The first weekend of February is inviting Iowa City to shake off the chill. From a cathartic dance party to community art and other events to make you blush, here are five things happening in Iowa City this weekend.
Dance yourself clean at Gabe’s Emo Nite
Friday: Emo Nite has become the biggest party and gathering point for fans of emo, pop-punk, and related styles. The annual event pays homage to a popular subculture, featuring DJs spinning the best emo, pop-punk, and alternative rock from the 90s and 2000s, as well as new wave favorites. Gabe’s transforms into an authentic space to celebrate diversity and experience passionate catharsis from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 6. Tickets cost $24.
Catch a cult classic on the Hancher stage
Friday to Sunday: A fan-favorite murder-mystery comes alive with the “Clue: Live on Stage” musical, adapted from the 1985 Black comedy film. Tickets range in price. Performances include 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, and Saturday, Feb. 7, and 2 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 7 and Sunday, Feb. 8.
See creativity break free at the “Art from the Inside Out” exhibition
Friday: The local nonprofit, Inside Out Reentry Community, works with individuals to develop reentry plans after prison that promote healing, restored relationships, and sustained success. Each year, the nonprofit teams up with Public Space One for the “Art from the Inside Out” exhibition, offering a rare glimpse into the creativity and resilience of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals across Iowa.
Celebrating four years, the exhibition will open with a free reception at 6 p.m., Friday, Feb. 6 at Public Space One. The gallery is on display through Saturday, Feb. 14.
Be a part of Hawkeye history at Carver-Hawkeye Arena
Saturday: The University of Iowa Women’s gymnastics team has two goals ahead of its home weekend meet: beat Nebraska and set a new attendance record. Ranked No. 21 nationally, the Hawkeyes will face the Huskers at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, hoping to surpass the program’s previous attendance mark of 3,715. Tickets are available online for $15, with free entry for youth.
Fall in love at Blackstone’s Valentine’s Day pop-up bar
Friday to Sunday: Let the eastside mainstay, Blackstone, melt your heart with its Valentine’s Day pop-up bar, Sweetheart Social Club. For the first two weeks of the month, the restaurant turns into a dreamy pink escape with themed cocktails and sweet indulgences. Whether for date night or “galentines,” the pop-up sets the mood. Guests can make reservations online or walk in. The pop-up is open through Sunday, Feb. 15.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached atJRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Fall in love with Iowa City this weekend with these five events
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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