Free events in Iowa City, IA

Families can access complimentary developmental screenings that look at reading, language, speech, math, and other developmental skills. These brief sessions offer helpful insight into a child’s strengths and highlight areas where added support may be beneficial. Screenings are conducted by the Enrichment Therapy and Learning Center at Springmier Library in partnership with the Oxford Public Library. Appointments are required.

Rock the Chalk marks the 10th year of MidWestOne, a division of Nicolet National Bank, hosting a community chalk art festival in downtown Iowa City on the streets surrounding the bank building. Community members and local artists transform the pavement with original chalk creations while Iowa musicians perform live. Attendees can watch the artwork take shape, enjoy the music, and take part in free community activities and crafts. Registration is available for those who want to participate as chalk artists.

A farm outing packed with family-friendly perks awaits at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm in Iowa City. Guests 18 and under receive complimentary tractor rides, weather permitting, along with free admission to the you-pick farm. Entry to the Farmyard, which features the play barn, the tree adventure, and livestock viewing, is also free and is required for everyone ages 3 and up. The Pizza Shack makes dinner easy with a Family Night deal that includes two pizzas and four 12 ounce Wilson’s drinks for $40. Animals, activities, and tasty bites come together for a relaxed experience for all ages.

Enjoy free live music from Sam Day, a classically trained cellist who earned a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. His experience includes performances with the Abilene Philharmonic and Waco Symphony, plus a Carnegie Hall appearance in Weill Recital Hall with his string quartet after winning the Semper Pro Musical competition in May 2022. He also performs on electric cello with his own arrangements of popular and classic rock songs, blending a classical foundation with familiar tunes.

The Iowa City Farmers Market is an open-air market where you can browse and shop for fresh, locally produced foods. It runs in downtown Iowa City from late spring through October, and this edition takes place at the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp area along Washington Street. The event is free, with multiple payment options available including cash, card, and EBT/SNAP.

A neighborhood block party featuring live music from James Tutson & Birdchild, a variety of food trucks, local craft brews, a children’s area, and plenty of classic fun. The event is free for the community, with food and drinks available for purchase.

Lucy's at The Highlander features live local music from Kimberli Maloy. Admission is free, and guests can enjoy dinner alongside the performance. The setting is family friendly, and kids can have fun with classic arcade games nearby.

FilmScene in the Park features a free, public screening of Fantastic Mr. Fox at FilmScene (at The Chauncey), presented with support from Dr. Suzanne Stock, Orthodontist. The story follows Mr. Fox, voiced by George Clooney, whose return to raiding the farms of Boggis, Bunce and Bean breaks a promise to his wife, voiced by Meryl Streep, and puts their family and animal friends at risk. Driven underground by the angry farmers, the group turns to Mr. Fox’s quick thinking to outsmart their pursuers. A Salon.com review by Stephanie Zacharek praises it as a standout tale of family, community and feathered capers.

Free outdoor yoga returns to the heart of downtown for the summer with an all-levels practice on the lawn. Move and breathe in the fresh air during a welcoming session that aims to leave participants grounded and recharged for the week. All are welcome and no sign up is needed, simply bring a mat, friends, and anything else needed to practice comfortably. This class is part of a weekly summer series. Weather cancellations will be posted on the Mindbody schedule.

Horn PTO is hosting a casual summer play date at Willow Creek Park Playground, giving Horn students, siblings, and families a relaxed way to stay connected while school is out. The gathering is informal, so families can drop in and stay as long as they like. All current and new Horn families are welcome. Wearing green or gold is encouraged to show Hornet pride.

Come play Bingo every Monday at the Den at St Burch Tavern. It runs in the evening and is free to play, with $5 appetizers and $5 well drinks available during the event. There are also St Burch gift cards up for grabs.

DVIP/RVAP and Houses into Homes are partnering to turn six new transitional townhomes in Johnson County into comfortable places to live. With construction nearly finished, attention shifts to thoughtful furnishing and decor, using mostly gently used pieces refreshed to cut both costs and waste. Each three bedroom unit still needs three dressers and three nightstands, and the plan includes assembling new bedroom storage so families have sturdy essentials when they move in. The gathering begins with check in and a brief welcome, then small teams of two to four people assemble boxed dressers and nightstands. Others can help by selecting household goods from prepared lists in the Houses into Homes warehouse and packing them into moving boxes, or by testing puzzles and games and writing housewarming notes for future residents. There is no fee to take part, but registration is required for planning and may be limited if weather moves activities indoors. To cover the cost of new pieces, the goal is $150 per dresser and $50 per nightstand, totaling $3,600. Voluntary contributions can be made during registration or at the event, and teams may fundraise and contribute even if they cannot attend. All funds raised will be used exclusively to support the townhome project.

Test your knowledge at a casual trivia night presented by Think & Drink Entertainment at Foundry Food + Tap in Coralville. Play is free, and teams of up to eight can compete across a range of categories. Winners earn house cash. The event is open to all ages. Seating is limited, so arriving early is recommended to secure a table.

Bring your dog to Rita's Ranch Dog Park to try an agility course and enjoy treats for both pups and people. Treats will be provided to all in attendance. There is no fee.

Travel back to the jazz age with Brick Street Ramblers, an eight-member ensemble from Iowa City that showcases traditional New Orleans jazz. The group performs classics from the 1920s and 1930s with lively, soulful brass that brings energy to neighborhood gatherings. Expect free live music in a welcoming, family-friendly setting with a community-centered feel. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to relax and enjoy the performance.

Tailgators Sports Bar in Coralville hosts a throwback-style bingo night as part of Think and Drink Wednesdays. There is no cost to participate, and prizes are up for grabs. A blackout round awards $100 cash, adding a burst of excitement to the classic gameplay.

Think & Drink brings Music Bingo to Joe’s Place in Iowa City, blending classic bingo with a music twist. Instead of numbers, you will hear parts of songs. When you know the song title, place a chip on your card, and five in a row makes you a winner. Phones, devices, and apps are not allowed to keep the game fair. The night mixes bingo, name-that-tune challenges, and plenty of sing-alongs. It is free to play, and winners can collect free prizes. A sample clue goes like this: “Shawty had them apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur, the whole club was lookin’ at her.” If it does not say Think & Drink, it is not the same Music Bingo experience.

Farm Sessions is a weekly live music series at Wilson's Orchard & Farm, curated and hosted by J. Knight. Enjoy multiple local acts in a relaxed outdoor setting with picnic tables available. Admission is free. The event is family friendly, and kids and dogs are welcome. Musicians interested in performing can contact J. Knight at 319.338.6713. For questions, call 319.354.5651 or email market.ic@wilsonsfarm.com.

Trivia at PinSocial Tiffin features rotating topics and free admission. Winners receive prizes and gift cards, and DJ TJ serves as host. Prizes are provided by Hy-Vee, Marcus Theatres, Coffee Emporium, Wig and Pen, Speedy Mike's Car Wash, Iowa Heartlanders Hockey, Field Day Brewing Co., Jersey Mike's, Roughriders Hockey Club, and Basta Pizzeria & Ristorante.