50+ Admission-Free Events Across 20+ Downtown Venues,
February 16-22, 2026
(January 23, 2026 — Iowa City, IA) — X Marks the Arts announced Friday the schedule and lineup for Free Week 2026, Downtown Iowa City’s Winter Arts & Culture Festival. Spanning seven days from February 16-22, 2026, the festival boasts a full programming schedule with more than 50 admission-free events and performances across 20+ iconic downtown venues within the Downtown Iowa City Cultural & Entertainment District.
Now in its second year, Free Week showcases a diverse celebration of music, theater, film, literature, visual arts, and hands-on creative workshops. From live performances at beloved music venues, to interactive art-making experiences, thought-provoking film screenings, literary events, and museum programming, the festival offers something for all ages and interests. Attendees can experience everything from concerts and silent discos to playwright showcases, symphony performances, drag shows, comedy nights, and community workshops, all free and open to the public.
Sponsored by Think Iowa City and the Iowa City Downtown District, Free Week is designed to energize the community during the quieter winter months while celebrating the artists, venues, and creativity that make Iowa City special. The festival reinforces Downtown Iowa City as a premier entertainment destination and provides an inclusive platform for residents and visitors to connect with the arts. Every participating artist is compensated through curated programming developed in partnership with each venue, ensuring sustainable support for the local arts economy.
“Free Week provides an opportunity for audiences to step into venues they may have never visited before, discover new artists, and experience the incredible breadth of our arts scene without barriers,” said Christopher Hunter, Director of Marketing at the Iowa City Downtown District. “By removing admission costs, our venues are opening their doors for everyone to explore what makes Downtown Iowa City’s Cultural & Entertainment District a must-visit destination.”
Inspired by Austin’s successful Free Week in the Red River Cultural District, Iowa City’s version highlights the unique character of the city’s thriving arts community. Free Week invites everyone to bundle up, explore downtown, and experience the diverse talent and cultural richness that has earned Iowa City its reputation as the “Greatest Small City for the Arts.”
Free Week 2026 Highlights Include:
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Elizabeth Moen at The Englert Theatre – A homecoming performance from the Iowa City-rooted singer-songwriter
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Silent Disco at the UI Museum of Natural History – An innovative twist on museum programming
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Free Movie Tuesdays at FilmScene – All shows, both locations
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Live Music & Performances at Gabe’s, Elray’s Live & Dive, Vue Rooftop, Studio 13, and AlleyCat featuring local, regional, and national acts
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One Book Two Book Festival with Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
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Hands-On Workshops including embroidery at the Stanley Museum of Art, printmaking at Public Space One, and beadwork at Beadology
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UI Symphony Orchestra performances at Voxman Music Building, featuring acclaimed composers Lowell Liebermann and Gabriel Kahane
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Ten-Minute Play Festival at the UI Theatre Building, showcasing new works by undergraduate playwrights
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And much more across Prairie Lights, Riverside Theatre, Iowa City Public Library, and additional partner venues
“Free Week is all about celebrating the vibrant creativity of Iowa City’s spaces and the artists who make the Greatest Small City For The Arts,” said Brian Johannesen, Programming Director of The Englert Theatre. “We’re excited to celebrate at The Englert with Elizabeth Moen, who cut her teeth playing small gigs across town from Short’s to The Mill to Gabe’s and The Englert’s storied stage. Supporting Elizabeth will be a trio of singer-songwriters who have put in the work here in Iowa, honing their crafts across many stages and spotlights, culminating in the band The Night Lights.”
Free Week invites festival-goers to explore Downtown Iowa City’s Cultural & Entertainment District, where most venues are just a short walk apart. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly, wear comfortable boots, and embrace the winter weather while hopping from venue to venue to discover new performances and artists. Arriving early for must-see events is recommended, as venues may reach capacity. Attendees can check individual venue websites for specific details on each event and the latest up-to-date information.
Festival-goers can text FREEWEEK to 319-308-5218 to learn more about the festival, discover different events and performers, and ask questions leading up to Free Week. During the festival, attendees can text the number to take a Free Week survey about their experience for a chance to win a gift basket with items and tickets to future events donated from participating venues.
All programming is admission-free with a variety of events catering to all ages and backgrounds.
A complete schedule of events is available at www.xmarksthearts.com.
