It’s Gonna Be: Community Activity Highlights for May 2025
You can get a copy of the full guide to classes and programs in our Community Center, which includes our Recreation Center, Library, Pacha 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
The Iowa Libraries Adventure Pass program, which was paused at the beginning of 2025, is expected to be back up and running by the start of summer. We’re thankful for our patrons’ patience, as this large change, which includes libraries across the state, comes with extra steps to work through.
In Case You Missed It
Come Learn to Garden with a 15-week program lasting a full growing season to give people the chance to learn how to garden with hands on experience. After an initial meeting and presentation at the Community Center on April 29, from 6 to 7 p.m., the class will meet once a week with Bob Smith, and assistant professor in horticulture, who will lead the group from choosing the best seeds to preparing the soil, planting and maintaining the garden throughout the year. Registrants will be asked to help water and weed the garden throughout the year. The garden plot will be located at our community gardens spot and all food grown will be donated to the Community Food Pantry. Registrants will only need to supply a pair of gloves for the program as all other supplies will be provided.
On the Horizon
The Cardboard Boat Regatta will return to the City Slate on June 21, and we’ll be expanding the number of racers this year. Mark your calendar for race day. We’ll offer registration and supply kits to build homemade boats in May.
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 Centro, Inc., Collins Community Credit Union, Corda 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.
Remarkable Rigs
May 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., 25 W Cherry St., Free
Meet the trucks and drivers and others that keep the city going at this showcase of public works vehicles. This year’s event will be on Cherry Street as we celebrate the Fire Department’s 80th anniversary.
Playground Crawl
May 17, 2 – 5 p.m., Various Parks, Free
Spend the afternoon with your household exploring five city parks and enjoy free snacks, activities and meet-and-greets with your little one’s favorite characters at each stop.
Other Upcoming Events
Volunteer Fair
May 10, 10 a.m., Library, Free
Looking for opportunities to help out your community? Join us for the Volunteer Fair and learn about local organizations seeking help from neighbors like you. After the fair, join us on the Ranshaw House lawn for fun, games, and to learn about the Summer Lunch & Fun program. This event is in partnership with Grace Community Church.
Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers
Pied Piper with Orchestra Iowa
May 8, 9 a.m., Library, Free
Join Orchestra Iowa’s talented String, Percussion, Woodwind, and Brass chamber ensembles as they introduce preschool-aged children to the instruments of the orchestra! Focused on fun and learning, Pied Piper concerts offer children the opportunity to enjoy an up-close and personal chamber concert. Concerts last about 30mins, May is Brass!
Doodlebugs with the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
May 19, 10:30 a.m., Library, Free
You’re Making Me Dizzy! Bridget Riley created artworks that are meant to fool your eyes and even make you dizzy! Learn about Op-Art today and make your own illusion to take home.
School-Aged Youth
Super Tuesday: Dinosaur Excavation
May 6, 4:30 p.m., Library, Free
Dig into dino fun! Make your own dinosaur egg to take home and break open. Learn about different types of dinosaurs. Explore our sensory bin for a hands-on prehistoric adventure.
NLYC Flag Football Tournament
May 10, 10 a.m., Liberty High School Football Stadium, $25 per team
North Liberty Youth Council members and North Liberty Community Center staff are teaming up to host a 5-on-5 flag football tournament for students in grades 6 to 8. The entry fee is per team, and single players can register for $5 per player; fees can be paid in cash on the morning of the tournament.
Tweendom: Pokémon Slime
May 12, 4:30 p.m., Library, Free
Get ready to mix, stretch, and squish! Join us for a fun, hands-on slime-making session where you can create your own custom slime environment for your Pokémon.
Teen Wednesday: Charm Bracelets
May 14, 4:30 p.m., Library, Free
Get creative and craft your own spring-inspired charm bracelet! Choose from a variety of beads and charms to design a unique accessory that matches your vibe.
Super Tuesday: Board Games
May 20, 4:30 p.m., Library, Free
Roll the dice, strategize, and have a blast with friends! Join us for an afternoon of classic and new board games.
STEMpact: Youth-to-Youth presentation
May 24, 2 p.m., Library, Free
North Liberty Youth Council is hosting an introductory chemistry seminar and activity for upper-elementary and middle school students. This presentation is the last in NLYC’s STEM seminar series, which is intended to introduce elementary and middle school students to various areas of STEM by leading students through lectures and activities on topics such as computer science, biology, physics and more.
Adults & Senior
55+ Tuesday Gathering
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m., Library, Free
Join us for a weekly social gathering that will feature rotating activities and friendly conversation – board games, puzzles, art, book discussions, and more!
Trivia Night
May 1, 6:30 p.m., 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.
First Friday Tech Time
May 2, 2 -3 p.m., Library, Free
Get the tech help you need at our drop-in session. We’ll be here to assist you with any technical issues you may be facing. Whether you’re struggling with using an app, hardware issues, or just need some general advice, we’ve got you covered. The help session is free and open to all, so feel free to drop by and get the help you need.
Small Biz in Small Libraries: All About Wellness Entrepreneurship
May 28, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Library, Free
Need some advice on keeping your wellness business thriving AND authentic? Join us for another SBSL event featuring fitness trainer Jeremiah Moody, who will share his poignant story of trials and triumphs as a successful wellness entrepreneur. You will gain wisdom and advice on how to bring the truest version of yourself to your business by using your own unique story to bolster your brand.
Families
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Movie Showing
May 7, 4:30 p.m., Library, Free
Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander heritage month with a showing of Abominable, hosted by the Library and Midwest Chinese Academy. Light snacks will be provided and feel free to bring along lidded drinks and additional snacks along with blankets and/or pillows for your comfort.
Rainbow Family Storytime
May 27, 6:30 p.m., Library, Free
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and we are here to help you see yours reflected in books and library services. Rainbow Family Storytime is a queer-led and LGBTQ+ themed storytime series where LGBTQ+ families can share and connect in community.
