Here are 3 things to do this weekend in Johnson County, including Rock the Chalk in Iowa City
The streets of downtown Iowa City and 5th Street in Coralville will get chalk makeovers this weekend with the return of two annual events.
MidWestOne Bank’s Rock the Chalk in Iowa City on Friday means vibrant, chalk murals will line the streets for at least a few days. Meanwhile, Coralville’s 5th Street Social is taking its cue from Rock the Chalk and incorporating some art-related fun into the annual outdoor bash.
Here are three things to do this weekend in Johnson County.
Rock the Chalk in Iowa City
For about one weekend last August, downtown Iowa City streets resembled patchwork quilts, each square a chalk mural made by community members.
The Iowa City area community came out to show its creativity and passions, including a drawing of a sea turtle with a rainbow-colored shell, sharp lines that created a geometric pattern, and sharing messages about ending Alzheimer’s disease.
Rock the Chalk returns Friday. Folks can head to downtown Iowa City to view dozens of murals from 5-8 p.m. on the streets surrounding the bank’s headquarters at 102 S. Clinton St.
For those participating in Rock the Chalk, the fun begins earlier in the day as they get to work to take their idea and replicate it on the street.
Both passersby and artists will get to enjoy live music. Starting at 1 p.m., Des Moines singer and songwriter Andrew Hoyt will perform.
Other artists performing at Rock the Chalk include:
The Soft & Low at 2 p.m.
Ace Jones at 3 p.m.
Sophie Mitchell at 5 p.m.
Sara Routh at 6 p.m.
The Zeffsterr at 7 p.m.
One participant in this year’s art-making event is Heidi Goeken, an art teacher in the Iowa City Community School District. She’ll be participating with her 15-year-old daughter, who also enjoys art.
“One of the things that I really like about art is the way it can bring a community together,” Goeken said. “I think art really is an amazing vehicle, and it can do so many different things. It's a way to express yourself. You can use it for communication, activism, therapy, joy, storytelling (and) promote awareness.”
Goeken and her daughter’s love for nature will be reflected in the mural they draw Friday, likely to incorporate monarch butterflies due to the insect recently being put on the endangered species list, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
She’s looking forward to spending time outside with her daughter and the community at Rock the Chalk.
“I just think it's really cool that we do have a community that supports the arts,” Goeken said.
Celtic Summerfest at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts
The Coralville Center for the Performing Arts is hosting Celtic Summerfest, where eastern Iowa musicians and dancers present a showcase celebrating the Irish arts.
Taking the stage are performers from the Champagne Academy of Irish Dance, a North Liberty academy for people of all ages to learn Irish culture and folk art.
Joining them will be Coppers & Brass, a quartet that performs traditional Irish folk music.
Held on Sunday, the Celtic Summerfest follows Lughnasa, the traditional Celtic harvest festival held between the summer solistice and autumn equinox, according to the Coralville Center for Performing Arts’ website.
Lughnasa, also spelled Lughnasadh, was observed on Aug. 1.
Celtic Summerfest starts at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission, and $15 for those with financial need.
Visit the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts’ website to purchase tickets.
Coralville’s 5th Street Social
It’s time for Coralville’s block party.
Coralville’s 5th Street Social returns Saturday from 4-10 p.m. for an evening of music, food and celebrating with friends and family.
The free event, which began in 2016, is an ode to the street dances that took place when 5th Street was first paved in Coralville in 1921 and in the decades that followed.
Performing at the block party is Rattlebox, a five-piece rock band from Mount Vernon, at 4 p.m.. Final Mix Show Band, which performs oldies and current hits, follows at 7 p.m.
From 4-8 p.m., classic cars will be parked along 5th Street to view.
Food vendors include Da Flava Unit, Gyro Hicks Soul Food, JamieCakes, Marco’s Grilled Cheese, Paco’s Tacos, Pineapple Whip, Slammin Jammin Wings and Things, and Wilson’s Orchard & Farm. There will be a beverage garden featuring drinks from Backpocket Brewing, Big Grove Brewery, ReUnion Brewery and Wilson’s Ciderhouse.
New to this year’s block party is Chalk it Up.
Coralville’s 5th Street Social is inviting community members to reserve a free space to create a chalk mural. The block party will supply basic chalk sticks. There are just a few spots remaining, so those interested should visit Coralville 5th Street Social’s websit to enter.
5th Street Social will offer a kid zone, complete with a kickboxing challenge, arts and crafts, inflatables and giant yard games.
Visit Coralville’s website for more information about 5th Street Social.
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Reach her at PBarraza@press-citizen.com or (319) 519-9731. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Things to do this weekend in Johnson County include Coralville party
