Musicians, artists, poets and authors flock to Iowa City every year for this festival. (Photo: Mission Creek)
Iowa City’s three-day festival is a citywide extravaganza of music and literature, showcasing talent from Iowa and beyond. From April 4 through 6, you’ll find performances popping up all across town in traditional and nontraditional alike, including boutiques, bowling alleys, bookstores and breweries. The setup fosters a close-knit bond between artists and audiences, enhancing the overall experience.
You’ll need a festival pass for most performances, but there are also plenty of free public events to enjoy. Take part in “lit walks” through downtown’s charming bookstores to catch readings from authors, browse through a vinyl record pop-up shop or explore a lively zine fair.
This year’s lineup boasts a mix of local talent like Single File and The Blake Shaw Big(ish) Band, alongside nationally recognized acts such as singer-songwriter Indigo de Souza and acclaimed poet Hanif Abdurraqib.
