2026 Annual Members' Show
2026-05-21 10:00 - 2026-06-27 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA, 50010, United States
2026 Annual Members’ Show
Group Exhibition by members of the Octagon Center for the Arts
May 21 – June 27 in the Octagon Community Gallery
About this group exhibition:
This non-juried show celebrates the skills, creativity, and lived experiences of the Octagon community! Let’s fill the gallery and surround ourselves with our own amazing work — established artists next to emerging artists, all media.
Octagon Members – use the link below to submit your entry. Deadline is 11:45 PM, May 3.

Link to submit entry
Exhibition Dates:
May 21, 2026 – Exhibition Opening Day
June 11, 5:00-8:00 PM – Exhibition Reception
June 27, 2026 – Exhibition Closes
Artist List:
TBD

Third Thursday Paint & Plant
2026-06-18 17:30 - 20:00
We provide the flower pot and paint, you create a beautiful home for your plants! We will have plants available for a small fee or give one of your own plants a new home. Open to all ages. Refreshments available for a donation.

Third Thursday Music on the Patio
2026-07-16 17:30 - 20:00
Music is back at the Octagon this summer! Join us on the patio, on the west side of the Octagon, from 5:30-8:00 PM on Thursday, July 16 for an evening of great music. Local artists Jen McClung, Avery Opperman and Ben Schrag will perform. This is a free event for all ages. Drinks will be available for a donation.

Third Thursday Poetry Slam
2026-08-20 17:30 - 19:30
The Octagon is holding its second annual poetry slam! Last year brought creative writers and lyricists and we are excited to see who participates this year! Come hear original work from local poets of all ages and styles. The event will begin at 5:30 and poets will take the stage at 6:00. This is a free event, for attendees and poets alike. We prefer that poets sign up in advance at this link: Poet Registration. However, we will allow same-day sign up at the event. We hope you’ll join us and support the poets who are participating.

Octagon 60th Birthday Hullabaloo
2026-08-31 10:00 - 2026-10-10 17:00
Octagon 60th Birthday Hullabaloo
Octagon History Exhibition by the Octagon Staff

Exhibition Dates:
August 31, 2026 – Exhibition Opening Day
TBD – Exhibition Reception
October 10, 2026 – Exhibition Closes

Third Thursday Musicwalk with Foxpin
2026-09-17 17:00 - 20:00
Music Walk is back for another year and we are thrilled to have Foxpin back with us. Join us on the patio for great music, a place to sit and relax and refreshments for a donation. This all-ages event is a part of the downtown event that showcases musicians from central Iowa. We hope you will stop by!

55th Annual Octagon Art Festival
2026-09-27 10:00 - 16:00
The Octagon Art Festival takes place the fourth Sunday of September along Main Street in downtown Ames, IA. The festival is held outdoors on pavement, RAIN OR SHINE. Visual arts, children’s art area, food vendors and performing arts form the foundation of the Octagon Art Festival. Approximately 10,000 people attend the festival.

Third Thursday Puppets and Cheese
2026-10-15 17:30 - 19:30
If your first response is confusion, you’re not alone. If your first response is oh, I remember that, then you’ve been around Ames for a while. In honor of our 60th anniversary, Puppets and Cheese is returning for a one-night only event! This all ages event features a puppet show, cheese (of course) and you can even leave with a puppet of your own! It’s not just for kids – bring out your inner child and join us!

Third Thursday Mixed Media and Mimosas
2026-11-19 18:00 - 20:00
If you love to be creative but are intimidated by the idea of painting, drawing or throwing clay, this is the night for you. Join our group of mixed media artists and experiment with different found objects, paper and ephemera to create your own unique piece of art. This is an activity that allows your creative juices to flow and take a break before the holiday season begins. This event is for adults only with mimosas available to those 21 and over. us!

4th Annual Winter Market
2026-11-23 10:00 - 2026-12-24 17:00
4th Annual Winter Market
Event by Octagon Shop

Event Dates:
November 23, 2026 – Event Opening Day
December 24, 2026 – Event Closes

About This Event:
The Octagon will hold the 4rd annual Winter Market, featuring great finds on holiday-themed artworks from local artists and week-by-week special deals.
