Your Ames Voice

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025

December 04, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Thursday greetings!

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In today’s newsletter, we compiled a list of more than 35 events and activities in the Ames vicinity for you and loved ones to get into the holiday spirit. There's also an update on the new aquatic center, Mary Greeley's technology to detect lung cancer early and a recap of last night’s men’s basketball game.

Thank you for your continued support!


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

 

 

Top Story

Story County Conservation is hosting a snowshoe hike at McFarland Park to celebrate the start of winter and the holiday season. | Photo courtesy of Story County Conservation

Get in the holiday spirit with markets, celebrations and more

by Kyle Werner | Staff Reporter | Published on Dec. 2, 2025

It’s officially the holiday season — the temperature has dropped, there’s snow on the ground and decorations are up.

So how are you going to get in the holiday spirit?

There are markets, celebrations, festive gatherings, holiday music and more in and around Ames that are sure to get you in good spirits ahead of Christmas Day.

Grab a hot cocoa, maybe hot apple cider and get ready to be merry this holiday season.

 

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City of Ames

Health & Wellness

New technology improves diagnosis, treatment of lung cancer

by Michael Kitchell | Staff Reporter

Mary Greeley Medical Center has new technology to help detect lung cancer and provide an earlier diagnosis, which can save lives.

Community Development

New aquatic center taking shape for late January ‘substantial completion’ target

by Bill Monroe | Staff Reporter

Ames area residents will soon be able to enjoy indoor swimming.

 

More from City of Ames

Sports

ISU Men’s Basketball

Iowa State erupts for 132 in record- smashing rout of Alcorn State

by Jared Larson | Staff Reporter

Iowa State obliterated Alcorn State 132–68 on Wednesday, breaking the school record for both points scored and made three-pointers. It wasn’t just a blowout of the Braves from Mississippi. It was a statistical marvel.

More from Sports

 

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Events & Activities

🎅 If you are looking for holiday-themed events for the week, you can find those in our top story. 🎁
 

Friday, Dec. 5

🎤 Kongero
7 p.m. | Stephens Auditorium
Swedish folk’appella group Kongero brings their music to America. For a portion of the performance, the four-female folk group will be joined by ISU treble voice choir Cantamus.
$5+

Saturday, Dec. 6

Performing are Iowa City's riot grrrl-influenced punk band Lipstick Homicide and Des Moines rock trio Bat Problem, comprised of veteran musicians Michael Clabaugh, Jordan Mayland and Chris Lachky. Local rock duo Sunchoke will open the show.
$10 public, $6 students ($2 day-of-show increase)

 

🎭 Ten-Minute Play Festival 2025
2 and 7:30 p.m. | Fisher Theater
Each year the ISU Theatre Directing students choose, cast and bring to life an exciting array of ten-minute plays by playwrights both old and new.
FREE

Sunday, Dec. 7

The Cyclones take on the Northern Illinois Huskies at home, hoping for some continuing Hilton magic.
$11+

Tuesday, Dec. 9

👨‍🏫 ISU Startup Factory Demo Day
5:30 to 8 p.m. | ISU Research Park Economic Development Core Facility Atrium
Calling all entrepreneurs, startup founders, mentors and startup community supporters! Following founder presentations, stick around for a fun networking reception with drinks and appetizers to connect with founders and mentors, learn more about the Startup Factory, G2M and VMS programs, and celebrate hardworking founders.

Wednesday, Dec. 10

🏀 Women's Basketball: Iowa State vs. Iowa
6 p.m. | Hilton Coliseum
The Cyclones take on their biggest in-state rival, the Iowa Hawkeyes.
$22+

Upcoming events on our radar

🎤 Dec. 12: 10 Watt Robot and Tom Hummer, Ames City Auditorium
🎄 Dec. 13-14: Nutcracker Ballet, Stephens Auditorium
🎄 Dec. 15: Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol, Stephens Auditorium