Summer of the Arts in Iowa City
Experience all Iowa City has to offer with free, family fun entertainment during the many events of Iowa City's Summer of the Arts. From the acclaimed Iowa City Jazz Festival and Iowa City Art Festival to the Free Friday Night Concert Series, there are many experiences to share just outside Sheraton Iowa City during the summer.
The Toyota-Scion of Iowa City Jazz Festival
Share the experience of Iowa City's Jazz Festival, July 2 - 4, 2010, featuring the sounds of innovative sounds of popular jazz performers. As an added bonus, celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with a spectacular fireworks show. The main stage of the festival is conveniently located just a few blocks from Sheraton Iowa City hotel.
Kicking off in 1991, the Iowa City Jazz Festival is recognized as a top on of the "Top 10 Festivals in the Nation" by Downbeat magazine and is annually recorded by National Public Radio and broadcasted nationally for its high quality performances. Over the years, performs have included John Scofield, Paquito D'Rivera, Joe Lovano, Kenny Garrett, Roy Haynes, Dave Douglas, Bill Frisell, Joey de Francesco and Charlie Hunter.
Please Note: The Iowa City Jazz Festival will go on, rain or shine.
Friday Night Concert Series presented by the Iowa City Press-Citizen
Why should a concert be limited to a special occasion? It shouldn't! Iowa City's Friday Night Concert Series provides free, family friendly entertainment each Friday night during the summer - rain or shine! All performances are conveniently held from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. just one block away from Sheraton Iowa City at the Weatherdance Fountain Stage. For almost 20 years, this FREE, family-friendly concert series has featured live music performances from local bands from May through September.
Free Movie Series sponsored by MidWestOne Bank
For the last five years on the University of Iowa campus, Iowa City's Free Movie Series in the summer has been a great opportunity to catch a fun flick outside. With the historic screen from the Englert Theater handing on the columns of Macbride Hall, there is no more perfect setting to watch a film.
A schedule of dates and films will be posted.
Sand in the City
Presented by Bank of the West, Sand in the City brings the beach to Iowa City. Sponsored by corporations, the University of Iowa and local organizations, each sand team works with professional sand sculptors and local architects to build the best sand sculpture in the city. The event takes place within a few blocks of Sheraton Iowa City and is the perfect way to spend a late summer afternoon. Live music and adult and family friendly activities complete the day.
Iowa City Art Festival
Part of Iowa City's Summer of the Arts series, the Iowa Art Festival held on June 5 - 6, 2010 is a free community event displaying and selling the crafts of local over 115 local and regional artists, a music festival, a culinary event and more. An experience in Iowa City for over five years, the celebration is fun for both adults and children. Special children's activities include puppets, crafts,
music and dance.
Best of all, the festival is an opportunity to sample regional food favorites from Iowa and around the world. On Sunday, June 6, a special ICARE Pancake Breakfast supports individuals and family members of individuals coping with AIDS.