The leaves are falling, football season is in full swing, and the temperature is ping-ponging from 40 to 80 degrees—it’s fall in Iowa. Luckily, even if it’s a chilly season, it’s far from a boring one! Here are five things you can do in Iowa City during fall.
Shop Downtown
New to campus? The Downtown Shop Crawl is a great way to get to know stores around Iowa City! Stop at the Downtown District office to get a ticket for an Iowa City-themed tote, a surprise gift, and access to all the sales.
Nearly 20 stores with a variety of deals and niches are participating. Sales are up to 50% off select items. That’s not to mention the beverages available while you shop, including Pumpkin Pie Lattes from Java House and Apple Cider at Pitaya.
Catch a Movie
With the weather getting chillier outside, it’s a great time to bundle up and find something indoors for the evening. FilmScene, a local nonprofit movie theater, always has something showing. Whether you’re looking for blockbusters like Resident Evil or indie darlings like The History of Concrete, there’s always something to watch.
And for big-time cinephiles, the Refocus Film Festival takes place at the end of October. This film festival celebrates the art of adaptation, and features films before they reach wide theatrical releases. In the past, the festival hosted talks with Werner Herzog and Oscar nominee Train Dreams before its release date.
Go to a Book Reading
While there are always readings led by authors happening in Iowa City, the City of Literature really comes alive during the Iowa City Book Festival. Authors from right in Iowa City and around the world come to host various events open to the public. These include readings, workshops, and panels, all about books and writing. It’s also a great way to get to know Iowa City, as these events are held all around businesses and University of Iowa buildings.
The best part? Every event at the festival is completely free.
Cheer on the Hawks
Kinnick Stadium is the place to be in the fall! Cheer on the Hawkeyes as they play through Big Ten Conference games. While you’re there, you’ll also get to participate in The Wave, the best tradition in college sports.
Football isn’t the only sport where you can watch the Hawks play! The volleyball team competes at the Xtream Arena in nearby Coralville. And, beginning at the end of October, both men’s and women’s basketball begin exhibition games at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
Visit the Orchard
It’s not fall without a trip to the orchard! Wilson’s Orchard is a short drive from Iowa City and has a lot to do. The Farm Market has fresh produce, homemade goodies, and a whole lot more made and grown by local farmers.
In addition to the market, you can get a variety of Wilson’s produce pre-picked, or go out and pick your own. Most notably, this includes apples and pumpkins. Perfect for jack-o’-lanterns… the pumpkins, not the apples.
This is just a sample of the fall activities available around Iowa City. Explore the best college town and the University of Iowa to find your new favorite fall tradition!
