Summer is in full swing in Iowa City, and with it comes a slew of popular events. This weekend’s slate of activity invites residents outside, whether for live music or a bike tour across eastern Iowa.
Here are four weekend events to check out in Iowa City:
Enter the whimsical world of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at Lower City Park
Thursday to Sunday: Riverside Theatre’s summer tradition, Shakespeare in the Park, will host its final performances over the weekend. Catch a free performance of William Shakespeare’s iconic comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” that follows the chaotic events of four entangled lovers and a troupe of actors wandering into a mystical forest. All free shows Friday through Sunday start at 7:30 p.m.
Party up the street at Iowa City’s Downtown Block Party
Saturday: Iowa City’s biggest summer event, the Downtown Block Party, is back for the ninth year. From 3 to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 27, the festival consumes 14 blocks for a day filled with family-friendly fun. Highlights include live music from local Iowa City musicians, a silent disco, pickleball, interactive art from Porch Light Literary Arts Center and Public Space One. Block Party is free to attend, though if guests want to drink alcohol during the festivities, cups need purchased either online for $10 or $15 day-of.
See the scenic trails as part of Big Grove’s annual Big Rove bike ride
Saturday: Big Grove Brewery’s annual bike ride, Big Rove Ride, returns Saturday, June 27, to tour the scenic trails of eastern Iowa with stops at three Big Grove locations. Riders can begin the 36-mile journey in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City, with a mid-point stop in Solon. Register online for $65.
Enjoy a night of live music for a cause at BrianFest
Saturday: Head to the northside for BrianFest, an annual music celebration honroing the life of Brian Cretzmeyer, a local musician who died in 2009. BrianFest raises money for the Brian Cretzmeyer Trust for Young Musicians, a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to providing quality music instruction for children. Enjoy a night of live local music for a cause at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 27, at Northside Outside on Linn Street with performances from Flash in a Pan, The Gglitch Family Band and The Uniphonics.
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: Block Party and Big Rove, 4 weekend events to see in Iowa City
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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By Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen | USA TODAY Network
