Iowa City will be buzzing this weekend with a full slate of events, from the return of Hancher’s Infinite Dream Festival to the ever-popular Northside Oktoberfest. Here are eight can’t-miss happenings:
Spend a Night with University of Iowa Literary Legends (Friday)
As part of Hancher’s Infinite Dream Festival, poet and author Kaveh Akbar (“Martyr!”) joins Daniel Khalastchi, executive director of the University of Iowa’s Office of Writing and Communication, for a literary discussion at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at the Voxman Music Building. Akbar will read from his work and reflect on the power of language and art’s role in our future. Registration is available online.
TGIF with the Second Half and Anthony Worden & the Illiterati (Friday)
The Summer of the Arts Friday Night Concert Series wraps up with indie acts Second Half and Anthony Worden & the Illiterati performing on the Pedmall at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19. The concert is free.
Raise a Stein at Northside Oktoberfest (Saturday)
Back for its 29th year, Oktoberfest takes over the Northside neighborhood from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Enjoy beer games, German eats, live music, and contests. BrewFest tickets ($60) include unlimited samples from more than 40 vendors and a custom glass.
Prefer a more casual vibe? The Bier Hall on North Linn Street runs from 12 to 8 p.m. Saturday. A $5 commemorative cup lets you buy beer and wine from participating venues and enjoy them throughout the street festival, which also features Maypole dancing, live music, and the crowd-favorite Stein Holding Competition.
Kids can join in at the family-friendly SodaFest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Market and Linn streets. A $5 wristband gets each child a custom mug, unlimited soda samples, and access to pumpkin decorating, art projects, and more.
Discover Creativity at the Kids Market (Saturday)
The Kids’ Market returns to the Iowa City Farmers Market from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Young entrepreneurs will showcase handmade crafts, treats, artwork, and more.
Celebrate Oubre at the Stanley (Saturday)
To mark Hayward Oubre’s birthday, the Stanley Museum of Art hosts a special Stanley Creates workshop from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Participants will make wire sculptures inspired by Oubre’s exhibition “Structural Integrity.” Materials and cupcakes are provided. Free, but online registration is encouraged. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Catch a Classic Under the Stars at FilmScene in the Park (Saturday)
FilmScene’s free outdoor movie series returns to Chauncey Swan Park at 7:10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, with a screening of the classic “It Happened One Night.” Concessions, including beer and wine, will be available 30 minutes before the film.
Shop Local at the Public Space One Art Market (Sunday)
Big Grove Brewery’s Iowa City taproom transforms into a community art market from 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. Discover local artists and shop unique creations. Admission is free.
Experience History Live at the Englert Theatre (Sunday)
Professor Greg Jackson brings his popular podcast “History That Doesn’t Suck” to life at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. “The Unlikely Union” tells the story of American history from the Revolution through the Civil War with humor, live music, and multimedia. Tickets range from $15 to $49; doors open at 6:30 p.m.
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