Good morning, Iowa City.

Iowa City Downtown District will host the 4th annual Dry January Mocktail Crawl in January — local businesses will serve handcrafted mocktails as guests scan QR codes to enter a drawing for a $25 gift card and to crown the top mixologist.

Iowa History Journal’s January/February issue, which explores the links between New York, John Deere and the Erie Canal, is available in stores and by mail—subscriptions offer continued insight into Iowa’s rich history.

Grammy Award-winning musician Chris Thile will perform his album Bach: Sonatas and Partitas, Vol.

2 in its entirety at the Englert Theatre in Iowa City at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16; tickets cost $30, $48, $58 and $68 (phone 3196882653; site englert.org).

Starting this fall, the Iowa City Community School District will test before and after-school childcare at Alexander, Grant Wood, Twain + Garner elementary schools to offer consistent preschool-to-fifth grade care and reduce waitlists.

Hiring a program manager and spring planning are part of the pilot, with feedback due by winter.

The New York Times profile highlighted how Iowa City's fare-free transit, launched in Aug.

2023, has reduced carbon emissions by 778 metric tons (equal to taking 167 cars off the road), supporting both cleaner air and local spending. Local leaders believe the system boosts the local economy.

The Iowa Department of Administrative Services ruled on Dec.

30 that closing the historical society site did not break state law (researchers can now request records through a partnership with the University of Iowa), while local historian Mary Bennett plans to appeal the decision.

Book Club Matchmaking Session

6-7 p.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Discover new book titles and meet fellow readers for one-time discussions.

Gentle Yoga Class

12-1 AM — Public Space One — $16 drop-in or $100 for 8-class pass — Experience a nurturing yoga session led by an experienced instructor focused on community and resilience.

Wildlife Bioblitz

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. — Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center — Free entry — Explore nature and discover local wildlife in a fun, interactive environment.

Strategies in Environmental Conservation

2-4 p.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Discover sustainable gardening practices with insights from a local conservation expert.

The Out Of Towners: Vol. 1

6:30-8 p.m. — The Green House — Cash donations appreciated — Enjoy an evening of readings from local authors supporting a good cause.

Christopher's Bar Exam Trivia Night

8-10 p.m. — Joe's Place — Free entry — Test your knowledge in an interactive pub quiz for cash and great team prizes.

Story Jam

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Engage in music and movement to enhance early literacy skills in a fun environment for young children.

NAMI Family Support Group

6:30-7:30 p.m. — National Alliance on Mental Illness, Johnson County — Free entry — A peer-led support group for adults with loved ones facing mental health challenges.

Book Babies Storytime

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free — Engage your little ones in songs and stories to promote language development for ages 0-2.

Pre Twinkle Violin Class

9:00-9:45 a.m. — Preucil School of Music — No cost listed — A beginner class for young violinists to learn foundational skills in a supportive environment.