Upcoming Events
Tannenbaum Forest
Fridays-Sundays from November 24th – December 17th, 2023
Step into a winter wonderland at the Amana Colonies’ Tannenbaum Forest! See over 60 unique Christmas Trees in the Festhalle Barn, each decorated by a different business, organization, group, or family. The entire barn will be decorated for the season with Santa’s Sleigh, photo opportunities and our 17 foot German Christmas Pyramid front and center!
Forest times are varied. See brochure or call the visitor center for more information.
Holiday Lights at the Lake
Holiday Lights at the Lake was established as a community event in 2021 with the hope of becoming the legacy fundraising event for The Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County.
Make Holiday Lights at the Lake your favorite holiday tradition as you drive or walk through West Overlook Campground. This third annual community event boasts just over one mile of large and animated light displays, including a dazzling animated tunnel and many glittering arches and holiday characters.
Open nightly, Starting Thanksgiving night and ending New Years Eve. Tickets required. Click below!
Pool & Pad Crawl
See all of the aquatics that Iowa City has to offer during our Pool & Pad Crawl! From 2-6pm on July 15th enjoy free admissions to all pools and splash pads and make your way to as many as you can! Each stop will feature special activities, giveaways, and water-focused fun!
Locations to visit:
- Wetherby Park Splash Pad: 2400 Taylor Drive
- Mercer Park Aquatic Center: 2701 Bradford Drive
- Fairmeadows Park Splash Pad: 2500 Miami Drive
- Robert A Lee Recreation Center: 220 S Gilbert Street
- Tower Court Park Spray Pad: 1124 Tower Court
- City Park Pool: 200 Park Road
You can visit these stops in any order but our Pool & Pad cup is available for pickup at Wetherby Park Splash Pad.
Bela Fleck
Pardon the error on location in our events features section of the newsletter and thank you for understanding. This is a ticketed event taking place at the Englert Theatre - tickets are available via englert.org/events.
Béla Fleck - My Bluegrass Heart
Featuring Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull, Justin Moses, Mark Schatz, Bryan Sutton
Booker T. Jones
Booker T. Jones is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and arguably the most famous Hammond B3 player in history. As leader of the legendary Booker T and the MGs, this pillar of soul music collaborated with Otis Redding, Albert King, and more during his tenure at Stax Records.
Tickets available at englert.org/events
North Liberty Blues & BBQ
Featuring ZZ Ward 9 p.m.,
Kevin Burt & Big Medicine at 7 p.m.
Hector Anchondo at 5 p.m.
The Diplomats of Solid Sound at 3:30 p.m.,
James Tutson & the Rollback at 2 p.m.
Dave Moore at 12:30
The Wilted at 11 a.m.
Blues & BBQ is North Liberty’s summer tradition of live music, kids’ fun, mouthwatering barbecue and craft beer. Admission, parking and inflatables are free thanks to the generosity of presenting sponsor Veridian Credit Union and other supporting sponsors. The festival is coordinated by the North Liberty Community Betterment Group, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The planning committee is made up of business leaders, city representatives and North Liberty residents.
Sunrise to Sunset (RESCHEDULED, NEW DATE TBA
Annual Fundraiser for RecAssist Scholarship Program, which helps fund swim lessons for kids in the area.
STEM Family Free Night
Join on the last Friday of each month for free museum admission and a special STEM activity, sponsored by Collins Aerospace!
This month’s STEM Challenge is all about designing and building part of a cardboard city. What makes a community a good place to call home? Is it houses, apartments, shops, and schools? Or is it something else? Build your idea and add it to the growing city.
The Nutcracker 2021
-----Ticketing-----
$40.00 - General Reserved
$28.00 - Senior Reserved
$20.00 - Student/Youth Reserved
-----On-Sale Schedule-----
Friends Presale*: 9/28 @ 10:00 AM CT
Public On-Sale: 10/1 @ 10:00 AM CT
*Get access to advance ticketing by becoming a Friend of the Englert. Learn more at englert.org/friends.
-----Description-----
The Englert Theatre and Nolte Academy are proud to present The Nutcracker! Five performances will be presented starting Friday, December 3 through Sunday, December 5.
This holiday classic comes to life with performances by dancers from Nolte Academy and features a live orchestra conducted by Carey Bostian. The ballet showcases exquisite costuming, enchanting sets, and captivating choreography under the direction of Nolte Ballet Director and Nutcracker Artistic Director, Loren Williams.
An Evening with Squirrel Nut Zippers
-----Ticketing-----
$55.00 - Zone 1 Reserved
$35.00 - Zone 2 Reserved
-----On-Sale Schedule-----
Friends Presale*: 7/30 @ 12:30 PM CT
Public On-Sale: 8/3 @ 12:30 PM CT
*Get access to advance ticketing by becoming a Friend of the Englert. Learn more at englert.org/friends.
-----Biography-----
The Squirrel Nut Zippers began their musical journey in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in the mid 1990’s, as a musician’s escape from the cookie cutter world of modern rock radio at the time. Jimbo Mathus along with drummer/percussionist Chris Phillips formed the band as a casual musical foray among friends and family in the area. It wasn’t long before the band’s quirky mix of jazz chords, folk music, and punk rock leanings spread out of the region and attracted a national audience.
Between 1995-2000 the Squirrel Nut Zippers sold over three million albums. Their watershed album, Hot (1996) was recorded in the heat of New Orleans, fueled by a smoldering mix of booze and a youthful hunger to unlock the secrets of old world jazz. This passion mixed with klezmer, blues and random bits of contemporary musical leanings became the bands signature style. At the time, there were few other bands inhabiting this space. The album would eventually break free of any “jazz” stereotypes and land on commercial radio, taking the band to remarkable heights for what was essentially an anti-establishment sound.
KidLit Pizzazz Festival
Sidekick is excited to announce the 1st Annual KidLit Pizzazz Festival, to take place on Sunday, November 14th from 2pm-4pm! Fifteen children's authors and/or illustrators from Iowa will be present to sign books. Each will also showcase a featured drink based on a character or setting in his or her book. There will be an outdoor musical performance by the Family Folk Machine!
Kick off your holiday season shopping with a personalized book from one or more of these talented authors and illustrators!
Jennifer Black Reinhardt
Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Michelle Edwards
Jill Esbaum
Wendy Henrichs
Katherine House
Claudia McGehee
Karen Miller
Lisa Morlock
Norene Paulson
Sarah Prineas
Delia Ray
Dorothia Rohner
Barbara Santucci
Tess Weaver
Walker Homestead Vintner's Run 2021
We are so excited to announce our first annual 5K Vintner's Run on Sunday, November 14th 2021!
The Vintner's (run-walk-crawl) is on a beautiful groomed course around the Walker Homestead Farm with fire pits, s’mores and local wine samples along the route to keep you warm, ending in the vineyard with a celebration mimosa and farm breakfast.
Walker Homestead is collaborating with GreenState Credit Union, North Liberty Community Pantry, and Coralville Community Food Pantry. All proceeds from the run will be going to the pantries.
Sign up now at: https://www.walker-homestead.com/.../11/14/vitners-run-2021
Witching Hour 2021
This year's festival will be a two-day, immersive art and community experience right in the heart of Iowa City. In addition to performances, readings, and conversations with revered indie artists, the festival will also premiere the highly anticipated sound sculpture known as Moebius Strips.
----- Presented By -----
The Englert Theatre & Little Village Magazine
-----Featuring -----
+ Moebius Strips World Premiere
+ Andre Wright
+ Tasha
+ Angelia Mahaney
+ Lala Lala
+ Eve Maret
+ Tim Story
+ Lauren Lessing
+ and many more!
----- Passes -----
We believe that art should be accessible to the masses. Are you a Witching Hour fanatic who's ready to throw in a little extra to cover someone else's tickets? We appreciate it! Want to get the full experience, but not sure if you can chip in this year? No problem! We're ready to meet you wherever you're at.
$25 Standard // $15 Student // choose your own price
-----ASL Interpretation -----
Witching Hour is excited to announce that ASL interpreters will be present at most of the 2021 events. For more information about which shows will include interpretation, visit the schedule on our website.
----- Partners & Sponsors -----
Bradley & Riley PC, Iowa Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, ReUnion Brewery, Kim Schillig Realtor, Marcus Fitzpatrick Team at Blank & McCune Realtors, Think Iowa City, Toyota of Iowa City, The Tuesday Agency, University of Iowa Libraries, Goodfellow Printing, MidAmerica Securities Management Co., Moog Music, and Curious Music
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Presented by The Englert Theatre & Comics In Action
Prop bags provided - no outside movie props permitted!
-----Ticketing-----
$20 - Advanced General Admission
$22 - Day of Show General Admission
-----On-Sale Schedule-----
Friends Presale*: 9/8 @ 12:30 PM CT
Public On-Sale: 9/10 @ 12:30 PM CT
*Get access to advance ticketing and membership discounts by becoming a Friend of the Englert. Learn more at englert.org/friends.
-----Biography-----
The Englert Theatre and Comics in Action are proud to bring the Rocky Horror Picture Show to life once again at the Englert! Come out at midnight for the only film that, for 40 years and running, brings together costumes, screaming, laughs, and the occasional thrown object! We’ll provide the props (included with your ticket purchase), you bring your best voice and all your virgin friends.
Hocus Pocus at FilmScene in the Park
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department is teaming up with FilmScene to show the frightfully fun, family flick Hocus Pocus at Chauncey Swan Park!
Stay tuned for details. Check Activenet for updates, https://bit.ly/activenetIC
Insider Tip: There will also be a Halloween Carnival taking place before the movie in the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp from 5 - 7 p.m. For more details about the Halloween Carnival visit Activenet, https://bit.ly/activenetcarnival
An Evening with David Sedaris
What’s better than a David Sedaris show? Two David Sedaris shows!
With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of the world’s pre-eminent humor writers and social commentators. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. See David present stories and observations live and in person, with a special free signing for any ticket holder at Prairie Lights Bookstore immediately following each performance.
David Sedaris' last Iowa City show at the Englert Theater sold out the first day and because of this, he has decided to do two shows this year.
Tickets are $53 Reserved Seating (plus fees) and on sale Friday, February 21 at 10 a.m. CT.
Power of the Purse
What is Power of the Purse?
A fun, virtual event including purses and more available for bidding or purchase with proceeds going to support United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties' initiatives and 30 local partner agencies.
100+ new/gently used purses and filled baskets, wine & more up for auction.
Party Row seats – Purchase options for taking the party to a location of your choosing or join others at a shared location!
Raffle tickets for specialty items!
When is Power of the Purse?
Event Ticket Purchase/Registration opens on October 4, 2021.
Virtual bidding/purchase event runs from October 22nd and closes on October 28th at 6:55 PM.
Culminating event will take place virtually on October 28th at 7 PM.
Where is Power of the Purse? A computer, smart pad or phone screen near you!
Cost of Power of the Purse?
$40 Event Ticket, Includes:
Ability to bid on and/or purchase items and/or raffle tickets.
One free entry in a Special Raffle for an original Louise Rauh bowl!
Goodie bag filled with special items & gift certificates.
$10 donation to United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties.
Fall Festival
Join us for another Fall Festival Weekend at Bass Family Farms! Open 10-6 Saturday and Sunday!!
Bring your family to pick out your pumpkins, shop our country store, and have some family fun!
*Please note we are taking extra precautions due to COVID-19. We continue to monitor recommendations from the CDC.
*Please note that by visiting Bass Family Farms, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Activities include hay rack rides, bouncy houses, sling shots, 18 hole mini-golf, GIANT tic tac toe, GIANT checker board tables, teeter totters, LIFE size connect four, GIANT Jenga, photo ops, candy corn bag toss, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin slide, corn hole and much much more!
**New this year CORN MAZE, pumpkin house, GIANT Guess Who Game, and spider web
Admission $8 per person, 2 and under are FREE!! Children must be supervised by an adult.
FREE PARKING!!
Don't forget ice cream for purchase in our store, 16 flavors to choose from!!
Balloon Buffoon twisting balloon animals from 11:00 am-1:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday
Face Painting by Regan's Face Painting scheduled 10:00 am-1:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday. *Subject to change based on weather
Spin Art is back with paintings, t-shirts and more! Scheduled 10:00 am-2:00 pm.
*Please note the face painter and Spin Art are separate charges and is not included in admission price.
https://www.facebook.com/events/233141708589720
Kids Day at Bass Farms
Come out to Bass Farms on Thursday, October 14th from 9:30-Noon for a fun morning exploring everything Bass Farms has to offer! A corn maze, a hayrack ride around the farm with learning experiences throughout (begins at 10 AM), fun games, activities, and a free ice cream cone! The Bass Farm shop will also be open for shopping and we will have a wide selection of pumpkins!
Click the link to get your tickets today, as we have a limited number of spots available. All children 2 and under are free and do not need a ticket!