This weekend in Ames, IA

Iowa State Cyclones Football faces Utah Football at Jack Trice Stadium. Children younger than 2 do not need a ticket. A general public sale is planned for this event.

Purple Ribbon Beef sets up at the Ames Main Street Farmers' Market with high quality, dry aged beef, surrounded by a larger lineup of vendors offering fresh produce, baked treats, flowers, and handmade goods from Iowa-based small businesses. The scene includes live music and free activities for children, adding to a welcoming community atmosphere. For extra convenience, preordering is available for quick pickup at the Purple Ribbon Beef stand.

Stop by the Ames Farmers Market on Main Street.

Remy’s Fun Walk/Run is a family-friendly walk and run at Hickory Grove County Park for the entire family, including furry family members. The event is hosted in memory of Remy, a beloved Greater Swiss Mountain Dog who passed away from bone cancer on June 16, 2018 at age 7. Participants can enjoy a beautiful fall walk around the trail at Hickory Grove Lake, then grab lunch from Alley’s Sandwiches and Wraps food truck after the walk. All money from registrations goes to the Chase Away K-9 Cancer Foundation.

Now in its 14th year, the Ames Psychic & Paranormal Expo is billed as one of the Midwest’s standout gatherings, featuring more than 40 vendors. Explore readings with psychics and mediums, appearances by paranormal teams, information on haunted locations, and a marketplace that includes healings, reiki, reflexology, stones and gems, drums, tarot cards, shamanic practices, candles, herbs, and books. Admission is $5 per day and also includes access to presentations throughout the day at no additional charge. Talks may feature ghost hunters, gallery readings, and sessions on developing intuition. Seating for speaker sessions is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Updates are shared on the Psychic and Paranormal Expo page and the Ames Psychic & Paranormal Expo - 14th Annual 2026 page, and all posts are subject to host approval.

The event features original country music from Madison Kolbet, shaped by her small-town roots and strong family ties. An Iowa native who discovered her love of music in middle school, she has continued to hone her craft through songwriting and frequent co-writing with collaborators across the country.

A new celebration of nonfiction storytelling arrives in Ames as the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, Octagon Center for the Arts, and Ames Main Street launch the Ames Documentary Film Festival in conjunction with the longstanding Octagon Arts Festival. The event spotlights compelling real-world narratives through short documentaries, each running under 40 minutes. Set in a university community, it nods to the academic strengths of Iowa State University and brings filmmakers, scholars, and the public together to honor the craft of documentary and the influence of higher education on this art form. Supported by the Discover Ames Community Grant Program, the rollout included a public announcement, a call for films and outreach to creators, the unveiling of final selections, and the release of the festival schedule leading up to its debut.

The 55th annual Octagon Art Festival fills Main Street in downtown Ames with original work by approximately 100 artists from across the Midwest. Explore ceramics, jewelry, paintings, fiber art, photography, garden art, sculptures and more, alongside live music and other entertainment. Food trucks and additional food vendors are on hand, and families can stop by a children's art area for hands on creativity. This outdoor event is held on pavement and will proceed in all weather. There is no admission fee. Organized by the Octagon Center for the Arts, a nonprofit community art center in downtown Ames.

Enjoy a free community screening of ParaNorman. The concession stand will be open with items available at cost. Please note that the start time may change.