This weekend in Iowa City, IA

This community bike ride supports sarcoma cancer research through the University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. Starting and finishing at Big Grove Brewery and Taproom in Iowa City, the event offers five route choices ranging from 18.5 to 105 miles, welcoming cyclists of all experience levels. Riders can look forward to breakfast and lunch, plus Kalona Bars after the ride, along with well-stocked rest stops that provide snacks and drinks. Live music will be featured at Big Grove and at rest stops, and the day includes SAG support, bike mechanics, and detailed route maps. A silent auction will also take place at Big Grove. Created in memory of Seth Bailey, who died from sarcoma at age 25 in 2003, the ride reflects his courage and optimism. His parents, Jackie and Tom Bailey, partnered with Bicyclists of Iowa City to bring people together in support of research and one another. Since 2005, the event has raised more than $1 million to advance critical sarcoma research, help fund the majority of seed grants at the University of Iowa, and foster new discoveries, partnerships, and hope for patients and families. Those unable to attend in person can participate through a virtual ride or by making an online donation.

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.

Taking place on the second Saturday of each month from April through October, this community book sale offers bargains and a wide range of reading and entertainment. Items are individually priced from 50 cents to 2 dollars, or shoppers can fill a bag for 25 dollars. The selection includes children's, young adult, and adult books in fiction and nonfiction, along with comics, games, puzzles, and Antelope merchandise. All proceeds support library services provided without fees at Antelope Lending Library.

An upbeat block party in Coralville will take over a city street, featuring live music, food, and drinks. The announcement encourages attendees to bring their whole crew for a lively gathering.

Chauncey Swan Park hosts a live set from Fork in the Road, delivering classic rock, blues, and select jazz standards. Expect covers of songs by the Grateful Dead, the Allman Brothers, Jerry Garcia, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, the Eagles, and more. The group features Deb Kennedy on lead vocals and flute, Layton White on lead vocals and guitar, Jeanette Welch on bass and vocals, Pat Smith on guitar, and Forrest Heusinkveld on drums. This event is free and open to the public.

Browse a wide variety of used books and media at the Big Book Sale, featuring fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, young adult and juvenile fiction, children’s books, and DVDs. Proceeds support the Library and its programs, collections, and facilities. Scanners and scanning apps aren’t allowed at book sales. If you need disability-related accommodations, contact the Library ahead of time.

Readers gather at Java House for a silent meetup that blends quiet time with light social connection. Attendees typically start by grabbing a beverage and greeting one another, then settle in for a dedicated silent reading period, followed by optional conversation to wrap up. The organizers maintain a regular schedule at this location and post updates on their social channels if plans change. For questions, contact iowacitysilentbookclub@gmail.com.

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.

Growers dealing with pests such as Colorado potato beetles and aphids can explore practical, on-farm solutions in a workshop led by Iowa State University Commercial Vegetable Field Specialist Dan Fillius. The session focuses on organic tactics that include targeted sprays, strategies for attracting beneficial insects, and methods for physical removal and exclusion. Guidance covers safe spray handling, when each option is appropriate, how to mix products, and how to rotate them for stronger results. Hosted by Iowa Valley RC&D at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm, this workshop requests registration and has no fee. It is part of the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm Open House, which also highlights historic buildings and the on-site Global Food Project Farmers Market. Attendees are welcome to bring questions and share experiences.

Struggle Jennings brings a live set to Wildwood with support from Loess Hills, plus another act still to be announced. The show is open to all ages, and advance tickets are $25.

A Midwest tribute to Slipknot from The Subliminal Verses takes place at Gabes. The show is open to all ages, and advance tickets are $20.

Settle in at Riverfront Crossings Park for an easygoing night of music rooted in country blues and conjunto with Iowa City musician Dave Moore & Friends. Moore is a celebrated singer songwriter and a versatile player on guitar, harmonica, and button accordion. He has toured throughout the United States and Canada and made frequent appearances on A Prairie Home Companion. Expect engaging stories and skillful performances in a relaxed, open air setting. Support from Iowa City Community Theatre helps make the show possible by providing the stage. Food and treats will be available from Luna’s Tacos, Marco’s Grilled Cheese, and MooMoo’s Ice Cream Truck. Families will find activities for kids, a welcoming atmosphere in Iowa City’s newest park, and plenty of room for picnics and lawn chairs. Parking is available at the park, including spaces reserved for guests with limited mobility, as well as across the street at the Johnson County Administration Building. The venue is very accessible by bike via the Iowa River Corridor and the Highway 6 and Highway 1 trails. Lawn chairs and dancing shoes are welcome, and it is a festive way to start the holiday weekend.

Catch Catfish Keith live in concert at The James Theater in Iowa City. The show is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM.

Trophy Dads will appear in Tiffin, Iowa for the first time, delivering their debut performance in the city.

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.

This is the first of two shows to wrap up summer, celebrating the hobby with a full day for dealers and collectors of all ages. A wide selection of sports and non-sport cards, TCG, sealed product, hobby supplies, and other collectibles will be featured. Vendor tables are available. JC Shows continues its partnership with the Rock 108 Morning Show as the official media partner, and Rudy Blues BBQ & Catering is the featured sponsor.

Kids and families can enjoy open-ended art making in the Art Studio that changes from month to month. Participants explore a variety of materials, try out new techniques, and create together through hands-on play. In addition to the usual supplies, look for special materials, collaborative projects, and activities guided by the work of notable artists. For August, the focus is Collage Creations. The studio is stocked with colorful paper, vintage magazines, maps, paint swatches, stickers, stamps, and other found pieces for crafting one-of-a-kind artwork. Featured projects include playful Dada-style portraits and collage explorations inspired by Della Wells and Reginald Laurent.

An appearance by Clara Lynch is set for Foundry Food + Tap in Coralville, Iowa.

Turn everyday castoffs into one-of-a-kind art in a hands-on upcycling class. Explore sustainable ways of making, build creative confidence, and learn how small design choices can reduce waste. No prior experience is required. Curiosity and a readiness to create are all you need.

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.

Diversions Tabletop Game Lounge hosts Blood on the Clocktower, a social deduction game of hidden roles where Good and Evil compete under the guidance of a Storyteller. During the day, players talk openly and slip away for private conversations to share clues or spread deception, then vote on an execution if a majority suspects someone of being Evil. At night, the Storyteller wakes players one by one to gather information, cause trouble, or carry out a kill. No one is sidelined for long, since eliminated characters continue to influence the outcome as ghosts, and late arrivals can still jump in as Travellers with distinctive abilities and uncertain loyalties. Sessions run every Sunday with some Thursdays added, rotating through several formats. Learn to Play welcomes first-timers with a rules walkthrough, strategy talk, and supportive guidance. Level Up explores deeper layers beyond the base script, introducing new roles or small script adjustments. Advanced features scripts selected by the Storytellers Guild for players who already have a strong handle on characters and rules. Occasional Special Feature sessions may test custom scripts, spotlight new elements, and more. Tickets are required.