
Summer of the Arts mission is to build community in the Iowa City Area, to experience, learn about, and enjoy free arts and cultural programming.
Summer of the Arts Presents
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Iowa Arts Festival
Enjoy the visual arts, live music, kids’ activities, great food and more at this award-winning festival in downtown Iowa City each June.

Iowa City Jazz Festival
Internationally renowned jazz musicians perform alongside some of the most talented musicians in Eastern Iowa on two stages for a weekend full of good vibes, sights, sounds, flavors and more.

Friday Night Concert Series
The Ped Mall in the heart of downtown Iowa City comes to life Friday nights May through September with a wide variety of performers from Eastern Iowa featuring all kinds of genres from bluegrass to rock to jazz and hip hop.

Drive-In Movies at the Hangar
What’s better than kicking back under the stars on a warm summer night to enjoy a family friendly movie at the Iowa City Municipal Airport??

Music on the Move
Featuring some of the Iowa City area favorites, Music on the Move visits a wide range of parks around the Iowa City area providing a more intimate performance Tuesdays throughout the summer.

Rhythms at Riverfront Crossing
One Saturday a month from May – September, one of Iowa City’s largest parks will come to life with live music from some of the area’s most popular bands along with kids’ activities, food vendors and adult beverages.

Holiday Thieves Market
Continuing a 50+ year tradition, the Holiday Thieves Market is a fine Art Show happening in early December and featuring around 85 artists from around the Midwest for all of those perfectly unique gifts.
Be Inspired! Get Involved.

A big thank you to Geoff's Bike and Ski for their generous support as the Valet Bicycle Parking Sponsor for both the Iowa Arts Festival and Iowa City Jazz Festival in 2025!
Geoff’s Bike and Ski helps ensure smooth, accessible biking experiences for all our festival-goers, and we are so grateful for their partnership in making these events even better.
Be sure to stop by their tent and visit them for all your biking needs!
We appreciate your ongoing commitment to the Summer of the Arts and the arts community in Iowa City!
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Today, Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Black History Heroes Artwork for Teens | Koza Teen Space, Iowa City Public Library
Celebrate Black History Month by adding your creative touch to a design honoring Black excellence on the windows of the Teen Center!
This event is free and open to the public.
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Only 2 Weeks Until the Beaker Brothers Fundraiser!🎉
The Beaker Brothers Band is bringing their high-energy tunes to the First Avenue Club for a special fundraiser benefiting Summer of the Arts, and we can't wait!
Date: Friday, February 21
Location: First Avenue Club, 1550 S 1st Ave, Iowa City, IA
Doors & Happy Hour: 6:30–7:30 PM (complimentary appetizers!)
Performance: Beaker Brothers Band 7:30–10:30 PM
Cover Charge: Just $10 (100% of proceeds go to Summer of the Arts!)
Come for the music, stay for the dance floor! Mark your calendars and we'll see you there! Enjoy this video performance from 2020!
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#TBT to an unforgettable virtual performance by James Tutson during the 2020 Virtual Iowa Arts Festival!
Though the pandemic kept us apart, James' soulful sound brought us all together online, and it was a performance we won’t forget.
As we look ahead, we're excited for James' "Fool for You" Album Release Show on February 8th at The Englert Theatre—a chance to experience his music live on stage with an incredible lineup of local talent. Don’t miss it!
Learn more about the show and tickets: englert.org/events/james-tutson/
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Black History Ball: The Elegance of the Harlem Renaissance
Celebrate Black History Month at the 2nd Annual Black History Ball, honoring the Harlem Renaissance!
Enjoy a keynote performance by Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey, live jazz by the Curtis Taylor Quartet, a fashion show, local African American art, and traditional cuisine.
- Location: Iowa City Senior Center, 28 S Linn Street
- Price: $60 per person
- Date: February 8, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
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2025 Emerging Artist Area Application Now Open!
Showcase your talent at the Iowa Arts Festival, June 7-8, 2025!
This opportunity is open to:
- Students from Iowa colleges, universities, and high schools
- Young artists aged 16-25 not currently enrolled in high school or college
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
- Acceptance Notification: April 11, 2025
- Booth Fee: $35
- Payment Deadline: April 25, 2025
Apply here: summerofthearts.org/artist-applications/
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