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Hello Iowa City! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning.
In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Gold and silver stay hot, free Spider-Verse screening, and Blues and BBQ return + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.
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📰 In the news
Inside the relocation decision: Iowa City Downtown District has temporarily moved its office to 125 S. Dubuque St. for five months after 103 E. College St. was sold, citing downtown proximity and prep challenges — read the full story.
Plans target quality and capacity: UI Health Care is seeking Regents approval for over $32 million in upgrades, including downtown radiology improvements and a $4 million HVAC project to improve patient flow and access — see what’s planned and why.
Spring offerings and summer preview: North Liberty’s March activity highlights are out, with the Hy-Vee Amphitheater’s inaugural season bringing a free debut concert, arts partnerships, Blues and BBQ’s return, and other ticketed shows for families — get all the March highlights.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+
Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance
Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.
From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.
As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.
It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.
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🫶 We got your back
Tapas + martinis night? When you want a low-key spot to catch up over shareable plates, The Stuffed Olive delivers a deep martini list, inventive bites, and a cozy vibe, making midweek plans feel special. Ideal for lingering with friends, sipping something stirred or shaken.
Trail-ready refresh: Family-owned since 1967, Fin & Feather stocks camping, paddling, fishing, and footwear essentials that answer the “what do I need this weekend?” question, with helpful humans who won’t upsell. You’ll be set for whatever Iowa City throws at you, without the fuss.
Indie fix, right here: FilmScene makes moviegoing simple with a smart mix of new releases, repertory gems, and themed series. Drop in midweek for a quick fix, or settle in on the weekend without overplanning. It’s your low-fuss, high-reward cinema stop that feels welcoming, curious, and always a little surprising.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
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📆 Fun for the whole fam
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.
🕷 School’s Out: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse @ FilmScene | Wednesday (3/4) at 10:00 AM – School’s out, and the Downtown District’s treating everyone to a free Spider-Verse screening, plus discounted popcorn that won’t require a second mortgage. Bring the kids, or pretend you borrowed some, and enjoy a smart, gorgeous ride that entertains adults. Get there early, seats vanish fast.
🎨 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.
🔬 Steam Discovery @ Robert A Lee Community Center | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – Saturday at the Robert A. Lee Rec Center means one thing, hands-on STEAM mayhem you don’t have to clean up. Bring the kids, or the kid in you, and tinker with gadgets, goo, and gizmos. It’s free, all ages, no sign-ups, kids bring their adults.
🌾 Harvest Festival 2026 @ Clear Creek Amana High School | Saturday (3/7) at 3:00 PM – Grab your spot for the Indian Harvest Festival, an evening of Bharatanatyam, Kathak, high-energy Bollywood, and seriously good Indian food. It’s culture, color, and carbs in one tidy package. Come for the grace, stay for the spice, and call it self-care.
👠 Head Over Heels @ E.C. Mabie Theatre | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 PM – Trade your Netflix for neon and iambic pentameter at Head Over Heels, the Go-Go’s jukebox romp from the UI Theatre Arts folks on campus. Elizabethan antics crash into 80s punk, it’s brash, joyful, and shockingly smart, with enough pop sparkle to convert the Shakespeare-averse.
🍎 Johnson Co Market @ Johnson County Fairgrounds | Sunday (3/8) at 11:00 AM – Nothing beats poking around an Iowa City market where the folks who made the goods are the ones taking your money. Head to Building C for fine local finds from Johnson County producers and makers, free to shop, easy to linger, dangerously giftable.
🍽 Pin Seekers Dine Out @ PinSeekers Tiffin | Sunday (3/8) at 3:30 PM – If you needed an excuse to eat, sip, and take a few swings, here it is. Head to Pin Seekers, mention the Booster Club, and 20% of your food, drinks, and activities funds new gear for CCA athletes. Another round never felt so virtuous.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 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.
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📻 Iowa City report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 50°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 29%
A chance of rain before noon, then a chance of rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of rain showers before 9pm, then rain showers likely and patchy fog. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Northeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
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Tomorrow – High: 59°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 33%
A chance of rain showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of rain between midnight and 3am, then a chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
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
Steps from town and campus, this historic district gem blends vintage character with smart updates. A 4-bed, 2-bath two-story with attic showcases stained glass, diagonal hardwoods, and thick trim. Features include two staircases, two living rooms, formal dining, and a cherry, granite, stainless kitchen. Big front porch, privacy-fenced yard, plus rare side parking and a 2-car garage with storage loft.
Take a peek inside →
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