Five things to do in Iowa City this Easter weekend, from free music to comedy and dance parties

Easter weekend is just a few days away and there is plenty to do in the Iowa City area, whether entertaining family or a group of friends.

Here are five things to do in Iowa City this weekend.

University of Iowa School of Music Students perform an hour-long concert in the Dusdieker Student Commons at 12 p.m. on the last Friday of each month during the academic year.
University of Iowa School of Music Students perform an hour-long concert in the Dusdieker Student Commons at 12 p.m. on the last Friday of each month during the academic year.

Lunch Music Series

Catch a concert on your lunch break at Voxman Music Building in downtown Iowa. The University of Iowa School of Music Students perform an hour-long concert on the last Friday of every month during the school year at 12 p.m. in the Dusdieker Student Commons. The concert is free and open to the public.

A general view of Prairie Lights’ exterior photographed Monday, Dec. 18, 2023 in downtown Iowa City, Iowa.
A general view of Prairie Lights’ exterior photographed Monday, Dec. 18, 2023 in downtown Iowa City, Iowa.

Deborah Taffa, in conversation with Melissa Febos

As a part of Prairie Lights' ongoing programming, the Iowa Nonfiction Writing Program Alumni Series, Deborah Taffa will be joined in conversation with Melissa Febos on Friday, March 29. Taffa received her MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Iowa and is currently touring for her recent release,"Whiskey Tender." In her memoir, Taffa recounts her experiences growing up in the Prohibition era, mainly focusing on her family's involvement in the bootlegging business. Taffa will join Febos at Prairie Lights at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

Don't Tell Comedy is a secret comedy show hosted across the United States. It will stop in Iowa City and highlight the best of the next generation of comedians while preserving the magic of live comedy.
Don't Tell Comedy is a secret comedy show hosted across the United States. It will stop in Iowa City and highlight the best of the next generation of comedians while preserving the magic of live comedy.

Don't Tell Comedy Show

The Don't Tell Comedy Show returns to Iowa City on Friday. The comedy show boasts a secret line-up of performers at a secret location in downtown Iowa City. Tickets cost $25. On the day of the show, an email revealing the show's location will be sent to people who bought tickets. The doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show's set will feature four to six comedians and last 90 minutes. The event is for ages 21 and over.

From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., at Gabe's, dance along to all of Taylor Swift's greatest hits in preparation for her upcoming release, "The Tortured Poets Department."
From 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., at Gabe's, dance along to all of Taylor Swift's greatest hits in preparation for her upcoming release, "The Tortured Poets Department."

Tay Tay Dance Party

Dance along to all of Taylor Swift's greatest hits from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Friday, March 29 at Gabe's in Iowa City in preparation for her upcoming release, "The Tortured Poets Department." Tickets for this two-hour dance party are on sale on Gabe's website, ranging in price from $18 for general admission to $35 for the VIP package. The dance party is an 18 and older event.

Southeast Iowa Trans Day of Visibility is hosting a rally at College Green Park from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on March 31.
Southeast Iowa Trans Day of Visibility is hosting a rally at College Green Park from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on March 31.

Southeast Iowa Trans Day of Visibility Rally & Celebration at College Green Park

Southeast Iowa Trans Day of Visibility is hosting a rally at College Green Park from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 31. Speakers include Tara McGovern, Mandi Remington, trans youth, and a representative from the LGBTQ Iowa Archives & Library. The Quire of Eastern Iowa will perform live while visitors can browse booths from organizations such as Corridor Community Action Network, Iowa Trans Mutual Aid Fund, EqualMeds, Iowa City DSA, United Action for Youth, and RVAP.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Check out these 5 Easter weekend activities, from comedy to a dance party