A Series of Fun Winter Events are Coming Up in North Liberty

Later this month, the city of North Liberty will host a series of events for their annual Beat the Bitter festival!

If your family is looking for a fun way to cure the winter blues, Beat the Bitter features lots of great options. A couple of the activities kicked off on January 1st, like the Scheels Ice Rink and the Winter StoryWalk, but there are plenty more events on the way! Here are some of the big ones:

5K-ish Glow Run

• Saturday, January 28th
  • Start times are 6 p.m. for runners and 7 p.m. for joggers/walkers
• Liberty Centre Pond
• "If you’re serious about completing a 5K-ish length run, it is eight laps around the pond, but most importantly, we hope you enjoy this unique arctic trek on the trail at your own pace. This fun run/jog/walk isn’t timed and will not award any place prizes, but you’ll earn a glow-in-the-dark medal at the finish line."
• Participants can also take part in the "Silent Disco" by picking up wireless headsets at check-in
• An after-party will be held at Tin Roost
• Pre-registration is $15 for ages 18 and under and $20 for ages 18+ - reserve your spot HERE

Fire & Ice

• Sunday, January 29th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Penn Meadows Park
• Horse-drawn carriage rides will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• The Illuminated Ice Sculpture Walk will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Other activities include fire performances every 20 minutes, a giant inflatable snow globe, Marco’s Grilled Cheese and Paco’s Tacos food trucks, a silent disco, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, popcorn, games, and more
• A 15-minute fireworks display will begin at 8 p.m.
• Admission is FREE

North Liberty Lights

• February 1st through 28th
• Liberty Centre Pond
• "The exhibit invites spectators to walk under tunnels and take pictures with snowflakes, penguins, polar bears, deer and a variety of other colorful 3 to 10-foot tall displays. North Liberty Lights will turn on each night in February at sundown for North Liberty residents and visitors to enjoy at their leisure."
• On Saturday, February 18th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., free bike carriage rides will be available on a first-come, first-served basis

KICK Winter in the SnowBALL

• Saturday, February 4th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Penn Meadows Park
• "The 2023 KICK Winter in the SnowBALL tournament will have eight teams. Each team is guaranteed two games prior to elimination. Each player on the last team standing will be awarded a Beat the Bitter KICK Winter in the SnowBALL champion medal."
• The tournament is mainly for adults, but teens can be signed up by their parents
• Alcohol can be consumed in the dugouts (no bottles)
• Registration is $15 per person - get registered HERE

Ice Fishing

• Saturday, February 4th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Liberty Centre Pond
• "This event is free, but a valid fishing license will be required for those 16 and older taking part. Ice fishing equipment will be provided as well as a free lunch (soup and hot cocoa, as supplies last). "

Snuggie Crawl

• Saturday, February 4th from 7 p.m. to midnight
• Tin Roost, Copper Boar, The Leaderboard, Reds Alehouse, J&A Tap, and Mosley’s
• "Move from location to location on your own schedule. Shuttles will be on a continuous loop between the bars from 7 p.m. until midnight, so crawl to each stop whenever you wish! Just be sure to hit them all to take advantage of the food and drink specials, games and your chance to win prizes."
• Tickets are $65 and include a Beat the Bitter Snuggie, complimentary appetizers at each bar, unlimited shuttle rides, food & drink specials, a $5 Lyft voucher, and more - purchase yours HERE

Sip & Stroll

• Thursday, February 23rd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Liberty Centre Pond
• "Taste samples of wine and beer from local manufacturers as you stroll the trail of Liberty Centre Pond for North Liberty Lights presented by Tryon Investments. Pick up a commemorative tasting glass at the gazebo near Cherry Street and enjoy complimentary sips as you explore the illuminated winter display. No registration."
• Event is free

For a full list of Beat the Bitter events in North Liberty, you can visit the official website HERE.