Iowa City Senior Center Releases September-October 2026 Program Guide

The Iowa City Senior Center (ICSC) is excited to announce its lineup of new classes and events for this fall, detailed in the September-October 2026 Program Guide. The new program guide is available online at icgov.org/senior, or pick up a printed copy at the Senior Center or a local public library in Iowa City, Coralville, or North Liberty.

Dedicated to helping community members stay active, curious, and connected as they age, the Iowa City Senior Center offers something for everyone, whether it's a drawing class, a foreign language course, a film discussion, a caregiver support group, or a street dance party.

September is National Senior Center Month, a time to recognize the vital role senior centers play in enhancing the lives of older adults and strengthening communities. This year's theme, Happier Birthdays Happen Here, celebrates the moments, connections, and opportunities that help people not just live longer, but live well.

This fall also marks a milestone: ICSC is celebrating 45 years of community. Many of the season's offerings are made possible through collaborations with community partners, including FilmScene, Johnson County Conservation, TRAIL of Johnson County, and the Iowa City Public Library, among others. Some special program highlights this fall include:

45 Years of Community: An Iowa City Senior Center Showcase Extravaganza

ICSC takes the stage for one unforgettable evening celebrating 45 years of community, featuring music, movement, theater, storytelling, and a special preview of the documentary 45 Dreams: A Love Letter to Community. Free and open to the public. Thursday, Sept. 17, doors open 6:15 p.m., showtime 7 p.m., at the Englert Theatre.

Soul Train Block Party

Dance to the beats of DJ Storm, join a Soul Train dance line, grab a bite from a local food truck, and strike a pose at the photo booth. Bring a food donation for the Senior Center Pantry or make a suggested $10 donation. Friday, Sept. 25, 6-9 p.m., on Linn Street in front of the Senior Center.

Queer Dance Party

Hosted by Queer Elders of Iowa City, this welcoming dance party brings queer anthems and dance favorites from the 1960s to today to Studio 13, inspired by the Sunday afternoon gay tea dances that began in New York City decades ago. Sunday, Sept. 27, 3-6 p.m., at Studio 13.

2026 ICSC Pickleball Jamboree

This all-ages event features pickleball clinics with tournaments following at all skill levels: beginner, novice, intermediate, and advanced. Tickets are $35 and include clinic and tournament entry, with proceeds benefiting Friends of the Iowa City Senior Center. Sunday, Oct. 4, doors open 9 a.m., clinics begin 9:30 a.m., tournaments 11:30 a.m., at GreenState Family Field House in Coralville.

Basic Sculpture Workshop

Led by longtime ICSC instructor Dr. Hani Elkadi, MD, PhD, MA, alongside Heather Henry Winter, this 10-week hands-on class introduces beginners to the creative possibilities of working in three dimensions. Using air-dry clay, participants build a foundation in form, structure, texture, and design, learning techniques from shaping and building to smoothing surfaces and sealing finished work. No previous sculpture experience is needed. Elkadi, a retired organ transplant surgeon and accomplished artist, brings decades of teaching experience. Tuesdays, Sept. 1-Nov. 3, 10 a.m.-noon, Room 311.

For more information on ICSC classes, services, membership, tours, and more, visit icgov.org/senior, stop by the Senior Center at 28 S. Linn Street, or call 319-356-5220.