The greater Iowa City area offers plenty of summer fun. Whether for the whole family or a night of dancing, here are six things to do this weekend in Iowa City.
Spend time in the Amana Colonies for Kinder Day
Saturday: The annual Kinder Day in the Amana Colonies returns from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 12. The free admission event is a day filled with family-friendly activities. Highlights include “Barnyard Discoveries” at the Market Barn from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.. Happening all day, children can also participate in crafts, games, and story time.
Gander at the dark sky during the Public Observing Night
Friday: Public Observing Night at Van Allen Hall invites the community to tour the night sky with the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy Department. Guests will use VAO and small telescopes to view the stars like never before. Explore the cosmos and behold the second full moon of the summer, the Buck Moon, from 9 to 11 p.m. on Friday, July 11, at Van Allen Hall.
Get crafty at Second Saturdays at PS1
Saturday: Head to Public Space One for Second Saturdays. The free, all-ages open art workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. is designed to encourage creativity and experimentation with new techniques, mediums, and materials. This month, guests will learn how to use “found objects” to create custom gift wrap. Guests are encouraged to RSVP online.
Spice up Saturday with Sunset Salsa in the Pedmall
Saturday: Enjoy a free night of salsa dancing in the Pedmall. Hosted by the Iowa City Downtown District, Sunset Salsa promotes diversity and inclusion while enhancing mental and physical well-being through dance. The free event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. DJ Edwin Valladares will provide music.
Enjoy friendship and film under the Iowa City Sky with FilmScene
Saturday: FilmScene in the Park returns for another weekend. The annual free outdoor movie will begin at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, at Chauncey Swan Park, featuring a screening of “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.” Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Concessions, including beer and wine, will be available 30 minutes before the start of the film.
Catch a glimpse of the Stanley’s “It’s a Fine Thing”
Friday to Sunday: The Stanley Museum of Art’s latest gallery, “It’s a Fine Thing,” opened in February, exploring the “rich and often overlooked landscape of the Black Midwest.” The exhibition will close on Sunday, July 20. Take a self-guided tour of the temporary exhibit.
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: Six ways to soak up summer in Iowa City from Kinder Day to Salsa dancing
Reporting by Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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