Good morning, Iowa City.

Iowa City Downtown District announced Festive Fridays will start on November 28 and run through December 19, offering free trolley rides, extended shopping hours, pop-up shops, and seasonal treats at Cocoa Cabin (including gingerbread house competitions and living window displays). Blackhawk Mini Park will host a holiday pop-up market from November 28 through December 24, giving local artisans a festive venue.

Shelly Davis said her mobile home burned down this week after a fire in her fireplace caused melted plastic to spark quickly—destroying every room—and she is now asking neighbors for help through a GoFundMe campaign.

University of Iowa’s startup incubator helps students turn ideas into real businesses as it supports about 60 participants and expects to grow to nearly 100 by the end of the school year.

The program will host a Battle of the Dorms competition this winter and send students to national pitch contests in spring—bridging classroom learning with real-world experience.

Jones, a retired University of Iowa research engineer whose blog on water quality was targeted by lawmakers last spring, is considering a run for secretary of agriculture in 2026 — he vows to push for alternative crops and stricter rules as he argues Iowa’s water systems are failing.

November’s Featured Artist: Laurel Kubby

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Beadology Iowa — Free entry — Explore contemporary geometric bead work from award-winning artist Laurel Kubby throughout November.

BINGO Night at Coach's Corner Sports Pub

6-8 p.m. — Coach's Corner — Win money off your tabs — Enjoy an exciting BINGO night in a lively sports bar atmosphere with large televisions.

Trivia at the Den

7-9 p.m. — St. Burch Tavern — Free entry — Engage your brain and compete for a chance to win a $50 gift card with your trivia team.

Gutenberg! The Musical! Tickets

7:30 p.m. — Kinnick Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the comedic musical journey of Gutenberg in an iconic venue.

Poetry Exchange Workshop

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Porch Light Literary Arts Centre — Free entry — Engage in a collaborative and supportive environment to share and discuss poetry.

The Storyteller Mic

10:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. — AlleyCat — $4 White Claws and Bombs — Share your songs, poems, or weekend tales at this vibrant open mic night.

Monday Open Comedy Mic

8-11:30 p.m. — AlleyCat — Free entry — Enjoy a night filled with comedy followed by karaoke at this local nightlife spot.

UI Jazz Jam Sessions

7-10 p.m. — Sanctuary Pub — Free entry — Community jazz musicians jam together for an uplifting evening of music and creativity.

Bingo Night at Hamburg Inn #2

7-9 p.m. — Hamburg Inn No. 2 — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of free Bingo at a local favorite spot.

Trivia Night at the Den

7-9 p.m. — St. Burch Tavern — Free entry — Challenge your knowledge and compete for fun prizes at this weekly trivia event.