Your Ames Voice

Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

October 09, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Good morning!

Fall is in full swing, and we've got your essential guide to local news and weekend fun.

This edition covers the latest updates on the ISU presidential search and the Ames School Board's decision on support personnel funding. But don't let the news keep you inside! We've also rounded up all the spooky activities, including the popular Witches Walk downtown.

Speaking of getting out ... don't forget to RSVP to our upcoming launch party! We can't wait to celebrate with you 🥳 

 


Co-Editors: Anthony Capps & Amber Mohmand
[email protected]

Reminder!

Top Story

Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, murder mysteries and more are right here in Ames and surrounding communities for you to partake in. | Photo courtesy of Molly Blanco

How to celebrate the spooky season in Ames

by Kyle Werner | Staff Reporter | Published on Oct. 8, 2025

It’s now the season of cooler weather, changing leaves and spooky festivities.

Halloween is a time for dressing up — maybe with a jacket if it continues to stay chilly — but you can get in the spooky mood ahead of Halloween night.

Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, murder mysteries and more are right here in Ames and surrounding communities.

 

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City of Ames

Ames School Board allocates $100k toward support personnel

by Kyle Werner | Staff Reporter

The Ames Community School District will distribute supplemental funds to education support staff based on its past practices, the board unanimously decided in a short meeting on Monday night.

 

More from City of Ames

Iowa State University

Iowa State University’s presidential search narrows to 8 candidates

by Kyle Werner | Staff Reporter

The Board of Regents narrowed a list of 78 candidates hoping to be Iowa State University’s next president down to just eight in a closed session meeting on Monday.

 

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Sports

Photos: Little Cyclones celebrate homecoming win

Contributed by | Emma Lorang

Ames Little Cyclones defeated Council Bluffs Lincoln Lynxes 28-21 on Friday in its homecoming game in Ames.

 

More from Sports

In Other Community News

Upcoming Events and Activities

Ongoing

🎃 Spirits in the Gardens
Friday 6 to 10 p.m.; Saturday 5 to 10 p.m.; Sunday 5 to 9 p.m. | Reiman Gardens
Featuring more than 1,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns, Spirits in the Gardens returns for another year of Halloween family fun. Come in costume and have a spooky good time with glowing orbs, Hollusion dancing video projections and the colorful lighted tower at Sycamore Falls.
$16 general public; $14 members & ISU students; $7 youth ages 2 to 12

Thursday, Oct. 9

🧙‍♀️ Witches Walk 
6 to 8 p.m. | Downtown Ames
Come out for a scary good time with downtown businesses open late and hosting snacks and sips. While this event is geared toward adults, all are welcome and costumes are encouraged. (The downtown trick or treat for kids is Oct. 30.)
 
🩰 World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby Ballet
7 p.m. | Stephens Auditorium
Enter the jazzy world of flappers and champagne with this new and original production from World Ballet Company. Experience the glitz, glamor, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel live on stage, featuring a multinational cast, hand-crafted costumes, and art deco-inspired sets.

Saturday, Oct. 11

🚒 Fire Station Open House
9 a.m. to noon | Fire Station No. 1, 1300 Burnett Ave.
Visitors can tour fire trucks, watch safety demonstrations, spray a fire hose, play fire safety games, and meet Freddie the fire truck and Sparky the dog. A sensory-friendly hour begins at 8 a.m.
Free
 
🌈 Ames Pridefest
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., post-Pride events start at 6 p.m. | Downtown Ames
A full day of events and activities for all ages include magician Mikayla Oz, drag storytime, performer Bonne Finken, happy hour and bingo in the 5th Street and Douglas Avenue vicinity.
Free
 
🎤 Grateful Dead Day
4 p.m. | Alluvial Brewing Company
The 2nd Grateful Dead Day features local musicians Alleygrass, Wally Neal & The Dreamland, Fools, Mary Jane’s Closet, Deeds & Co., and Great Caesar's Goat in an all-ages celebration of the Grateful Dead on its 60th anniversary. Vendors open and kids activities begin at 4 p.m. and music at 6 p.m.
$10

Sunday, Oct. 12

 🎶 Collage of Choirs
3 p.m. | Stephens Auditorium
All four major choral groups of Iowa State University — Iowa State Singers, Iowa Statesmen, Cantamus and Lyrica — will perform at Stephens Auditorium.
$15+

Wednesday, Oct. 15

👨‍🏫 Lecture: My Ascension: A Journey of Hope and Healing After Attempting Suicide
6 p.m. | 3580 Memorial Union
Emma Benoit became a passionate suicide prevention advocate after surviving a suicide attempt in 2017 that left her paralyzed and sparked a journey of healing, faith and purpose. Formerly a high school cheerleader battling silent depression and anxiety, she now uses her experience to inspire others.
Free
 
🎷 Jazz Night – Happy Hour
7:30 p.m. | Maintenance Shop
Listen to live jazz from jazzONE and the ISU Jazz Combos and enjoy an icy cold beverage.
$10

Upcoming events on our radar

👨‍🏫 Oct. 16: Panel: Homelessness in Ames, Ames Public Library
🎭 Oct. 19: The Addams Family, Stephens Auditorium
👨‍🏫 Oct. 23: Lecture: Democracy According to Jazz, Sun Room, ISU Memorial Union
🏈 Oct. 25: Homecoming: Iowa State vs. BYU, Jack Trice Stadium
🎭 Nov. 6-9: Urinetown: The Musical, Fisher Theater