¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

As Iowa State University enters its final two weeks of the school year, the events calendar also cools down. But there are still happenings, including concerts of both contemporary and classical music.

Elsewhere, Ontario Park has an open house, puzzles get competitive, Fried Green Tomatoes turns 35 and Cyclone Track and Field goes under the moonlight.

Co-Editors: Anthony Capps & Amber Mohmand
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Event Spotlight

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Calendar of Events

Tuesday, May 5

🎨 Tell Me a Story Roundtable Conversation
5 p.m. | Brunnier Art Museum

In a conversation moderated by exhibition co-curator Michèle A. Schaal, ISU faculty will discuss the impact of storytelling on teaching and research, along with personal connections to the works of art on view in the Brunnier Art Museum exhibition, Tell Me a Story.

FREE

Thursday, May 7

🌿 Spring Wildflower Walk at Soper's Mill
1:30 p.m. | Soper's Mill, 56501 170th St.

Meet on the northeast side of the river — the side of the river closest to the interstate. The walk will begin in the parking area at 1:30 p.m. and wrap up by 3.

FREE

Friday, May 8

🏃‍♀️ Cyclone Twilight Track Meet
4 p.m. | Cyclone Sports Complex

Iowa State hosts its premier outdoor track and field event of the spring season. Elite athletes from across the region compete in this high-energy evening meet.

Saturday, May 9

🌽 Main Street Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Main Street

This week’s entertainment highlights are the Hovick Family Petting Zoo, a sourdough bread contest and music by Patricia Holly.

🐟 Fishing at Lake LaVerne
9 to 11 a.m. | Lake LaVerne

As part of the renovation of Lake LaVerne, this special fishing event will have volunteers on hand to assist people without a lot of experience but who want to try fishing. A limited amount of fishing gear will be available to use.

FREE

🎶 Music of the Baroque: A Preview
10 a.m. | Ames Public Library

Ames Town & Gown and early music ensemble Twelfth Night present a special preview performance of the Sunday concert. Learn about 17th and 18th century music through performance and demonstration on authentic early musical instruments the violin, harpsichord and theorbo.

FREE

🌳 Ontario Park Open House
1 to 3 p.m. | Ontario Park, 5658 Ontario St.

This open house is an opportunity to explore the property and provide input on what could be included in the park.

FREE

🎤 Gráinne Hunt & Jules Stewart
7 p.m. | Alluvial Brewing

An international folk collaboration featuring Irish singer-songwriter Gráinne Hunt. This intimate performance highlights contemporary folk storytelling and percussion.

$11

Sunday, May 10

🎥 Fried Green Tomatoes
3 p.m. | Movies 12

Evelyn (Kathy Bates), an ordinary housewife, visits a nursing home and befriends the old lady Ninny (Jessica Tandy). Together, they bond over stories from the past about two intrepid women of the Whistle Stop Cafe. The movie, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary, also plays on May 13.

$11.50

🎶 Twelfth Night, early music ensemble
7:30 p.m. | Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall, Music Hall

Known for their spirited performances, Rachell Ellen Wong (Baroque viol), David Belkovski (harpsichord) and Kevin Payne (theorbo) will delight our audience with a “Grand Tour” of the Baroque era’s riches by great composers both familiar and less known.

$35, free for students

Monday, May 11

🧩 That’s Fun: Progressive Puzzle Competition
6:30 p.m. | Ames Public Library

Starting with 100-pieces puzzles, participants level up through increasingly challenging puzzles as the clock ticks down. It’s all about speed, strategy and a sharp eye for detail — plus plenty of laughs along the way. Bring your team of up to four people or come solo. Registration is required.

FREE

Upcoming events on our radar

🎶 May 15: Across the Water, Collegiate Presbyterian Church

🛒 May 21: Parking Lot Bingo and Food Drive, Daisy’s Dog House