There’s always something
free and fun
to do in North Liberty.
Join the library and lifeguards for a three free summer story times by the outdoor pool. The five Ws Who: Geared towards children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. What: Hear a story on the pool deck and then…
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Dig out your sleeping bags and tent or prepare the camper — it’s time to make plans to attend Camp North Liberty Friday, June 23 through Saturday, June 24. City staff camp counselors have prepared a full evening of activities for…
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Kickstart your Independence Day celebrations with a fireworks display on Monday evening, July 3, 2023, in Penn Meadows Park. The display will launch at 9 p.m. from Owen Skelley Field (formally known as Babe Ruth Field) in the southwest corner…
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On Saturday, June 3, mega kites will soar above North Liberty’s Centennial Park. Come for awe-inspiring views, and information, activities and giveaways from LGBTQ community groups and sponsors for a community celebration of love. Here’s all you need to know.…
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Each year, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources hosts free fishing days, and the city’s Parks and Recreation departments are partnering Take a Kid Outdoors and other area organizations to provide a free morning of fishing on Saturday, June 3.…
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The Ranshaw House Concert Series returns this summer. Catch up with friends and socialize as a community Friday nights in June and July on the Ranshaw House lawn. Bring a picnic, BYOB and enjoy live performances from local musicians on…
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Jump start summer and register for the summer reading program on the Ranshaw House lawn. The five Ws Who: You! Children must be accompanied by an adult. What: A foam party, ball pit and more to kick off the North…
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Whether you already have an established group of friends with kiddos or you’re looking to meet more young families, this event is for you. Here’s all you need to know about our third annual Playground Crawl on Saturday, May 20:…
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Meet the trucks and drivers and others that keep the city going at this showcase of public works vehicles in Centennial Park. The five Ws Who: You! Free and no reservation needed. Children must be accompanied by an adult. What:…
Read MoreNorth Liberty’s City Slate is a collection of our largest special events planned by city staff. Every event on the slate is free to attend, and our team has tons of events in store every year. Upcoming events will be announced in waves throughout the year. Full details for each event will be linked below in the weeks leading up to each program.
Fridays in June & July: Ranshaw House Concert Series
Catch up with friends and socialize as a community Friday nights in July on the Ranshaw House lawn. Bring a picnic and enjoy live performances from local musicians on the historic house’s front porch.
June 3: Free Fishing
Join neighbors for free fishing, food and prizes at Liberty Centre Pond. A fishing license is not required for this special event.
June 3: Let Love Fly
Mega kites will soar above Centennial Park for a community celebration of love. Come for awe-inspiring views, and information, activities and giveaways from LGBTQ community groups and sponsors.
June 16, July 28 & August 11: Swimming Storytime
Join the Library staff and lifeguards for a fun summer storytime by the pool on the outdoor pool deck followed by free swim. This event is geared towards ages 5 and under. Caregivers must be in the pool with children.
June 23 & 24: Camp North Liberty
A community campout at the North Liberty Community Center. Set up your tent on the lawn or park your RV in the lot. Indoor camping will also be available in lower level conference center. Enjoy games, live music, a community dinner and swimming before bed.
June 25 & July 16: Swim with Island and Mermaid Princesses
A magical experience at the outdoor pool with an island princess and a mermaid princess! Snacks, crafts, party favors and free swim included. Space is limited to 150 children per date. Reservation will open one week out from each event.
June 30: Joyriders Jubilee
Decorate your wheels to showcase who YOU are! Bikes, blades, strollers, wagons, wheelbarrows, wheelchairs and non-motorized wheels welcome. Decorating supplies available beginning at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. group parade on the Penn Meadows Park trail.
July 3: Fireworks
Enjoy a fantastic display at Penn Meadows Park the evening before your Independence Day celebrations! While the show is free to attend, it is also a fundraiser for the City’s Building North Liberty’s Next Stage campaign. Up to 100 individual shells included in the July 3 display are available to be named for a significant other, child, friend, or whomever a donor desires for a minimum donation of $50.
July 8: North Liberty Blues & BBQ
North Liberty’s summer tradition of live music, craft beer, barbecue and kids fun.
August 4: Dive-In Movie
Bring your blankets and pajamas for a free showing of a movie on the outdoor pool deck.
August 6: Kinetic Circus
An outdoor show of fire dancing and breathing, aerial performances, juggling, hula hoops and acro-balance.
August 19: Summer Send-Off
Say goodbye to summer with inflatables, carnival games and live music in Centennial Park.
So much fun in 2023! Jan. 29: Fire & Ice and Fireworks: Enjoy fire performances, ice sculptures, carriage rides, fireworks and more during Beat the Bitter’s free evening at Penn Meadows Park. Feb. 3: Youth Night at Scheels Ice Rink: A special night of skating for junior high and high school students at Scheels Ice Rink with skates, music and snacks provided. Feb. 4: Ice Fishing with TAKO: Try your luck catching some pan fish at Liberty Centre Pond with with Take A Kid Outdoors. Feb. 18: Ride Around the Lights: Free pedicab rides around North Liberty Lights. March 2: Sip & Stroll: Sample craft beer, cider and kombucha from local producers as you stroll North Liberty Lights. April 1: Bunny Clue Trail: A fairy garden scavenger hunt, petting zoo and spring-themed goodie bags. April 22: Kites for Kids Festival: Come play at this family-friendly kite festival raising awareness of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. May 13: Remarkable Rigs
Meet the trucks and drivers and others that keep the city going at this showcase of public works vehicles in Centennial Park. May 20: Playground Crawl Spend the afternoon with your household exploring the city’s playgrounds with treats and activities at each stop. May 24: Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Party Jump start summer and sign up for the summer reading program with a foam party (all ages) and ball crawl (children under 5 years of age) on the Ranshaw House lawn.
What happened in 2022? A lot including Fire & Ice, Ice Fishing, Snow Ball, North Liberty Lights, Kites for Kids Festival, Bunny Clue Trail, Shed Hunt, Free Comic Book Day, Remarkable Rigs, Playground Crawl, Free Fishing Weekend, Let Love Fly, Free Swimming Lesson, Swimming Storytime, Children’s Concert, Freedom Roll, Great American Campout, North Liberty Blues & BBQ, Swimming with Princesses, Tween Night at the Pool, Summer Reading Program, Ranshaw House Concert Series, Swimming Storytime, Summer Send-Off, Fairy Trail, Bethany C. Morrow Author Visit, Star Party, Floating Pumpkin Patch, Halloween Moonlight Walk, Community Pumpkin Display, Haunted Happenings, Embody | Embrace: Tell Your Story, Golden Turkey Hunt, Holiday Vendor Fair, Breakfast with Santa and Noon Year’s Eve.
We’re committed to providing our residents and visitors free access to play in North Liberty. Luckily, these local businesses agree and we’re proud to have their support to help cover program costs so you, your family and your neighbors can just have fun. You’ll have the chance to visit with these sponsors at upcoming events so please thank them for their support when you do.
Businesses interested in supporting North Liberty’s City Slate can contact Jillian Miller at [email protected] or (319) 626-5757 for information.
While the City Slate is a compilation of our free and largest city-produced events, it is not a schedule of all of our community’s programs. Visit our community calendar to view other recreation, library and area events. You can also explore events planned throughout Johnson County at thinkiowacity.com.
