Iowa City Summer Events We’re Most Excited About in 2025

Summer in Iowa City is pure magic. There’s something special about the season that transforms our corner of eastern Iowa into the perfect blend of college town charm and vibrant community spirit. The city’s incredible downtown scene, coupled with the beautiful Iowa River as a backdrop, make summers truly unforgettable. 

And the magic isn’t contained to Iowa City—communities like Coralville and North Liberty capture that same amazing summer vibe. 

Whether you’re considering a move to the area or you’re a longtime resident looking to make the most of the season, this summer’s lineup of events promises something for everyone. From arts festivals to live music and everything in between, here are the Iowa City summer events our agents are most excited about in 2025!

June Events 

Iowa Arts Festival 

When: June 6 – 8

Where: Downtown Iowa City (along Clinton Street and Iowa Avenue) 

June kicks off with a spectacular celebration of creativity and community. This weekend-long celebration has been an Iowa City tradition for over 40 years, featuring more than 100 local, regional, and national visual artists. 

The Iowa Arts Festival isn’t just about browsing beautiful artwork—it’s a full sensory experience. Enjoy live music performances, food vendors serving regional and ethnic dishes, and creative activities for the entire family.

 

Riverside Shakespeare Festival – Romeo & Juliet

When: June 13 – 29 (7:30 PM, Thursdays – Sundays) 

Where: Festival Stage, Lower City Park (200 Park Rd, Iowa City) 

There’s nothing quite like watching Shakespeare under the stars! Head to City Park for free, professional showings of Romeo and Juliet on an outdoor stage, where this timeless love story comes to life in one of Iowa City’s most beautiful settings. 

The festival continues Iowa City’s rich tradition of accessible arts programming, making high-quality theater available to everyone in our community.

 

Let Love Fly

When: June 14 (11 AM – 3 PM)

Where: Centennial Park (1565 St Andrews Dr, North Liberty) 

Get ready for awe-inspiring views as mega kites soar above North Liberty’s Centennial Park. Let Love Fly is a heartwarming celebration of love that brings the community together. The all-ages event features activities, giveaways from LGBTQ+ organizations and affirming community groups—and of course, amazing kites.

 

Iowa City Pride Festival

When: June 21 (Noon – 9:30 PM)

Where: Downtown Iowa City 

The Iowa City Pride Festival is one of the city’s most vibrant events, featuring performances, live music, pride merchandise vendors, arts and crafts, and local businesses and action groups. 

The celebration begins at noon with the Iowa City Pride Parade, and the vendor fair and performances kick off immediately following the parade, with a full stage lineup on Washington Street. Enjoy a drag performance, grab a bite to eat in downtown Iowa City, and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community while promoting inclusion for all.

 

Downtown Block Party 

When: June 28 (3 PM – 10 PM)

Where: Downtown Iowa City 

This annual festival takes over 14 blocks of downtown Iowa City for an evening with dueling pianos, a silent disco, kids’ street hockey, roller skating, and more. 

The all-ages block party is completely free to the public (excluding cups for beer or wine), so if you’re looking for a way to take the whole family out for a night on the town, the Downtown Block Party is the can’t-miss event of the summer!

 

July Events 

Iowa City Jazz Festival

When: July 4 – 6 

Where: Downtown Iowa City 

Come downtown for three days of live performances by well-known jazz musicians and up-and-coming talent alongside national and international artists. The Iowa City Jazz Festival perfectly captures the sophisticated cultural scene that makes Iowa City special. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and get lost in the sweet tunes. 

In between performances, browse artist and organization booths, enjoy delicious dishes, and have a drink in the lively beverage garden.

 

Solon Beef Days

When: July 18 – 19

Where: Downtown Solon (110 S Dubuque Street, Solon)

Since it began in 1971, Solon Beef Days has been a staple in the Solon community. The festival celebrates the city’s rich agricultural heritage and the local beef industry. A portion of the event proceeds supports local community projects, causes, and scholarships. 

From the famous hay bale toss competition (which has seen Iowa Hawkeye football players set records!) to live music, carnival rides, and delicious beef dinners, this beloved tradition showcases the tight-knit community spirit that defines our area.

 

Swisher Fun Days 

When: July 25 – 26 

Where: Swisher (2nd Street, SW) 

This charming small-town festival in nearby Swisher brings the community together for a weekend of family-friendly activities and local food. Whether you’re in the mood to shop at the vendor market, compete in a bags or horseshoe tournament, or pet some adorable animals, Swisher Fun Days is a fun opportunity to explore the little town just off I-380.

 

August Events 

Rock the Chalk 

When: August 8 (5 PM – 8 PM)

Where: MidwestOne Bank (102 S Clinton St, Iowa City) 

In August, the streets of downtown Iowa City turn into a massive outdoor gallery. Artists create incredible chalk masterpieces while local Iowa musicians provide the perfect soundtrack throughout the day. Then, from 5 PM to 8 PM, the chalk art celebration begins with free community activities, including face painting, crafts, and caricatures. Rock the Chalk is a family-friendly way to experience the artistic talents of our community.

 

Farm to Street Dinner

When: August 21 (5 PM – 8 PM)

Where: Iowa City Northside Neighborhood (North Linn Street) 

Picture a long communal table stretching down the street, filled with neighbors sharing a meal crafted from ingredients grown in Iowa. This extraordinary dining experience transforms downtown Iowa City into an open-air restaurant, where diners celebrate the partnerships between local farmers and our talented culinary community. Those who’ve attended previous Farm to Street Dinners say it’s an unforgettable (and delicious) evening.

Note: This year’s event sold out in two minutes, but keep an eye on local Facebook group pages as the event gets closer—you might find a ticket or two for sale.

 

Community Block Party/Street Dance

When: August 23 (5 PM – 10 PM)

Where: North Liberty City Hall (360 N Main St, North Liberty) 

Before the kids head back to school, North Liberty closes down Dubuque Street for a community block party and street dance. Say goodbye to summer while enjoying live music, dancing, beverages, food trucks, and games.

 

Taste of Iowa City 

When: August 27 (4 PM – 8 PM)

Where: Downtown Iowa City 

What better way to wrap up your summer than by sampling the incredible culinary scene that makes Iowa City a foodie destination? The Taste of Iowa City event highlights the diverse restaurants, cafes, and local producers that give our city its distinctive flavor and make it a great place to call home year-round. 

Tickets are just $1 apiece and can be redeemed at 47 Iowa City bars and restaurants.

 

Other Events Happening All Summer Long 

Iowa City Farmer’s Market

When: Saturday mornings, May 3 – October 25 (7:30 AM to noon)

Where: 415 E Washington St, Iowa City 

Browse fresh, locally produced products every Saturday morning at the Iowa City Farmer’s Market.

 

Ranshaw House Concert Series

When: June 6 – July 25 (6 PM – 8 PM)

Where: Ranshaw House (515 Community Drive, North Liberty) 

Meet up with friends and enjoy live performances from local musicians during the Ranshaw House Concert Series. 

Visit the North Liberty website to view the full series lineup.

 

Film Scene at the Park 

When: May – October (movies begin at sunset)

Where: Chauncey Swan Park (405 E Washington St, Iowa City) 

Love enjoying classic films under the stars? Check out Film Scene at the Park, where you can catch different free movies throughout the summer. 

See what movies are playing on the Film Scene website.

 

Friday Night Concert Series 

When: May 16 – September 26 (6:30 PM)

Where: Ped Mall Stage (Downtown Iowa City)

Get to know Iowa City’s incredible local musicians at the Friday Night Concert Series. It’s free and open to the public! 

Check out the full lineup of performers on the Summer of the Arts website.

 

Drive-In Movies at the Hangar 

When: May 18 – September 21 (movies begin 30 minutes after sundown)

Where: Iowa City Municipal Airport (1801 S Riverside Dr, Iowa City) 

Load up the family and head to the Iowa City Municipal Airport for a drive-in movie. Be sure to say hi while you’re there (Urban Acres is a co-sponsor!). 

Visit the Summer of the Arts event page to view the schedule.

 

Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings 

When: May 24 – August 30 (6:30 PM)

Where: Riverfront Crossings Park (1001 South Clinton Street, Iowa City) 

Check out some of the area’s well-known acts in one of Iowa City’s newest parks. Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings is an all-ages event featuring children’s activities, food trucks, and a beverage garden provided by Big Grove Brewery. 

Find out who’s taking the stage on the Summer of the Arts website.

 

Music on the Move 

When: June 11- August 27 (6:30 PM)

Where: Locations vary 

Music on the Move began in 2020 as a way to bring live music to neighborhoods during the pandemic. Every week in June, July, and August, the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department brings local musicians to neighborhoods throughout the Iowa City area. 

Check the Summer of the Arts event page to see the schedule and performance locations.

 

Get Ready for an Incredible Summer 

With this awesome lineup of Iowa City summer events, there’s never been a better time to get out and explore. If you’re new to the area or considering making Iowa City your home, we’re here to help! 

Reach out and we’ll help you discover what makes Iowa City and the surrounding communities such wonderful places to live, work, and play.