From Asian Fest to mini golf, here's what's happening in Iowa City this weekend

Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen
·2 min read

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is being honored with a day-long festival in Coralville and downtown Iowa City classics make their seasonal return. Here are the top five things to do in Iowa City this weekend.

Floodwater Comedy Festival is an annual festival that happens only in Iowa City for three days, starting on Thursday, May 16, and ending on Saturday, May 18
Floodwater Comedy Festival is an annual festival that happens only in Iowa City for three days, starting on Thursday, May 16, and ending on Saturday, May 18

Floodwater Comedy Festival

Floodwater Comedy Festival is an annual three-day festival exclusive to Iowa City, from Thursday, May 16, and through Saturday, May 18. The weekend lineup includes stand-up comedy sets and improv shows at Willow Creek Theatre and Alley Cat. Headline performers include Chicago-based comedian Sohrab Forouzesh and award-winning writer for "CONAN" Laurie Kilmartin. Tickets are available on the Englert Theatre's website. Full weekend passes cost $60, and single-day passes cost $30.

The group behind the hits, like "Boogie Back To Texas," will take on the Englert Theatre stage at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17
The group behind the hits, like "Boogie Back To Texas," will take on the Englert Theatre stage at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17

Asleep at the Wheel at The Englert Theatre

With more than 30 albums and nine Grammy Awards, Asleep at the Wheel is coming to Iowa City. Ray Benson has been the driving force behind the iconic country group for more than five decades. With hits like "Boogie Back To Texas," they will take the Englert Theatre stage at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17. Tickets are available on the Englert Theatre's website and range from $28 to $58.

the Coralville Asian Fest returns for a second year. Happening from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, May 18 at ST Morrison Park at 1513 5th St., Coralville
the Coralville Asian Fest returns for a second year. Happening from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, May 18 at ST Morrison Park at 1513 5th St., Coralville

Coralville Asian Fest       

After a smashing success in 2023, the Coralville Asian Fest returns for a second year. Held from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at ST Morrison Park (1513 5th St., Coralville), the free event celebrates diversity through multicultural music, arts, food, and performances.

Puttin' Around Downtown is an annual event in the corridor where participating teams of four can swing their way through downtown in a 15-hole mini golf course
Puttin' Around Downtown is an annual event in the corridor where participating teams of four can swing their way through downtown in a 15-hole mini golf course

2024 Puttin' Around Downtown

Puttin' Around Downtown is an annual corridor event where participating teams of four can swing their way through a 15-hole mini golf course. The registration fee for teams of four costs $55 and includes a team photobooth picture at check-in, access to the putt-putt holes at participating businesses, custom downtown Iowa City swag items, access to drink and food specials at each hole, and entry for prizes. Foursomes can navigate the course at their own pace. Puttin' Around Downtown will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, May 18. Registration is open and available on Iowa City Downtown District's website.

Drag Bingo at Sanctuary Pub, featuring drag queens from Studio 13, is back this month. At 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 19
Drag Bingo at Sanctuary Pub, featuring drag queens from Studio 13, is back this month. At 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 19

Pub Drag Bingo

Drag Bingo returns to Sanctuary Pub this month, featuring drag queens from Studio 13. Beep Beep and Tina Lemon Johnsons will host the free, all-ages event at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 19. In addition to more than $200 in prizes, Sanctuary Pub will offer drink and meal deals, including $15 charcuterie boards and $2 Hamms and PBR. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by calling the establishment.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: From mini golf to Asian Fest, five things to do in Iowa City this weekend