Loading Events

« All Events

X Marks The Arts Presents: Free Week 2026

February 16 - February 22
X Marks the Arts Presents: Free Week | February 16 – 22, 2026
Sponsored by: Think Iowa City & Iowa City Downtown District
Downtown Iowa City’s Winter Arts & Culture Festival is back! Free Week returns for its second year from February 16 – 22, 2026, transforming Downtown Iowa City’s Cultural & Entertainment District into a weeklong celebration of creativity, community, and connection.
Presented by X Marks the Arts and sponsored by Think Iowa City and the Iowa City Downtown District, Free Week brings together local and regional artists, venues, and audiences for a full lineup of free concerts, performances, and interactive workshops across downtown. From live music and theater to film and hands-on creative experiences, this collaborative festival highlights the talent that keeps Iowa City’s arts scene thriving year-round.
Throughout the week, downtown venues will open their doors to welcome the community in, offering admission-free programming that encourages exploration, discovery, and support of the artists and spaces that make this district special, even during the winter season. Free Week events are free to attend, and every participating artist is paid through programming curated in partnership with each venue.
Free Week is your invitation to bundle up, head downtown, and experience why Iowa City continues to earn its reputation as the “Greatest Small City for the Arts.” Celebrate winter, support local culture, and enjoy a week of creative moments with our favorite entertainment venues.

Participating Venues & Partners

Free Week spans some of Iowa City’s most iconic and beloved spaces, combining historic landmarks and innovative modern venues. With the diverse selection of venues, Free Week offers festival-goers a chance to immerse themselves in Iowa City’s unique cultural identity while discovering exciting new experiences.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

  • 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM – UI Main Library Gallery
  • 10:00 AM  FilmScene at The Chauncey: Inside Out 2 – Schools Out!
  • 10:30 – 11:00 AM – Iowa City Public Library: Spanish Bilingual Storytime
  • 12:30 PM  FilmScene at The Chauncey: Inside Out 2 – Schools Out!
  • 1:00 – 7:00 PM – Beadology: Elastic Bracelet Workshop
  • 1:00 – 2:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: LEGO Junior Bots Mini-Bootcamp
  • 3:00 PM – FilmScene at The Chauncey: Cinema Salon w/ Senior Center
  • 3:00 – 8:00 PM – FilmScene: Free Tuesday (all shows, both locations) 
    • Visit the FilmScene website to book your seat in advance!
  • 4:00 – 5:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: World Club: Chinese New Year Lion Dance
  • 4:00 – 9:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Digital Media Lab Help Hours
  • 6:30 – 8:30 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Idea Boost: Cricut Lab
  • 10:00 PM – AlleyCat: Karaoke Contest with Dawsi (21+)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Venue