IOWA Magazine | June 2023

Iowa City's Best-Kept Secret: Free Summer Festivals, Concerts, and Movies

2 minute read
These annual events make Iowa City the place to be in the summertime.

Consistently voted one of the top college towns in the U.S., Iowa City sees most of its visitors during the school year when students are present and Hawkeye sports are in full swing. But summer in the city has its own charms, from shopping outdoors for original artwork in June to the sound of soul music hanging in the August air. Here are some of Iowa City’s summer highlights:



Filmscene

FilmScene in the Park

Every other Saturday, beginning May 27
Chauncey Swan Park

Grab a blanket and stake out a spot in the grass to watch a film under the stars on a massive outdoor screen.

Friday night concert

Friday Night Concert Series

Fridays, May 12–Sept. 2
Ped Mall Stage or Chauncey Swan Park

Dance and enjoy live music from area musicians.

Movie night

Free Movie Series

Saturdays, May 20–Sept. 23
Various Locations

Outdoor movies will be played at locations across the Iowa City area, including parks and the airport. Most are family friendly, and some showings have UI connections, such as Strange World, co-directed by Iowa alumnus Don Hall (91BFA).

Farmers Market

Farmers Market

7:30 a.m.–noon, Saturdays, May 6–Oct. 28
Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp

Enjoy the bounty of the season, including farm-fresh produce, eggs, and meat—along with coffee, baked goods, and newly cut flowers.

Iowa Arts Festival

Iowa Arts Festival

June 2–4
Downtown Iowa City

Shop more than 100 local and national art vendors. Also, enjoy regional and ethnic foods, live music, and family activities.

Pride

Pride Festival

June 17
Downtown Iowa City

This annual event features a colorful parade, followed by a festival featuring vendors and live music.

Downtown Block Party

Downtown Block Party

June 24
Downtown Iowa City

This outdoor celebration features dueling pianos, a silent disco, roller skating, and live music. Admission is free, but cups are sold that allow attendees of legal age to enjoy alcoholic beverages in the block party area.

Jazz Festival

Jazz Festival

June 30–July 2
Downtown Iowa City

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy three days of live musical performances from two stages. This annual tradition, featuring well-known musicians and up-and-coming entertainers, typically concludes with fireworks that sparkle over the Old Capitol.

Latino Fest

Latino Fest

August 26
Pedestrian Mall

Head downtown for a day of food and performances, including traditional dance showcases and salsa lessons.

Soul and blues Festival

Soul & Blues Festival

Late September
Downtown Iowa City

Finish the summer on a high note with two days of music and dance on the streets of Iowa City.

PHOTOS: SUMMER OF THE ARTS AND JUSTIN TORNER/UI OFFICE OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION
Join our email list
Get the latest news and information for alumni, fans, and friends of the University of Iowa.
Ragbrai

RAGBRAI’S 50th Anniversary Ride Coming Through Iowa City

Cyclists on the famous cross-state bike trek will once again pedal through the UI campus this summer.

Ragbrai

RAGBRAI’S 50th Anniversary Ride Coming Through Iowa City

Cyclists on the famous cross-state bike trek will once again pedal through the UI campus this summer.

Join our email list
Get the latest news and information for alumni, fans, and friends of the University of Iowa.
Related Articles

We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Statement unless you have disabled them in your browser.