11 Can’t-Miss Annual Events in Ames, Iowa
One of the best ways to engage with your local community is to attend seasonal events, as they tend to draw folks of all ages. In doing so, you’ll get to know your neighbors and local businesses and organizations, all while having fun.
If you are looking to map out your seasonal calendar, the Greater Ames area offers a packed schedule of traditions that bring the region to life. Here are 11 annual events in Ames, Iowa and the surrounding municipalities that you need to check out every single year.
Early Spring and Summer Festivals
1. 515 Day
A great way to celebrate all things Ames, 515 Day is a nod to the local area code – 515 – and the date – May 15. With plenty of family fun events, a food truck showdown, live music and a beer garden, 515 Day is a fun tradition for Ames residents.
“It’s an excuse for people in the 515 to celebrate,” says Andy Moore, director of marketing and communications for Discover Ames.
2. Pizza Pie Looza
Score Park in Nevada, Iowa, is the stage for Pizza Pie Looza, which just celebrated its fifth anniversary. The two-day event, held every spring, features a variety of local and national musical acts, food vendors, children’s activities, and a 5K run and walk.
3. Scandinavian Days
Tap into your inner Scandinavian with the delightful Story City tradition. Delicious Scandinavian food, lively music, craft vendors, family games and a not-to-be-missed parade are all a part of this annual tradition.Whether you’re a lifelong local or visiting Story City for the first time, Scandinavian Days is an early summer celebration of the charming community’s roots and bright future.
4. Slater 4th of July Celebration
Slater is a great representation of small-town America, and its Independence Day celebration is everything you’d hope to see and experience. Of course, there’s the parade in the morning, which is open to walkers, bikers and even wagons, plus live music and park events. An evening fireworks display rounds out the day.
Autumn Traditions and Spooky Season Highlights
5. Octagon Art Festival
This incredibly popular festival along Main Street in Ames showcases a wide variety of visual and performing arts for all ages. Held on the fourth Sunday in September, the outdoor market fills the downtown district with juried art booths, live acoustic performances and plenty of local food trucks.
6. The Pumpkin Express
All aboard! The Pumpkin Express transforms the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad into a fall favorite geared toward families. This fun excursion, which runs on select weekends in October, crosses the Bass Point Creek High Bridge and Des Moines River Bridge. A short, scenic trip, this experience provides views of the gorgeous fall foliage and includes a visit to a pumpkin patch.
7. Spirits in the Gardens
Celebrate spooky season in style at Reiman Gardens in Ames, where thousands of carved jack-o’-lanterns light pathways and form creative displays. The scale of this event is massive, and it takes a lot of hard work to create the magic.
“They get a ton of volunteers to hand-carve over a thousand pumpkins,” says Moore. “It’s an incredible sight once you get out into the gardens and see them on the hillside.”
8. Witches Walk
Catered to adults, this October event is essentially a Halloween stroll in Downtown Ames for folks who choose to dress up and participate.
“Downtown Ames’ Witches Walk has become one of those signature events that truly captures the spirit of our community,” says Ronnie Bartmess, Executive Director of Ames Main Street. “Seeing our streets filled with witches, warlocks, families and storefronts all dressed in costumes and watching the excitement around the annual costume contest is a reminder of how creative, collaborative events can drive both vibrancy and vitality in Downtown Ames.”
Winter Festivals and Holiday Parties
9. Winter Festival: Celebration of Trees
Bask in the holiday glow at Jefferson’s Winter Festival: Celebration of Trees, which is held in late November or early December each year. Tour the decorated trees at the Greene County Fairgrounds, try out some family craft activities or attend one of the adults-only events, like Ladies Night Under the Lights, which includes charcuterie and drinks.
10. Yulefest Weekend
A rich annual late-November tradition in Story City, this family-friendly weekend officially kicks off the Christmas season. The community gathering includes a formal tree lighting ceremony, great live music, seasonal food and plenty of opportunities to shop locally at boutique storefronts for unique holiday gifts and treats.
11. Webster City New Year’s Eve Gala
This annual gala is the perfect way to ring in the new year in style. A formal/semi-formal event, it’s hosted in downtown Webster City and promises a delightful lineup of dining, music, dancing and countdown festivities. It has it all – live entertainment, delicious bites, glitz and glamor. What else could you wish for on New Year’s Eve?
Get to Know the Ames Region
Want to learn more about living and working in Ames, IA? Check out the latest edition of Livability Ames, Iowa, and The Greater Boone, Hamilton & Story County Region.