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 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.
- AlleyCat – 13 S Linn St
- Beadology – 355 S Clinton St
- Elray’s Live & Dive – 211 Iowa Ave
- FilmScene at the Chauncey – 404 E College St #100
- FilmScene on the Ped Mall – 118 E College St
- Gabe’s – 330 E Washington St
- Iowa City Public Library – 123 S Linn St
- Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
- Museum of Natural History – 17 N Clinton St – Macbride Hall
- Old Capitol Museum – 21 N Clinton St
- PorchLight Literary Center – 1019 E Washington St
- Prairie Lights Bookstore & Café – 15 S Dubuque St
- Public Space One – 538 S Gilbert St
- Riverside Theatre – 119 E College St
- Stanley Museum of Art – 160 W Burlington St
- Studio 13 – 13 S Linn St
- The Artifactory – 120 N Dubuque St
- The Englert Theatre – 221 E Washington St
- UI Theatre Building – 200 North Riverside Drive
- University of Iowa Main Library Gallery – 125 W Washington St
- Voxman Music Building – 93 E Burlington St
- Vue Rooftop – 328 S Clinton St
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 or stop downtown for a bite at one of the many restaurants.
2026 Free Week Lineup & Schedule
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
- 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM – UI Main Library Gallery
- 10 AM – 1PM – Iowa City Public Library: Digital Media Lab Help Hours
- 10:30 AM – Iowa City Public Library: Chinese Bilingual Storytime
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Porchlight Literary Arts Center: Write Now: Community Supported Writing Group
- 4:00 PM – UI Main Library Gallery: Curator Guided Tour of Orchestrating Community: The Public Service of Iowa Conductor James Dixon
- 4:00 – 5:30 PM – Iowa City Public Library: LEGO League Challenge (Grades 3-8)
- 5:00 – 6:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Anime, Manga, & Manhwa (Teens)
- 6:00 – 8:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Community Writing Center
- 6:00 – FilmScene: Out of the Archive: The Tony Cade Bambara: School of Organizing Film & Meal
- 7:00 – 9:00 PM – Riverside Theatre: Riverside’s Crisis: A Group Sing Cabaret Evening
- 7:00 PM – Prairie Lights: Sam Sussman in Conversation with Katie Runde – The Boy From the North Country
- 8:00 PM – AlleyCat: Metal Monday & Karaoke (21+)
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
- 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM – UI Main Library Gallery
- 10:30 – 11:00 AM – Iowa City Public Library: StoryJAM
- 12:00 – 12:30 PM – The Englert Theatre: Building Tour
- 1:00 – 4:00 PM – PS1’s IC Press Co-Op: Print Your Own Free Swag
- 7:00 – 8:00 PM – Prairie Lights: Jake Fournier in Conversation with Alicia Wright – Punishment Bag
- 7:30 PM – Voxman Music Building: Chamber Music Concert of Works by Ida Cordelia Beam Distinguished Visiting Professor Lowell Liebermann
- 9:30 PM – AlleyCat: Improv & Comedy (19+)
- 10:30 PM – Studio 13: Open Stage (19+)
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
- 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM – UI Main Library Gallery
- 10:30 – 11:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Stories & More
- 2:00 PM – UI Theatre Building: Ten-Minute Play Festival
- 4:00 – 5:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Totally Tweens: Scientweens
- 4:00 – 5:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Writing Group for Teens
- 5:00 – 6:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Tea and Hot Cocoa Social Hour for Teens
- 5:00 – 7:30 PM – UI Stanley Museum of Art: Cozy Embroidery Workshop
- 6:00 PM – Voxman Music Building: American Voices: In Conversation with Lowell Liebermann & Gabriel Kahane
- 5:30 – 6:30 PM – Old Capitol Museum: Death of a Brewer trailer screening and film talk
- 6:00 – 7:30 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Try Watercolors
- 6:00 – 7:30 PM – Iowa City Public Library: From Plastic to Plants: The Future of Fashion with Luke Haverhals
- 6:00 – 8:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Community Writing Center
- 6:30 – 8:30 PM – The Artifactory: Life Drawing Class
- 9:30 PM – AlleyCat: The Drop Out Open Mic (19+)
- 10:30 PM – Studio 13: Body & Soul Drag Show (19+)
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
- 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM – UI Main Library Gallery
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: English Conversation Group
- 10:30 – 11:00 AM – Iowa City Public Library: Book Babies Storytime
- 1:00 – 7:00 PM – Beadology: Elastic Bracelet Workshop
- 5:00 – 7:30 PM – PS1’s Northside: Dead or Amazing! Gallery Talk
- 5:30 – 7:30 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Free Week Library Listen & Paint for All Ages
- 6:30 – 8 PM – Iowa City Public Library: First LEGO League Challenge for Grades 3-8
- 7:00 PM – Prairie Lights: Jonathan Gleason in Conversation with Sarah Minor – Field Guide to Falling Ill: Essays
- 7:00 PM – Elrays Live & Dive: John D Neal
- 7:30 PM – Voxman Music Building: UI Symphony Orchestra with Liebermann & Kahane
- 8:00 – 11:00 PM – Vue Rooftop: Dage Lee
- 8:00 PM – Gabe’s: Jacoozy
- 9:30 PM – AlleyCat: Comic’s Cabin Comedy Show (19+)
- 10:30 PM – Studio 13: Drag Show (19+)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
- 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Chauncey & Merge: One Book Two Book Festival
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – The Artifactory: Just the Basics Drawing
- 11:00 – 12:30 PM – Iowa City Public Library: IC Speaks Spoken World Club
- 1:00 – 2:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Spanish Conversation for Teens with Dany
- 1:00 – 5:00 PM – UI Main Library Gallery
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Toni Cade Bambara: The Artist and Organizer – Community Discussion with Local Authors and Scholars
- 2:00 PM – UI Theatre Building: Ten-Minute Play Festival
- 2:00 – 6:00 PM – UI Museum of Natural History: Silent Disco
- 5:00 – 6:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Tea and Hot Cocoa Social Hour for Teens
- 6:30 PM – Voxman Music Building: Symphony Band Showcase Concert
- 7:30 PM – Voxman Music Building: Del Sol Quartet
- 8:00 PM – The Englert Theatre: Elizabeth Moen
- 8:00 PM – Gabe’s: Lou Sherry Local Showcase
- 8:00 PM – Elrays Live & Dive – Lil Man J
- 8:00 – 11:00 PM – Vue Rooftop: Painted Porch
- 9:00 PM – AlleyCat: Camp Cardinal Band (19+)
- 10:30 PM – Studio 13: Drag Show (19+)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
- UNESCO City of Literature: One Book Two Book Festival
- 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM – The Englert Theatre: IC Flea Market
- 1:00 – 5:00 PM – UI Main Library Gallery
- 1:00 PM – Voxman Music Building: Iowa Honor Band Showcase Concert
- 1:00 – 2:00 PM – Macbride Auditorium: Write Out Loud
- 2:00 – 4:00 PM – Iowa City Public Library: Sunday Fun Day: 3D Hot Air Balloon Cards
- 2:00 PM – UI Theatre Building: Ten-Minute Play Festival
- 7:30 PM – Voxman Music Building: Center for New Music Ensemble Concert III
- 9:30 PM – AlleyCat: All Acts Open Mic (19+)
Arts & Culture Calendar
9 events found.
List of events in Photo View
Featured
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IDEA BOOST: Digital Art
January 28 @ 10:00 pm - January 29 @ 1:30 am
Drag Show @ Studio 13
Featured
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Dorky Multi-Photo Portraits
Featured
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Wilder Things Anthology Reading
ListenIC Spotify Playlist:
Featuring performing acts in the Iowa City Cultural & Entertainment District during January 26′.
Come out and support these artists and venues!
Search the ICDD Event calendar by track artist for more details.
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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