April 7, 2025

Things to do this weekend in the Iowa City area

April 18-20

Here what’s happening in Iowa City this weekend. There’s an arena football game, multiple plays, free music and live theatre performances. Find more things to do by visiting our events calendar or to submit your own event here.

The Lifespan of a Fact

Presented by Riverside Theatre

The Lifespan of a Fact opens this weekend with performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. as well as Sunday at 2 p.m.

There will be a talkback with Adam Knight and John D’Agata, critically acclaimed author, professor, and director of the University of Iowa’s Nonfiction Writing Program following the Saturday evening performance.

An eager intern at a top literary magazine is given a career-making assignment – fact-checking a new work by a celebrated essayist. The only problem is, most of the facts in the essay are embellished, adjusted, or just plain made up!

We’ll Get Back To You

April 4-19

Presented by Crooked Path Theatre

Come on out to The James Theater to catch a performance this weekend.

Bestselling author Rob Bell’s new play begins with this disruptive presence, and gradually begins to reveal what happens when people own every square inch of their lives.

At turns hysterically funny, deeply moving, and ultimately subversive, this is a play for anyone who has had a job in the industrialized world and wonders if maybe the whole system needs a change. Directed by Tony Award nominee Kristin Hanggi (Rock of Ages).

More information about show times and tickets.

Gallery & Game Night

Saturday

Diversions Games & Cafe

Coralville

Join us for Diversions’ first gallery reception, featuring the incredible illustrations of Candice Broersma, who–in addition to being an illustrator of book covers and gaming assets–is developing her own card game “Shrumans” from a series of mushroom-themed characters she has illustrated!

From 7-10PM, enjoy light refreshments, check out Diversions’ new space featuring Candice’s series “The Uncanny Forest” on our gallery wall, and try out “Shrumans” for yourself as we play-test the game right here at the lounge. It will be an evening of artistic enjoyment and playful gaming, so don’t miss out.

About Candice Broersma, Illustrator:
Candice Broersma received her Master of Arts in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art & Design and has been illustrating professionally for over 10 years. She creates imaginative artwork for book covers as well as a variety of commercial projects, including posters, cd covers, and gaming assets. Broersma’s primary medium is digital, using traditional methods of drawing and painting with a Wacom graphics tablet and Adobe Photoshop. She also enjoys creating small works with traditional media, including the Uncanny Forest series on display at Diversions Tabletop Game Lounge currently.

Broersma’s work has multiple features in the fantasy art annual “Infected by Art” and is a former recipient of the Kevin Workman Foundation San Diego Comic Con Sponsorship. Broersma is an advocate for ethical art-making and hopes to bring light to the plagiarism of generative AI trained on the copyrighted works of writers, illustrators, musicians, and other creatives. She is currently developing her ‘Shrumans” characters into a mushroom-themed card game and can sometimes be found foraging for fungi around Iowa City, where she lives.

Mystery Hour with Jeff Houghton

Saturday

Englert Theatre

Iowa City

The Mystery Hour with Jeff Houghton returns to The Englert for the second time. Hosted by Iowa City native Jeff Houghton, the uproarious late night talk show features music, interviews, and comedy. Joining Houghton for an interview will be special guest Jim O’Heir, from the sitcom, Parks and Recreation, which aired for seven seasons on NBC. O’Heir played the role of Jerry Gergich, and recently published a book, Welcome to Pawnee, Stories of Friendship, Waffles, and Parks and Recreation.
The Mystery Hour aired for 10 seasons on various FOX, ABC, NBC, & CW affiliates around the country before returning to a renewed focus on live and touring shows. During its time on television the show received 4 Emmy awards from the Mid-America chapter, a silver Telly Award, and a Webby nomination.

A portion of the proceeds from The Englert show will go toward Inside Out Reentry Community, which serves people returning to Johnson County after incarceration.

Friday Night Music – Tanya English Band

Friday

Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery

Swisher

A longtime fan of the blues, Tanya’s singing career started out at the Monday Night All Stars gigs in Iowa City. After several years of sitting in for a few tunes, she decided to create her own band. Husband and bassist, Ed English. He’s an active member of the music scene for over thirty years and will be joined by veteran players Sean Seaton on keys, Paul Cunliffe on drums, and Dave Rosazza on guitar. You may recognize them from Shade of Blue and other area bands. They’ll bring a high-energy mix of classic blues from the woman’s point of view, including stories of love gone wrong, and gone right. Enjoy the full menu, delicious beverages, and a beautiful venue. No cover, family-friendly show.

Coralville Chaos Arena Football

A wide angle view as Coralville Chaos players high-five each other as they are introduced during a American Indoor Football (AIF) game between the Coralville Chaos and West Michigan Ironmen, Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Xtream Arena in Coralville, Iowa. Photo by Joseph Cress/Think Iowa City

Saturday

Xtream Arena

Coralville

Come on out to support the Coralville Chaos in its inaugural season for this fast-paced American Indoor Football action. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. kickoff at 6:30 p.m.