14-05-2025
From the Friday Night Concert Series to drive-in cinema, 4 things to do in Iowa City this weekend
While the University of Iowa's commencement ceremonies bring the class of 2025 and their families to town, Iowa City welcomes the return of weekly summer favorites and other events.
Here are four ways to enjoy the weekend in Iowa City.
Friday: May marks the beginning of the Summer of the Arts festival season. Kicking off the slate of summer fun is The Friday Night Concert Series, which showcases the vibrant and diverse local music scene. The Iowa Steel Band is a touring ensemble from the University of Iowa School of Music. The concert will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, on the Ped Mall stage.
More: Spring into Iowa City's busiest concert season with these 8 can't-miss shows
Saturday: The Iowa City Farmers' Market will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, at the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp. Browse dozens of local vendors selling local produce, meats, specialty foods, handcrafted artisanal items, and small business wares. The traditional jazz band the Brick Street Ramblers, will provide music at the market.
More: Looking ahead to summer? Here's what Iowa City has planned for concerts, festivals in 2025
Saturday: New to the Summer of the Arts lineup is Drive-In Movies at the Hangar, previously known as the Free Movie Series. The monthly event screens movies at the Iowa City Municipal Airport. A showing of "Moana 2" will kick off the series about 30 minutes after sundown, around 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 17.
More: Meet the latest nominees for the Iowa City Press-Citizen Student of the Week
Saturday: FilmScene's 'Stories of Community' amplifies Iowa City's various voices through a series of short films commissioned with the help of Resilient Sustainable Future for Iowa City. The organizations will host a free screening at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Chauncey location. The screenings will be followed by a short conversation with the filmmakers and participants, along with a reception and a chip and dip cook-off. Guests are encouraged to RSVP ahead of time.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@ or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: What's happening in Iowa City this weekend? Live music and movies
