Grab your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music, games, arts and crafts, and frozen treats at Party in the Park this summer. The 2018 season opens June 7. Events are held weekly from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in June, July and August and will continue on Sundays in September from 4-5:30 p.m. Additionally, there will be several dates this season that will feature a special performance by the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre at 5:30 p.m., before the Party in the Park begins.

Mark your calendar for Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018, and help us celebrate the Monarch Butterfly!

The third annual Monarch Festival will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at a new location, Terry Trueblood Park Lodge, 579 McCollister Blvd. There is no fee to attend.

All are invited to view caterpillars, chrysalis and beautiful, orange adult Monarchs, as well as a variety of nature and nonprofit exhibits. 

Sample the best of the season -- fresh produce, grilled veggies and baked goods, during the annual Taste of Market event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018, at the Iowa City Farmers Market, located at Chauncey Swan ramp, 415 E. Washington St. 

This event is free and open to all. Samples are donated by market vendors, prepared by volunteers from the University of Iowa Community Credit Union (UICCU), and served up by Parks and Recreation staff members. Longtime local musicians Joe and Coleen Peterson will perform during the event, music sponsored by UICCU. 

Grab your baskets, bags and boxes and make your way to the Iowa City Farmers Market to load up on local handcrafted, homemade and homegrown goods and produce. As in years past, Iowa City's Farmers Markets will be held on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Chauncey Swan Ramp, 405 E. Washington Street. This year, due to construction on the Chauncey building, Market Music and seating will be available to the east of the ramp and near City Hall.