August is here, which means we’re in the last few weeks of summer and all the good weather that comes with it. You can get the most out of these glorious last few weeks by checking out these exciting Ames events throughout the month. Arts, history, nature, dining and a whole lot more make August a wonderful month to be in town.

Art and Culture

• The Garden Quilt Show

For quilting enthusiasts, this show at the Reiman Gardens will be a special treat August 5, 6, and 7. This year will mark the show’s second at Rieman.

Notable local quilters will host lectures, classes and a juried exhibition. The Garden Room will also have a selection of books, fabric, patterns, machines and other essential quilting supplies for sale. The show will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration is required.

For more information, contact the Reiman Gardens at (515) 294-2710.

• Hot Dog Dinner Theater

If you have an appetite for hot dogs, chips, dessert and magic, go to the Ames Public Library August 11 for the Hot Dog Dinner Theater. From 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., hot dogs, chips, vegetables, beverages and other refreshments will be served.

Magician Rick Eugene will perform at 2:30 p.m. Eugene is a local professional magician who loves to enthrall people with sleight-of-hand and audience participation. All ages are welcome. No registration is required.

For more information, contact the Ames Public Library at (515) 239-5656.

• Exploring Grandma’s Trunk

Local history enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Ames Historical Society’s presentation Exploring Grandma’s Trunk at the Hoggatt School at 3 p.m. on August 14. The host of the presentation will answer questions and discuss the history of the Civil War-era schoolhouse it is being given in. No registration is required.

For more information, contact Carol Phillips at (515) 232-0595.

• Rock the Library

“Rock” and “library” aren’t words that people often use in the same sentence, but the Rock the Library concert at 7 p.m. on August 19  may change that. The Ames Public Library will be offering a free concert featuring local bands at Durham Bandshell Park. No registration is required.

For more information, contact the Ames Public Library at (515) 239-5656.

• Iowa Brit Fest

On August 27, a little bit of Great Britain will be coming to Durham Bandshell Park. The Iowa Brit Fest is a celebration of British culture, and will feature live music, shopping opportunities and entertainment. Past Brit Fests have featured tug-of-war, soccer (known in Britain as football) and British historical armor and weapons on display from the Society for Creative Anachronism. The festival begins at 11 a.m. Ticket purchase is required.

For more information, contact Ames British Foods at (515) 598-5127, or visit the Brit Fest website at http://www.iowabritfest.org/.

Nature

• Create Your Own Biosphere

Those who are charmed by creepy-crawlies will want to check out the Reiman Gardens for the Create Your Own Biosphere event August 13. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this class will cover the different types of aquatic insects and how to collect them. Participants will also be invited to create a self-contained biosphere and learn about the essential role of insects and arthropods in nature.

Registration is required. For more information, contact the Reiman Gardens at (515) 294-2710.

• Evening Prairie Walk

Nature lovers will have an opportunity to join employees of Story County Conservation for some educational exercise at their Evening Prairie Walk at 7 p.m. on August 18. As participants stroll through 40 scenic acres of Doolittle Prairie, they’ll learn about the history of Iowa grasslands.

While Doolittle’s trails are relatively tame, hikers should still wear long pants and good hiking shoes. Bug spray is also recommended. No registration is required.

For more information, contact Story County Conservation at (515) 232-2516.

Culinary

• Hy-Vee Drugstore grill-out

Summer is prime grilling season, so the staff of the downtown Hy-Vee Drugstore will be serving up fresh burgers, hot dogs and bratwursts every Friday in August from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Grill lovers shouldn’t delay too long. With summer drawing to a close, it won’t be long before they put away the grill until next year. No registration is required.

For more information, contact Hy-Vee Drugstore at (515) 233-9855.

• Ames Main Street Farmer’s Market

Shoppers seeking locally grown produce should check out the Ames Main Street Farmer’s Market, open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the 400 block of Main Street. Fresh veggies, fruits, cheese, meats and baked goods will be available, as will arts and crafts made by local artists. Live entertainment will be performed on the Market Stage while shoppers browse and enjoy Main Street culture. No registration is required.

For more information, contact the Ames Main Street Farmer’s Market at http://www.amesmainstreetfarmersmarket.com/contact-us.

• Food in the Gardens

Aspiring chefs can find inspiration at Food in the Gardens August 11 in Reiman Gardens. Starting at 6:30 p.m., Iowa chefs will show how to make delicious and nutritious meals from vegetables you can grow in your own backyard. Six sessions will be held, covering a broad variety of gardening and cooking topics. Registration is required.

For more information, contact Reiman Gardens at (515) 294-2710.

Just for Cyclones

• WelcomeFest

ISU students who are new or returning can start the semester with WelcomeFest August 24 at the Memorial Union’s Great Hall. From 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., dozens of booths promoting Ames’ local businesses, ISU departments and community organizations will be giving away freebies and information on making the most of the ISU experience. No registration is required.

For more information, contact Letitia Kenemer at (515) 294-0970.

No matter who you are or what interests you, you don’t have to leave Ames to have a great August. With all these events going on, consider having a “stay-cation” and discover sides of Ames you never knew existed.