The first weekend of October in Iowa City marks the return of highly anticipated traditions and festivals, as well as the start of the year’s spookiest month. From fall favorites to one-weekend-only opportunities, here are seven weekend events to check out in Iowa City this weekend.
Fall Gallery Walk returns
Friday: For more than 25 years, the Iowa City Downtown District’s Fall Gallery Walk has taken over downtown and filled businesses with art. The self-guided free event encourages guests to make an evening out of it by exploring all that downtown Iowa City has to offer. The Fall Gallery Walk returns from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, with an opportunity to visit 17 downtown hotspots like the newly reopened Textiles and freshly rebranded Mosaic.
Celebrate Chinese traditions at the Mid-Autumn Festival
Friday: Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at The Iowa Children’s Museum. The festival celebrates the Harvest Moon, a tradition celebrated in many Asian cultures. The event will focus on Chinese customs in partnership with the Midwest Chinese Academy. The Mid-Autumn Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum, featuring hands-on art activities, a Jade Rabbit Scavenger Hunt, and mooncake tasting, along with special story times and a Tai Chi class for kids.
Experience Taylor Swift’s cinematic world premiere of ‘The Life of a Showgirl’
Friday to Sunday: Calling all Swifties: celebrate the official release of “The Life of a Showgirl” at FilmScene. The screenings will happen from Friday, Oct. 3 to Sunday, Oct. 5. With multiple screenings throughout the weekend, it will also be the exclusive world premiere of the music video, “The Fate of Ophelia,” along with behind-the-scenes footage from the music video shoot, brand new lyric videos, and Taylor’s never-before-seen personal reflections on songs from her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
Pick a perfect pumpkin at Colony Acres’ Pumpkin Palooza
Saturday and Sunday: The first weekend of October kicks off the spooky season, and for Colony Acres Family Farm in North Liberty, that means all things pumpkins at Pumpkin Palooza Weekend. From pumpkin picking to pumpkin treats, pumpkin games and fall photo ops, the weekend celebrates the patch’s favorite gourd. Colony Acres will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5. For the rest of October, the patch will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Celebrate African culture at the second annual African Festival of Arts and Culture
Saturday: The African Festival of Arts and Culture will return for a second year. The celebration will happen on the Pedestrian Mall in Iowa City from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. The day will be a joyful celebration of all things African arts and culture from the African groups who call Iowa home. There will be opportunities to purchase goods from vendors, including fine art, fashion, and perfume. There will also be opportunities to hear from the organizations that put on the event, including the African Communities Network of Iowa, the Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County, and the Refugee and Immigrant Association.
Shop seasonal splendor at the Iowa City Farmers’ Market
Saturday: The beginning of October brings the final weekends of the Iowa City Farmers’ Market. This week’s rendition is from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp. Browse dozens of local vendors selling local produce, meats, specialty foods, handcrafted artisanal items, and local small business wares. The market will feature live music by the Mullins Brothers.
Discover the supernatural at the Iowa City Metaphysical Expo
Saturday: Metaphysical can be described as “of or relating to the transcendent or to a reality beyond what is perceptible to the senses. Supernatural.” The Iowa City Metaphysical Expo explores the metaphysical, featuring over 40 mediums, psychics, healers, and a variety of metaphysical products and presentations. Readings and other services will be available at the event for an additional charge, along with food truck vendors. The Metaphysical Expo will take place at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, Building C, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, with adult tickets available for $6.
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, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: From fall festivals to the African Festival of Arts, here are 7 Iowa City weekend events
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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