Five things to do in Iowa City weekend include the Iowa Arts Festival and a movie in the park

Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen
·2 min read

Iowa City will be buzzing with exciting events this weekend, from anticipated yearly events to outdoor excursions.

Here are five things to do as summer nears:

Community members stroll past booths on Iowa Avenue during Iowa Arts Festival, Friday, June 3, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa.
Community members stroll past booths on Iowa Avenue during Iowa Arts Festival, Friday, June 3, 2022, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa Arts Festival

The beloved downtown event, the Iowa Arts Festival returns for its 41st rendition this weekend, June 7-9. The event will feature performances by dozens of local musicians, more than 100 artists, and numerous food vendors and is one of the can’t-miss events happening in Iowa City this summer.

More: The top 10 artists to see at the Iowa Arts Festival this weekend

Calle Sur kicksoff the first installation of this year's The Ranshaw House Concert Series.
Calle Sur kicksoff the first installation of this year's The Ranshaw House Concert Series.

The Ranshaw House Concert Series

The Ranshaw House Concert Series is back for the summer. The first installation of the weekly June and July event kicks off Friday, June 7, featuring Calle Sur. The band is composed of Edgar East and Karin Stein, who immerse audiences in soundscapes and rhythms rooted in Latin American cultures.  The concert starts at 6 p.m. at the Ranshaw House at 515 Community Drive in North Liberty. The concert is a BYOB event.

More: We have your guide to Iowa City concerts, festivals and movies happening this summer

"Minari" is played during a FilmScene in the Park screening, Thursday, May 13, 2021, at Chauncey Swan Park in Iowa City, Iowa.
"Minari" is played during a FilmScene in the Park screening, Thursday, May 13, 2021, at Chauncey Swan Park in Iowa City, Iowa.

FilmScene in the Park   

Catch a screening of the cult-classic romcom Legally Blonde at Filmscene in the Park. The outdoor cinema was built in partnership with the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department at Chauncey Swan Park. The screening starts at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. The event is free and open to the public.

More: From the Clear Creek Trail to F.W. Kent Park, outdoor adventures await in Johnson County

Belgum Groove is a community event hosted by the Bur Oak Land Trust at Belgum Grove in Iowa City happening on June 8.
Belgum Groove is a community event hosted by the Bur Oak Land Trust at Belgum Grove in Iowa City happening on June 8.

Belgum Groove

Belgum Groove is a community event hosted by the Bur Oak Land Trust at Belgum Grove in Iowa City. It features live music, food, and outdoor activities to celebrate and support the Bur Oak Land Trust's work, which is dedicated to conserving natural spaces in eastern Iowa. Belgum Groove starts at 4 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. Musicians Marc Jansen and Bella Moss will perform throughout the Saturday afternoon event.

Wild Medicine Walk

The Wild Medicine Walk is a guided trail walk that will focus on harvesting medicinal plants and connecting with local native flora. The walk, set for 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8, will help residents better identify plants and their herbal benefits while learning what plants and habitats are hazardous.

The event costs between $5 and $30 at the Harvest Preserve in Iowa City.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Five things to do in Iowa City include the Arts Festival and a concert