Good morning, Iowa City.

On Monday, November 10, 2025, the Iowa City Downtown District announced upgrades to its community gift card program—mobile wallet tap-to-pay features, a refreshed red design, and removal of the inactivity fee—to boost holiday spending downtown.

The program, which has issued over 37,000 cards since 2013, supports local businesses and will expand its reach in the coming year.

Joseph Gaya (22) from Riverdale had his interference with official acts charge dropped after his defense argued that the University of Iowa officer faced no threat during a fraternity hazing incident.

The Iowa City Downtown District is partnering with FilmScene for a new No-School Day Movie Series that offers free, family-friendly films on school holidays — the series begins with Disney’s Encanto on November 19th at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. downtown, and additional screenings are planned for February 17th and March 4th.

The Iowa City Press-Citizen Student of the Week poll has returned as high school principals and faculty nominate students who excel in and out of the classroom while the public votes online until noon on Nov.

13 and the winner will be announced Friday.

Iowa educators and researchers released a statement Monday linking more frequent severe weather from climate change to rising insurance costs.

They warned that higher premiums for homes and farms could limit ownership and advised property owners to check their policies—especially for floods—while urging local governments to adopt stronger building standards.

Government updates this week include seven agencies in Linn and Johnson counties receiving a combined $1.3 million for homelessness programs from Iowa Finance Authority funds and Cedar Rapids City Council finalizing rezoning of a former school site for a 30-unit apartment development. In Iowa City, a food drive for crisis services has launched, the Terrell Mill skate park renovation will be bid next month, a Mount Vernon mayor joined the Iowa League of Cities board, and Veterans Day observance is affecting city services.

The Wood Brothers Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — The Englert Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the joyful and eclectic sounds of The Wood Brothers as they share insights from their new album Puff of Smoke.

Thursday Group Class - Violin Foundation

5:30-6:15 p.m. — Preucil School of Music — Contact for pricing — A structured group class focusing on the foundations of violin playing.

Floodwater Comedy Festival

5:00 PM – 11:59 PM — Willow Creek Theatre Company — $15 – $80 — Enjoy a weekend of laughter with 55 comedians and 11 shows featuring standup and improv.

Raised Triangle Earrings Workshop

10 AM – 4 PM — Beadology Iowa — $72 — Learn to create beautiful geometric earrings using peyote stitch and herringbone techniques.

All Acts Open Mic Night

8 PM - 12 AM — AlleyCat — Free entry — Showcase your talent at an open mic followed by karaoke fun.

Trivia Night at Hamburg Inn #2

7-9 p.m. — Hamburg Inn No. 2 — Free — Test your knowledge with trivia hosted by Christophers Bar Exam while enjoying food and drinks.

Trivia Night

7-9 p.m. — Vue Rooftop — Free entry — Engage in a fun trivia night covering pop culture and more while enjoying great company and music.

First Round Happy Hour

5-6:30 p.m. — Iowa City Downtown District — First beverage complimentary — Iowa City’s monthly gathering for locals to socialize and stay updated on community arts, business, and culture.

IC Bird Club Meeting

6:45-8:30 p.m. — Iowa City Environmental Education Center — Free entry — Discover the wonders of birdwatching with a special presentation on the Great Crested Flycatcher.

The Art Of Saying No by Michael Stenerson

4-6 p.m. — Arts Iowa City — Free admission — Explore a collection of vibrant artworks focused on the abstraction of letterforms by artist Michael Stenerson.