The trees are beginning to turn all the beautiful shades of red, showing us that fall is here. This season serves as a reminder that it will be cold soon, and we should enjoy our time outside as much as we can before winter comes. However, this draws the question: what do we do in the small town of Ames? Here are a few ideas to fill up the rest of your October bucket list.
iLuminate (Oct. 17)
Named the “Best New Act in America” by America’s Got Talent in 2011, iLuminate offers a whimsical experience involving an elaborate light performance in the darkness. The show will feature many different genres of music, including hits from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.
The Pumpkin Express (Oct. 18)
If you’re looking for a cozy fall ride on a 131-year-old train, the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad is offering a trip to the pumpkin patch. Throughout the ride, you’ll cross the Bass Point Creek High Bridge and the Des Moines River Bridge. After reaching the pumpkin patch, the train returns its passengers to the starting point, making the total trip one hour and fifteen minutes.
The Howling at Shipley Schoolhouse (Oct. 18)
There are also events for music and festival lovers alike. The Howling is a free music festival featuring performances by Mango Soul, The Mourning Belles, Foxpin, Fred Love, Patricia Holly and Chris Patterson. If you’re looking for somewhere to unleash that Halloween spirit, The Howling is the perfect event for you.
The Addams Family (Oct. 19)
Whether or not you’re familiar with the bizarre story of the Addams Family, this musical is a must-watch for the spooky season. With its cast of creepy, gothic and eccentric characters, The Addams Family musical follows Wednesday Addams’s boyfriend dilemma. After falling in love with a smart young man, she confides in her father, Gomez Addams, and begs him not to tell her mother, Morticia. Gomez then faces doing something he’s never done before — hiding something from his beloved wife.
Bricktown Bakery’s Hocus Pocus Party (Oct. 24)
The Hocus Pocus Party is a free event perfect for taking photos and indulging in some local treats. You can also take part in the costume contest, which includes three categories: Best Family, Best Group and Best Kids.
Halloween Hides & Creepy Caches (Oct. 24)
For those craving a good geocache hunt, get your lanterns ready and head to McFarland Park after dark for Halloween Hides & Creepy Caches. This nocturnal geocache hunt lets attendees experience McFarland after dark, with hidden jack-o’-lanterns scattered throughout the park.
Trick or Treat at Treehouse Village (Oct. 26)
Head to Treehouse Village for an afternoon of accessible, family-friendly fun. Follow the paved trail in costume and collect treats along the way. There will also be a Halloween scavenger hunt, a coloring contest and more, all included with regular admission.
Downtown Ames Trick or Treat (Oct. 30)
Downtown Ames will open its doors to trick-or-treaters of all ages. Families are encouraged to dress up and explore the local shops, where friendly business owners will be handing out candy and celebrating the holiday spirit together.
Rovers at Reiman Howl-O-Ween (Oct. 31)
Even your four-legged friends can get in on the Halloween fun. Dress your pup in costume and bring them to Reiman Gardens for a festive Howl-o-ween celebration.
Ames City-wide Trick or Treat (Oct. 31)
The city-wide trick-or-treat hours are set for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31. As families and little ghouls fill the streets, be sure to stay safe and enjoy a fun Halloween evening around Ames.
Black’s Heritage Farm (through Oct. 31)
Just south of Jack Trice Stadium, Black’s Heritage Farm offers a classic fall outing. Take a wagon or trolley ride to pick your own pumpkin, visit the calves and ponies, and let kids enjoy the bounce house and play area before the season ends.
Center Grove Orchard Apple Picking and Pumpkin Patch (through Oct.)
A fall favorite, Center Grove Orchard invites visitors to pick apples from its 20-acre orchard or find the perfect pumpkin in the patch. Beyond the fields, you’ll find a coffee shop, dining venues and a country store to complete your autumn day trip.
Whether it’s apple picking, costume contests or nighttime train rides, there’s still plenty of magic left in October. These last few weeks before winter always feel a little fleeting, so take the chance to step outside, breathe in the crisp air and make the most of the season while it’s still here.
