Events in Mason City, IA

This special evening focuses on raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Admission is $50.

A fall bus excursion to a leading vendor market in the area offers a full day to browse more than 150 vendors showcasing handmade crafts, pottery, jewelry, furniture, home decor, and more. Food and drink will be available so shoppers can refuel while searching for one-of-a-kind pieces and seasonal items. The bus provides ample space to store purchases, making it a convenient autumn shopping getaway.

The evening features a Harry Potter theme with a showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, pottery painting, and popcorn. Seats may be reserved in advance. Pottery pieces are purchased in the shop on the day of the event, and orders are nonrefundable once placed.

Celebrate the sound of the 1970s with a Vinylfest concert featuring three compact rock sets highlighting music from Chicago, Fleetwood Mac, and Queen, along with additional songs by Earth Wind and Fire, ABBA, The Eagles, and more. Vendors, snacks, a photo room, and a cash bar will be available at the venue. The show takes place at the Boman Theater.

This annual trail race at Pilot Knob State Park offers a friendly challenge on natural paths, with on-site registration and check-in at the Stone Shelter. Registration is available at two price points, with $25 for earlier sign-ups and $30 for later ones. Participants who register during the earlier period receive a commemorative T-shirt, while availability of shirts is not guaranteed for later registrations.

This brand new series invites kids ages 3 to 10 to enjoy a different fun run each month. Participation is $5 per session, or a $50 punch card covers all 12. Most races take place at the YMCA, with one exception for the Cannonball Fun Run.

Sheffield Public Library hosts a book sale. The Soda Stop will be on site serving drinks.

The Rockwell Fire Department is holding its 3rd Annual Fun Run, with on-site registration at the station and a departure from town afterward. The final stop of the day will feature food from Mama Dee's food truck and Janeys Heart Attach Shack. Activities include a 50/50, raffle items, and door prizes. Entry is $25 per rig and $5 per passenger. Stops along the route will be updated.

Browse a vendor show where local and regional sellers present oddities, antiques, and other unique treasures that spark curiosity. Food trucks will be available all day. Set inside Barnhome Treasures in Mason City, this event invites attendees to explore an eclectic array of finds and embrace a spooky spirit while they shop.

A North Iowa community walk in the Out of the Darkness tradition takes place at Mason City High School. Participants can register in advance. For more information, contact Jennifer Pommrehn at 641-220-4175 or pommgirl2020@gmail.com.

Horror Book Club at Three Bells welcomes readers for a casual, no-commitment discussion of chilling fiction. The September pick is This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer, a debut wilderness horror tale about four climbers who venture into Kentucky’s backcountry and stir up an ancient presence that twists reality and feeds on fear. After their trip, three bodies are found near a highway while Dylan, the climber aiming for a landmark ascent, remains missing. Blending psychological tension, visceral body horror, and Appalachian folklore, the novel is a 2024 Bram Stoker Award nominee for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Conversations last about an hour and are guided by a staff member. There is no fee, and purchases of the book club title or other items at Three Bells are appreciated to help sustain future gatherings. The group meets every second Monday of the month.

Set out on a relaxing fall bus excursion to downtown Galena, where transportation is handled so there is no need to worry about driving, parking, or traffic. Spend the day browsing distinctive shops, savoring local fare, and discovering one of the Midwest’s cherished historic towns. Wander at your own pace along charming streets lined with unique boutiques, inviting restaurants, and colorful seasonal scenery.

This yearly celebration, presented by the North Iowa Diversity Appreciation Team, showcases global flavors from a variety of food stands at Mason City Central Park. All purchases are cash only, and ATMs are available near Central Park if needed.

Business owners and Chamber members gather for casual networking over coffee at the NIACC John V. Hanson Career Center. This quarterly event focuses on meeting peers and building connections. This quarter is sponsored by the Winnebago County Community Foundation. An optional two-minute business spotlight is available for those who wish to share about their business.

A free show at Brix Wine & Whiskey features Minneapolis-based ELOUR, pronounced like allure. Led by Elizabeth Ghandour, the group channels Femme Rock through candid lyrics and a classically trained voice. With Ned Barclay on lead guitar, Joe Scarpellino on bass, Ryan Vee on drums, and Brody Kucera on percussion, the set brings a rebellious yet refined sound that pushes boundaries while feeling both fresh and familiar.

This moped safety class focuses on staying aware, using sound judgment, keeping a sharp lookout, and wearing a helmet. It is required for anyone under 16 who plans to obtain a moped license, and it also serves as preparation for a future driver’s license. Participants must be 14 years old or within six months of turning 14. Register by calling 641-422-4358 and have your child’s information ready when you call. Children should bring a sack lunch for the class.

North Iowa Fair & Events Center hosts a Veteran Stand Down in Mason City that features the return of the Iowa Remembering Our Fallen memorial. The schedule includes doors opening to welcome attendees, an opening ceremony to begin the gathering, and a closing ceremony to bring the event to a close.

Get the park ready for winter during a friendly community clean-up. Volunteers will gather in the campground at site 48, located at the top of the hill by the shower building. Lunch will be provided for everyone helping out. Please bring a rake, gloves, and comfortable work shoes and clothes. Planned tasks include taking down the movie screen, preparing the goats’ winter home, raking, splitting wood, staining, and tilling the playground.

Experience a comfortable bus excursion to the historic Amana Colonies, a National Historic Landmark and a favorite Iowa destination. Spend the day browsing charming shops, sampling treats at bakeries, visiting wineries, and enjoying local restaurants while getting to know the area’s deep history and distinctive traditions. There is plenty to take in, with a relaxed ride and a full day of exploration.

Attendees can browse and buy Sara's books, including her newest release, Unique Eats and Eateries of Iowa. She will be on hand to sign copies and take photos.

Travel back in time on a memorable bus excursion filled with royalty, brave knights, and fantastical adventures. Spend the day at a bustling festival where attendees can enjoy live performances, browse one of a kind artisan shops, savor delicious food, and discover magical moments around every corner.

Celebrate Halloween with a thriller inspired round of bingo at Spooky Book Bingo. This event is for adults and is free to play, with optional donations appreciated. Players use one card per person. Prizes lean into the mystery theme, including items like books, pens, totes, candles, stickers, and bookmarks. Snacks and sweet treats will be available along with bottled water, and attendees may bring their own beverage. No deep knowledge of horror or thriller novels is needed, just a love of bingo and the genre. Book clubs and reading groups looking for a spooky night out are welcome.

An afternoon of Fall fun at the Loop Shelter raises money for a new playground for the campground. Activities include a hay ride, mini golf, pumpkin painting, Smores, walking tacos, pie, crafts, BINGO and much more. This outdoor event is subject to cancellation if adverse weather conditions exist.

The general fiction book club will discuss Theo of Golden by Allen Levi in a relaxed, no commitment setting. The conversation lasts about an hour and is facilitated by a staff member. There is no fee to participate. Guests are encouraged to support the event by purchasing the book club selection or another item, which helps keep gatherings like this possible. Copies of the novel are currently available for purchase at the store. The story centers on a newcomer to the Southern city of Golden who begins buying hand drawn portraits in pencil from a nearby coffeehouse and gifting each one to the person pictured in exchange for their story. As people open up, secrets come to light, regrets are voiced, and everyday lives shift, underscoring themes of generosity, connection, and being truly seen.

The Peace Makers of North Central Iowa Quilt of Valor group holds a monthly open sewing session at the Forest City Emergency Services Center. Attend for a portion of the session or stay the whole time. Bring a sewing machine to work on projects, help cut fabric, or take a seat to visit with others. Participants may bring their own fabric or a kit to work on, or use materials that are already prepared and available.

Mark the start of the Minnesota Pheasant Opener with an event featuring sporting clays and food. A photo area will be available so you can capture a picture with your dog. Additional details will be shared as the event approaches.

GoatOberfest returns for its second year at Shady Oak Farm with an afternoon of autumn activities for all ages. Enjoy family friendly games, a cozy seasonal atmosphere, treats from local vendors, and plenty of time with the resident goats. Costumed goat races make a lively comeback, with four legged contenders sprinting down the track for laughs and bragging rights. Visitors can sip from a cider bar, browse goat milk soaps and other farm made goods, shop artisan wares, and capture festive photos with goats and colorful fall backdrops. Admission is donation based, with proceeds supporting the Barn Fund to help restore and preserve the historic barn. Before attending, please note a few guidelines. The driveway is lengthy and sightlines are limited, so drive slowly, keep to the right side, and stay alert for approaching vehicles. Parking will be in the grass along the drive and near the barn and house, with volunteers on hand to guide cars. Closed toe shoes are recommended for uneven ground and typical farm conditions, including the occasional playful goat antics. Leave pets at home out of consideration for the goats and the dogs that guard the livestock. Children must remain under adult supervision while on the farm and when interacting with animals.

Settle in for a relaxed bus outing that features a two hour rail journey through the Iowa landscape. Take in the scenery from your seat while lunch is served on the train. After the ride, the schedule includes a visit to a train museum for more history and exploration before heading back. Planned as an easygoing day trip, it blends sightseeing, a meal on board, and a touch of railroad heritage.

Hosted at Faith Baptist Church - Hampton, this Level 1 training focuses on active threat awareness for church settings as well as workplaces, schools, and other public spaces. Over the course of three hours, participants build a practical response plan for an active attacker with an emphasis on preparation, personal safety, and decisive action. Instruction covers data-informed realities and trends of active shooter incidents, techniques for situational awareness and threat assessment to recognize danger early, strategies to strengthen readiness through targeted training, and ways to develop a survival mindset to act under pressure. It also explains what to expect when law enforcement arrives and outlines action planning steps that can improve the likelihood of survival. The course is led by experienced instructors with real-world backgrounds.

Artoberfest returns to the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum as a well-loved fall fundraiser that supports the museum. Attendees can sample a variety of Midwest brews and enjoy a spread of food. Each guest receives two drink tickets, with additional beverages available for purchase. More than 80 silent auction items from local businesses and artists will be up for bid, and a live auction will be led by Brian Carlson. Tickets are $50 and will be available at the museum and on the museum’s website. This is a 21 and older event. Sponsors include Central Park Dentistry, Henkel Construction Co., North Iowa Community Credit Union, Bergland + Cram, CENT Credit Union, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, CL Tel, Dental Center of North Iowa, First Citizens Bank, First Security Bank & Trust, Hawkeye Auto Body, Hildebrand Real Estate, Hogan-Hansen, Hoover’s Hatchery, Mason City Glass Service, Metalcraft, Moorman Clothiers, Raymond James, Tierney Development & Construction, Coloff Media, Zilges Appliance Center, and Generous Friends of the Museum.

Todd Michael Jameson appears at Hunter's Bar.

Sacred Heart Oratory in Meyer, Iowa hosts an annual fall supper that supports the ongoing care of the worship facility. As the only fundraiser, this gathering helps keep the oratory maintained and available for weddings, baptisms, and funerals, even though it is not used for weekly masses.

A monthly open sewing session with the Peace Makers of North Central Iowa Quilt of Valor group takes place at the Forest City Emergency Services Center. Participants may bring a sewing machine to work on projects, help with fabric cutting, or simply visit and socialize. Attendance is flexible, and people may take part for the entire session or just a portion. You can bring your own fabric or kit, or use materials that will be available.

Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Company brings Bremen Town Musicians to the Salsbury Room at the MacNider Art Museum with three performances. Admission is free and all are welcome. Seating is available in order of arrival, and doors open shortly before each performance. Groups of ten or more planning to attend a daytime show can register by calling 641-421-3666, while no registration is required for the evening performance. Schools may request a bus subsidy while funds remain. Support for this program is provided by a grant from the Bertha Stebens Charitable Foundation.

The fall show returns in a fresh setting, welcoming attendees back to experience the season in a new space. Organizers are excited about the move and plan to host the spring edition at the same place.

Get into the holiday spirit with a hands-on spruce top planter workshop for all skill levels. No prior experience is required, and step by step instruction is provided along with refreshments. The experience includes fresh spruce tops, a mix of accent evergreens, red twig dogwood or willow branches, a festive bow, and, if needed, a pot with soil. Participants can choose a 12 inch planter for $65 or a 14 inch planter for $78. Bringing a similarly sized planter with soil qualifies for a $5 discount. A wide selection of premium winter stems, berries, pinecones, ornaments, ribbon, and other holiday embellishments will be available for purchase to personalize each creation. Attendees leave with a finished porch planter and a boost of seasonal cheer. Seating is limited, and spots fill quickly.

Ride a bus to Mall of America for a full day of exploring. With transportation handled, there is no need to drive or search for parking, giving you more time to browse hundreds of shops, try a variety of restaurants, and take in the attractions and entertainment. Whether you are looking for a special purchase, sharing a meal with friends, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, this getaway suits a wide range of interests.

Back for another year in 2026, this event will be held together with the North lowa Gun Show.

The 2026 edition of Vinylfest presents a show centered on the 1980s. This event offers a dedicated tribute to that decade.