The best things to do in Iowa City

9 things to do we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

Browse another shelf: all of Iowa City’s best · Restaurants · Beauty · Hobbies, Books, & Crafts · Bakeries & Sweets · Antiques, Thrift, & Vintage · Home & Garden · Nightlife · Shopping · Arts & Culture · Sporting Goods · Health & Wellness

Pinned in Iowa City today

This spot is open today.

Two pinned places a day in Iowa City — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

Paid placements are always marked.

Entertainment · 9 places · showing the latest additions first

Pleasant Valley Golf Course is an 18-hole public course with a well-maintained driving range, a spacious putting green, and a fleet of golf…

4390 Sand Rd SE

Pleasant Valley Golf Course is an 18-hole public course with a well-maintained driving range, a spacious putting green, and a fleet of golf cars, so you can practice, play, then unwind with friends after. This week, round up the crew for friendly vibes, golf outings, or a laid-back party.

From the Iowa City newsletter, September 12, 2026

Website ↗

FilmScene at The Chauncey is your reliable cure for streaming fatigue, serving up indie standouts, repertory deep cuts, and series that…

404 E College St #100

FilmScene at The Chauncey is your reliable cure for streaming fatigue, serving up indie standouts, repertory deep cuts, and series that actually spark conversation.

From the Iowa City newsletter, September 7, 2026

Website ↗

Johnson County Historic Poor Farm is part working landscape, part time capsule, where you can wander historic buildings, stroll the Healing…

4811 Melrose Ave

Johnson County Historic Poor Farm is part working landscape, part time capsule, where you can wander historic buildings, stroll the Healing Trail, and learn how our community cared for neighbors before social services. Watch the community calendar for tours, painting days, or a nature break that resets your brain.

From the Iowa City newsletter, September 13, 2026

Website ↗

Colonial Lanes

Entertainment

Casual alley with multiple lanes and a vintage feel, featuring mini golf plus a diner and pool tables.

2253 Old Hwy 218 S

Casual alley with multiple lanes and a vintage feel, featuring mini golf plus a diner and pool tables.

Website ↗
Run a Iowa City business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

When you need a quick escape close to home, Brown Deer Golf Club has tee times, a full-service pro shop for a game evaluation, lessons if…

1900 Country Club Dr (Coralville)

When you need a quick escape close to home, Brown Deer Golf Club has tee times, a full-service pro shop for a game evaluation, lessons if the slice returns, and Bunkers Bar and Grill overlooking the 18th and Brown Deer Lake to celebrate... or regroup.

From the Iowa City newsletter, September 6, 2026

Website ↗

Wilson's Ciderhouse & Venue turns Iowa-grown everything into cozy, farm-to-table plates paired with their own orchard-made ciders, all in a…

4823 Dingleberry Rd NE #2

Wilson's Ciderhouse & Venue turns Iowa-grown everything into cozy, farm-to-table plates paired with their own orchard-made ciders, all in a rustic setting that feels like a mini escape. Planning a celebration or private event, or just craving seasonal pizza and a crisp pour this week? Put it on your shortlist.

From the Iowa City newsletter, September 20, 2026

Website ↗

Finkbine Golf Course, home to the University of Iowa men’s and women’s golf teams, is undergoing a comprehensive 2026 renovation focused on…

1380 Melrose Ave

Finkbine Golf Course, home to the University of Iowa men’s and women’s golf teams, is undergoing a comprehensive 2026 renovation focused on a modernized layout, playability for every skill level, and sustainable turf technologies.

From the Iowa City newsletter, September 1, 2026

Website ↗

FilmScene on The Ped Mall keeps your week interesting with first-runs, classics, and curated series like Open Captions, Cinema Salon, and…

118 E College St

FilmScene on The Ped Mall keeps your week interesting with first-runs, classics, and curated series like Open Captions, Cinema Salon, and community collaborations. Grab a seat, let the big screen reset your brain, and leave with something to argue about in the group chat all week.

From the Iowa City newsletter, August 26, 2026

Website ↗

CAB

Entertainment

Looking for an easy win this week? CAB lines up student-powered fun throughout the year, from comedy shows and movies to paint nights,…

125 N Madison St

Looking for an easy win this week? CAB lines up student-powered fun throughout the year, from comedy shows and movies to paint nights, bingo, and trivia, so you can just rally a couple friends and enjoy the vibes without doing any planning. Check it out.

From the Iowa City newsletter, September 14, 2026

Website ↗

Listed here?

You’ve earned the mark — get the BaseLocal’s Best badge for your site →. Want in? List your business →