Free Week 2026, Downtown Iowa City’s Winter Arts & Culture Festival, spans seven days in mid-February and boasts a full programming schedule with more than 50 admission-free events and performances across 20+ iconic downtown venues.
Now in its second year, Free Week showcases a diverse celebration of music, theater, film, literature, visual arts, and hands-on creative workshops. From live performances at beloved music venues, to interactive art-making experiences, thought-provoking film screenings, literary events, and museum programming, the festival offers something for all ages and interests.
Attendees can experience everything from concerts and silent discos to playwright showcases, symphony performances, drag shows, comedy nights, and community workshops, all free and open to the public.
Sponsored by Think Iowa City and the Iowa City Downtown District, Free Week is designed to energize the community during the quieter winter months while celebrating the artists, venues, and creativity that make Iowa City special.
Free Week 2026 highlights include:
- Elizabeth Moen at The Englert Theatre – A homecoming performance from the Iowa City-rooted singer-songwriter
- Silent Disco at the UI Museum of Natural History – An innovative twist on museum programming
- Free Movie Tuesdays at FilmScene – All shows, both locations
- Live Music & Performances at Gabe’s, Elray’s Live & Dive, Vue Rooftop, Studio 13, and AlleyCat featuring local, regional, and national acts
- One Book Two Book Festival with Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature
- Hands-On Workshops including embroidery at the Stanley Museum of Art, printmaking at Public Space One, and beadwork at Beadology
- UI Symphony Orchestra performances at Voxman Music Building, featuring acclaimed composers Lowell Liebermann and Gabriel Kahane
- Ten-Minute Play Festival at the UI Theatre Building, showcasing new works by undergraduate playwrights
- And much more across Prairie Lights, Riverside Theatre, Iowa City Public Library, and additional partner venues
All programming is admission-free with a variety of events catering to all ages and backgrounds.
A complete schedule of events is available at www.xmarksthearts.com.