Explore the Local Scene
Browse Many Fun Things to Do in Iowa City
Yeah, we're in Iowa. Get over it. This flyover state just gave you a reason to land the plane, and it’s called The Highlander Hotel. Not just the coolest hotel in all of Iowa but The. Coolest. Hotel. In. The. World. We connect you with the heart and soul of Iowa City in all its artistic, nonconformist history, glory and vitality. Whether you want to hit all the high notes at popular attractions like the Iowa Art Festival, the Iowa City Jazz Festival, the Friday Night Concert Series and the Englert Theater or take the long and winding road to find the hidden gems, we’ve got your ticket to ride in style.
Stop by for house-brewed beers & pub plates in a cool, industrial-style space with a patio & backyard cornhole, live music, bocce and more.
An Industrial haunt with a rooftop patio, American bites with an Asian fusion twist & many, many craft beers.
Indulge in wood-fired pizza & craft beers in an open, contemporary space with string lights & roll-up doors.
A spacious, contemporary spot serving playful twists on American comfort food plus Sunday brunch.
Unique maki, Japanese kitchen entrees & cocktails served in a lofty space with contemporary décor make this an Iowa City go-to for Japanese eats.
Chill out at this microbrewery with an on-site taproom offering house brews, brick-oven pizzas & a beer garden.
Whether you're an full-blown auto buff or don't know the difference between stick and standard, you'll love this showroom featuring regional transportation exhibits & vintage cars from the 1890s through the 1970s.
Get your dose of high culture at this University of Iowa performance hall hosting Broadway musicals, contemporary dance & classical music.
Catch the Iowa Hawkeyes football team in action!
If you can do it outdoors, you can do it here. Take your pick of walk-run routes, bird watching areas, picnic shelters and hiking trails, along with kayaking and ice skating opportunities.
Lake Macbride State Park is a great place for a family picnic or get-together filled with boating, swimming, fishing and more.
Big Grove Brewery
Stop by for house-brewed beers & pub plates in a cool, industrial-style space with a patio & backyard cornhole, live music, bocce and more.
30Hop Iowa River Landing
An Industrial haunt with a rooftop patio, American bites with an Asian fusion twist & many, many craft beers.
Marquee Pizzeria
Indulge in wood-fired pizza & craft beers in an open, contemporary space with string lights & roll-up doors.
Blackstone
A spacious, contemporary spot serving playful twists on American comfort food plus Sunday brunch.
Red Ginger Sushi
Unique maki, Japanese kitchen entrees & cocktails served in a lofty space with contemporary décor make this an Iowa City go-to for Japanese eats.
BackPocket Brewery
Chill out at this microbrewery with an on-site taproom offering house brews, brick-oven pizzas & a beer garden.
Antique Car Museum
Whether you're an full-blown auto buff or don't know the difference between stick and standard, you'll love this showroom featuring regional transportation exhibits & vintage cars from the 1890s through the 1970s.
Hancher Auditorium
Get your dose of high culture at this University of Iowa performance hall hosting Broadway musicals, contemporary dance & classical music.
Terry Trueblood Recreational Center
If you can do it outdoors, you can do it here. Take your pick of walk-run routes, bird watching areas, picnic shelters and hiking trails, along with kayaking and ice skating opportunities.
Lake Macbride State Park
Lake Macbride State Park is a great place for a family picnic or get-together filled with boating, swimming, fishing and more.
