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.

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Popular in Ames

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October Show: Deadliest Places in the Universe

Tomorrow • 5:30 PM + 3 more

Iowa State University Department of Physics & Astronomy

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Thrash 'N Flash: A metal themed Halloween variety show

Saturday • 8:00 PM

119 Main St

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The Sunday Morning Club x Bar La Tosca

Sunday • 9:30 AM

Tosca

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Foodies + New Friends: Ames

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:00 PM + 1 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Ames - Fresh-Cut Wreath Workshop

Tue, Dec 1 • 6:00 PM

Earl May Garden Center

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Second Chances: The Art of Repurposed Cards

Thu, Dec 3 • 5:30 PM

Wheatsfield Cooperative

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Blue Violin's Retro Rock & Roll Christmas

Sun, Dec 6 • 5:00 PM

Ames City Auditorium

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October Show: Deadliest Places in the Universe

Tomorrow • 5:30 PM + 3 more

Iowa State University Department of Physics & Astronomy

Check ticket price on event

Thrash 'N Flash: A metal themed Halloween variety show

Saturday • 8:00 PM

119 Main St

Check ticket price on event

The Sunday Morning Club x Bar La Tosca

Sunday • 9:30 AM

Tosca

Check ticket price on event

Foodies + New Friends: Ames

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:00 PM + 1 more

Restaurant of the Week

Check ticket price on event

Ames - Fresh-Cut Wreath Workshop

Tue, Dec 1 • 6:00 PM

Earl May Garden Center

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

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Online Events

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

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REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

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Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

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The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Humanitarian Water Engineering Fall 2026

Check ticket price on event

No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

The Walrus Talks at Home: Canada After America

Thu, Nov 12 • 7:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

REVISED Cottage Food Safety Statewide Online Training

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM MST

Check ticket price on event

Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

Wed, Nov 18 • 10:00 AM CST

Check ticket price on event

The MI5 Archive: Official Secrets

Fri, Nov 27 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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Foodies + New Friends: Ames | DUOS EDITION

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Thrash 'N Flash: A metal themed Halloween variety show

Saturday • 8:00 PM

119 Main St

Check ticket price on event

Foodies + New Friends: Ames | DUOS EDITION

Tomorrow • 7:00 PM + 2 more

Restaurant of the Week

Check ticket price on event

Thrash 'N Flash: A metal themed Halloween variety show

Saturday • 8:00 PM

119 Main St

Check ticket price on event

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Food & Drink events

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Foodies + New Friends: Ames

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:00 PM + 1 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Latte Art Fundementals

Fri, Nov 20 • 2:00 PM

Windmill Coffee

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Foodies + New Friends: Ames

Tue, Nov 17 • 7:00 PM + 1 more

Restaurant of the Week

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Latte Art Fundementals

Fri, Nov 20 • 2:00 PM

Windmill Coffee

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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.