If you’re a student, you’ll probably attend at least one event at the University of Iowa Welcome Week. And there’s plenty of fun to be had–from the President’s Block Party to Chuck Klosterman at the Englert courtesy of the UI Lecture Series next Wednesday. But, there are also, plenty of non-University events this weekend to boot.
Thursday, August 21 – Sunday, August 24
Landlocked Film Festival | Various Downtown Locations | Free
The second annual Landlocked Film Festival (click here for more Landlocked coverage) hits town Thursday. The festival doesn’t have a specific focus, which means everyone should find something they like here. This year’s program features everything from well-produced family flicks (Flyboys) to locally made docs to a Spanish-language shorts program. Even if you only have an hour to spare, you owe it to yourself to have an “Out-of-Hollywood Experience.” And why not? There aren’t many free film festivals in the country.
Friday, August 21
Pro Boxing | Johnson County Fairgrounds | 6:30pm | $20-40
The Sweet Science…I know you’re thinking it may not be your cup of tea, or ours for that matter. But this bout features Iowa City natives Emily and Katy Klinefelter, sisters who’ve done quite well for themselves since switching from gymnastics a decade ago. Both sisters have a sizable collection of national championships in their names, but this is the first time Katy steps into the ring as a pro, and doing it in her hometown.
Saturday, August 22
Alley Walk and Garage Sale Day | Linn St, Northside Neighborhood | 9am-noon | Free
The Northside Neighborhoods “historic alleys” were spruced up this summer in a beautification project. Take a stroll through the backstreets to admire the gardens and check out the discount goodies at the garage sales along the way. Plus, there’s a promise of lemonade stands. How can you resist?
India Bazaar | Johnson County Fairgrounds | 11am-4pm
If you work up an appetite on the alley walk, head to the Fairgrounds south of town and grab some traditional Indian grub. While you’re there check out the crafts, art, dance, music and henna paintings too. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Iowa City Free Dental Clinic.
Sunday, August 24
Sertoma Airport Pancake Breakfast | Iowa City Municipal Airport | 7am – 12:30pm | $5 for adults, $3 for kids,
free for toddlers and flood victims
Nothing says “Midwest” like a good ol fashioned pancake breakfast. But this breakfast comes with a twist: big mahcines. While you eat your short stack, marvel at the WWII relic Beechcraft AT-11 Kansan, or other airplanes, firetrucks and fancy machines. Plus, for $25 you can hop aboard a local airplane for a scenic flight over Iowa City, Coralville and the Reservoir.
I’m executive director of the Downtown Association of Iowa City (DTA).
Newsflash:
The DTA has partnered with the University of Iowa Welcome Week to organize “Taste of Iowa City” to take place downtown Wednesday, August 27th from 4:00-8:00 pm.
There are 26 restaurants setting up on the sidewalk in front of their establishments offering “tastes” of their menu priced at $1 to $3 per item. Many of the retail merchants are holding sidewalk sales as well.
The purpose of Taste is to introduce new UI students, returning students and the public to the variety of tastes available in Iowa City. $1 tickets are on sale in tents on the ped mall, at the entrance at Dubuque and Washington Sts. The University is giving $5 worth of tickets to the first-time students in their registration package.
Next year we’d like to promote this in the Little Village. For now, if there is a way to include the info in your Welcome Week schedule of events on your site, the DTA and University would appreciate it. If you have any questions please contact me.
Thanks for your consideration, Darla