Summer of the Arts

Fundraiser: Roots & Rhythms: 20 Trees for 20 Years with Summer of the Arts
2025-08-30 - 2026-08-31 | IA
As we celebrate our 20th year as a nonprofit, we’re reflecting on the success of our newest program, Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings. Over the past two seasons, we’ve heard from many of you that more shade would make this beautiful park even better. Now, you have an opportunity to make a lasting impact on Riverfront Crossings Park, and help ensure this event continues for years to come.
Summer of the Arts is partnering with the City of Iowa City, Iowa City Parks & Recreation, and Sustainable Landscape Solutions to plant 20 new trees at Riverfront Crossings Park in the spring of 2026. These trees will provide natural beauty and much-needed shade for the Rhythms at Riverfront Crossings concert season and beyond.
Click/tap HERE to view the informational brochure and pledge form.
Click/tap HERE to make your online donation.

Ion AND Alyx Rush AND Jack Lion
2025-09-26 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Ped Mall Stage, 210 Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Sponsored by Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Ion – 6:30-6:55 PM
Alyx Rush – 7:05-7:50 PM
Jack Lion – 8:05-9 PM

About: Ion’s music is an inward reflection focusing in on resilience of the worker. Enduring the working class hardships through the Guthrie lens over a sonic guttural rawness that hones in on the prospect of our power as the people to maintain vigilance and hope. As a solo artist he has shared the stage with the artists such as GZA, Blackalicious, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Makaya McCraven, Dessa, Wyclef Jean & Black Milk.

Contact Information:
Web: https://linktr.ee/signalflowproducts
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/SignalFlowProducts/

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

About: Alyx Rush is a sonic sorcerer who has been busy capturing hearts, minds and imaginations across the Midwest with an alluring R&B/pop sound that beautifully smudges the edges of both genres. Adopted as an infant and raised in rural Iowa, he has never been afraid to be his true authentic self. Casting his spell from under the underground, Rush has risen quickly with head-turning independent releases and captivating live performances at festivals and venues across the region. He is both technically gifted and rawly emotive as a vocalist, swooping through irresistible top lines on wavy production that ranges from winter ballads to summer sways. His sound can soar, swagger and swoon, sometimes all at once. Already recognized as one of the top artists in the area, Rush will push his wave even further this summer with a new EP, ‘After the Last Time’ his second collaboration with artist/producer Jim Swim. There’s no ceiling for this one.

Contact Information:
Web: https://linktr.ee/signalflowproducts
Other links: https://www.facebook.com/SignalFlowProducts/

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

About: One of Iowa City’s premier bands, Jack Lion’s sound is a one-a-kind gem in the Iowa music landscape. Mixing some traditional jazz sounds with electronic music, Jack Lion’s music would please both Miles Davis and Nine Inch Nails fans.

Contact Information:
Web: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpetXrgq2Fk&ab_channel=BrianSmith
Other links: https://www.instagram.com/jacklionsound/reels/
Jack Lion – Full Live Set at The James Theatre

Summer of the Arts Festivals:
None yet!

Eat for the Arts at St. Burch Tavern
2025-10-02 11:00 - 21:00 | St. Burch Tavern, 127 Iowa Ave., Iowa City, 52240, United States
Join us at St. Burch Tavern on October 2 for Eat for the Arts!
10% of all sales that day will be donated to Summer of the Arts and our mission to provide free, family-friendly arts programming to the community.

Eat for the Arts at Hamburg Inn No. 2
2025-10-16 07:00 - 21:00 | Hamburg Inn, 214 N Linn St, Iowa City, IA, 52245, United States
Join us at Hamburg Inn on October 16 for Eat for the Arts!
10% of all sales that day will be donated to Summer of the Arts and our mission to provide free, family-friendly arts programming to the community.

Eat for the Arts at Pullman Bar & Diner
2025-10-30 08:00 - 22:00 | Pullman Diner, 17 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City, 52240, United States
Join us at Pullman Diner on October 30 for Eat for the Arts!
10% of all sales that day will be donated to Summer of the Arts and our mission to provide free, family-friendly arts programming to the community.

Summer of the Arts 2nd Annual Disco Ball
2025-11-01 19:00 - 23:00 | First Avenue Club, 1550 S. 1st Ave., Iowa City, 52240, United States
Get your groove on at our 2nd Annual Disco Ball!
Join us on Saturday, November 1st from 7-11 PM at First Avenue Club (1550 S. 1st Avenue, Iowa City) for a night of non-stop dancing with a focus on the legendary sounds of Motown.
Put on your dancing shoes and break out those groovy disco costumes – get ready to boogie down at Iowa City’s most anticipated dance party of the year! Your $25 ticket gets you in the door, includes one free beer/wine/soda, dancing, the best music of the disco era and more! Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the night.
Make someone’s night extra special by dedicating a disco or Motown song to a friend, family member, or fellow dancer! With a $20 donation (or more), choose from classic hits like “Super Freak,” “Let’s Get It On,” “Brick House,” and more. DJ Doctor E will give your dedication a shout-out when your song is played! Submit Your Disco Dedication HERE
Want a sneak peek? Check out the Disco Dedications Playlist on our Spotify channel — curated by Eric Johnson, Development Director at Summer of the Arts! Listen here: Spotify Playlist
Strike a pose at our disco-themed selfie station and share your memories with #SOTAIC. This event is 21+ only and the mirror ball is waiting to shine on you as we celebrate with classic hits, disco lights, and pure dancing joy. Come as you are and leave with memories that’ll last forever – this is THE party you don’t want to miss!
Get your tickets HERE!

Eat for the Arts at Barrett's
2025-11-06 07:00 - 21:00 | Barrett’s, 3242 Crosspark Rd., Coralville, 52241, United States
Join us at Barrett’s on November 6 for Eat for the Arts!
10% of all sales that day will be donated to Summer of the Arts and our mission to provide free, family-friendly arts programming to the community.

Eat for the Arts at Get Fresh Café
2025-11-11 09:00 - 18:00 | Get Fresh Café, 109 Iowa Ave., Iowa City, 52240, United States
Join us at Get Fresh Café on November 11 for Eat for the Arts!
10% of all sales that day will be donated to Summer of the Arts and our mission to provide free, family-friendly arts programming to the community.

Holiday Thieves Market Silent Auction — Extended Through December 31!
2025-11-21 08:00 - 2025-12-31 23:45 | IA
The Holiday Thieves Market may be over, but our online Silent Auction has been extended through December 31!
A limited number of remaining items—donated by local artists, makers, and businesses—are still available for bidding. All proceeds support Summer of the Arts and help bring free arts programming to our community.
How It Works

Browse available items online through ReadySetAuction
Register for a free bidder account
Place bids anytime through 11:45 PM on December 31
Many items include “Buy It Now” options for quick holiday gifting

Winning & Pickup

Winners will be notified shortly after auction close
Payments accepted online or via cash/check at pickup
Item pickup begins January 4 at the Summer of the Arts office: 319 E. 1st Street, Iowa City
To arrange pickup, email info@summerofthearts.org or call 319-337-7944

View & Bid on Items
ReadySetAuction Link: HERE!

Holiday Thieves Market Silent Auction
2025-11-21 10:00 - 2025-12-07 15:30 | IA
The Holiday Thieves Market Silent Auction is your chance to support the Summer of the Arts while acquiring beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces from talented local and regional artists. All proceeds benefit Summer of the Arts programming throughout the year, bringing exceptional cultural experiences to our community.

View the Auction Items and Bid!

Important Dates & Times

Bidding Opens Friday, November 21, 2025 at 10:00 AM

View Items In Person December 6-7, 2025 during Holiday Thieves Market hours
Hyatt Regency Expo Hall, Coralville, IA

Bidding Closes Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 3:30 PM

How to Participate

Browse auction items online at ReadySetAuction
Register for a bidder account (free and easy)
Place your bids online from anywhere
View items in person at the Holiday Thieves Market
Monitor your bids and increase as desired

Winning & Pickup

Winners notified shortly after 3:30 PM on December 7
Pick up at Hyatt Regency: Sunday, Dec 7, 4-7 PM
Or arrange pickup at Summer of the Arts office, December 8-12
Payment information provided upon winning

Auction Item Display Location

Hyatt Regency Expo Hall
Coralville, Iowa
Market Hours:
December 6-7, 2025

See items in person while browsing the Holiday Thieves Market. All bidding takes place online through ReadySetAuction, but you can view the quality and craftsmanship of each piece before placing your bid.

View the Auction Items and Bid!

Every bid supports the arts! All proceeds from the Silent Auction directly support Summer of the Arts programming, bringing festivals, performances, and cultural experiences to the Iowa City community year-round.

Custom Cake by Natasha Wendt

Silent Auction Item
Custom Cake by Natasha Wendt

Folds of Honor Golf Bag and round of golf for four at Brown Deer Golf Club

Silent Auction Item
Folds of Honor Golf Bag and round of golf for four at Brown Deer Golf Club

Brass Ring Coffee Basket

Silent Auction Item
Brass Ring Coffee Basket

Ox Yoke Inn gift card and recipe book

Silent Auction Item
Ox Yoke Inn gift card and recipe book

7 Hand Painted Blown Glass ornaments

Silent Auction Item
7 Hand Painted Blown Glass ornaments

Movie Night at Coralville Center for the Performing Arts

Silent Auction Item
Movie Night at Coralville Center for the Performing Arts

Photograph by Jeri Reeve

Silent Auction Item
Photograph by Jeri Reeve

Ceramic Gnome

Silent Auction Item
Ceramic Gnome

Red wood box

Silent Auction Item
Red wood box

Santa knome

Silent Auction Item
Santa knome

Ceramic vase with hand sculpted lizard

Silent Auction Item
Ceramic vase with hand sculpted lizard

Ceramic pot with lid including hand sculpted armadillo

Silent Auction Item
Ceramic pot with lid including hand sculpted armadillo

3 flash prints Skull and florals flash - Herbs and stones flash - Bird skulls and leaves flash

Silent Auction Item
3 flash prints Skull and florals flash - Herbs and stones flash - Bird skulls and leaves flash

"Fall Chickadee" Acrylic on 10x20 gallery canvas, chickadee with fall colors.

Silent Auction Item
"Fall Chickadee" Acrylic on 10x20 gallery canvas, chickadee with fall colors.

Downtown Gift Bag

Silent Auction Item
Downtown Gift Bag

Steinbach Beekeeper Nutcracker

Silent Auction Item
Steinbach Beekeeper Nutcracker

Graduate Iowa City by Hilton

Silent Auction Item
Graduate Iowa City by Hilton

Margarita Gift Basket

Silent Auction Item
Margarita Gift Basket

Hot Ones Gift Box

Silent Auction Item
Hot Ones Gift Box

Cheerful Bouquet Wall Hanging

Silent Auction Item
Cheerful Bouquet Wall Hanging

Pura Vida Graphic Design Package

Silent Auction Item
Pura Vida Graphic Design Package

KCJJ/KFMH Package

Silent Auction Item
KCJJ/KFMH Package

Beautifully Over It package

Silent Auction Item
Beautifully Over It package

Serenity Retreat Basket from Starfall Meadow

Silent Auction Item
Serenity Retreat Basket from Starfall Meadow

VICE Gift Basket

Silent Auction Item
VICE Gift Basket

Filter - All

Holiday Thieves Market
2025-12-06 10:00 - 2025-12-07 16:00 | Hyatt Regency, 300 E. 9th St., Coralville, IA, 52241, United States
You will find handmade gifts in many mediums–it’s your one-stop holiday shop!
To learn more about the artists, click on the categories to filter, or click on the artist’s name in the image.
If you are looking to bid for Silent Auction, click HERE!

Filter CategoriesFilter - AllCeramics/ClayDigitalDrawingFiberGlassJewelryMetalMixed MediaPaintingPhotographyPrintmakingSculptureWood

Chris Abigt

Painting
Chris Abigt

Jeanne Scott

Ceramics/Clay
Jeanne Scott

Gretchyn Nothhouse

Ceramics/Clay
Gretchyn Nothhouse

Jean Simonsen

Mixed Media
Jean Simonsen

Shelley Matthiesen

Mixed Media
Shelley Matthiesen

Tom Suter

Jewelry
Tom Suter

Vahan Bedeian

Jewelry
Vahan Bedeian

Doug Adams

Mixed Media
Doug Adams

Janet Ahrens

Mixed Media
Janet Ahrens

Lianne Westcot

Painting
Lianne Westcot

Russell Duerksen

Painting
Russell Duerksen

Clark McFerren

Painting
Clark McFerren

Jon Walton

Photography
Jon Walton

Lisa Lammey

Photography
Lisa Lammey

Daron Krueger

Photography
Daron Krueger

Jay Wennersten

Printmaking
Jay Wennersten

Rance Hilton

Wood
Rance Hilton

Joel and Karma Brokaw

Wood
Joel and Karma Brokaw

Rich Herrmann

Photography
Rich Herrmann

Dan Kemp

Jewelry
Dan Kemp

Olga Krasovska

Painting
Olga Krasovska

Erica Gooding

Jewelry
Erica Gooding

Maggie Joynt

Jewelry
Maggie Joynt

Wayne & Karen Ruff

Sculpture
Wayne & Karen Ruff

Susan Cunningham

Fiber
Susan Cunningham

Laura McGarvey

Ceramics/Clay
Laura McGarvey

Laura Ross

Jewelry
Laura Ross

Kirk Niehouse

Ceramics/Clay
Kirk Niehouse

Zanetta Hoehle

Jewelry
Zanetta Hoehle

Sandy Hunter

Painting
Sandy Hunter

Sean Corner

Sculpture
Sean Corner

Elizabeth Robertson

Ceramics/Clay,Fiber
Elizabeth Robertson

Richard Robertson

Ceramics/Clay
Richard Robertson

Lisa Nelson

Fiber
Lisa Nelson

Nancy Krahn

Jewelry
Nancy Krahn

Connie Rodgers

Jewelry
Connie Rodgers

Mary Meier

Mixed Media
Mary Meier

Cynthia Simos

Sculpture
Cynthia Simos

Jeff Easley

Wood
Jeff Easley

Lori Field

Wood
Lori Field

Kelsey Wilson

Painting
Kelsey Wilson

Hannah Gebhart

Printmaking
Hannah Gebhart

Chris Kuntz

Fiber
Chris Kuntz

Allison McClain

Mixed Media
Allison McClain

Judith Miller

Ceramics/Clay
Judith Miller

Nicole OBrien

Painting
Nicole OBrien

Ariane Parkes-Perret

Mixed Media
Ariane Parkes-Perret

Joshua Steele

Photography
Joshua Steele

Zitong Yin

Fiber
Zitong Yin

Daniel Fenn

Glass
Daniel Fenn

Susan Kennicott

Mixed Media
Susan Kennicott

Michael Tygart

Wood
Michael Tygart

Mika Sorak-Weirbach

Sculpture
Mika Sorak-Weirbach

Breanna Engelhardt

Ceramics/Clay
Breanna Engelhardt

Nicole Gyles

Painting
Nicole Gyles

Jaime Smisek

Mixed Media
Jaime Smisek

Carlos Maldonado

Painting
Carlos Maldonado

Reinhard Herzog

Glass
Reinhard Herzog

Leigh Macemore

Drawing
Leigh Macemore

Kathy Reinartz

Ceramics/Clay
Kathy Reinartz

Caroline Warren

Ceramics/Clay
Caroline Warren

Andreas Soemadi

Digital
Andreas Soemadi

Candida Deree

Glass
Candida Deree

Libby Loescher

Glass
Libby Loescher

Heather Morphew Nelson

Jewelry
Heather Morphew Nelson

Justin Meier

Metal,Sculpture
Justin Meier

Vera Ranguelova

Painting
Vera Ranguelova

Lynne Majetic

Glass
Lynne Majetic

Rachel Pauli

Jewelry
Rachel Pauli

Carolina Niebres

Ceramics/Clay
Carolina Niebres

Lindsey Ayers

Ceramics/Clay
Lindsey Ayers

Karen Homann

Fiber
Karen Homann

Bonnie Ohrt

Fiber
Bonnie Ohrt

Steve Mitchell

Jewelry
Steve Mitchell

Mary Beth Willems

Jewelry
Mary Beth Willems

Erin Taylor

Jewelry
Erin Taylor

Josie Wilkening

Metal
Josie Wilkening

Robin Hesselgesser

Mixed Media
Robin Hesselgesser

Shelly Bales

Painting
Shelly Bales

Christine Song

Painting
Christine Song

Diana Sproles

Painting
Diana Sproles

Jacque Hudson

Painting
Jacque Hudson

Kara Backlund Clapp

Painting
Kara Backlund Clapp

Jeffrey Ignatius

Photography
Jeffrey Ignatius

Larry Cook

Wood
Larry Cook

Michael Thompson

Wood
Michael Thompson

Eat for the Arts at Rayo's Mexican Bar & Grill
2025-12-15 08:00 - 21:00 | Rayo’s Mexican Bar & Grill, 125 E Zeller St, North Liberty, 52317, United States
Join us on December 15 for Eat for the Arts at Rayo’s Mexican Bar & Grill! Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks, 10% of all sales will go directly to Summer of the Arts—supporting free, family-friendly arts programming across our community.
Located in North Liberty, Rayo’s is your destination for authentic Mexican cuisine, including their specialty birria tacos, great cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends and family.
Eat well. Give back. Help keep the arts thriving in our community!

Eat for the Arts at Tribute Eatery & Bar
2026-02-12 11:00 - 21:00 | Tribute Eatery & Bar, 901 E. 2nd Ave. Suite 100, Coralville, IA, 52241, United States
Join us on February 12 for Eat for the Arts at Tribute Eatery & Bar! Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner, or drinks, 10% of all sales will be donated to Summer of the Arts — supporting free, family-friendly arts programming throughout our community.
Located in Coralville, Tribute Eatery & Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere with a delicious breakfast-to-dinner menu featuring burgers, salads, steaks, and more, along with a great selection of beers, cocktails, and wines.
Eat well. Give back. Help keep the arts thriving in our community!

Summer of the Arts Fundraiser featuring The Beaker Brothers Band
2026-03-06 19:30 - 22:30 | First Avenue Club, 1550 S. 1st Ave., Iowa City, 52240, United States
Join us for a night of live music in support of Summer of the Arts!
The Beaker Brothers Band takes the stage for an evening of great tunes, community, and fundraising to support free arts programming in Iowa City.
Where: First Avenue Club – Doors open at 6:30 PM
When: Friday, March 6 | Live music: 7:30–10:30 PM
Cost: $15 cover (includes free appetizers!) – payable at the door!
Proceeds support the Summer of the Arts — helping bring free concerts, arts, and culture to our community all summer long.
Grab your friends and come dance with us!

Eat for the Arts at Micky’s Irish Pub
2026-05-07 11:00 - 23:45 | Micky’s Irish Pub, 11 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Join us on May 7 for Eat for the Arts at Micky’s Irish Pub! Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, dinner, or drinks, 15% of all sales will be donated to Summer of the Arts — supporting free, family-friendly arts programming across our community.
Micky’s Irish Pub is a longtime favorite for craft brews, cocktails, and whiskey, featuring a vintage bar, patio seating, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy great food and drinks while giving back to the arts.
Eat well. Give back. Keep the arts thriving in our community!
