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The 16th annual North Liberty Blues & BBQ highlights a jam-packed weekend in Johnson County

Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen
2 min read

The greater Iowa City area is powering through the summer with plenty of events in the coming days, from BBQ and music to scavenger hunts and salsa dancing.

Here are five things to check out this weekend:

A sign is seen during the 15th annual North Liberty Blues & BBQ festival, Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Centennial Park in North Liberty, Iowa.
A sign is seen during the 15th annual North Liberty Blues & BBQ festival, Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Centennial Park in North Liberty, Iowa.

North Liberty Blues & BBQ

North Liberty's summer tradition, Blues & BBQ, returns for the 16th year on Saturday at Centennial Park. The free event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, is jam-packed with music from the Midwest's best blues musicians, delicious meats from local pitmasters, and thirst-quenching Iowa craft beers.

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This year's musical lineup includes local favorites like David Zollo & The Body Electric and the Blake Shaw Big(ish) Band, as well as food vendors like Da Flava Unit and Hatchett's BBQ.

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Herky on Parade Scavenger Hunt

The Herky on Parade Scavenger Hunt hosted by the Iowa City Downtown Districts is running now through Aug. 25. Individuals or groups can use clues to find the 12 different Herky on Parade statues in the downtown corridor. Scavenger hunt cards can be printed out online or picked up at the Iowa City Public Library. Completed cards should be returned to the library and will be entered to win a grand prize basket. All correct submissions will win a prize at the end of the summer, as well.

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More: Our favorite Herky on Parade 3 statues, from must-see locations to student-led designs

The Iowa City Public Library stands at 123 S. Linn St. Thursday, April 25, 2024 in downtown Iowa City, Iowa.
The Iowa City Public Library stands at 123 S. Linn St. Thursday, April 25, 2024 in downtown Iowa City, Iowa.

Adult Day Camp

Are you feeling nostalgic for some summer camp fun? The Iowa City Public Library's Adult Day Camp might be for you. The Adult Day Camp will be filled with summer camp-inspired activities, from crafts, games, and independent reading time. The event is free and open to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. However, participants must register on the ICPL's website.

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Sunset Salsa

Enjoy a free night of salsa dancing on the Pedmall. Hosted by the Iowa City Downtown District, Sunset Salsa promotes diversity and inclusion while boosting mental and physical health through dancing.

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The free event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. DJ Edwin Valladares will provide live music.

Catch Willow Creek Theatre Company's house improv team, Lady Franklyn, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13.
Catch Willow Creek Theatre Company's house improv team, Lady Franklyn, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13.

Lady Franklyn Improv Show

Lady Franklyn is Willow Creek Theatre Company's House improv team, performing most Saturdays at the theatre. The professional improv trope has a show at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. The group promises an evening of laughter, spontaneity, and unforgettable entertainment. Tickets to the show cost $10.

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: From Blues & BBQ to salsa dancing, five things to do in Iowa City

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