From fall-centric memory-making to good old Iowa City fun, there is plenty to check out in the corridor this weekend.
Here are seven events to add to the calendar this weekend in Johnson County.
Gander at the night sky during Public Observing Night
Friday: Public Observing Night at Van Allen Hall invites the community to tour the night sky with the University of Iowa Physics and Astronomy Department. Guests will use VAO and small telescopes to view the autumnal stars like never before. Explore the cosmos from 8 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at Van Allen Hall in Iowa City.
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Hitch a ride on a haunted hayride at Wilson's Orchard
Friday-Saturday: At Wilson's Orchard in Iowa City, Halloween happens every weekend with the Haunted Tractor Ride. Visit all the spooky spots on the orchard’s property, including the “Cursed Corn Maze,” and meet the “Wicked Witches of Wilson’s.” There are multiple times to book the spooky ride on Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, and the cost is $15.90 for a ticket. The ride, suitable for riders ages seven and up, lasts 20-25 minutes. The orchard suggests showing up 15 minutes prior to the scheduled ride time.
Watch dance artistry come alive on the Hancher Auditorium stage
Friday-Saturday: Happening both Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, spend a night celebrating dance and artistry presented by University of Iowa students and faculty at the Dance Gala in Hancher Auditorium. Members of the University of Iowa Department of Dance will present newly restaged works from faculty members and their creative collaborators. Tickets for both nights are available for purchase online and range in price from $5-20.
Catch a case of Saturday funnies with Lady Franklyn
Saturday: Lady Franklyn is Willow Creek Theatre Company's house improv team, performing most Saturdays. The professional improv troupe has a show at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, promising an evening of laughter and spontaneity in Iowa City. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the door.
Trunk or Treat at the Iowa River Landing
Sunday: Spend a spooktacular afternoon in the Iowa River Landing during Trunk or Treat. The family-friendly Halloween celebration will happen from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, in the Von Maur parking lot in Coralville. At the free event, families can expect candy, games, and activities for kids of all ages. Costumes are highly encouraged but not required.
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All aboard the Iowa City Train Show
Sunday:The Iowa City Train Show is now in its fifth year. The event serves as an annual fundraiser to support the Hawkeye Model Railroad Club. Head over to the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City to see more than 100 model railroad vendors and multiple model railroad scales, layouts, and demonstrations. As part of the afternoon, there will be free tours of the Hawkeye Model Railroad Club building. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with admission costing $5, and children under 10 get in for free.
Discover treasure at the Iowa City Flea Market
Sunday:The Iowa City Flea Market returns for another weekend, this time to the Iowa City Northside neighborhood, on North Linn St. between Bloomington and Market St. Browse local vendors selling one-of-a-kind items, including clothes, handmade goods, home decor, furniture, and art, along with some spooky finds from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 19.
Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and education reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at[email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_