Looking for things to do during September in Iowa City?
Check out these events going on throughout the month in our collection of curious communities.
Find more things to do by visiting our events calendar or to submit your own event here. Sign up for our free events e-newsletter #ICtheWeekend. For information about weekly farmers markets in the Iowa City area click here.
FRYfest: Legends of Kinnick
17th annual FRYfest, A Celebration Of All That Is Hawkeye
Friday, September 4
Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center
Coralville
FRYfest, a celebration of all that is Hawkeye, returns to the Iowa River Landing this FRYday, September 4, presented by the Eastern Iowa Airport!
This year we celebrate the Legends of Kinnick, from unforgettable moments, traditions, players and coaches.
Take part in the FRYfest Games, kids’ activities, and the World’s Largest Hawkeye Tradeshow.
End your night with a concert featuring the Spazmatics and Rattlebox. Kick off the Hawkeye season the right way at FRYfest!
Tig Notaro
Tig Notaro Out of Nowhere Tour at Hancher
Wednesday, September 9
Hancher Auditorium
Iowa City
One of Rolling Stone’s 50 best comedians of all time rolls into Hancher.
In 2013, Tig Notaro had the best-selling comedy album of the year. Live was recorded just days after Notaro was diagnosed with breast cancer (now in remission)—and the success of that set could be said to have launched her career from her native Mississippi to the far reaches of space (IYKYK) and plenty of places in between. Through it all, her comedy has remained razor sharp—and her appearance at Hancher builds on four previous stops at The Englert.
I, Will: A Late Romance
I, Will: A Late Romance at Riverside Theatre
September 10-27
Riverside Theatre
Iowa City
by Scott Carter
directed by Adam Knight
Synopsis: What happens when history’s greatest playwright loses his groove? The year is 1608: London is under the shadow of plague, its ruler is erratic, and the arts are in peril. (Sound familiar?) Shakespeare’s latest tragedies are no longer drawing audiences; his acting company wants a crowd-pleaser; the King needs a Psalm; and the playwright himself is questioning whether his greatest work is behind him. When an unlikely encounter sends him into the colorful world of star-crossed lovers, brash rogues, and enterprising brothel keepers, Shakespeare discovers the inspiration that propels him to his last great plays.
Written by Emmy-winning producer and playwright Scott Carter, whose previous play The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: Discord was produced by Riverside in 2019. I, Will: A Late Romance is generously sponsored by Denice and Michael Connell.
I, Will: A Late Romance is produced at Riverside Theatre as part of a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. Other Partner Theaters are Stage West Theatre (Fort Worth, Texas) and The Invisible Theatre (Tucson, Arizona). For more information, please visit nnpn.org
Gin Blossoms
Gin Blossoms perform at Hy-Vee Amphitheater
Sunday, September 13
Hy-Vee Amphitheater
North Liberty
Multi-platinum American alternative rock band Gin Blossoms will perform at Hy-Vee Amphitheater at Centennial Park on Sunday, Sept. 13.
All tickets are general admission on the outdoor stage’s greenspace; $55 for adults and $25 for students/youth.
This event is in partnership with the Englert Theatre, but the concert will take place at Hy-Vee Amphitheater at Centennial Park, located at 1565 Saint Andrews Drive in North Liberty.
For Kicks
For Kicks: Documentary Premiere
Wednesday, September 16
FilmScene at the Chauncey
Iowa City
“For Kicks is a unique fusion masterfully crafted by director Sea Fahey.”—Daniel Patton, Screen Magazine
Semi-retired Chicago security guard Eugene Thomas reflects on his life, music, and martial arts practice. Oh, and that decade between the 80s and 90s when he was an international celebrity, starring in a dozen ninja movies filmed in Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Also featuring Ron van Clief (The Black Dragon), For Kicks is a unique window into the history of black martial arts in movies.
Iowa City Latino Fest
Iowa City Latino Fest 2026
Saturday, September 19
Downtown
Iowa City
The Iowa City 2026 Latino Fest will take place on Saturday, September 19th, at the Ped-Mall in Downtown Iowa City.
For over a decade, Iowa City Latino Festival has been a vibrant, pulsating celebration that serves as a captivating showcase of Latino traditions, dance, food, and music.
This joyous fiesta not only spotlights numerous talented local musicians and traditional dance ensembles but also transforms Iowa City into a vibrant epicenter of cultural exchange.
Farm Cycle 4 Youth
Farm Cycle 4 Youth with the Iowa City Bike Library and United Action for Youth
Sunday, September 20
Iowa City Bike Library
Iowa City
The Bike Library and United Action for Youth have merged their fund-rides – Farm Cycle and Ride 4 Youth into one incredible event: Farm Cycle 4 Youth!
Join 350 riders for a multi-course culinary adventure on two wheels. You’ll meet local farmers, explore Iowa acreages, and enjoy delicious local food and craft beverages al fresco.
Stops include Walker Homestead, Mark and Val’s home, Lucky Star Farm, and Belgum Grove.
One ticket is applicable to any route: 18, 28, or 41 miles. Discounted student tickets are available. This collaboration raises funds in support of each organizations’ vital youth programs!
Shelter House BBQ Bash
2026 Shelter House BBQ Bash
Friday, September 25
Johnson County Fairgrounds
Iowa City
Delicious, smoked meats have been a staple of BBQ Bash each year. This fall, we are hosting this annual fundraiser at the Johnson County Fairgrounds on Friday, September 25 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. There will be live music, activities for all ages, and delicious, mouth-watering barbeque.
Northside Oktoberfest
2026 Iowa City BrewFest – Northside Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 26
Northside
Iowa City
Celebrate 30 years of Northside Oktoberfest at Iowa City BrewFest on Saturday, September 26!
Your favorite beer festival returns to the Northside this fall as part of the 30th Annual Northside Oktoberfest. From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., enjoy unlimited craft beer samples while soaking up the Bohemian spirit that has made this neighborhood celebration a tradition for three decades. Spend the afternoon enjoying live entertainment, savoring authentic Bavarian fare, playing classic beer games, cheering on comical contests, and most importantly, sampling unlimited craft beer.
African Festival of Arts & Culture
African Festival of Arts & Culture 2026
Saturday, September 26
Downtown
Iowa City
Iowa is home to African immigrants from many different countries, ethnic and linguistic groups, and cultures.
Africa Fest brings together people from across these groups to highlight the diversity of African life and to celebrate all that Africans bring to Iowa.
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