October is time for Ames Haunted Forest, Downtown Witches Walk, Spirits in the Gardens

Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune
·4 min read

Editor's note: We will be updating this compilation of events. Check back with us often. To add your event, email rlawless@gannett.com.

Ames has a variety of spooky and fun Halloween-themed events this month.

Thrill-seekers can find a huge fright at the Ames Haunted Forest, one of the longest-running haunted attractions in Iowa, now in its 22nd year.

A little less scary but still festive, visitors to downtown Ames can attend the Witches Walk, which includes at least 20 participating businesses.

And Reiman Gardens’ annual Spirits in the Gardens celebration is the perfect activity for costumed families and jack-o’-lantern enthusiasts alike.

Actors Nicole Mills, Lan Caster and Megan Swan rehearse at the Ames Haunted Forest on South 4th Street in Ames in October 2021. Now in its 22nd year, the Haunted Forest opens Oct. 7, and will run every Friday and Saturday night through the end of October.
Actors Nicole Mills, Lan Caster and Megan Swan rehearse at the Ames Haunted Forest on South 4th Street in Ames in October 2021. Now in its 22nd year, the Haunted Forest opens Oct. 7, and will run every Friday and Saturday night through the end of October.

Ames Haunted Forest is open Friday, Saturday nights in October

“We tell people: Don’t come alone,” Ames Haunted Forest co-owner Lynn Ballard said.

The spooky attraction kicks off the Halloween season Friday night and will be open every Friday and Saturday, from 7 p.m. until at least 11 p.m., through the end of the month.

“We hope to have such a big crowd that we’re open until 2 o’clock in the morning,” Ballard said. “We’ll stay open if we have people in line.”

It takes about a half-hour to get through the forest — depending on how scared you get, he said.

Admission is $25, and the haunted forest accepts cash only. It’s located at 1400 S. Fourth St., across the street from Jack Trice Stadium. Parking is available in the Iowa State football parking lots.

More:Ames Haunted Forest has a spooky history

Witches Walk is Thursday in downtown Ames

Ames' Main Street is hosting its annual Witches Walk from 6-8 p.m. Thursday.

Many downtown businesses will be open late, offering snacks, sips and other treats. At least 20 businesses are participating in the event. Check out Ames Main Street’s website, amesdowntown.org, for the complete list.

The first 300 people at the event will receive their own 2022 Witches Walk tumbler. To get a tumbler, go to Tom Evans Plaza, which is the park on the south side of the intersection of Main Street and Burnett Avenue.

Dog Costume Contest to be held at Farmers’ Market

Enter your pup in a Dog Costume Contest at the Ames Main Street Farmers' Market between 10 and 11 a.m. Saturday.

Parade your leashed, costumed dog in front of the booth of judges at Tom Evans Park. Judges from Dog-Eared Books, Treats on a Leash and the Ames Animal Shelter will score your pet’s costume on cuteness, originality and personality.

First-, second- and third-place winners will receive prizes.

There will also be a prize for best literary-inspired costume.

Online registration can be done in advance at dogearedbooksames.com, or it can be completed in person the day of the event. There is a $5 entry fee to support Ames Animal Shelter.

‘Spirits in the Gardens’ is Oct. 21-23

Featuring more than 1,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns, Reiman Gardens’ annual Spirits in the Gardens event has become a holiday tradition for many area families.

The event kicks off from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 21, when Reiman will offer a sneak peek at the jack-o’-lanterns. There’s no candy or entertainment at this time, but it’s a chance to see the glowing pumpkins at their freshest.

Jack-o'-lanterns light up the "Spirits in the Gardens" event at Reiman Gardens in 2021. This year's event will be held Oct. 21-23 and requires advance ticket purchases, which are available on the Reiman Gardens' website.
Jack-o'-lanterns light up the "Spirits in the Gardens" event at Reiman Gardens in 2021. This year's event will be held Oct. 21-23 and requires advance ticket purchases, which are available on the Reiman Gardens' website.

From 5-9 p.m. Oct. 22 and 23, visitors can see the pumpkins, glowing orbs and lighted tower at Sycamore Falls.

Candy will be available all evening at the end of the route. Boy Scouts Troop 230 will be selling snacks and warm drinks near Lake Helen.

From 5-7 p.m., visitors can play Simon Says. During that time, the Iowa State SCUM group will be performing chemistry shows. The Iowa State Juggling and Unicycling Club and the Iowa State Cosplay Club will perform.

The cost is $15 for adult non-members, $13 for adult members and Iowa State students, $7 for youth ages 2-12 and free for youth under 2.

Advance tickets must be purchased online at reimangardens.com. Timed tickets will be for a specific day and entry-time window.

Trick-or-treating in Ames

  • City of Ames: Trick-or-treating is Oct. 31, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

  • Downtown Ames: Trick-or-treat at downtown Ames businesses on Oct. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • North Ames Somerset: Businesses will be hosting the eighth annual Somerset Trick-or-Treat on Oct. 26, from 4-5:30 p.m. Businesses will be giving away treats, free samples and hosting games for kids.

  • Ames Public Library: Trick-or-treat at the library. Stop by Ames Public Library Oct. 31, during its regular hours 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • North Grand Mall: Malloween and Trunk-or-Treat will be Oct. 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: From haunted forest to spirits in gardens, Ames celebrates Halloween