Iowa City's weekend delights from live local music to cultural celebrations

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

Maximize your weekend in Iowa City by exploring all the area has to offer, from vibrant local music and dynamic student theater productions by a University of Iowa student to indulging in the freshest culinary trends.

Here are five things to check out this weekend.

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"Herein Lies the Truth," an autobiographical play by Aaron Pang, a current MFA candidate at the Iowa Nonfiction Writers Workshop, challenges audience perceptions about disability and the purpose of sharing personal narratives, debuting at Riverside Theatre.
"Herein Lies the Truth," an autobiographical play by Aaron Pang, a current MFA candidate at the Iowa Nonfiction Writers Workshop, challenges audience perceptions about disability and the purpose of sharing personal narratives, debuting at Riverside Theatre.

Herein Lies the Truth

"Herein Lies the Truth" is an autobiographical play by solo writer-performer Aaron Pang, a current MFA candidate at the Iowa Nonfiction Writers Workshop. "Herein Lies the Truth" makes the audience question how preconceived notions about disability can blur the truth about who the stories are for and their purpose.

The play opens at Riverside Theatre this weekend and runs through April 28. Saturday's performance at 7:30 p.m. will be followed by a discussion with Pang, Andre Perry, Christopher-Rasheem McMillan, and Tisa Bryant. Talk-back discussion with Pang, Miriam Gilbert, and director Johanna Kasimow will follow Sunday's matinee performance at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available on Riverside Theatre's website and range from $15 to $39.

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Halfloves, featuring, from left, Zach Ziemer, Jeff Roalson, Lucas Adolphson, Trevor Polk and Nate Cooper pose prior to their performance at the Englert Theatre's second local showcase Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 in Downtown Iowa City.
Halfloves, featuring, from left, Zach Ziemer, Jeff Roalson, Lucas Adolphson, Trevor Polk and Nate Cooper pose prior to their performance at the Englert Theatre's second local showcase Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 in Downtown Iowa City.

Halfloves with Jim Swim and Lou Sherry

Catch some of Iowa City's favorite local musicians at 8 p.m., Friday, April 19 at Gabe's. Halfloves is an indie-rock five-piece from eastern Iowa. They've been rockin' Iowa City for the past eight years since the release of their debut self-titled album.

Jim Swim blends alternative hip-hop and indie soul to create music that seemingly fits in your back pocket, stuck in your head for days. Lou Sherry is the latest project by composer and lyricist Denny Richards. It blends pop elements with classical jazz. General admission tickets are available at Gabe's and cost $12.

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The 28th Annual University of Iowa Powwow celebrates Native American rich heritage. The event will happen at the Johnson County Fairgrounds on April 20.
The 28th Annual University of Iowa Powwow celebrates Native American rich heritage. The event will happen at the Johnson County Fairgrounds on April 20.

Annual University of Iowa Powwow

The 28th annual University of Iowa Powwow celebrates Native American music, dance, art, and cuisine. It fosters social and cultural connections among Native students and local Native communities in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and nearby regions. The event is also an opportunity for non-Native neighbors and allies to partake in and appreciate Native American's rich cultural Heritage. Doors for the event open at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 20 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. Tickets cost $5, and students with valid college IDs or children under 10 are free.

Samples of Field Day Brewing Co.'s new THC beverage, Day Dreamer, are pictured at the brewery Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024 in North Liberty, Iowa.
Samples of Field Day Brewing Co.'s new THC beverage, Day Dreamer, are pictured at the brewery Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024 in North Liberty, Iowa.

Daydreamer 4/20 Launch Party

Hemp-derived THC drinks have become all the rage in Johnson County. Field Day Brewing's Daydreamer line is the first of the drinks to be exclusively brewed in Johnson County. While the drinks were released in February, the brewery is hosting an official launch party on the counterculture holiday, 4/20 on Saturday. The party will feature a THC-inspired menu with THC mocktails, live music provided by a DJ, exclusive merch, and much more. The action starts at 11 a.m. at Field Day's home base in North Liberty.

Pinky Patel brings the "Hello My Priends Tour" to the Englert Theatre on April 21.
Pinky Patel brings the "Hello My Priends Tour" to the Englert Theatre on April 21.

Pinky Patel at The Englert Theatre

Hailing from Illinois, Pinky Patel has transitioned from a PTA mom to a renowned content creator and comedian. Patel is bringing her comedy to the Englert Theatre on Sunday, April 21 as part of her "Hello My Priends Tour." Tickets to the show range from $10 to $65.

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: Five things to do in Iowa City, from a THC drink celebration to live music