Downtown Community Calendar

May 2026

SU
MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
26
27
28
29
30
1
Streamliners of Iowa
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sleek railroad Streamliners criss-crossed Iowa from the mid-1930s through the 1950s. Speaker Bob Bourne will cover some of the important design elements characteristic of railroad streamlining and talk about the memorable trains that ran through Iowa on several railroads. There will be an emphasis on the Streamliners o , …
2
Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market
8:00 am – 12:30 pm
  Special Event: Iowa League of Heroes Sponsored by:    Musician: Jake Doty Vendor List: Full-Time Vendors: Amaz 3D B+ Beards Backcountry Winery Baked by Beth Barrelly Conscious Bean Caffeinated LLC Bellbottom Moble Café Carlos Quesadillas C’est la Crepe Crafty Folk of Ames Crave A Cake Deal’s , …
Choral Skills Group
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join our Choral Skills Group for the chance to grow your skills as a singer with a tight-knit community of other local musicians! No matter your skill level or prior experience, everyone is welcome to add their voice to our choral group. Together, we learn and review proper singing techniques and apply those skills to , …
Death Cafe
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Have questions about the afterlife? Want to talk about wills, obituaries, hospice, cemeteries, and more? Death Cafes are a space for group directed conversation about death with no agendas, profit, or specific objectives or themes. Death Cafe is a discussion group as opposed to grief support or counselling session. Thi , …
3
4
Books & Bevs at London Underground
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
On first Mondays of each month, Books & Beverages will be meeting from 6 – 7 PM across the street at our favorite bar, London Underground, with co-owner Ellyn and bookseller Bailey to keep you company. This book club does not require that you read a particular book; in fact, even if you wanted to, there isn’t , …
Belly Dance FunDamentals with Shiara!
6:00 pm – 6:45 pm
This class introduces students to the Basic Movements used in all styles of Middle Eastern (Belly) Dance. Come join the fun and shake up your Monday night routine! , …
Belly Dance: Expand Your Dance with Shiara!
7:00 pm – 7:45 pm
This continuing education class will introduce students to a new concept each week. An understanding of the fundamental moves used in belly dance is highly recommended. , …
5
6
Embroidered Travel First Aid Kit
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Join us for a hands-on workshop that blends creativity with everyday wellness. In partnership with Prairie Rose Needleworks, you’ll embroider a small red fabric bag that will become your own traveling first aid kit — perfect for your purse, car, diaper bag, or backpack. Once your pouch is stitched, we’ll move into the , …
7
Drumming with Chris & Lisa!
5:30 pm – 6:15 pm
Bring your dumbeck and learn to play some popular Middle Eastern Rhythms. A new rhythm will be introduced each week! (There will be a few drums available to borrow during class if needed.) , …
Drawing with Mr. Chris & Mr. Owyn!
6:30 pm – 7:15 pm
Explore a new artistic concept each week and have fun expanding your creativity. (This class was designed to celebrate the inner child in us all.) , …
Delsarte Expression with Lisa!
6:30 pm – 7:15 pm
Whether you’re a performing artist or someone who wishes to be more purposefully expressive, this class is for you! Together, we’ll explore the qualities of Mental, Vital and Harmonic in the body and how each can help enhance our expressive capabilities. Lisa is a certified Three Pillars Arts ® Delsarte teacher and loo , …
8
9
Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market
8:00 am – 12:30 pm
  Special Event: Hovick Family Petting Zoo   Musician: Patricia Holly   Cooking Contest: Sourdough Bread Contest | Sign Up Here!   Day Sponsor: Vendor List: Full-Time Vendors: Amaz 3D B+ Beards Backcountry Winery Baked by Beth Barrelly Conscious Bean Caffeinated LLC Bellbottom Moble Café Carlos Q , …
10
Mother’s Day High Tea + Terrarium Experience | 2 PM Seating
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a little magic, creativity, and time well spent together. Join us for a charming Mother’s Day High Tea + Terrarium Workshop, where you’ll slow down and enjoy a cozy afternoon filled with tea, treats, and hands-on creativity. We’ll be serving a selection of teas alongside light refreshments—t , …
Mother’s Day High Tea + Terrarium Experience | 4 PM Seating
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a little magic, creativity, and time well spent together. Join us for a charming Mother’s Day High Tea + Terrarium Workshop, where you’ll slow down and enjoy a cozy afternoon filled with tea, treats, and hands-on creativity. We’ll be serving a selection of teas alongside light refreshments—t , …
11
That’s Fun: Progressive Puzzle Competition
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Adulthood isn’t always fun, but at the Library it can be. Connect with other adults for a different fun-filled activity each month to build community. This month, join our Progressive Jigsaw Puzzle Competition and see how far you can go in two hours or less! We will start with 100-pieces, then level up through increasi , …
12
13
14
Art from the Attic Sale
10:00 am – 12:00 am
Art from the Attic begins Thursday, May 14! Purchase art from members of the Octagon who have graciously donated original artwork, and pieces we have gathered from our building that need a new home. We believe that art is for everyone, so you will find a variety of styles and prices that are affordable. Stop by the gal , …
15
Art from the Attic Sale
All Day
Art from the Attic begins Thursday, May 14! Purchase art from members of the Octagon who have graciously donated original artwork, and pieces we have gathered from our building that need a new home. We believe that art is for everyone, so you will find a variety of styles and prices that are affordable. Stop by the gal , …
2026 515 Day
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
515 Day in Downtown Ames is BACK for year 6!! Join us on May 15 for a fun filled night of Live Music, a Food Truck Showdown, and family friendly activities. 5th Street from Burnett Avenue to Douglas Avenue, Douglas Avenue from Main Street to 5th Street, and Kellogg Avenue from the Alley to 5th Street and Burnet Avenue , …
16
Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market
8:00 am – 12:30 pm
  Special Event: Meyer’s Pony Rides   Musician: Doomed Pioneers   Day Sponsor:   Vendor List: Full-Time Vendors: Amaz 3D B+ Beards Backcountry Winery Baked by Beth Barrelly Conscious Bean Caffeinated LLC Bellbottom Moble Café Carlos Quesadillas C’est la Crepe Crafty Folk of Ames Crave , …
Art from the Attic Sale
12:00 am – 5:00 pm
Art from the Attic begins Thursday, May 14! Purchase art from members of the Octagon who have graciously donated original artwork, and pieces we have gathered from our building that need a new home. We believe that art is for everyone, so you will find a variety of styles and prices that are affordable. Stop by the gal , …
Drop-In Scissor Sharpening
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Give your well-loved tools the care they deserve. Join us for a special scissor sharpening event with RussAlan LLC, offering professional sharpening services for embroidery scissors, sewing shears, and more. , …
Vintage Store Day at The Slow Era with DJ Mouthbrooder & pop-up from Up Your Ally Vintage
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Special event with deals and collection release , …
Choral Skills Group
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join our Choral Skills Group for the chance to grow your skills as a singer with a tight-knit community of other local musicians! No matter your skill level or prior experience, everyone is welcome to add their voice to our choral group. Together, we learn and review proper singing techniques and apply those skills to , …
17
18
19
FREE HEALTH CLASS: How to Slow Down Aging
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
What is aging? It’s more than just the number of years you’ve lived, and it’s not determined by genetics alone. Aging is influenced by everyday choices and lifestyle habits. In this class, you’ll learn what you can control when it comes to how your body ages, including the important role of nutrition. We’ll discuss key , …
Cross Stitch Pendant
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Ease into cross stitch with the soft, cheerful designs of Robin Pickens Petites. This beginner-friendly class is designed to help you slow down, learn the basics, and enjoy the quiet rhythm of stitching—one small, satisfying project at a time. We’ll guide you through everything you need to know, from reading a pattern , …
20
Lunch Bunch Stitching Meetup
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
De-stress during the work day with our new lunch time stitching group! Bring a project, bring lunch, and join us for stitching fun. Every Third Wednesday of the Month, 12-2 p.m. , …
Bored? Games!
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Will you punch your Ticket to Ride or will your Splendor attract noble patrons? Join us for adult game night every month to find out! Tabletop games will be available to play, or bring a favorite to share. All gaming experience levels are welcome. Snacks will be provided. Everyone 18 or older is welcome. Supported by t , …
21
3rd Thursday Fit Night
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Join us for a community event focused on enjoying the outdoors and staying active. Follow a set route at your own pace – run or walk as far as you like. Every 3rd Thursday from May through October, meet at Brown’s Shoe Fit Ames. Bring friends and enjoy refreshments, giveaways, and a fun midweek boost to you , …
Board Game Night
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Morning Bell will be open late, offering our coffee menu plus a special cocktail and mocktail with board games available to play , …
22
Teacher’s Night
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Calling all pre-k-12th grade public educators: you are invited to Dog-Eared Books Teacher’s Night on Friday, May 22 from 5 – 8 PM. Drop in when it’s convenient for you, and bring your colleagues for an evening to relax as you wrap up the school year. + 30% discount store-wide + Each teacher will recei , …
23
Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market
8:00 am – 12:30 pm
  Special Event: Joyful Colorz & Ames Bookmobile   Musician: Boone Fiddler   Day Sponsor:   Vendor List: Full-Time Vendors: Amaz 3D B+ Beards Backcountry Winery Baked by Beth Barrelly Conscious Bean Caffeinated LLC Bellbottom Moble Café Carlos Quesadillas C’est la Crepe Crafty Folk of Am , …
24
25
26
4th Tuesday Free Open Write
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Join Ana McCracken for our Open Write Tuesday on Zoom or in person at Fifth Street Writers. WHAT’S AN OPEN WRITE? We join together, share what we’re working on, and write for ~90 minutes. At the end, we share our successes, and sign off. Easy peasy. Email Ana, ana@ameswriterscollective.org to register for the event. , …
27
28
29
30
Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market
8:00 am – 12:30 pm
  Special Event: West Homesteads Healing Herd   Musician: Miles Morgan   Day Sponsor:   Vendor List: Full-Time Vendors: Amaz 3D B+ Beards Backcountry Winery Baked by Beth Barrelly Conscious Bean Caffeinated LLC Bellbottom Moble Café Carlos Quesadillas C’est la Crepe Crafty Folk of Ames Crave , …
31
1
2
3
4
5
6

May 2026

SU
MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
Events for April

27th

Events for April

28th

Events for April

30th

Events for May

1st

Events for May

2nd

Events for May

3rd

No Events
Events for May

4th

Events for May

5th

No Events
Events for May

6th

Events for May

7th

Events for May

8th

No Events
Events for May

9th

Events for May

11th

Events for May

12th

No Events
Events for May

13th

No Events
Events for May

14th

Events for May

15th

Events for May

16th

Events for May

17th

No Events
Events for May

18th

No Events
Events for May

19th

Events for May

20th

Events for May

21st

Events for May

22nd

Events for May

23rd

Events for May

24th

No Events
Events for May

25th

No Events
Events for May

26th

Events for May

27th

No Events
Events for May

28th

No Events
Events for May

29th

No Events
Events for May

30th

Events for May

31st

No Events
Events for June

1st

Events for June

5th

Events for June

6th

Add Event

Hosting an event in Downtown Ames? Add it to our Community Calendar!
Questions or problems? Contact travis@amesalliance.com.

Date and Time

:
:

It appears next to the event time on the Single Event Page. You can enter notes such as the timezone name in this field.

Repeating

:
:
Custom Days Repeating

Add certain days to event occurrences. If you have a single day event, start and end dates should be the same, If you have a multiple day event, the start and end dates must match the initial date. Read More

:label: x
  • First
    • Sun Sun.1-
    • Mon Mon.1-
    • Tue Tue.1-
    • Wed Wed.1-
    • Thu Thu.1-
    • Fri Fri.1-
    • Sat Sat.1-
  • Second
    • Sun Sun.2-
    • Mon Mon.2-
    • Tue Tue.2-
    • Wed Wed.2-
    • Thu Thu.2-
    • Fri Fri.2-
    • Sat Sat.2-
  • Third
    • Sun Sun.3-
    • Mon Mon.3-
    • Tue Tue.3-
    • Wed Wed.3-
    • Thu Thu.3-
    • Fri Fri.3-
    • Sat Sat.3-
  • Fourth
    • Sun Sun.4-
    • Mon Mon.4-
    • Tue Tue.4-
    • Wed Wed.4-
    • Thu Thu.4-
    • Fri Fri.4-
    • Sat Sat.4-
  • Last
    • Sun Sun.l-
    • Mon Mon.l-
    • Tue Tue.l-
    • Wed Wed.l-
    • Thu Thu.l-
    • Fri Fri.l-
    • Sat Sat.l-
Occurrences times

The event will finish after certain repeats. For example if you set it to 10, the event will finish after 10 repeats.Read More

Event Data

Note to reviewer