Best events in
Ames

Driven by the Iowa State academic calendar, the local scene offers a steady stream of events and things to do in Ames, IA. Campustown buzzes with student-focused energy, particularly around Welch Avenue's bars and venues. Meanwhile, the Main Street Cultural District provides a more relaxed atmosphere with community gatherings and intimate performances.

The Main Street Cultural District offers a more laid-back vibe with singer-songwriters at London Underground or jazz at Noir.
Larger productions, from Broadway shows to major concerts, find a home on the Iowa State campus at Stephens Auditorium.
Campustown serves the college crowd with high-energy DJ nights and dance floors at spots like BNC Fieldhouse and AJ's Ultra Lounge.

autocomplete

Popular in Ames

Explore more events

Espresso Basics

Monday • 1:00 PM

Windmill Coffee

Check ticket price on event

MSGS Fall Meeting at Iowa State University

Fri, Oct 16 • 3:00 PM

Gilman Hall

Check ticket price on event

Foodies + New Friends: Ames

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Restaurant of the Week

Check ticket price on event

Securing the Heartland: Iowa Cyber Resilience Conference

Thu, Oct 22 • 9:00 AM

Scheman Building

Check ticket price on event

October Show: Deadliest Places in the Universe

Fri, Oct 30 • 7:45 PM + 3 more

Iowa State University Department of Physics & Astronomy

Check ticket price on event

Second Chances: The Art of Repurposed Cards

Thu, Dec 3 • 5:30 PM

Wheatsfield Cooperative

Check ticket price on event

Blue Violin's Retro Rock & Roll Christmas

Sun, Dec 6 • 5:00 PM

Ames City Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

Espresso Basics

Monday • 1:00 PM

Windmill Coffee

Check ticket price on event

MSGS Fall Meeting at Iowa State University

Fri, Oct 16 • 3:00 PM

Gilman Hall

Check ticket price on event

Foodies + New Friends: Ames

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Restaurant of the Week

Check ticket price on event

Securing the Heartland: Iowa Cyber Resilience Conference

Thu, Oct 22 • 9:00 AM

Scheman Building

Check ticket price on event

October Show: Deadliest Places in the Universe

Fri, Oct 30 • 7:45 PM + 3 more

Iowa State University Department of Physics & Astronomy

Check ticket price on event

Second Chances: The Art of Repurposed Cards

Thu, Dec 3 • 5:30 PM

Wheatsfield Cooperative

Check ticket price on event

Blue Violin's Retro Rock & Roll Christmas

Sun, Dec 6 • 5:00 PM

Ames City Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Online Events

Explore more events

AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Congreso Internacional de Dirección de Proyectos - Tour PMI Buenos Aires

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:00 PM GMT-3

Check ticket price on event

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

AI Animation Studio: Create Kids' Cartoons

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Congreso Internacional de Dirección de Proyectos - Tour PMI Buenos Aires

Wed, Nov 11 • 6:00 PM GMT-3

Check ticket price on event

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Music events

Elder’s Quorum Game Night

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Check ticket price on event

RS book group

Tue, Oct 27 • 7:00 PM

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Check ticket price on event

Thrash 'N Flash: A metal themed Halloween variety show

Sat, Oct 31 • 8:00 PM

119 Main St

Check ticket price on event

Blue Violin's Retro Rock & Roll Christmas

Sun, Dec 6 • 5:00 PM

Ames City Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

Elder’s Quorum Game Night

Tomorrow • 6:00 PM

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Check ticket price on event

RS book group

Tue, Oct 27 • 7:00 PM

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Check ticket price on event

Thrash 'N Flash: A metal themed Halloween variety show

Sat, Oct 31 • 8:00 PM

119 Main St

Check ticket price on event

Blue Violin's Retro Rock & Roll Christmas

Sun, Dec 6 • 5:00 PM

Ames City Auditorium

Check ticket price on event

Food & Drink events

Explore more events

Espresso Basics

Monday • 1:00 PM

Windmill Coffee

Check ticket price on event

Foodies + New Friends: Ames

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Restaurant of the Week

Check ticket price on event

Fonduementals: Chocolate, cheese, & wine

Wed, Dec 16 • 5:30 PM

Wheatsfield Cooperative

Check ticket price on event

Espresso Basics

Monday • 1:00 PM

Windmill Coffee

Check ticket price on event

Foodies + New Friends: Ames

Sat, Oct 17 • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Restaurant of the Week

Check ticket price on event

Fonduementals: Chocolate, cheese, & wine

Wed, Dec 16 • 5:30 PM

Wheatsfield Cooperative

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Points of Interest near Ames

Ada Hayden Heritage Park

Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing

Octagon Center For The Arts

North River Valley Park

Brunnier Art Museum

Farm House Museum

Worlds Largest Concrete Gnome

Frequently asked questions about Ames

Where are the best spots for live music events in Ames?

The M-Shop in the Memorial Union is a classic spot for live music events. For a different vibe, downtown's Noir hosts jazz artists, while London Underground features singer-songwriters. Sam's Place on Main Street also presents a range of electronic and dance music.

What is the nightlife like in Campustown?

Campustown nightlife is high-energy and centered on the student population. Bars along Welch Avenue like BNC Fieldhouse and AJ's Ultra Lounge feature DJs, large dance floors, and nightly specials that create a lively atmosphere, especially later in the week.

Does Ames have a good scene for comedy events?

Ames has a growing comedy scene with multiple venues hosting stand-up and improv. Sam's Place runs a weekly Comedy Open Mic for aspiring comedians, and The M-Shop on campus frequently books touring stand-up acts for its intimate stage.

How can I find free events in Ames?

Look for community-focused programming for free events in Ames. The Summer Sundays Concert Series in Roosevelt Park offers free outdoor music. Additionally, the Ames Main Street Farmers' Market provides free entertainment and atmosphere on Saturdays from May through October.

What are some date night ideas in downtown Ames?

Downtown Ames offers a relaxed setting perfect for a date night. Consider catching a community performance at the historic Ames City Auditorium or listening to jazz at Noir. A pre-show walk through the Main Street Cultural District completes the evening.

What family-friendly events does Ames offer?

The Ames Main Street Farmers' Market is a top family-friendly event. Held on Saturdays from May to October, it features live music, local goods, and activities that appeal to all ages in the heart of downtown Ames.

Which neighborhood offers more things to do, Campustown or Downtown?

The choice depends on the desired atmosphere. Campustown is the hub for student nightlife with energetic bars, while Downtown's Main Street Cultural District offers a more eclectic mix of boutiques, restaurants, and intimate venues like the London Underground pub.

Can you suggest some major ISU campus events?

Iowa State University hosts major events at Stephens Auditorium, from concerts to Broadway shows. Students can also explore campus organizations during ClubFest, which is held each semester, or catch indie bands at The M-Shop.