News across Johnson County

Caitlin Clark to reveal her signature in Iowa City
As students walk up and down Clinton Street, their view of the Pentacrest looks quite different than normal. Covered in scaffolding and construction workers, the heart of campus is frantically preparing for something big. Passing a giant Hawkeye-yellow wall, students whisper to…

‘Bombshell’ serves as an important reminder about the media landscape
Packed into a theater and full from the free popcorn offered to University of Iowa students, moviegoers prepared to dive into the history of journalism and government secrecy following the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. Following the screening of…

Northside celebrates Oktoberfest’s 30th anniversary
The sweet scent of beer floods Iowa City’s Northside, laughter rings with a backtrack of polka, and the aroma of bratwurst piques interest. All these sights and sounds are part of Northside Oktoberfest, celebrating its 30th anniversary on the block. From the time the festival…

IC Africa Fest 2026 highlights enduring culture
The smell of freshly cooked African delicacies and the sound of energized music filled the atmosphere in the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall. Vibrant colors and patterns danced on traditional clothing, and sunlight reflected on intentionally chosen beads for handmade jewelry. Hundreds…

Climate Fest puts local efforts in focus
Iowa City hosted its seventh annual Climate Fest this year. What first started as a virtual, one day event is now a week-long lineup of in-person activities. Climate Fest acts as both a report on Iowa City’s actions toward its climate goals, and as a place for citizens to discuss…

Photos: 3rd annual Africa Fest brings culture and community to Iowa City
Hundreds of Iowa City community members flocked to the Pedestrian Mall in downtown Iowa City for the 3rd annual Africa Fest on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. The festival was open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and brought vendors selling a variety of products, such as traditional African…

Photos: Iowa City celebrates 30th annual Northside Oktoberfest
Hundreds of Iowa City community members attended the 2026 Northside Oktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 26 to celebrate the festival’s 30th anniversary. Northside Oktoberfest took place on Market Street and Linn Street, opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. During this annual beer…

It’s Decorative Gourd Season
Community Activity Highlights for October 2026 You can get a copy of the full guide to classes and programs in our Community Center, which includes our Recreation Center, Library, Aquatic Center, Gerdin Conference Center and other spaces, published three times each year, in…

55+ Connections: Week of September 13, 2026
This is the 55+ Connections weekly update. If you would like to sign up to get more updates from the City go to https://northlibertyiowa.gov/contact/ 55+ Connections: Tuesday Gathering Tuesday, September 15 10:30 – 11:30 AM North Liberty Library – Meeting Room BCD Come put…

55+ Connections: Week of September 6, 2026
This is the 55+ Connections weekly update. If you would like to sign up to get more updates from the City go to https://northlibertyiowa.gov/contact/ The Library, Rec Center, and City Hall will be closed Monday, September 7th in observation of Labor Day. Trash and recycling…

Shake It Off at a Taylor Swift Tribute Concert September 11
Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience, paying tribute to Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras tour, will perform at Hy-Vee Amphitheater at Centennial Park on Friday, Sept. 11. The show is sponsored by Corda Credit Union. All tickets are general admission on the outdoor stage’s…

Gin Blossoms Closes North Liberty’s Inaugural Stage Season September 13
Multi-platinum American alternative rock band Gin Blossoms will perform at Hy-Vee Amphitheater at Centennial Park on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, wrapping the inaugural season of North Liberty’s new outdoor venue. All tickets are general admission on the outdoor stage’s greenspace;…