IOWA Magazine | 05-08-2025
Free Fun: Iowa City Events and Activities for Summer 2025
By Ellen Yandel
2 minute read
Concerts, parades, and shows to fill up your summer months in Iowa City.
The students might leave Iowa City when the semester ends, but the excitement certainly doesn’t. From festivals and farmers markets to music and movies, this season is packed with easily accessible arts, culture, and outdoor entertainment. Check out this list to build your summer schedule.
Farmers Market
7:30 a.m.–noon, Saturdays, May 3–Oct. 25Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp
Stroll and shop for local goods, from farm-fresh produce and bakery treats to bouquets and handcrafted items.
Friday Night Concert Series
Fridays, May 16–Sept. 26Ped Mall Stage (rain location: Chauncey Swan Park)
Local musicians take the stage in downtown Iowa City.
Drive-in Movies at the Hangar
Third Saturday of most months, May 17–Aug. 9Iowa City Municipal Airport
Watch fun, family-friendly movies at the Iowa City airport’s pop-up drive-in.
FilmScene in the Park
Every other Saturday, beginning May 24Chauncey Swan Park
Settle in on the grass outside FilmScene for showings of classic and cult movies.
Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings
Last Saturday of each month, May 24–Aug. 30Riverfront Crossings Park
Returning for a second summer, this concert series brings music to the banks of the Iowa River.
Iowa Arts Festival
June 6–8Downtown Iowa City
Drawing over 100 local and national art vendors, the festival also features food stalls, live music, and family activities alongside the artwork.
Music on the Move
Wednesdays, June 11–Aug. 27Various parks and neighborhoods
Find free live music at a new spot around town each week.
Riverside Shakespeare Festival
Thursdays through Sundays, June 13–29Festival Stage at Iowa City’s Lower City Park
Head to City Park for free, professional showings of Romeo and Juliet on an outdoor stage.
Pride Festival
June 21Downtown Iowa City
Kicked off by a colorful parade, this annual celebration features vendors, performers, and live music.
Downtown Block Party
June 28Downtown Iowa City
This sprawling festival takes over Iowa City for a day with dueling pianos, a silent disco, roller skating, and more, alongside food, drinks, and performances.
Jazz Festival
July 4-6Downtown Iowa City
With three days of live performances from two stages, the long-standing festival showcases both established and emerging musicians along with a spectacular fireworks show on the Pentacrest.
Homecoming
Sept. 21–27Downtown Iowa City and University of Iowa campus
Get in the Hawkeye spirit with a week of on-campus events, culminating in a black-and-gold parade.
PHOTOS: SUMMER OF THE ARTS, JUSTIN TORNER/UI OFFICE OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION, Iowa City Farmers Market, and Think Iowa City
Join our email list
Get the latest news and information for alumni, fans, and friends of the University of Iowa.
Join our email list
Get the latest news and information for alumni, fans, and friends of the University of Iowa.