Plan a festive fall weekend with friends or family in Ames! From unique experiences and shopping to live music and theater, there’s no shortage of fall fun happening around town. Whether you’re strolling through downtown boutiques or catching a show at night, it’s the perfect way to make the most of the season.
Unique Experiences
Spirits in the Gardens
Reiman Gardens’ popular fall celebration Spirits in the Gardens is back with one weekend only from Oct. 9 – 11. The event features over 1,000 intricately carved pumpkins that light up the night, creating a mesmerizing trail for visitors to explore. All three nights will feature the trick-or-Treat Trail at the end of the route, making this the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season with the family.
Pumpkin Express
Take a ride on the railroad with Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad’s Pumpkin Express on Oct. 3, 10, and 17. The trip will take you to the pumpkin patch where you can select the perfect pumpkin! On this journey you will cross the Bass Point Creek High Bridge and the Des Moines River Bridge.
Trick or Treat at Treehouse Village
Bring the family to Trick or Treat in Treehouse Village at Iowa Arboretum from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25! This one-of-a-kind experience is perfect for the kids and features fun activities, trick or treat stops along the Treehouse Village trail, seasonal snacks, and play time at the Treehouse Village!
Shop for the season
Lucky Star Fall Market
Wander through the Lucky Star Fall Market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, at the downtown Ames Fareway parking lot. Browse over 40 local artists, small-batch makers, vintage vendors, and food artisans as you hunt for hidden treasures to bring home. Grab lunch from a local food truck and let the live music set the mood as you cast a spell over your fall wardrobe and home decor with one-of-a-kind finds.
Halloween Boozy Book Fair
Sip and stroll through the Halloween Boozy Book Fair with Dog-Eared Books at Prairie Moon Winery on Thursday, October 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. Browse best-selling titles, enjoy wine and wood-fired pizza, dance to a live DJ, and show off your style in the costume contest. This free event is open to the public, so bring your friends and join in on all the spooky fun.
Witches Walk
Grab your broomstick and explore everything downtown Ames has to offer at this year’s Witches Walk! Participating downtown businesses will stay open late, serving up seasonal snacks and sips from 6–8 p.m. on Thursday, October 8. Whether it’s a cozy date night or a night out with friends, this spook-tacular stroll is the perfect way to soak up the season in the heart of Ames.
Live music and theater
Evil Dead the Musical
For a night of laughs and screams, take your seat at Evil Dead the Musical with Ames Community Theater (ACTORS). This bloody good musical comedy is guaranteed to get you into the spooky season mood, complete with bad jokes, off-the-wall lyrics, and lots of blood. Catch a show at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 28, 29, 30, 31, or November 6 and 7, or take in a matinee at 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 8.
The Howling
For a full day of exciting festivities, head to The Howling at Alluvial Brewing Company from 1–9 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. This seasonal music festival brings all the frightfully fun energy you could ask for, with live music, carnival games, a costume contest, local artists, vintage clothing vendors, food trucks, and beer all in one place! It’s an easy stop to spend a few hours or the whole afternoon with your crew.
