Events in Iowa City today

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.

A lively family story time welcomes readers and listeners of every age. Expect storytelling, sing-alongs, simple movement, and interactive moments that nurture a love of books and learning. Babies, children, teens, parents, grandparents, and caregivers can enjoy time together with laughter and a sense of community.

Build balance and confidence with a six week, twice weekly, 90 minute Tai Chi program focused on fall prevention, endorsed by the National Council on Aging. Hosted at Body Moves Fitness and Wellness Center, the series includes two classes each week, an online practice video released weekly, and brief pre and post assessments of balance and cognition that each take about 20 to 30 minutes. A pre session assessment is completed before the series and a post session assessment is held after it. Participants are encouraged to attend all classes for the best experience and greatest benefit. In class, participants learn basic Tai Chi movements, Qigong, and an adapted Tai Chi form. A chair is available for support and for sitting when needed. There is time to connect with fellow participants during teatime and group discussions. Instruction emphasizes weaving Tai Chi into everyday routines and creating a practical plan for home practice. Tuition is offered on a sliding scale from $75 to $195, with scholarships available. A DVD and book are available for an additional fee. The instructor is Lori Enloe, PT, MA, NBC-HWC, an advanced certified instructor with Tai Chi Health. Tai Chi Prime was developed by Tricia Yu in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin Madison.

Explore a 10-week journey at Anahata Wellness Co-op that blends QHHT-style guided meditations with themes from ancient civilizations and hidden realms. Each session is designed to help access inner wisdom and awaken intuition, moving through a flow that includes a personal oracle card pull, a collective group message, intention setting, a brief introduction to the featured realm, and a deeply guided meditative experience. Time is set aside for journaling, reflection, and sharing insights in a supportive space. Attend the entire series or drop in for individual sessions. Topics include Atlantis, Lemuria, Avalon, Shambhala, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, the Mayan civilization, Inner Earth, the Elemental Realm, and the Cosmos. Pricing options are a $20 drop-in rate or a $180 passport for all ten classes, which includes one class free and a reserved spot for every session.

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.

This storytime for toddlers features playful stories, music, and movement that nurture early literacy and social skills. It is geared to children 18 months to 3 years, and everyone is welcome. Caregivers are encouraged to participate by singing and moving with their toddlers to model engagement.

During this Community Night, 10% of dine-in sales will be donated to IOWinds Alliance. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit supports young Iowans who are learning wind and brass instruments by offering learning opportunities and resources that build skills and knowledge, along with encouragement that helps nurture a lifelong love of music.

South Side Ride is a partnership between the Iowa City Bike Library and Dream City. This youth-focused ride is also family friendly, so bring your crew. Expect a slow roll over a distance of about 6 to 10 miles, departing from Dream City.

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.

Presented in partnership with Iowa City Pride at FilmScene (at The Chauncey), this event spotlights John Early’s acclaimed feature directorial debut, Maddie’s Secret. Early plays Maddie, a dishwasher who catapults to viral fame at a fashionable food content company. Life looks idyllic, with a devoted husband played by Eric Rahill, a fiercely loyal best friend portrayed by Kate Berlant, and even a pantry stocked with woman-owned, ethically sourced chili crisp. As career pressures mount, a long-buried chapter from Maddie’s past begins to surface. Celebrated by critics, including the New York Times’ Natalia Winkelman, for its style, verve, and audacity, the film blends sharp satire, melodrama, surprising tonal shifts, and intimate performances, announcing a striking new voice in contemporary filmmaking.

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.

Led by WBGTF coaches, this supplemental session to the Bear Strength & Speed program focuses on skill development and conditioning at the high school track. Participation is open to everyone, including boys and girls in grades 6 through 12 and alumni preparing for collegiate seasons. Those interested in field events or hurdles can use the off season to sharpen drills or try new skills, and arrangements for targeted work can be made during this time.

Cut your own sunflowers in a bright, expansive patch at Wilson’s in Iowa City, now entering its fifth season. The fields are planted in waves so blooms last longer, creating a colorful setting to wander with family and friends, take photos, and savor the season. Sunflowers follow the sun throughout the day, and their sturdy roots help improve the soil, adding to the beauty and health of the farm. Expect sweeping rows of flowers and plenty of picture spots, including areas among the berries. Kids can explore indoor and outdoor play spaces and visit the animal viewing area to see sheep and a llama. Food and drink are part of the experience too, with artisan pizzas from the Pizza & Cider Shack, Wilson’s cider in both nonalcoholic and hard varieties, apple cider donuts and turnovers made fresh, soft serve ice cream, and a rotating selection of baked goods like bagels, sourdough, and croissants. Admission is required for ages 2 and up to enter the fields. You-pick stems are priced at $2 each. Optional add-ons may include a tractor ride purchased in person, subject to availability. To keep the patch plentiful, temporary closures can occur to prevent over-picking. The experience depends on weather, and operations may end early during severe conditions. If traveling from a distance, consider calling 319-354-5651 to check availability. Questions can also be sent to market.ic@wilsonsfarm.com. Professional photography is welcome, with standard field admission for all guests and courtesy for others enjoying the space. Pets are not allowed in edible you-pick areas. They are permitted at the Farmyard, the Ciderhouse patio, and picnic areas if leashed, and they are not allowed inside buildings. Dates and details are subject to change, with exact timing announced closer to peak bloom.

Yoga for Everyday Life from Lake & Lotus Yoga is a welcoming weekly class focused on weaving yoga into everyday life through movement, breathwork, and mindfulness. The practice centers on living authentically, cultivating self-awareness, and finding joy in the process. Each session aims to make yoga practical, accessible, and supportive so it fits naturally into daily routines. The opening series explores the five Yamas, the ethical foundations of yoga that shape how we relate to ourselves and others, with themes of compassion, honesty, balance, self-awareness, and letting go. Topics include Ahimsa, non harming, Satya, truthfulness, Asteya, non stealing, Brahmacharya, wise use of energy, and Aparigraha, non grasping. Every class closes with a simple takeaway you can use beyond the mat. People of all ages and abilities are welcome in this inclusive space. The class is ongoing, and future themes, special topics, and series will be announced throughout the year. Pricing options include a single class pass for $15 or a five class punch card for $60, valid only for Yoga in Everyday Life at Anahata Wellness Co-op. Paper punch passes are provided at class. Instruction is led by Angela, who completed a Yoga Alliance approved 200 hour teacher training. Her approach fosters strength, balance, confidence, and deeper connection to self and community, with an emphasis on lifelong learning, personal growth, and the courage to step outside comfort zones.

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.

Burlington Street Bluegrass Band performs live at Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon, bringing an upbeat set of bluegrass. Expect lively rhythms and warm melodies throughout a show tailored for fans of this timeless genre.

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.

At Harvest Preserve Foundation, The Stonekeeper’s Sound Healing Series gathers within a circle of standing stones where sound supports memory and connection. The series invites people into ceremony, careful listening, and relationship with the land and the ancestral stories rooted in Iowa’s soil. This session, The Listening Stones: A Sound Immersion, centers on sensing subtle qualities in the stone circle. Through resonance and quiet, participants explore how vibration interacts with stone, earth, and the body, opening new avenues of perception and connection. Crystal singing bowls, a drum, and gongs guide the experience, creating a gentle space for presence and reflection. Participants are led through an opening ceremony with grounding practices, attentive listening with the landscape, an immersive sound experience with bowls, drum, and gongs, and time to consider lineage, belonging, and place. The atmosphere is rooted, spacious, and respectful, and all who feel called to sit with the land in presence are welcome. For comfort, bring a yoga mat, blanket, or chair, and dress for the weather.

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.

Hands-on play takes center stage for children five and younger in a special time devoted to learning through play. Each month highlights a different play schema, paired with themed activities in the party room and an exhibit that illustrates the theme. Caregivers can explore the science of play with guidance from museum educators, take part in guided sensory activities, and pick up easy ideas to continue the fun at home. Stride Autism Centers sponsors Toddler Takeover.

A ribbon cutting will mark the grand opening of Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County’s Towncrest Neighborhood Center, the organization’s fourth location. The center broadens access to early childhood learning, afterschool opportunities, family supports, community resources, and gathering space for residents on the east side of Iowa City. Neighborhood Centers partners with community members to strengthen neighborhoods through education, outreach, and inclusive services that support children, families, and people from all backgrounds. Visitors can tour the new space, meet the staff, and explore the programs and resources available at Towncrest.

Jeffrey Nothing, a co-founding vocalist of Mushroomhead, headlines at Wildwood with performances by Dizasterpiece, Switchblade Saturdays, Catatonic, and Visions of Terror. The show is open to all ages, and advance tickets are $20.

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.