Good morning, Iowa City.

X Marks the Arts has announced Free Week 2026, a winter arts festival featuring over 50 free events at 20+ downtown venues from Feb.

16-22 (across the Cultural & Entertainment District) that include concerts, films and workshops for all ages.

Claude, a French-inspired lounge, opened on Jan.

10 at 215 N. Linn St. in Iowa City, serving craft cocktails and small plates and planning a furniture and decor shop on the first floor in the coming months.

The University of Iowa’s Center for Intellectual Freedom will offer its inaugural seven-week courses on American political and economic institutions and cultural values starting at the end of March.

Interim Director Luciano De Castro plans to request extra funding for future course expansion.

Temperatures are dropping amid a winter storm and curiosity is growing about trees exploding from frost cracks in Iowa.

Iowa DNR forester Chip Murrow (explaining that thin-barked trees like maple and birch are at risk) said wrapping young trees or calling an arborist may help reduce damage.

A bill advanced out of subcommittee offers to tax college endowments above $500 million at 7.1% to generate funds for workforce grants aimed at helping students enter high-demand fields — the measure would affect UI, Iowa State and Grinnell and likely exclude Drake.

Nutritionist Kara Swanson—active in debunking myths—clarified that extra protein and miracle supplements do not deliver on their promises.

Her clear advice helps residents separate fact from fiction when choosing a healthy diet.

Max Tet won a two-month youth soccer tournament but his victory was marred by xenophobic remarks from a competitor — his mother said the hurtful words cast a shadow over his win as officials investigate the incident.

Sunday Fun Day: Paper Plate Yeti

2-4 p.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Free entry — Create a fun winter yeti using paper plates and craft supplies.

DEAD OR AMAZING: Interactive Video Installation

5-7 p.m. — 538 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA — Free entry — Experience a unique immersive video installation that reacts to your movement and sound, exploring themes of authenticity and creativity.

Soul Flow Yoga Class

11:30 PM — PS1 Yoga Collective — $16 drop-in or 8-class pass for $100 — Discover a gentle yoga experience fostering compassion and accessibility for all bodies.

Bingo Night at Hamburg Inn #2

7-9 p.m. — Hamburg Inn No. 2 — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of free bingo games with friends.

Chili Cook Off

4:30-6:30 p.m. — The Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association — Free entry — Enjoy a spicy competition or indulge in delicious chili as local cooks showcase their skills.

Fantasy Aerobics

1:30-2:30 a.m. — Close House Dance Hall, 2nd Floor — $7 suggested donation — Enjoy lighthearted aerobic dance workouts with whimsical tunes from fantasy and anime.

Pope Cactus + Cool Shoes Improv Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Willow Creek Theatre Company — Supports local artists — Enjoy a night of improv with favorite local teams Pope Cactus and Cool Shoes.

Vino Vérité: The Dating Game

7-9:30 p.m. — FilmScene at The Chauncey — $25 public, $20 members, $12 students — Explore love in modern China with film, wine, and hors d'oeuvres alongside a filmmaker Q&A.

Trivia Night at Hamburg Inn #2

7-9 p.m. — Hamburg Inn No. 2 — Free entry — Test your knowledge with a fun trivia night hosted by Christophers Bar Exam.

UI Jazz Jam Sessions

7-10 p.m. — Sanctuary Pub — Free admission — A vibrant community jazz jam session featuring local musicians and students.