|
July 13 – Smithsonian Film Series: America's Secret Space Heroes: Space Shuttle and The Day We Walked on the Moon
In partnership with the Grinnell College Observatory, Grinnell College presents a back-to-back screening of two Smithsonian films, America's Secret Space Heroes: Space Shuttle and The Day We Walked on the Moon, at the Strand 3 (921 Main St.) on Monday, July 13, at 10 a.m. as part of the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of America. Following the screening, Professor Emeritus of Physics Dr. Robert Cadmus will present on the Grant O. Gale Observatory, lunar phases, space travel, and astronomical research. This program is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.
July 14 – Emerging Professionals Networking Session & Watch Party: Des Moines Intern Connection Series
In partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Intern Connection Series and
Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative, the Grinnell College Office of Partnerships, Planning, and Research presents the Emerging Professionals Regional Networking Session & Watch Party in the Katherine Howell Weingart '61 Civic innovation Pavilion at Renfrow Hall (1033 Broad St.) on Tuesday, July 14 from 5–7 p.m. This program will live stream Dr. Jann Freed, leadership consultant, followed by a presentation on regional job opportunities for college-aged students, interns, and young professionals, moderated by Melissa Strovers, Executive Director of Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative. No RSVP required; pizza and networking included!
July 22 – Grinnell-Newburg Superintendent Welcome Event
The Grinnell Newburg School Foundation invites the community to meet Ken Kasper, the new Superintendent of the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, at an open house on Wednesday, July 22, from 4–6 p.m. Hosted at the Katherine Howell Weingart '61 Civic Innovation Pavilion, the event highlights local collaboration, with Grinnell College participating as a community partner alongside 10 other organizations. Attendees can connect with neighbors and hear remarks from local leaders at 5:30 p.m.
Thursdays and Saturdays – Grinnell Farmers Market
The Grinnell Farmers Market, hosted by the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, is open each Thursday from 3–6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.–noon at Central Park in downtown Grinnell. Enjoy local foods and crafts, support local vendors, and meet new friends.
Thursdays through July 30 – Music in the Park
The Grinnell Area Arts Council invites the community to Central Park for its annual summer Music in the Park series, featuring music from old favorites and new finds, starting at 7 p.m. on Thursdays through July 30. See all dates and musical acts, including updates in case of inclement weather, by visiting the Grinnell Area Arts Council’s Facebook page.
Through July 30 – Storytime Art in the Park
Grinnell College Museum of Art and Drake Community Library are partnering again this summer to offer free hands-on art and literacy activities for children and families at selected sites in Grinnell. Each session will offer art activities, books to read and take home, and food to take home. No registration is necessary. On Tuesdays, Grinnell Farm to Table will have free produce to take home as well. Supported by the Center for the Humanities, Grinnell Education Partnership, AmeriCorps, Seed Coalition, Grinnell Mutual, Grinnell Farm to Table, Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation/Poweshiek County Alliance and Lincoln Savings Bank.
Through September 30 – 2026 Iowa Independent Bookstore Tour
Book lovers across Iowa are invited to embark on a summer literary adventure with the return of the Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour running July 1 through September 30, 2026. This year’s expanded event will connect readers with 62 independent bookstores across the state, including the Grinnell College Pioneer Bookshop (933 Main St.). Get a passport at any participating bookstore starting on July 1 then visit them all to collect stamps. Submit completed passports to the bookstores for prize drawings.
| 
