Downtown Community Calendar
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 11st Saturday FREE Write Together10:00 am – 12:00 pmJoin us at Fifth Street Writers on the 1st Saturday of each month from 10 AM to Noon. Together we’ll write in community on our writing projects. What’s an Open Write? Bring your laptop or whatever you write with to work on your creative writing projects—novels, memoirs, poems, project outlines, your to-do list for the , …OLD Book Club6:00 pm – 7:00 pmOLD Book Club–obscure, lesser-known, and, hopefully, divine–aims to explore the diverse array of books we call “classic” and to discuss the malleable bounds of the category while also making an often intimidating genre feel both more accessible and more fun. The selection of books intentionally covers a broad range of , …
- 2Build Your Own Plant Terrarium5:30 pm – 6:30 pmCreate your own tiny world in glass! Join us for a hands-on Terrarium Workshop where you’ll learn to design, build, and care for a thriving miniature ecosystem. In this workshop, you’ll learn to build and care for a miniature landscape in a glass vessel. You’ll have your choice of vessel and plants to create a un , …Margaritas 1016:00 pm – 8:00 pmGet ready to shake things up in this hands-on mixology workshop that will transport you straight to a sun-soaked beach with a margarita in hand. We’re diving deep into the art of crafting three different margaritas, including a spicy number that will knock your socks off. Picture this: you, your friends, and a whole lo , …Kick off the weekend with Liv McNair at Della Viti!7:00 pm – 10:00 pmWe have been waiting to have our friend Liv Back at Della Viti – and we are thrilled to say she will be playing Friday, May 2nd at 7pm – She’s sure to thrill you as well, seats will fill up fast for this show – she HAS played for Dylan Scott, Jelly Roll and Dierks Bentley… , …
- 3Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market8:00 am – 12:30 pmSpecial Event: Hovick Family Petting Zoo Musician: Joke Doty Day Sponsor Vendor List: Full-Time Vendors: Amaz 3D Kreations B+ Beards Backcountry Winery Baked by Beth Barrelly Conscious Bellbottom Mobile Cafe Carlos Quesadillas Crafty Folks of Ames Dusty Hill Farm EarGame Farm Story Meats Fisher& , …Fifth Street Writers | 1st Saturday Write Together9:30 am – 12:00 pmJoin us at Fifth Street Writers on the 1st Saturday of each month from 10 AM to Noon. Together we’ll write in community on our writing projects. What’s a Write Together? Bring your laptop or whatever you write with to work on your creative writing projects—novels, memoirs, poems, project outlines, your to-do listR , …Books & Beverages at London Underground6:00 pm – 7:00 pmThis event is hosted by Dog-Eared Books but takes place across the street at London Underground. Books & Beverages is back with an all new location and (additional) host. On second Saturdays of each month, Books & Beverages will be meeting from 6-7 PM across the street at our favorite bar, London Underground, w , …Books and Beverages6:00 pm – 7:00 pmBooks & Beverages is back with an all new location and (additional) host. On second Saturdays 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 tha , …
- 4May the Fourth Be With You Chef’s Table5:00 pm – 7:00 pmStep into a galaxy far, far away, where the culinary force is strong, and your taste buds are ready for an interstellar adventure. This isn’t just one of our regular monthly chef’s tables. Get ready to taste Rathtar, work with us to concoct Yoda’s Dagobah pesto pasta, enjoy a boneless porg, and try ou , …
- 5
- 6KIDS COOKING CLASS – Energy Bites5:30 pm – 7:00 pmGet your kids (ages 4-18) in the kitchen with this fun and tasty hands-on cooking class! Kids will build their own nutritious energy bites, fully customizing it to their own liking. Along the way we will explore the nutrition of different ingredients and develop an easy yet balanced snack from a local registered dietit , …
- 7Spinning a Yarn: Book Club and Fiber Arts Circle5:30 pm – 6:30 pmJoin hosts Bailey, Liz, and Mariah for conversation about current (and favorite!) reads and work on whatever is on your needles or hooks. Books and fiber arts are best when shared, so we hope you come to hang out, chat, and get advice on new books to read or what exactly a CDD is supposed to mean. This is not a knittin , …Pasta 201: Ravioli6:00 pm – 8:00 pmDive into the art of pasta-making with a hands-on experience that will take you from novice to ravioli master in no time. In this class, we’ll roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty as we craft beautiful pockets of dough filled with everything from succulent pork to a decadent three-cheese blend. Forget about the , …Cyanotype Sampler6:30 pm – 8:30 pmThis course is for beginners. Students will learn about embroidery supplies as well as basic stitches to get them started on their stitching journey. The sampler includes: – Split Stitch – Detached Chain Stitch (Lazy Daisy) – French Knot – Fishbone Stitch , …
- 8HANDS-ON CLASS – Grow Microgreens at Home!6:00 pm – 7:00 pmMicrogreens are quick and easy to grow. With a sunny window or simple light you can grow your own in just a week or two. Join Kate Solko owner-operator of Root to Rise Farm for a hands-on class, where you will learn about selecting micro seeds, suitable repurposed containers, microgreen seeding and watering, and findin , …Between Two Buns6:00 pm – 8:00 pmThis isn’t just a class; it’s a rite of passage for anyone seeking to master the simple joy of a great burger. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone who can barely boil water, this technical demonstration will take you on a journey through the art of crafting the perfect patty. We’ll dive dee , …
- 9Li’l Weirdos Book Club6:00 pm – 7:00 pmCome join us for Li’l Weirdos, where we’ll explore the world of literature through the lens of short, strange books. Often literary, sometimes freaky, but always weird, these books will span genres, and they will all make you say “what the heck did I just read?” Come join Ellyn, one of Dog-Eared’s co-owners, and Mariah , …
- 10Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market8:00 am – 12:30 pmSpecial Event: Sourdough Bread Contest Contest Sign Up: Click Here Musician: Doomed Pioneers Day Sponsor Vendor List: Full-Time Vendors: Amaz 3D Kreations B+ Beards Backcountry Winery Baked by Beth Barrelly Conscious Bellbottom Mobile Cafe Carlos Quesadillas Crafty Folks of Ames Dusty Hil , …Mom & Me Cupcake Decorating with Alisa10:00 am – 12:00 pmThis isn’t just any ordinary cupcake decorating class; it’s a hands-on workshop that transforms a simple kitchen into a wonderland of creativity for you and your little one. Together, you’ll dive into the delightful world of frosting, sprinkles, and edible glitter. Forget the pristine bakeries with th , …World Collage Day 202510:00 am – 3:00 pmCome celebrate World Collage Day with a hands-on collage workshop! Local collage artists will start the day by showing examples of their work and introducing techniques. Attendees can then use a wide array of provided materials to create their own artwork to bring home. No experience necessary. It will be a leisurely d , …Findings Market at Torrent10:00 am – 3:00 pmBeautiful Land Market & Lucky Star are thrilled to announce ‘Findings Market at Torrent’ on Saturday, May 10th from 10am-3pm! Kick off the spring market season & Mother’s Day weekend with us at this outdoor pop-up in the heart of Ames—just steps away from the bustling Ames Farmers Market! *Locally m , …Between the Covers Book Club6:30 pm – 7:30 pmDog-Eared’s “Between the Covers” Book Club is a celebration of all things rom-com led by one of the genre’s greatest fans, DeAnn. With a new pick each month, swooning has never been so much fun. , …
- 11
- 12515 Days 2025
515 Days are a spring celebration in Downtown Ames for those who live, work and play in the 515 area code, beginning on 5/15. Learn more about each day’s activities by clicking on the links below. . Thursday, May 15 – Ames Summer Series Downtown! Downtown Ames 515 Days will kick off the 2025 Ames Summer S , … - 13515 Days 2025515 Days are a spring celebration in Downtown Ames for those who live, work and play in the 515 area code, beginning on 5/15. Learn more about each day’s activities by clicking on the links below. . Thursday, May 15 – Ames Summer Series Downtown! Downtown Ames 515 Days will kick off the 2025 Ames Summer S , …Spinning a Yarn: Book Club and Fiber Arts Circle5:00 pm – 6:00 pmJoin hosts Bailey, Liz, and Mariah for conversation about current (and favorite!) reads and work on whatever is on your needles or hooks. Books and fiber arts are best when shared, so we hope you come to hang out, chat, and get advice on new books to read or what exactly a CDD is supposed to mean. This is not a knittin , …From Milk to Meals: A Parent’s Guide to Homemade First Foods6:00 pm – 8:00 pmThis is not just another parenting class; this is a deep dive into the art of feeding your little ones. Kim, a registered and licensed dietitian, along with her expertise as a certified lactation specialist, will guide you through the fascinating journey, starting with simple milk and growing into nourishing homemade m , …
- 14515 Days 2025515 Days are a spring celebration in Downtown Ames for those who live, work and play in the 515 area code, beginning on 5/15. Learn more about each day’s activities by clicking on the links below. . Thursday, May 15 – Ames Summer Series Downtown! Downtown Ames 515 Days will kick off the 2025 Ames Summer S , …Pie 101: From Crust to Filling6:00 pm – 8:00 pmPie making is an art form, a rite of passage that every cook should embrace. In this technical demonstration, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of pie, starting with the elusive perfect flaky crust. It’s a skill that, once mastered, will elevate your baking game to heights you never thought possible. Yo , …
- 15515 Days 2025515 Days are a spring celebration in Downtown Ames for those who live, work and play in the 515 area code, beginning on 5/15. Learn more about each day’s activities by clicking on the links below. . Thursday, May 15 – Ames Summer Series Downtown! Downtown Ames 515 Days will kick off the 2025 Ames Summer S , …Art from the Attic Sale10:00 am – 12:00 amArt from the Attic begins Thursday, May 15! 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 , …Dog-Eared Books Official Book Club10:00 am – 11:00 pmThe Dog-Eared Books “Official” Book Club reads and discusses noteworthy new fiction and nonfiction titles. Join us! , …515 Days – 2025 Ames Summer Series Downtown!4:00 pm – 8:00 pmDowntown Ames 515 Days will kick off the 2025 Ames Summertime Series with a Food Truck Showdown and our Family night! 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 from the Alley to 5th Street wi , …Brisket 1016:00 pm – 8:00 pmLet’s get one thing straight: cooking brisket isn’t just a culinary task; it’s a rite of passage that requires finesse and precision in every step. In this technical demonstration, we’ll dive deep into the smoky, meaty world of the perfect smoked brisket, from selection to trim, seasoning, aging, and smoking. No matter , …
- 16515 Days 2025515 Days are a spring celebration in Downtown Ames for those who live, work and play in the 515 area code, beginning on 5/15. Learn more about each day’s activities by clicking on the links below. . Thursday, May 15 – Ames Summer Series Downtown! Downtown Ames 515 Days will kick off the 2025 Ames Summer S , …Art from the Attic SaleAll DayArt from the Attic begins Thursday, May 15! 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 , …515 Days – The Big Bash 20254:30 pm – 8:00 pm515 Week will conclude with the BIG BASH in Bandshell Park featuring the band, Iowa No Mountain Boys! The BIG BASH will feature a beer garden and food trucks as well. The winner of the Community Cash giveaway will be announced at 6:30pm. 4:30pm – Food Trucks and Beer Garden Open 5:00pm – Music begi , …Found in Translation Book Club7:00 pm – 8:00 pmFound in Translation book club tours the globe through world literature in translation. We will explore different countries, cultures, and communities through amazing stories, gaining a fresh perspective as we focus on reading diversely. Join us each month for a new literary trip that will broaden our horizons and ulti , …
- 17Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market8:00 am – 12:30 pmSpecial Event: Meyer’s Pony Rides Musician: Patricia Holly Day Sponsor Vendor List: Full-Time Vendors: Amaz 3D Kreations B+ Beards Backcountry Winery Baked by Beth Barrelly Conscious Bellbottom Mobile Cafe Carlos Quesadillas Crafty Folks of Ames Dusty Hill Farm EarGame Farm Story Meats Fis , …Vintage Store Day at The Slow Era9:00 am – 6:00 pmThe Slow Era is thrilled to join the first-ever Vintage Store Day on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This international movement celebrating independent vintage retailers across the U.S. currently features nearly 600 stores in 42 states, plus the District of Columbia and four Canadian provinces. Like Re , …Art from the Attic Sale12:00 am – 5:00 pmArt from the Attic begins Thursday, May 15! 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 , …Paella with Maria5:00 pm – 7:00 pmIn this tantalizing technical demonstration, you’ll dive into the vibrant world of Spanish cuisine, where saffron and seafood reign supreme. Join Maria, a culinary maestro with a heart as big as her paella pan, as she takes you through the art of crafting this iconic dish. You’ll witness the sizzle of fresh ingre , …
- 18Butter Chicken & Garlic Naan with Anilisa12:00 pm – 2:00 pmGet ready to dive into the world of rich, creamy Butter Chicken and pillowy Garlic Naan with Anilisa in this technical demonstration. This isn’t just a class; it’s a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of India, where the spices dance and the aromas are intoxicating. Anilisa will guide you through , …
- 19Love & Other Monsters Book Club5:30 pm – 6:30 pmIf fantasy and romance are your two favorite genres and have read and obsess over books like Fourth Wing or ACOTAR, then I welcome you to Love and Other Monsters, a book club in which we know the most boring thing you can be as a love interest is a plain old human. Explore the new and exciting genre of romantasy as we , …
- 20COMMUNITY CLASS – Grow Anywhere: Container Gardening Basics6:00 am – 7:00 pmGardening can happen in spaces of all sizes. Join Kaitlyn Scheuermann, Registered Dietitian and Master Gardener, to learn how to take your gardening anywhere – a patio, a windowsill, or a porch! We will cover all the basics of gardening in containers and how to get the most out of your containers this season. Thi , …Thrills & Chills Book Club5:30 pm – 6:30 pmThrills & Chills is the book club you’ll want to join if you love a bit of spookiness while reading. It’s led by Jordan, a fan of all types of mystery and thriller novels. Explore the mystery/thriller genre with each read in this chilling but super chill book club. , …
- 21Your Best Self Book Club6:00 pm – 7:00 pmWelcome to Your Best Self Book Club, where we read and discuss nonfiction books geared toward living and working to our highest potential! This club is facilitated by a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) in personal growth and professional development, and even those who haven’t read the book will still be able to full , …Embroidered Belt Bag6:30 pm – 8:30 pmOwner of Handful of Made, Karlie Hunter, will walk you through embroidering a belt bag. Price includes the use of all required supplies (needle, thread, belt bag, design, etc.) and instruction. Learn a few beginner stitches, embroidery tips and tricks, and go home with your own handmade, embroidered belt bag. Don’ , …
- 22COMMUNITY CLASS: NAMI 1015:30 pm – 7:00 pmMay is Mental Health Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to learn more about mental health resources in your community. Join NAMI Central Iowa for an informative session where we’ll share who we are, what we do, how we support individuals and families affected by mental illness, and the changes coming in , …Dubai Chocolate Class with Alisa (Bars & Bonbons)6:00 pm – 8:00 pmStep into the enchanting world of Dubai’s chocolate scene with our captivating technical demonstration on bars and bonbons. This isn’t just about melting chocolate and pouring it into molds; it’s a journey through the intricate dance of flavors, textures, and artistry that define these delectable trea , …
- 23The BOO*-k Club6:00 pm – 7:00 pmBailey and Mariah invite you to join them for BOO*-k Club (*Bloodcurdling, Ominous, and Otherworldly) each month. As avid horror readers, they cannot wait to explore some of the genre’s most interesting offerings by focusing on short story collections and novellas. Come get creeped out with us! , …Fifth Street Writers Grand Opening7:00 pmEvent details We’re excited to invite you to the grand opening of our new space at 612 Fifth Street, Ames, IA on Friday, May 23, 2025! Doors open at 6:30 PM and the Program begins at 7PM. Come explore the space, connect with local writers, enjoy appetizers and drinks in a welcoming creative atmosphere, and hear submiss , …
- 24Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market8:00 am – 12:30 pmSpecial Events: Joyful Colorz Face Painting & Ames Bookmobile Musician: Boone Fiddler Day Sponsor Vendor List: Full-Time Vendors: Amaz 3D Kreations B+ Beards Backcountry Winery Baked by Beth Barrelly Conscious Bellbottom Mobile Cafe Carlos Quesadillas Crafty Folks of Ames Dusty Hill Farm Ear , …Good Books Young Troublemakers4:00 pm – 4:45 pmGood Books Young Troublemakers is a book club where middle school-aged kids read great books and practice speaking up. In GBYT, we create a space for participants to reflect on identity, privilege, and power, and offer tools and practice opportunities to help prepare them to use their voices to respond to moments of in , …Narly’s Night: The Summoning7:00 pm – 9:30 pmVagrant Fear presents is 4th Dark Variety show. Narly has summoned talent from all across Iowa and one from Nebraska. Come witness and be entertained by Horror Rock, Magic, Contortion, Comedy, Sideshow, Acts of Pain, and more. This will be an all ages show. Beverages will be available, both alcoholic and non. Tickets $ , …
- 25YSS Mental Health Awareness at Dog-Eared Books2:00 pm – 4:00 pmDog-Eared Books is excited to host Brenda Tyrrell from YSS to raise awareness for mental health during the month of May. YSS will be providing information and the opportunity for letter writing alongside making “praiselets,” bracelets that remind people of their own qualities or things that they are gratefu , …
- 26Infinite Worlds Book Club5:00 pm – 6:00 pmInfinite Worlds Book Club explores the contemporary work of marginalized authors of fantasy and sci-fi. Historically underappreciated in the genre, these writers are now doubtlessly some of its greatest leaders. , …
- 274th Tuesday Free Open Write3:30 pm – 5:00 pmJoin 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. , …Better Birding Book Club5:30 pm – 6:30 pmWhen thinking about the birds that surround us, we quickly acknowledge their grace, beauty, and versatility. Less frequently, however, do we consider their effect on our physical and mental health and the way we think about and practice social, economic, and environmental justice. In this book club, we investigate the , …Young Chefs Gnocchi & Potato Bites6:00 pm – 8:00 pmThis is a hands-on workshop designed for our young culinary enthusiasts who are ready to roll up their sleeves and dive into the world of potatoes. We’ll explore the humble spud, transforming it into two delightful dishes: crispy potato bites and pillowy gnocchi. Each step will be a chance to learn, experiment, a , …
- 28HANDS-ON CLASS – Wild Foraging5:00 pm – 6:30 pmJoin us for a foraging class at Onion Creek Farm, where we’ll explore the natural abundance of edible and medicinal plants growing in our local landscape. Led by Crystal Jewell, a Neuroscience Graduate Student at Iowa State and Science Communicator, this class will teach you how to identify, harvest, and use a variety , …
- 29Hot Honey Chicken6:00 pm – 8:00 pmIn this technical demonstration, we’re diving into the smoky, spicy world of Nashville Hot Chicken and its sultry sidekick, Hot Honey. Picture this: crispy, golden-brown chicken, perfectly seasoned and slathered in a sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. This isn’t just about throwing s , …
- 30
- 31Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market8:00 am – 12:30 pmSpecial Event: TBD Musician: Miles Morgan Day Sponsor Vendor List: Full-Time Vendors: Amaz 3D Kreations B+ Beards Backcountry Winery Baked by Beth Barrelly Conscious Bellbottom Mobile Cafe Carlos Quesadillas Crafty Folks of Ames Dusty Hill Farm EarGame Farm Story Meats Fisher’s Flowers &am , …Bike Fair & Bike Rodeo10:00 am – 1:00 pmLearn more about biking in our community! Skunk River Cycles and other community volunteers will be on-site providing free maintenance and basic repairs on the Library Plaza. You can also learn how to load a bike onto a Cyride bus bike rack. Bike locks will be available for free to those who need them while supplies li , …Pride Bingo on Main11:00 am – 4:00 pmKick off pride by walking around Main St. and trying to collect a bingo by vising different participating businesses! Bring your bingo card back to Heroic Hair to be entered to win a prize basket. , …Artisanal Sourdough with Alex2:00 pm – 4:00 pmIn this technical demonstration, we’re diving deep into the art of sourdough. It’s not just about slapping some flour and water together and hoping for the best; it’s a dance, a beautiful fermentation waltz that takes patience, skill, and a little bit of love. Alex will guide you through the magical transformatio , …
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
Add Event
Hosting an event in Downtown Ames? Add it to our Community Calendar!
Questions or problems? Contact travis@amesalliance.com.
