by Rachel Gantt, Marketing and Communications Intern
