The Local Hub

Holiday Lights at the Lake - OPENING NIGHT Walk Through!
2025-11-26 17:30 - 20:30 UTC | West Overlook Campground, 4053 West Overlook RD NE, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Join us in celebrating the holiday season at Holiday Lights at the Lake!

Immerse yourself in the enchanting light displays, stroll among the trees, and soak in the festive ambiance. We invite you to walk the event route, offering families and friends a memorable journey through a dazzling wonderland of lights and music. Our goal is to unite the community by creating cherished experiences for families and friends for years to come.

Enjoy music throughout the campground, cozy up at fire-pit warming stations, and explore our goodwill donation concessions.
Gates open at 5:30pm and close at 8:30pm. The average time to walk the full loop once is about 25-30 minutes and you’re welcome to stay as long as you wish! Well behaved dogs are welcome. Tickets are $5.00 per person (2 years old and under enter free). Cash, Credit, and Eventbrite vouchers are accepted at the gate.

Free Parking is available in the West Overlook Day Use Parking Lot.
All entrance fees support The Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County, while proceeds from concessions benefit Friends of the Coralville Lake.

Pathfinder/Starfinder Society - Organized Play
2025-11-26 17:30 - 21:00 UTC | Diversions Tabletop Game Lounge, 119 2nd Street, Suite 300, Coralville, IA, 52241, United States
Dive into the world of Golarion as an agent of the Pathfinder Society, or perhaps give aid to the people of the Pact Worlds as part of Starfinder Society during Paizo Organized Play sessions at Diversions! These open role-playing sessions welcome players of all experience levels, and with the option to join as your schedule allows, this format of RPG play is great for players with busy or unpredictable schedules. For information on the adventures available during November, check out our calendar at www.diversionsic.com/events!
—————————-About Paizo Organized Play:Paizo Organized Play is a worldwide roleplaying organization where players can take the same character and play in any game around the globe, whether online, at game stores, conventions, or beyond! Scenarios and quests are designed to bring players together as they explore new worlds, investigate mysteries and fight the forces of evil in a shared setting that responds to their decisions. Organized Play sessions are available for Pathfinder Society and Starfinder Society, depending on your interest, and sessions are run by local GMs, with a goal of providing a welcoming space for players of varying experience levels.

Holiday Lights at the Lake - Drive Through Event
2025-11-27 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-28 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-29 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-11-30 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-01 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-02 17:30 - 20:30 UTC | West Overlook Campground, 4053 West Overlook RD NE, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Embrace the festive spirit and make Holiday Lights at the Lake your treasured holiday tradition! As you drive through the enchanting West Overlook Campground, you’ll be captivated by our fifth annual community celebration. A magical mile of dazzling animated light displays awaits, complete with a captivating animated tunnel and countless sparkling arches and holiday figures.

West Overlook Campground is transformed into a whimsical winter wonderland. Delight in the playful antics of dancing polar bears, be awed by the giant poinsettia pot and forest, and join in the fun as we take you “Under the Sea”- a display new for 2025!

Take a heartwarming journey down “Memory Lane,” where a vibrant collection of illuminated trees pays tribute to cherished loved ones.

Many beloved displays are making a delightful return, including the “Farming in Iowa” area featuring “Snowmerican Gothic,” a joyful twist on Grant Wood’s timeless “American Gothic.”

Drive Through tickets start at $10.00 for a family car or van. We accept cash or credit at the gate, or pre-purchased tickets via Eventbrite *extra fees apply.
Hours: 5:30pm-8:30pm, Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs5:00pm-9:00pm, Friday and Saturday*See Santa and Mrs. Claus every Wednesday and Sunday before Christmas!

This magical event shines brightly thanks to the incredible generosity of our community sponsors and the tireless dedication of volunteers. Guided by a passionate volunteer board of directors, every moment of the season is crafted with love.

All proceeds support The Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County.

We invite you to explore the wonder at holidaylightsatthelake.com, where you can view a full list of cherished sponsors, find magical volunteer opportunities, and learn more about the heartwarming mission of The Bird House.

Tree Fest at Colony Acres
2025-11-28 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-29 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-30 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | Colony Acres, 1150 S. Front St., North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Tree Fest at the Farm

November 28–30 | 10 AM–5 PMKick off the holiday season at Colony Acres’ annual Tree Fest, with this year being bigger and better!Stroll through rows of freshly cut Christmas trees, sip on hot cocoa, and soak in the sights, sounds, and scents of the season. Enjoy a weekend full of festive fun for the whole family:

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides – all weekend long (ticketed)
https://colonyacres.ticketspice.com/colony-acres-treefest…
Free Visit with Santa – Friday, Nov. 28 | 11 AM–2 PM(long lines expected)
Merry Morning with Santa Breakfast – Saturday, Nov. 29 (*ticketed event*)https://colonyacres.ticketspice.com/colony-acres-treefest…(VIP tickets are sold out, General tickets are still available)
Decorate-Your-Own Wreath Bar – create something beautiful to take home (or take home an already decorated wreath)
Hot Cocoa & Seasonal Treats – cozy up with holiday flavors
Festive Music, Decor & Gift Shopping – find unique gifts and Christmas cheer everywhere you turn

Gather your family and friends, find the perfect tree, and make new holiday memories at Tree Fest at Colony Acres!

‘It’s the Season Downtown - Festive Fridays
2025-11-28 17:00 - 20:00 UTC | Downtown Iowa City, 315 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Celebrate the season with Festive Fridays—a new weekly holiday tradition in Downtown! From November 21 to December 19, enjoy carols, shopping, family-friendly fun, and special events like the Gingerbread House Competition and Living Windows.
Hop on the Holly Trolley, running every Friday from 5-8 p.m., and visit a new store or restaurant each week. Downtown shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues are encouraged to stay open until 8 p.m. to join in the festivities.

FRIDAY, NOV 21 – ‘TIS THE SEASON KICKOFF– Gift tag decorating with IC Press Co-op in the Pop-up Shops– Holiday Kids’ Market Open Hours– Wilson’s Orchard selling hot cider and apple cider donuts– Window Display Contest– Carolers and live outdoor performances (Featuring a sneak peek of The Nutcracker by Nolte Dance Academy)

FRIDAY, NOV 28 – FESTIVE IN FLEECE– Ugly sweater night for families visiting town– Festive drink specials at local bars and restaurants

FRIDAY, DEC 5 – COCOA & KERNELS – FilmScene serves up popcorn at the Pop-up Shops while promoting their holiday classics series– ICDD will provide complimentary cocoa at the Pop-up Shops

FRIDAY, DEC 12 – GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITIONS– Gingerbread house competitions at Poindexter (tickets COMING SOON!)

FRIDAY, DEC 19 – LIVING WINDOWS – Festive Fridays ends with a magical evening of living window displays!– Businesses will bring their windows to life with living displays

Small Business Saturday in West Branch
2025-11-29 09:00 - 19:00 UTC | Main Street West Branch, 127 W. Main Street, West Branch, Iowa, 52358, United States
#SmallBizSaturday is November 29th and it’s the perfect time to eat, shop & explore the small businesses in historic West Branch.

Grab your friends and enjoy holiday shopping at the eclectic mix of gift shops, boutiques, and specialty shops featuring home décor, vintage, antiques, toys, handmade items and gifts for everyone on your list! Top it off with a coffee, cocktail or ice cream and stick around for dinner at local restaurant.

There is something unique for everyone in Historic West Branch. Just 6 miles from Iowa City off I-80!

Shop Small Saturday in Swisher
2025-11-29 10:00 - 14:00 UTC | Swisher, Iowa, Swisher, Iowa, 52338, United States
Spend the Saturday after Thanksgiving exploring small businesses in Downtown Swisher.
Saturday, Nov. 29th. Tis the season for holiday shopping and you won’t want to miss out on these good deals! Keep your dollars local and have a great time while doing it.

Shopping• Vault Boutique 10am-2pm • Plum Creek Boutique 10am-2pm • AO 3D Osterkamp Hydro Farms (inside Rose Barn)• Kava House & Cafe 7am-4pm

Food & Drink• Swisher Sips (inside Rose Barn)• Kava House & Cafe• Black Squirrel Tap

Tractor Wagon Rides sponsored by Hills Bank
2025-11-29 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | Downtown Iowa City, 315 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
There is no better way to take in the sights and sounds of the holiday season than with a Tractor Wagon Ride through downtown. Enjoy a FREE whimsical ride in a decorated wagon pulled by a classic tractor from Bass Farms.

Rides run from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis, departing every 15 minutes. Hop on outside of Hills Bank, located at the corner of Washington and Clinton Streets. Riders will receive a candy cane and can cozy up with a blanket for a festive ride around the city.

Hunt for the Elves - Downtown Iowa City
2025-11-29 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-30 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-01 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-02 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-12-03 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | Downtown Iowa City, 315 S. Gilbert St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Elves are hiding throughout Downtown Iowa City shops and restaurants! Join the Downtown Hunt for the Elves, a FREE kid-friendly scavenger hunt in downtown Iowa City, starting Saturday, November 29th.

Once you have found the elves in each participating store, find their name, use the stamp provided at each business, or write the name of the elf on the card to show proof you found it. Turn in your completed cards after finding 10 or more elves to Iowa Book or the Iowa City Public Library in the Kid’s Department to receive a small prize and be entered to win a grand prize gift basket

Santa Saturdays - Downtown Iowa City
2025-11-29 11:30 - 14:30 UTC | FilmScene, 404 E. College St., Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Santa is making four special trips to Downtown Iowa City to meet the area’s good girls and boys. Families are invited to visit Santa as he makes his stops at FilmScene in the Chauncey. Kids are encouraged to drop off their letters and wishlists. Santa will be visiting FilmScene at the Chauncey from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Visitors and families are welcome to visit Santa and capture their own photos.

Sunday Morning Yin Yoga
2025-11-30 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | Anahata Wellness Co-op, 2441 Coral Court, Suite 3, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Sunday Morning Yin Yoga: A Soft Start to Your WeekEase into your Sunday with a gentle yin practice designed to open the body, quiet the mind, and nourish the spirit. This class invites you to slow down and soften through long-held, floor-based postures that support deep release and inner reflection.

Each session offers a peaceful container for rest and renewal — a chance to reset your energy and connect inward before the week begins. From time to time, sessions may include Reiki, sound healing, or oracle cards to gently deepen your experience.

All are welcome here — all levels, all bodies, all hearts. Come as you are, and step into your Sunday feeling restored, spacious, and centered.

Small Business Saturday with Chamber Singers of Iowa City
2025-11-30 10:00 - 17:00 UTC | Sidekick Coffee & Books, 1310 1/2 Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA, 52246, United States
Small Business Saturday at Sidekick Coffee & Books
Join us on Small Business Saturday, November 30, and kick off your holiday shopping with cozy, local charm!

Enjoy the sounds of Christmas carols by Chamber Singers of Iowa City filling the shop with festive cheer while you sip your favorite latte and browse books, gifts, and treats.
We’ll even make your day a little brighter with free gift wrapping for all in-store purchases. Stop by, shop small, and soak up the holiday magic with your favorite neighborhood Sidekick.

FREE EVENT

Sensory Friendly Night
2025-11-30 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | The Iowa Children’s Museum, 1451 Coral Ridge Ave, Coralville, Iowa, 52241, United States
Join us on the last Sunday of each month for Sensory Friendly Night!

This event is designed for families with members who experience sensory sensitivities, are on the autism spectrum, or who have any health needs that would make a quieter visit more enjoyable. We understand that the museum can be a bustling place. During Sensory Friendly Night, we provide adjusted sound levels and limit attendance to create a calmer environment. Families can explore the museum at their own pace. As always, we have KultureCity Sensory Inclusive™ signage to help you navigate exhibits and sensory bags available for checkout at the front desk. Our Family Sanctuary is also available for guest use at any time.

Admission is free during Sensory Friendly Night, thanks to our friends at GreenState Credit Union.

Join us for a fun evening and let your child explore and learn in a comfortable and supportive environment!

Press Presents: Iowa City Rocks!
2025-12-01 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Press Coffee, 1120 N. Dodge St, Iowa City, Iowa, 52245, United States
Join us on the first Monday of every month for rock painting!

Started by friend of the shop, Joy MacVey, and Press’s own Hannah, the Iowa City Rocks! Facebook group came about during the pandemic as a way to spread good vibes through the community with color and kind words.

Simply: paint a rock, seal it with resin to protect your masterpiece from the elements, and then place it out in the world for someone to find. On the bottom of each rock is a label directing the finder to post a photo of it to the Iowa City Rocks group and then keep it or rehide it.

We have a collection of supplies you may need but encourage donations of any of the following items:-monetary donations to purchase more supplies.-rocks (please clean/dry them)-acrylic paint-stickers-resin

English as a Second Language
2025-12-01 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | North Liberty Library, 520 W. Cherry St, North Liberty, Iowa, 52317, United States
Are you looking to improve your English in a relaxed and supportive environment? Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, our ESL class is here to help you on your language journey.

What to Expect:• Casual Atmosphere: Enjoy learning in a low-key, friendly setting.• Interactive Sessions: Practice speaking, listening, and understanding English through engaging activities.• Supportive Community: Connect with others who are also learning English and share your experiences.

Conversations host, Alice, graduated from Millikin University in Decatur, IL in 2015, and then spent two years teaching English in Ukraine.
Come and join us at the library for a fun and educational experience!

Teddy Bear Story Time
2025-12-02 09:30 - 10:00 UTC | Hilton Garden Inn, 328 S Clinton St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Snuggle up in the Teddy Bear Room at the Hilton Garden Inn for Teddy Bear Story Time! In partnership with the Iowa City Public Library, this special morning event invites little ones to enjoy stories that bring these fluffy, traditional, and timeless companions to life. Featuring charming tales like “Teddy Bear Postman” and “The Case of the Twin Teddy Bears,” books will be read amongst hundreds of teddy bear stuffed animals. Story time will also include short activities and participatory songs. This story time is designed for children ages 2-5, however, all ages are welcome.

WHERE: Hilton Garden Inn WHEN: Tuesdays Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 from 9:30am – 10:00am

Trivia & Music BINGO
2025-12-02 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Vue Rooftop, 328 S Clinton St Suite A, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
EAT, DRINK, AND TEASE YOUR BRAIN : Rally your team to win prizes each month!

Music Bingo: Every 1st TuesdayTrivia Night: Every 3rd Tuesday

Pride Poetry at Studio 13
2025-12-02 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | Studio 13, 13 S Linn St, Iowa City, IA, 52240, United States
Join us the first TUESDAY of each month for Pride Poetry hosted by Lilo B. – No cover– Anyone can perform: poetry, spoken word, short stories & more– Donations for LGBTQ charities each month– Fabulous food & drink deals– Karaoke with Dawsi after the showDoors open at 7Sign up starting at 7:30Show starts at 8

Holiday Lights at the Lake - GLOW Walk Through
2025-12-03 17:00 - 20:00 UTC | West Overlook Campground, 4053 West Overlook RD NE, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, United States
Join us for an EXTRA FESTIVE walking evening where you become part of the show! Each guest receives a free glow item at the gate, compliments of Lepic-Kroeger, REALTORS! *Complimentary glow items while supplies last
holidaylightsatthelake.com

Immerse yourself in the enchanting light displays, stroll among the trees, and soak in the festive ambiance. We invite you to walk the event route, offering families and friends a memorable journey through a dazzling wonderland of lights and music. Our goal is to unite the community by creating cherished experiences for families and friends for years to come.

Enjoy music throughout the campground, cozy up at fire-pit warming stations, and explore our goodwill donation concessions.
Gates open at 5:30pm and close at 8:30pm. The average time to walk the full loop once is about 25-30 minutes and you’re welcome to stay as long as you wish! Well behaved dogs are welcome. Tickets are $5.00 per person (2 years old and under enter free). Cash, Credit, and Eventbrite vouchers are accepted at the gate. Free Parking is available in the West Overlook Day Use Parking Lot.

All entrance fees support The Bird House, Hospice Home of Johnson County, while proceeds from concessions benefit Friends of the Coralville Lake.
