Good morning, Iowa City.

Saj Grill, a new Mediterranean restaurant offering Middle Eastern options, opened in mid-April at 23 S.

Dubuque St in Iowa City. The menu offers a build-your-own style for pitas, wraps and bowls—with entrees starting at about $10 and halal-certified options available.

United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties is hosting the Ready, Set, School event on August 15 and 16 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, where families can receive school supplies, backpacks and free services such as eye exams, dental exams, vaccines and haircuts.

Organizers are asking local volunteers—especially barbers and hairstylists—and donations to help serve 1,800 students.

Bur Oak Land Trust in Johnson County lost its nine AmeriCorps members when the Office of Management and Budget withheld federal funds after a temporary injunction blocked a $400 million grant cut, leaving its summer program unsupported.

The nonprofit won a competitive grant for a fall program + is working with Iowa members of Congress, including Senator Grassley, to secure the released funds.

After surviving a near-fatal crash in 2016 that broke his legs, ribs, and required a hip replacement, Johnny Nerem from Ankeny changed his life by finding work in Las Vegas and beginning a journey to visit every national park—he has now visited 52 parks and plans to complete the remaining ones, including a celebration at Yosemite, while setting further travel goals. Returning to Iowa to be closer to his family, he continues to pursue his dream of visiting all seven continents and every interstate.

DIY Woven Coasters Workshop

10:00 – 11:30 AM — Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center — Check website for pricing — Craft your own unique woven coasters in this hands-on arts and crafts session.

All Acts Open Mic Night

8 PM - 12 AM — AlleyCat — Free entry — A welcoming space for performers of all kinds to shine and enjoy karaoke afterwards.

Yarn Dyeing Workshop with Kool-Aid

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Iowa City Public Library — Registration required — Experiment with Kool-Aid to create unique colors on wool yarn in a fun, hands-on workshop.

University Heights Farmers Market

4-6 p.m. — West end of former University Athletic Club parking lot — Free entry — Discover fresh produce and local goods every Tuesday this summer.

Zebra Maneuver Live Performance

6:30-8 p.m. — James Alan McPherson Park — Free entry — Experience an innovative trio reimagining familiar tunes across multiple genres under the stars.

The Picture Show: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

3:30-5:30 p.m. — FilmScene at The Chauncey — Free – $5 — Experience a delightful collection of Winnie the Pooh adventures while kids engage in film literacy activities.

2025 AnimeIowa Convention

July 25-27 — Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center — Entrance fee varies — Enjoy three days of anime, cosplay, and engaging panels.

Iowa Rock and Soul Revue Featuring Orquesta Alto Maiz

6:30-9 p.m. — Riverfront Crossings Park — Free entry — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Latin-jazz-dance music that will get your feet moving.

Radical Relaxation Yoga

5-6 p.m. — Iowa City, IA — $16 drop-in or 8-class pass for $100 — Experience communal relaxation and release tension with certified yoga instructors dedicated to self-love and healing.

PS1 Close House Open Hours

11 AM – 1 PM — Public Space 1 (PS1) — Free entry — Explore the gallery and enjoy free art supplies and reading materials at PS1 Close House.