As X Marks the Arts Free Week takes over the downtown corridor, an even busier weekend is brewing in Iowa City. Here are six more events to check out.
Relax and get creative at the Stanley Museum of Art
Friday: Need a midday break? Head to the Stanley Museum of Art from 1 to 3:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, for “Crafternoons,” inviting guests to work on a low-mess craft, like knitting or sketching. The museum also has various supplies to help provide motivation, along with light snacks.
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at the Chinese New Year Festival
Friday: Though the Chinese New Year was on Tuesday, Feb. 17, the celebrations will continue throughout the weekend. The Iowa City Area Chinese Association and the University of Iowa Chinese Students and Scholars Association invite the greater community to celebrate the spring festival from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 20, at the Iowa Memorial Union. The free festival centers on cultural heritage through hands-on activities, performances, and food.
Catch a showing of Iowa City Community Theatre’s production of “Ripcord”
Friday and Saturday: The Iowa City Community Theatre presents its latest production, “Ripcord,” by David Lindsay-Abaire, a comedy based in a senior living facility. There will be multiple performances at the James Theater, including 7:30 p.m. shows on Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb 21. A matinee performance is set for 2:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21. Tickets are available online for $12 to $20.
Dance through the Museum of Natural History at a free silent disco
Saturday: As part of Free Week, the Museum of Natural History is hosting an all-ages silent disco from 2 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21. Guests can check out a free pair of headphones and let the DJ awaken their inner party animal while exploring the museum.
Warm up with local splendor at the Johnson County Market
Sunday: Shop seasonal and local at the indoor Johnson County Market from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Sunday, Feb. 22. The event will feature vendors selling produce, meats, specialty foods, handcrafted artisanal items, and local small-business wares. The Johnson County Agricultural Association hosts the market at the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Building C.
Browse vintage finds at the Iowa City Flea Market
Sunday: Iowa City Flea Market returns for another weekend, this time at the Englert Theatre from 12 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22. Spend the afternoon browsing local vendors selling clothes, handmade goods, home décor and furniture, and art. Live music will be accompanied by food and coffee for purchase.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: 6 standout Iowa City events to check out this busy winter weekend
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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