North Liberty’s Beat the Bitter Festival has Snowballed into a Full Lineup of Events
Winter doesn’t have to be dull. North Liberty’s Beat the Bitter offers a lineup of free and paid events to brighten up the post-holiday dark days.
Explore the schedule at beatthebitter.com and take advantage of early-bird pricing for festival programming that requires it:
5K-ish Glow Run presented by Field Day Brewing on Jan. 26. Run (6 p.m.) or walk (7 p.m.) the route around Liberty Centre Pond to celebrate the unveiling of North Liberty Lights, a month-long illuminated display. Entry is open to all ages, and includes photo ops, a medal, and an after-party at Field Day Brewing. Register for only $10 (minors) or $15 (adults) by Dec. 31 before pricing increases in January.
Snuggie Crawl presented by McGrath Toyota of Iowa City on Feb. 3 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. The comfy night on the town transports 450 people wearing sleeved blankets to six local establishments for drinks, complimentary appetizers and activities. Tickets start at $55 through Dec. 31. The price will increase to $65 on Jan 1 and is expected to sell out.
Beat the Bitter also offers free programming, including these highlights:
Scheels Ice Rink open daily as conditions allow. The rink in Penn Meadows Park is open for skaters of all abilities. Skates are available for checkout at the Community Center through the Recreation Department. Stay in the loop by signing up for rink status notifications.
Fire & Ice presented by GreenState Credit Union on Jan. 28 from 4 to 8 p.m. brings the Ice Walk presented by the Community Foundation of Johnson County, fire performances, horse-drawn carriage rides and lots of free activities to Penn Meadows Park and then caps it all off with fireworks.
North Liberty Lights all February. The light display around Liberty Centre Pond’s walking trail makes February brighter, and the community is invited to visit any — or every — evening in February for free. Two North Liberty City Slate events, Ride Around the Lights (Feb. 10) with free pedicab rides and the Sip & Stroll (Feb. 22) with complimentary drink samples from Iowa manufacturers, offer additional free ways to enjoy the display. North Liberty Lights is supported by A2Z Heating & Plumbing, Sushiya, Archie’s Brake & Quick Lube and Adam Schechinger State Farm. Light scene sponsorships are still available. Contact Jillian Miller for more information.
Affiliated events round out the month of programming. Enjoy a Winter StoryWalk around Liberty Centre Pond at your leisure, learn how to ice fish with Take a Kid Outdoors on Jan. 27, support local Scouts BSA Troop 216 at their Chili Supper on Feb. 3, build community with fellow seniors at the 55+ Connections Lunch on Feb. 9, cheer on the Iowa Heartlanders hockey team during North Liberty Night at Xtream Arena on Feb. 16, play in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament organized by the North Liberty Youth Council on Feb. 18, and assemble a team to compete a puzzle the fastest in the Polar Puzzle Sprint at the library on Feb. 23.
Beat the Bitter is made possible by the City of North Liberty, GreenState Credit Union, Scheels, McGrath Toyota of Iowa City, and the Community Foundation of Johnson County. Additional support is provided by Think Iowa City, Alliant Energy, Centro, Eastern Iowa Airport – CID, Hills Bank, MidWestOne Bank, South Slope Cooperative Communications, University of Iowa Health Care, A2Z Heating & Plumbing, Collins Community Credit Union, Urban Acres Real Estate, Veridian Credit Union, Sushiya, Archie’s Brake & Quick Lube, Adam Schechinger State Farm and Field Day Brewing Company.
