Upcoming Fall Events in Ames You Won't Want to Miss

September 23, 2025

Fall is in the air, and there’s no better time to get out and enjoy all that Ames has to offer.

From farmers markets to art festivals and pumpkin patches, Ames has plenty of family-friendly events and activities lined up this season. Here are some fun things happening in September and October you’ll want to mark on your calendar!


Ames Farmers Market

Every Saturday in September (8:00 am – 12:30 pm)
Every Saturday in October (9:00 am – 12:30 pm)
Downtown Ames
Learn more here


The Ames Farmers Market is the perfect Saturday morning activity. Stroll through downtown, grab fresh produce, local goods, and homemade treats while enjoying the crisp fall air.


Oktoberfest

September 27–28, 2025

Torrent Brewing Co. Event Details


Celebrate the season with Oktoberfest fun—complete with food, drinks, contests, and plenty of lively entertainment. Gather your friends, put on your best fall flannel, and enjoy the festivities!


Octagon Art Festival

Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 10:00 am
Downtown Ames
Event Details


One of the largest art events in the area, the Octagon Art Festival features visual art, live performances, food vendors, and a children’s art area. It’s a great way to spend a fall Sunday while supporting local and regional artists.


Lucky Star Fall Market

Sunday, October 5, 2025 Event Details


This market brings together 40+ local makers, vintage collectors, food trucks, and live music. Admission is free, it’s family-friendly, and the first 100 shoppers receive a free tote bag!


Pumpkin Patches

  • Center Grove Orchard Plan Your Visit
    A fall favorite for families with apple picking, pumpkin patches, hayrides, and delicious fall treats.

  • Storybook Orchard (Story City) Event Info
    Don’t miss their
    Annual Great Pumpkin Adventure on September 28, 2025—with free admission!


Whether you’re shopping local, sipping cider, or picking pumpkins, Ames has no shortage of fall fun this season. Gather your family and friends and make the most of the beautiful autumn months right here in our community!


You might also like

May 14, 2026
Iowa is welcoming 2026 with a dynamic lineup of new destinations, exhibits, and major attractions.
April 29, 2026
Get Stylish & Elevated
April 16, 2026
The Rise of Intentional, Stylish Green Living In 2026, plants are no longer just decorative accents. They’ve become essential to how we design, experience, and feel in our spaces. From lush indoor jungles to carefully curated outdoor sanctuaries, the plant world is evolving toward something deeper: intentional, expressive, and wellness-driven living . 🌱 Plants for Wellness (Not Just Decor) One of the biggest shifts in 2026 is the move toward plants with purpose . People are choosing greenery not just for aesthetics, but for how it impacts mood, productivity, and relaxation. Calming plants like ferns and peace lilies are popular in bedrooms Desk plants are chosen to boost focus and reduce stress Homes are designed around “feel-good greenery.” This trend reflects a broader lifestyle shift: people want their homes to actively support their mental health, not just look good. Minimalism is out. Indoor jungles are in. Big leaves, dramatic shapes, and layered greenery create a tropical escape right inside your home. Velvety leaves, bold patterns, and dramatic veining all bring visual interest without needing blooms. Whether you’re building a jungle corner, or nurturing a single low-maintenance plant, the goal is the same: creating a space that feels alive and uniquely yours. Start creating your “jungle.” Back Alley Plants Holub Greenhouse s Ames Greenhouse & Antiques Earl May Garden Center
More Posts