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Rise and shine, Iowa City!

In today’s planning-your-week edition: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, a murder mystery dinner, and a spring gallery walk + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Iowa City protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Police unveil resident portal: Iowa City highlights ICgovXpress, a tool to report non-emergency issues and request services. Submit from your phone or computer and note it isn’t monitored 24/7 or for emergencies — see how and when to use.

Giving outfits a second life: Iowa City’s Prom ReRun is collecting clean, gently used prom and formal attire to help Johnson County teens and reduce waste. Free pickup is set for March 14 — see donation and pickup details.

New funding for changemakers: Iowa City is accepting applications for its 2026 Human Rights Grant to support projects that build community capacity and educate on human rights. Apply March 1 through April 2 — see how and when to apply.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Highlights this week:

• Experience Togolese storytelling, language, and dance
• Toddlers take over the museum
• Join 100+ Women to empower nonprofits
• You’re probably overpaying for car insurance

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 We got your back

Crispy-wing craving fix: Craving wings that stay crispy under the sauce? Vine Tavern & Eatery nails it. Go classic or spicy, grab a basket with friends, trade stories, and let the game murmur in the background. Simple, weeknight happiness without overthinking it.

Shelf-worthy self-care: The apothecary inside Revival stocks indie skincare, clean fragrances, and small rituals that turn weeknights into mini spa time. Need a restock, or just a treat? It stays fun, local, and blissfully low-effort, with thoughtful finds that feel special without the fuss.

Year-round swings, zero frostbite: Whether you’re league-curious, chasing a sharper 7‑iron, or rallying friends for an easy night out, PinSeekers delivers all‑weather Inrange golf suites, mini bowling, a putting course, and multi‑sport simulators. Your swing stays warm even when the Iowa wind bites.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Our favorite events this week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🌕 Sap Moon Dinner @ Wilson’s Ciderhouse & Venue | Tuesday (3/3) at 6:00 PM – Full moon feasting at the farm ciderhouse, because we’ve earned it. A four-course bridge from winter to spring with naan and labneh, roasted quail, rosemary pork, sweet potato gnocchi, and a clementine tartlet, drink pairings included, non-alc by request. Tickets are $85, bring friends.

🎨 2026 Spring Gallery Walk @ Downtown Iowa City | Friday (3/6) at 5:00 PM – Clock out, grab a friend, and wander downtown for Spring Gallery Walk, a free self-guided stroll through shops and galleries of local art. Pop into Prairie Lights, the Stanley Museum of Art, or Public Space One, then celebrate with dinner and superior small talk.

🎸 Summer of the Arts Fundraiser @ First Avenue Club | Friday (3/6) at 6:30 PM – First Avenue Club is throwing a fundraiser that actually feels fun, with hometown heroes the Beaker Brothers back onstage. Free appetizers at happy hour, a huge dance floor, and a $15 cover with $10 to Summer of the Arts, so consider it cardio with benefits.

🕵 Shamrocks & Shenanigans: A Murder Mystery Dinner @ Walker Homestead | Friday (3/6) at 7:00 PM – Ready to crack a whodunit between sips of wine and bites of bangers and mash? Walker Homestead’s Irish feast becomes a Celtic mystery with character roles, a welcome drink, chef’s courses, and prizes for sleuthing, acting, and best red herring, $75 plus gratuity and tax.

🐑 Shepherds Market Festival @ Johnson County Fairgrounds | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – January got you doing laps between the kettle and the thermostat? Shepherds Market Festival at Johnson County Fairgrounds Building C delivers wool, crafts, and local makers, a warm, fuzzy antidote only Iowa does right. Bring a tote, and your best small-talk with fiber folks.

🐦 Monitoring Ken Park Bluebirds @ Iowa City Public Library | Sunday (3/8) at 2:00 PM – Whether you’re a birder or enjoy coffee outside, Ben Rowold shares lessons from 11 years tending Kent Park’s bluebird boxes. Real talk on declines, fixes that work, and why Bird Friendly status isn’t just for bragging. Free at the library, streamed, Master Gardeners get credit.

🌱 A Light Exists in Spring – Farm-to-Table Benefit @ Walker Homestead | Sunday (3/8) at 5:00 PM – Spring is peeking in, and an intimate, farm-to-table evening is pairing poetry, live music, and seasonal plates to benefit CommUnity Crisis Services. First evening of Daylight Saving Time, so lose an hour, gain some light, and do some good.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/3 UI Jazz Jam Session @ Tavern Blue – 7:00 PM
• 3/4 Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit @ Hancher Auditorium – 7:30 PM
• 3/5 Dar Williams @ The Englert Theatre – 7:30 PM
• 3/6 Ricky Chilton @ Wildwood – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 Shamrocks & Shenanigans: A Murder Mystery Dinner @ Walker Homestead – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Ace Hood and more @ Gabe’s Iowa City – 6:00 PM
• 3/7 Kaden Timmerman @ Elray’s Live & Dive – 8:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• Treat yourself: Save $ on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Iowa City report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 47°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 2%

Partly sunny, with a high near 47. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: A chance of rain after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

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Tomorrow – High: 48°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 69%

Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Later: A chance of rain before 9pm, then a chance of rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This 6-bed, 4.5-bath, 4,900 sf standout pairs refined finishes with everyday function near Borlaug Elementary and minutes to UIHC. New white oak floors lead to a sunlit main level with office, dining, and four seasons room. A chef’s kitchen connects to the great room. Highlights include a mudroom, walkout lower level with wet bar, and a maintenance-free deck overlooking woods.

Take a peek inside →