X Marks the Arts Presents: Free Week 2026 in the Downtown Iowa City Arts & Cultural Entertainment District February 16th-22nd.
Downtown Iowa City’s Winter Arts & Culture Festival is back! Free Week 2026 returns for its second year, Feb 16th-22nd, transforming the Cultural & Entertainment District into a weeklong celebration of creativity, community, and connection.
Presented by X Marks the Arts and sponsored by Think Iowa City and the Iowa City Downtown District, Free Week features more than 50 admission free events across 20+ venues, bringing together local and regional artists for live music, theater, film, comedy, interactive workshops, and hands-on creative experiences. With all events free and open to the public, Free Week invites you to bundle up, explore downtown, and experience the creativity that makes Iowa City the “Greatest Small City for the Arts.”
See the full lineup & schedule at Free Week 2026
Elray’s Live & Dive features a karaoke night & 2 great shows for Free Week 2026!
- Wednesday February 18th @9pm: Jump on stage and perform at Dance Party Karaoke! Free to attend & perform.
- Friday February 20th @7pm: Nashville singer-songwriter, John D Neal.
- Saturday February 21st @8pm: Viral superstar musician, Lil Man J.
