IOWA Magazine | 03-11-2026
Iowa City Events and Activities for Spring 2026
By IM Staff
2 minute read
Leave winter behind and explore events, exhibits, and Hawkeye traditions in Iowa City.
Spring brings fresh energy to campus and downtown alike. From markets and festivals to writing events and Hawkeye traditions, spring offers many ways to reconnect with the Iowa City community. Browse these Iowa City events to plan your spring visit.
Iowa Bibliophiles: Birds of a Feather Exhibit
March 24, 2026 | 4–6 p.m.University of Iowa Main Library
University of Iowa Libraries staff invite visitors to explore rare and unique bird-themed materials from across campus collections. Free and open to the public.
Iowa Disability Film Festival
March 26, 2026 | 6:30–9 p.m.FilmScene
The third annual Iowa Disability Film Festival highlights award-winning films by and about people with disabilities. Pay-what-you-can admission.
Write at the Stanley: A Generative Writing Workshop (Series)
April 26, 2026 | 2:30–4 p.m.May 24, 2026 | 2:30–4 p.m.
Stanley Museum of Art
This monthly program invites writers to generate new work inspired by pieces in the Stanley Museum of Art collection. Free and open to the public.
Poetry Slam
March 30 | 7–9 p.m.April 27 | 7–9 p.m.
Midnight Coffee
Poets gather on the last Monday of each month for the Iowa City Poetry Slam, sharing original work and competing for prizes and bragging rights. Free and open to the public.
Stop/Time Festival
April 3–4, 2026Multiple locations
Stop/Time Festival invites audiences to explore new sounds and ideas during a two-day celebration of contemporary music and the arts presented by Hancher Auditorium. Tickets required.
Alumni Day
April 18, 2026University of Iowa
Hawkeyes return to campus for Alumni Day 2026, a weekend of connection, celebration, and black-and-gold pride, with a variety of events to match every interest. Registration recommended.
Day Party
April 25, 2026 | Noon–8 p.m.Various venues, Iowa City
From the founders of Mission Creek Festival and Brink, Day Party is a one-day, intimate arts experience rooted in food, literature, and music. Tickets required.
Iowa City Farmers Market
Saturdays starting May 2, 2026 | 7:30 a.m.–noonChauncey Swan Park
Enjoy a stroll through local vendors offering everything from fresh produce and baked treats to flowers and handcrafted finds. Free and open to the public.
Piano Sundays
May 3, 2026 | 1:30 p.m.Old Capitol Museum Senate Chamber
University of Iowa School of Music faculty and students perform in the historic Senate Chamber at the Old Capitol Museum. Free and open to the public.
Live from Prairie Lights
Select dates throughout the yearPrairie Lights Books & Cafe
The series features acclaimed writers in conversation about new fiction and nonfiction releases. Free and open to the public.
Hawkeye Athletics
Multiple dates and locationsCheer on the Hawkeyes this spring as Iowa Athletics hosts a full lineup of home events, including baseball, softball, tennis, track and field, and more. Pricing varies.
Iowa Arts Festival
June 5–7, 2026Downtown Iowa City
Summer begins in Iowa City with the Iowa Arts Festival, a weekend celebration of art, music, food, and community. The festival features more than 100 artists, live performances, and activities for all ages. Free and open to the public.
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