The 5 best things to do in Iowa City this weekend from Maifest to a roadway show

Jessica Rish, Iowa City Press-Citizen

This weekend in the Iowa City area will be filled with vibrant culture, entertainment, and celebration. From Broadway shows to student art and traditional folklore celebrations, here are five things to check out:

From May 3 to May 5, the Tony Award Winning Broadway show, "Chicago" will be at Hancher Auditorium.
From May 3 to May 5, the Tony Award Winning Broadway show, "Chicago" will be at Hancher Auditorium.

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Hancher’s Broadway Series: Chicago

One of the most iconic Broadway shows is coming to Iowa City.

Chicago, the Tony Award-winning play, will be at Hancher Auditorium from May 3-5.

Set in the "Roaring 20s," the story follows two murderesses vying for fame and fortune in a world of corruption. Four showings are scheduled during the weekend, and tickets are on sale on Hancher’s website.

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Maipole Dancers perform during Maifest, Saturday, May 6, 2023, outside Millstream Brau Haus in Amana, Iowa.
Maipole Dancers perform during Maifest, Saturday, May 6, 2023, outside Millstream Brau Haus in Amana, Iowa.

Maifest at Millstream Brewing Co.

Celebrate Maifest this weekend at Millstream Brewing Co. The annual German festival celebrates the arrival of spring, and the long-running microbrewery is hosting an array of activities. The festivities start at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 3 with an exclusive beer release followed by live music and traditional dance. Live music from Joel Berge and the Barry Boyce Polka Band and plenty of food options will be offered on Saturday, May 4, including pretzels and brats. For the full lineup of events, visit Millstream Brewing Co.’s website.

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Arts Fest, hosted by the University of Iowa School of Art & Art History, invites the community to an open house event showcasing the creative prowess of both undergraduate and graduate students.
Arts Fest, hosted by the University of Iowa School of Art & Art History, invites the community to an open house event showcasing the creative prowess of both undergraduate and graduate students.

Arts Fest

Arts Fest is a free open house event hosted by the University of Iowa School of Art & Art History. It features artwork created by undergraduate and graduate students in various mediums, from photography to printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture. Arts Fest will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 3, at the University of Iowa Visual Arts Building at 107 River St.

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Cory Gundlach, curator of African art at the Stanley Museum of Art, walks with Press-Citizen reporter Paris Barraza towards Golden Enstrata by Richard Pousette-Dart, at left, past an Elefon headdress made of wood from the early 20th century in the foreground and Tingari Cycle by Ronnie Tjampitjinpa at right, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, on the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City, Iowa.

To My Friends at Horn: Keith Haring and Iowa City Stanley Opening

The latest exhibition at the Stanley Museum of Art opens on Saturday, May 4, coincidentally the same day as Keith Haring’s birthday. This exhibition celebrates Haring’s legacy and the multiple trips to Iowa City in the 1980s. The 1989 mural that Haring painted during a visit to Ernest Horn Elementary School, on loan to the Stanley during the elementary school’s renovation, anchors the exhibition. The mural will be accompanied by other works of art, photographs, and archival materials. The Stanley Museum of Art is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4.

On May 4, the Move Ya Body Fest at Fairmeadows Park in Iowa City blends Reggae music with Star Wars-themed activities
On May 4, the Move Ya Body Fest at Fairmeadows Park in Iowa City blends Reggae music with Star Wars-themed activities

Move Ya Body Fest

Happening on May 4, the Move Ya Body Fest combines Reggae and Star Wars. From 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., indulge in Caribbean and BBQ food trucks, a Reggae DJ set, live music from the band Indika WSG XXXX, and an information fair and interactive Star Wars course. Move Ya Body Fest will happen at Fairmeadows Park, 2451 Miami Dr., Iowa City.

Jessica Rish is an entertainment, dining and business reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She can be reached at JRish@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @rishjessica_

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: 5 things to do in Iowa City this weekend include a Keith Haring exhibit

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