Summer Free-for-All: Community Activity Highlights for July 2024
You can get a copy of the full guide to classes and programs in our Community Center, which includes our Recreation Center, Library, Aquatic Center, Gerdin Conference Center and other spaces, published three times each year, in person at the Community Center, 520 W. Cherry St., or online. These highlights of the coming month are published on the third Thursday of each month. You can sign up to have this emailed to you at northlibertyiowa.org/subscribe.
News & Updates
On July 4, the Recreation Center will be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The outdoor pool will be open from 12 to 1 p.m. for pass holders and 1 to 6 p.m. for pass holders and the general public.
The guide for fall activities will be published in early July, with registration starting 6 a.m. on Aug. 5. Pick up a copy of the guide at the Recreation Center front desk or online.
In Case You Missed It
The indoor pool has reopened following equipment repairs. We opened the second phase of the Community Center, which included a second gym, extended track and pools 20 years ago!
City Slate Events
There’s always something Free and fun to do in North Liberty. The City Slate offers events all year long, and is made free with the support of A2Z Heating and Plumbing, Centro, Inc, Collins Community Credit Union, The Eastern Iowa Airport – CID, Hills Bank, MidWestOne Bank, South Slope Cooperative, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, Urban Acres Real Estate and Veridian Credit Union. More at northlibertyiowa.org/cityslate.
Fireworks and Classic Cars
July 3, Show and Shine 7 p.m., Fireworks 9:30 p.m. or when dark, Penn Meadows Park, Free
Join the Classy Chassy Cruisers for a free Show and Shine car show, followed by fireworks to kickstart your Independence Day celebrations
Swim Storytime
July 12, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m., Outdoor Pool, Free
Join the library and lifeguards for a story time and a free open swim at the outdoor pool.
Blues & BBQ
July 13, 10 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., Centennial Park, 1565 St. Andrews Drive, Free
North Liberty’s summer tradition of live music, craft beer, barbecue and kids’ fun returns for a 16th year.
Swim with Island and Mermaid Princesses
July 21, 6 –8 p.m., Outdoor Pool, Free
A magical experience at the outdoor pool with princesses and mermaids! Snacks, crafts, party favors and free swim included. This event is free, but registration is required.
Other Upcoming Events
Summer Lunch & Fun
Weekdays (no July 4), 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Ranshaw House, Free
A free lunch and an activity for kids 0 to 18 years old every weekday during the summer months, no questions asked. Learn more at northlibertyiowa.org/summerlunch.
Pig & Pint Prelude
July 12, 6 – 9 p.m., Centennial Park, $75
A ticketed fundraiser the Pig & Pint Prelude takes place under the big tent with proceeds supporting North Liberty Blues & BBQ’s commitment to keeping festival admission, kids’ fun and live music free to attendees. This year will feature Pit Master and Nexflix’s BBQ Showdown champion Thyron Mathews, the owner of T&T BBQ out of Oelwein.
Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers
Ag Storytime
July 1, 10:30 a.m., Ranshaw House Lawn, Free
Through fun and hands-on activities Johnson County Farm Bureau will educate youth about the importance of agriculture in our everyday life. In this session students will discover that there are many different types of farms.
Binspire: Messy Play Date
July 20, 10 a.m., Gerdin Conference Center, $15
Looking for a fun and messy way for your kids to have fun? Look no further than this playdate! This outdoor event will have various stations set up with paint, water, mud, shaving cream, and more for your little ones to get messy. The child-led, open-ended play encourages creativity, builds confidence, and helps children experience new textures and practice social skills.
Doodlebugs with the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
July 29, 10:30 a.m., Library, Free
Black-Out: The color black lets you use your imagination. It’s all the colors and no color at the same time. And it can allow you to use your sense of smell and touch, too! Every Doodlebugs session starts with a story and ends with imagination and creation!
School-Aged Youth
Movie Mondays
Mondays, 1 – 3 p.m., Library, Free
Join us in a matinee showing of a recent animated movie. Bring your own snacks and blankets to get cozy for a relaxing movie afternoon!
Tweendom
Wednesdays, 1 – 2 p.m., Library, Free
4th to 6th graders, come to the library weekly to participate in crafts and activities curated by the youth and teen librarians!
Tippi Toes: Bight Lights Big City Camp
July 8 – 12, 1 – 4 p.m., Gerdin Conference Center, $225
Immerse your child in the world of musical theater, where they’ll explore dance, music and theatrical fun. Our instructors will guide them through Broadway-inspired dance styles, fostering creativity and confidence. From themed showcases to engaging activities, “Bright Lights Big City” is a summer of laughter, friendship, and a passion for the stage. Watch your child shine under the bright lights in this unforgettable Broadway adventure!
Teen Thursday
July 11, 18, 25, 3 – 4 p.m., Library, Free
7th to 12th graders, come to the library weekly to participate in crafts and activities curated by the youth and teen librarians!
Tween After Hours!
July 19, 5:30 – 8 p.m., Library, Free
Bring your friends for pizza, snacks, games, crafts, and fun. Scream, shout, run around with us after hours at the library. All participants will need to have a permission waiver signed when they are dropped off at the library.
Raptology
June 24, Library, 1 p.m., Free
Raptology of Iowa City houses birds of prey that they care for and use for education through the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Raptology will bring a couple of their birds of prey for us to meet and learn about their job in the ecosystem!
3-on-3 Basketball Boys and Girls Basketball Leagues
Mondays or Tuesday, 6 – 9 p.m., various locations, $130 per team
Sign up as a team to play at least two games per night, depending on the number of teams.
Adults & Senior
Book Discussion: The Great Displacement
July 21, 1:30 p.m., Library, Free
Join us this month for a discussion of The Great Displacement by Jake Bittle. All are welcome to attend for discussion of Bittle’s story of those forced from their homes due to climate change in the United States. Copies of the book will be available at the library prior to the event. Attend in-person or virtually.
Craft Supply Swap
July 20 – 21, Library, Free
Join other arts and craft enthusiasts. Bring in items that you no longer want, including papercrafts, yarn, thread, fabric, stickers, pencils, ribbon, glue and tools all day, July 19 or before 2 p.m. on July 20. Then stop by during regular library hours to pick up new-to-you supplies! Don’t have any items to bring? Don’t worry about it! Anyone can “shop,” no donation required.
Oral History Week
July 8-11, Library, Free
Every person’s story is a precious thread in our community’s tapestry. We invite you to participate in our oral history project using the renowned StoryCorps format to capture authentic voices and lived experiences. Through these recorded conversations, we aim to uncover diverse stories that have shaped our community’s identity. Your unique perspective, whether as a lifelong resident or newcomer, holds immense value in painting our shared past, present, and future. By sharing your story, you preserve your legacy and inspire others to embrace their narratives, creating a digital archive celebrating our diversity and heritage.
Trivia Night
July 11, 6:30, Library, Free
Who doesn’t love a good battle of the brains? Invite your friends to join us for a night of trivia, snacks and small prizes! Teams can be made up of five people or fewer, but you don’t have to bring a team. Individuals can work together or separately.
Fitness Classes
On a monthly basis we offer a variety of fitness classes, both in the water and on land. Check Recdesk for more information on these opportunities.
Families
Late Night Swim
July 19, 8 – 10 p.m., Aquatics Center, $2
Join us for a special late-night swim past closing in the outdoor pool. Limited concession items available.
