Cant-miss summer fun in Johnson Co. from live music to movies in the park and Swisher Fun Days

Though the end of summer is looming, there is still plenty to do in Iowa City and Johnson County, from live music to free activities and small-town celebrations.

Here are five things to do during the last weekend of July.

Swisher Fun Days

Swisher Fun Days return on Saturday, July 27. This annual community event takes over the Swisher community by putting on free and interactive events for all ages, including a bags competition, live music, tractor pulls, and a petting zoo. The Swisher Fun Days parade kicks off the festivities at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 27. The parade begins at the Swisher Post Office and will continue down Swisher View Drive.

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FilmScene in the Park

What began as an initiative to revive the movie-going experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has swiftly turned into a summertime favorite in Iowa City FilmScene in the Park has six screenings left this season, which runs through the first weekend of October.

Films start at 8:30 p.m. each Saturday in Chauncey Swan Park. The final movie of July is “The General," which was released in 1926 and is an adapted story from William Pittenger's memoir "The Great Locomotive Chase." This comedy action film follows the story of a determined train engineer who embarks on a daring mission to reclaim his stolen locomotive during the American Civil War.

Northside Saturday Nights: A Music Series Curated by the Englert

The Northside Saturday Nights concert series is a free live music event curated by the Englert Theatre on North Linn Street. The series started in May and will run until September every Saturday at 6 p.m. Catch Fork in the Road on the northside stage on Saturday, July 27.

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Summer Outdoor Yoga

Hot House Yoga hosts a free outdoor yoga class at 10 a.m. every Sunday from May until September on the lawn outside Van Allen Hall. The event, sponsored by The Iowa City Downtown District, is open to all ages and experience levels. Participants must bring their own mats and water.

Buddy’s Bonfire at Iowa Farm Sanctuary

Buddy’s Bonfire at the Iowa Farm Sanctuary is a unique annual event that invites guests to camp on the farm animal rescue site. Guests can arrive at the sanctuary at or after 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 27 to meet rescued farm animals, join a game of kickball, play giant Jenga, make s’mores and catch a movie. Guests will then camp under the stars in a tent or RV. In the morning, wake up to fresh coffee and homemade cinnamon rolls before participating in a chill, flow yoga class.

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: Cant-miss summer fun in Johnson Co. from live music to movies in the park and Swisher Fun Days