Downtown Iowa City
Cultural & Entertainment
District
The Downtown Cultural & Entertainment District is a vibrant, diverse, and lively epicenter for the arts. Our District begins in the heart of downtown Iowa City and ripples through this Big Ten town and UNESCO City of Literature. We deliver ever-changing sites and experiences, and welcome everyone who wants to be in the middle of it all, amidst hundreds of locally and nationally renowned live music venues, museums, historic theaters, independent cinemas, and galleries in a place known as the greatest small city of the arts.
X Marks the Arts Presents: Free Week
February 18th – 22, 2025
February 18th – 22, 2025
Shake off the winter blues and immerse yourself in a week of arts and culture with Free Week, presented by X Marks the Arts and sponsored by Think Iowa City and the Iowa City Downtown District. Taking place at various venues throughout the Downtown Iowa City Cultural & Entertainment District, this new collaborative event invites the community to come together for a celebration of local and regional talent through free concerts, performances, and workshops that showcase the heart of Iowa City’s vibrant cultural scene.
From live music and theater to comedy and interactive art workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Venues across downtown will open their doors to offer an exciting lineup of free programming, featuring local and regional artists and performers. Explore iconic music venues, experience live theater and stand-up comedy, and engage with visual and creative arts workshops—all free of charge.
X Marks the Arts is your gateway to staying connected with the district’s cultural events, and Free Week is a perfect opportunity to experience what makes Iowa City the “Greatest Small City for the Arts.” This winter, escape the cold, support local venues, and discover the best of downtown during this unique celebration of arts and culture.
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.
Participating locations include: Alley Cat, Beadology, Dey House, Elray’s Live & Dive, FilmScene, Gabe’s, Iowa City Public Library, Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature, Museum of Natural History, Old Capitol Museum, Prairie Lights Bookstore & Café, Public Space One, ReUnion Brewery, Stanley Museum of Art, Studio 13, The Englert Theatre, The James Theater, UI Theatre Building, University of Iowa Libraries, Voxman Music Building, and Vue Rooftop.
How to Experience Free Week
Free Week is your invitation to explore the ever-changing arts scene of Downtown Iowa City’s Cultural & Entertainment District. Most venues are just a short walk away, so be sure to dress warmly, wear comfortable boots, and embrace the winter weather as you dive into the energy of each show. Arriving early for your must-see performances is recommended to ensure you secure a spot before venues hit capacity—once they’re full, they’re full. The best part of Free Week? You can easily hop from venue to venue, discovering new experiences and performances along the way. Stay open to the unexpected—checking out new acts or unfamiliar venues might just introduce you to your next favorite artist, band, or performance.
All programming affiliated with Free Week is admission-free, ensuring that everyone can join in the celebration of the arts. While you’re out enjoying the festivities, take advantage of special food and drink offers from participating venues to complete your experience. Offers and specials will be announced soon with a festival map.
Free Week Schedule
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
- 10:30 AM – Spanish Bilingual Storytime – Iowa City Public Library
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM – “We Always Come Here” Looping Video Installation – FilmScene (Ped Mall)
- 1:00 – 7:00 PM – Make-n-Take Elastic Bracelets – Beadology Iowa
- 1:00 PM – Schumann Quartet Concert – Dey House
- 3:00 – 8:00 PM – FilmScene Free Tuesday – All Shows Free Admission – FilmScene (Chauncey & Ped Mall)
- 4:00 PM – Curator Guided Tour of A Roll of the Dice: Symbolism in the Sackner Archive with Rich Dana – University of Iowa Main Library Gallery
- 4:00 – 5:00 PM – World Club: Heritage Rhythms of African Ankle Bells – Iowa City Public Library
- 9:00 PM – Open Mic Comedy – AlleyCat
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19
- 10:30 AM – Story Jam – Iowa City Public Library
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM – “We Always Come Here” Looping Video Installation – FilmScene (Ped Mall)
- 4:00 PM – Girls Who Code for Tweens & Kids – Iowa City Public Library
- 5:00 – 6:00 PM – First Round with Jan Weissmiller, Rachel Yoder, and Nina Loman – Prairie Lights Bookstore
- 6:00 PM – “Wintering” Book Discussion – Online
- 6:00 PM – Creative Bug Club: Intro to Needle Felting – Iowa City Public Library
- 6:30 PM – A Year with Frog & Toad with Icon Conservatory and Nolte Academy – The Englert Theatre
- 7:00 – 8:00 PM – Interactive Improv – Willow Creek Theatre
- 7:30 PM – University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra – Voxman Music Building
- 8:30 PM – Gunk Lung – Gabe’s Iowa City
- 9:00 PM – Comedy Improv – AlleyCat
- 9:15 PM – Slow Retreat – Gabe’s Iowa City
- 10:00 PM – Good Habits – Gabe’s Iowa City
- 10:30 PM – Open Stage Drag Show – Studio 13
- 10:45 PM – New Neighbors – Gabe’s Iowa City
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20
- 10:30 – 11:00 AM – Preschool Stories & More: Music & Movement with Casey – Iowa City Public Library
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM – “We Always Come Here” Looping Video Installation – FilmScene (Ped Mall)
- 4:00 PM – Totally Tweens: Scientweens – Iowa City Public Library
- 5:30 – 8:00 PM – Weaving Workshop – Stanley Museum of Art
- 6:00 – 8:00 PM – Community Writing Center (Teens to Adults) – Iowa City Public Library
- 6:00 PM – SCW Pro Wrestling – The Englert Theatre
- 6:30 – 8:30 PM – Open session of Phil Dorothy Drawing Group – The Artifactory
- 7:00 – 8:30 PM – Lights-On Salon Session featuring Scout Faller and Ceremonial Abyss – Porch Light
- 7:30 PM – Pride & Prejudice – The James Theatre
- 8:00 PM – Ten-Minute Play Festival – UI Theatre Building
- 8:30 PM – Anti-Cash – Gabe’s Iowa City
- 9:00 PM – 28 Days Later – Elrays Live & Dive
- 9:00 PM – Open Mic Comedy – AlleyCat
- 9:15 PM – Second Half – Gabe’s Iowa City
- 10:00 PM – KL!NG – Gabe’s Iowa City
- 10:00 PM – DJ Germ + Free Cover – ReUnion Brewery
- 10:00 PM – DJ Stuffin – Gabe’s Iowa City
- 10:30 PM – Body & Soul Drag Show – Studio 13
- 10:45 PM – Fishbait – Gabe’s Iowa City
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21
- 10:30 – 11:00 AM – Book Babies Storytime – Iowa City Public Library
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM – “We Always Come Here” Looping Video Installation – FilmScene (Ped Mall)
- 1:00 – 7:00 PM – Make-n-Take Elastic Bracelets – Beadology Iowa
- 6:00 PM – Library Listen & Paint for All Ages featuring The 781’s – Iowa City Public Library
- 7:00 PM – Readings from Steven Duong’s “At the End of the World There Is a Pond” and Tramaine Suubi’s “Phases” – Prairie Lights Bookstore
- 7:00 PM – Molly Shannon – Elrays Live & Dive
- 7:30 PM – Colo Chanel – The Englert Theatre
- 7:30 PM – Grimmtooth Zine Release Show with Horrif Mass and ghOstMiSt – Public Space One
- 8:00 PM – Ten-Minute Play Festival – UI Theatre Building
- 8:00 – 11:00 PM – Eva Maeve – Vue Rooftop
- 8:30 PM – Alyx Rush – The Englert Theatre
- 9:00 PM – Dueling Pianos + Free Cover – Alley Cat
- 9:30 PM – The Uniphonics – The Englert Theatre
- 10:00 PM – Dance Party with Soulshake DJs
- 10:30 PM – Drag Show + Free Cover – Studio 13
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Free Flicks: I Love to Singa and Duck Dodgers in the 24 1/2th Century – FilmScene (Chauncey)
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM – One Book Two Book Festival – Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – “Just the Basics” Drawing Class – The Artifactory
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Book Fair – FilmScene (Chauncey)
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Open Gallery – The Artifactory
- 10:30 – 11:00 AM – Family Storytime – Iowa City Public Library
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM – “We Always Come Here” Looping Video Installation – FilmScene (Ped Mall)
- 1:00 PM – Iowa Know’s Winter Birds – Iowa City Public Library
- 1:00 – 3:00 PM – Foiled Printmaking Demonstrations with Robert Richardson and Mei-ling Joiner – The Artifactory
- 2:00 – 6:00 PM – Silent Disco – UI Museum of Natural History
- 4:00 PM – Pamela Grundy: Shattering the Glass: The Remarkable History of Women’s Basketball – Prairie Lights Bookstore
- 6:30 PM – University of Iowa Concert Band & Symphony Band – Voxman Music Building
- 7:30 PM – Stnic – The Englert Theatre
- 8:00 PM – Greylan James – Elrays Live & Dive
- 8:00 – 11:00 PM – Jim Sheets – Vue Rooftop
- 8:30 PM – Lex Leto x Makebelief – The Englert Theatre
- 9:00 PM – Comedy Act + Free Cover – Alley Cat
- 10:00 PM – Dance Party with DJ Anthony Worden – Gabe’s Iowa City
- 10:30 PM – Drag Show + Free Cover – Studio 13
Arts & Culture Calendar
State of Iowa Cultural & Entertainment District Designation
In 2022, the State of Iowa designated Downtown Iowa City as an official Cultural & Entertainment District of the State. The department designates Iowa Cultural & Entertainment Districts to recognize well-identified, walkable, mixed-use destinations with a high concentration of flagship cultural facilities.
The Downtown Iowa City Cultural & Entertainment District is located in the heart of Iowa City and is the hub of the “Greatest Small City for the Arts.” Its 26-block area is easily walkable and bikeable, right at the doorstep of the University of Iowa and the headquarters of the UNESCO City of Literature. It includes a National Register Historic District, the downtown pedestrian mall, and a dynamic collection of restaurants, music venues, museums, historic theaters, shops, independent cinemas, galleries, bars, and many mission-driven organizations. Millions of people visit the district each year to enjoy its vibrant cultural entertainment and 10 hallmark festivals.
With notable cultural and entertainment venues such as the Stanley Museum of Art, the Voxman School of Music, the Iowa Museum of Natural History, the Old Capitol Museum, the historic Englert Theatre, Riverside Theatre, Public Space One, FilmScene, and The Lasansky Gallery, among others, this designation is justifiable as a place that continues to draw and engage artists, innovators, creatives, and entrepreneurs and has directly resulted in the continued growth of new industries in the Iowa City area.
X Marks the Arts is a dynamic marketing initiative aimed at spotlighting the vibrant cultural and entertainment scene thriving within Downtown Iowa City’s Cultural & Entertainment District. X Marks the Arts showcases a curated selection of the week’s most exciting events, encompassing a diverse array of entertainment offerings. From live music performances to art exhibitions and theatrical productions, X Marks the Arts provides an engaging platform for both locals and visitors to discover and engage with the rich tapestry of creativity that defines Downtown Iowa City.
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