Help eliminate greenhouse gas emissions and look to the future at Iowa City's 4th annual Climate Fest

Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen
Updated ·4 min read
Iowa City Climate Fest started as a response following the adoption of Iowa City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, with a goal of raising awareness of climate action efforts and ways residents can be involved.
Iowa City Climate Fest started as a response following the adoption of Iowa City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, with a goal of raising awareness of climate action efforts and ways residents can be involved.

Battling climate change isn't a singular activity. It takes a concentrated effort from an entire community invested in the future.

Iowa City's Climate Fest initially piggybacked off the local government's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, hoping to raise awareness for climate change by hosting various interactive events.

Now entering its fourth year, the festival has expanded into a weeklong celebration, starting with events on Monday, Sept. 18 and running through Saturday, Sept. 23. The festival encourages residents to aim for a net-zero greenhouse emission goal while also celebrating what is already in motion to combat climate change.

The first Iowa City Climate Fest, in 2020, was spread out over a series of virtual events. Today, the festival is held throughout Iowa City, piloted by an interactive focus and local partnerships.

“The way we talk about climate change matters," said Megan Hill, a University of Iowa graduate and a Climate Fest organzier for the city. "When we are given a chance to connect with others and see the progress being made, we know we aren’t facing these challenges alone and that it is possible to make a difference,”

The Climate Action and Adaptation Plan for the City of Iowa City outlines 35 actions for the community and city to take, which should result in a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Back again this year is the Big Grove celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 20, which will feature some different organizations than last year’s event.
Back again this year is the Big Grove celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 20, which will feature some different organizations than last year’s event.

Iowa City Climate Fest will commemorate its 2023 celebration with a party at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13 at Big Grove Brewery's Iowa City taproom. A new city-wide initiative also highlights the festival Fare Free Iowa City. Fare Free Iowa City is a two-year pilot program bringing free rides to everyone in Iowa City on Iowa City Transit.

“There is truly something for everyone. The number and variety of partner organizations has grown,” Hill said. “This year, we are especially excited that, thanks to the Fare Free pilot program, people can hop on a bus to attend any events without worrying about paying for parking or transportation. The events have always been free. Now getting to them is too.”

Iowa City Climate Fest is free for all ages and event organizers encourage residents to ride the bus to the various activities next week. Different giveaways, prizes, and activities will be provided at each event. For more information, visit icgov.org .

Closing out Climate Fest with our electric vehicle car show on Sept. 23 in the eastside of City Hall, featuring several new electric models including pickup trucks.
Closing out Climate Fest with our electric vehicle car show on Sept. 23 in the eastside of City Hall, featuring several new electric models including pickup trucks.

Monday, Sept. 18: Walk and Roll Jam

When: 3-6:30 p.m.

Where: Old Capitol Mall interchange

Celebrate Fare Free Iowa City at the transit interchange downtown in front of the Old Capitol Mall (61 East Washington St.) with freebies and live music.

Tuesday, Sept. 19: Speaking of...Live!

When: 6 p.m.

Where: The Green House

Iowa City’s Recycling Coordinator, Jane Wilch, and Climate Action Coordinator, Sarah Gardner, host a resource discussion resources for renters, from accessing recycling and composting options, while answering general questions about how to take personal action to combat Climate Change. Speaking of... will happen at the Green House (505 E. Washington St.).

Wednesday, Sept. 20: Climate Fest Celebration

When: 5-8 p.m.

Where: Big Grove Brewery in Iowa City

Celebrate Iowa City’s climate success this past year at Big Grove all our climate successes this year. Multiple community organizations will offer resources, including Iowa City Parks and Recreation, Whiterock Conservancy, and Iowa City Public Library’s Bookmobile. Tours of Big Grove will be provided for an insider look.

Thursday, Sept. 21: Pollinator Drive-In and "My Garden of a Thousand Bees"

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Robert A. Lee Rec Center and The Iowa City Airport

Make bees with recycled materials at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center (220 South Gilbert St.). The bees will then be installed in the Discovery Garden. Artist Elena V. Smyrniotis created the Bee Project, which offers an exciting, interactive, collaborative experience.

At 6:30 p.m., head to Iowa City Municipal Airport (1801 South Riverside Dr.) for fun activities before the screening of “My Garden of a Thousand Bees.”

Friday, Sept. 22: Defeat the Heat

When: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Where: The Senior Center

In July, more than 30 volunteers drove predetermined routes in Iowa City three times each day with sensors attached to their vehicles. These sensors measured temperature, time, and location every second. CAPA Strategies compiled the data to show us where the heat lands are in Iowa City. Learn about the results, heat illness, and preparedness at the Senior Center (28 South Linn St.).

Saturday, Sept. 23 EVs at the Market

When: 7:30 a.m. to noon

Where: Downtown Iowa City

Alongside Iowa City’s Farmers Market, visit the third rendition of their electric vehicle show, EVs at the Market, as a part of National Drive Electric Week.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@presscitizen.com.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: The fourth annual Iowa City Climate Fest is set for Sept. 18 to 23