A series of fun winter events are brewing 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 has plenty of great options. Some activities started on January 1, such as the Scheels ice rink and the Winter Stories Walk, but there are plenty of other events on the way! Here are some of the biggest:

5K-ish Glow Run

• saturday 28 january
  • Departure times are 6 p.m. for runners and 7 p.m. for joggers/walkers
• Liberty Center Pond
• “If you really want to do a 5,000 kilometer run, there are eight laps around the pond, but most importantly, we hope you enjoy this unique arctic hike on the trail at your own pace. This run/jog/walk fun is not timed and will not award any place prizes, but you will earn a glow-in-the-dark medal at the finish line.”
• Attendees can also take part in the “Silent Disco” by picking up wireless headphones at check-in
• An after-party will be held at Tin Roost
• Pre-registration is $15 for 18 and under and $20 for 18 and over – reserve your spot HERE

ice fire

• Sunday January 29 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Penn Meadows Park
• The carriage rides will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• The Illuminated Ice Sculpture Walk will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Other activities include fire shows every 20 minutes, giant inflatable snow globe, Marco’s Grilled Cheese and Paco’s Tacos food trucks, silent disco, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, popcorn, games etc
• A 15-minute fireworks display will begin at 8 p.m.
• Free entry

Northern Freedom Lights

• From February 1 to 28
• Liberty Center Pond
• “The exhibit invites viewers to walk under the tunnels and take photos with snowflakes, penguins, polar bears, deer, and a variety of other colorful exhibits from 3 to 10 feet tall. North Liberty Lights will come on each night in February at sunset for North Liberty residents and visitors to enjoy at their leisure.”
• Saturday February 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. free carriage rides by bike will be available on a first come, first served basis

KICK Winter in the Snowball

• Saturday February 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Penn Meadows Park
• “The 2023 KICK Winter in the SnowBALL tournament will feature eight teams. Each team is guaranteed two games before elimination. Each player on the last team standing will receive a Beat the Bitter KICK Winter in the SnowBALL champion medal.”
• The tournament is mainly for adults, but teenagers can be registered by their parents
• Alcohol can be consumed in the canoes (no bottles)
• Registration is $15 per person – register HERE

Ice fishing

• Saturday February 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Liberty Center Pond
• “This event is free, but a valid fishing license will be required for participants 16 years and older. Ice fishing equipment will be provided as well as a complimentary lunch (soup and hot chocolate, while supplies last). ).”

Snuggie Crawl

• Saturday February 4 from 7 p.m. to midnight
• Tin Roost, Copper Boar, The Leaderboard, Reds Alehouse, J&A Tap and Mosley’s
• “Move from place to place on your own schedule. The shuttles will run on a continuous loop between bars from 7 p.m. to midnight, so crawl to each stop whenever you want! Just make sure you all hit them to enjoy food and drink specials, games and your chance to win prizes.”
• Tickets are $65 and include a Beat the Bitter Snuggie, free appetizers at every bar, unlimited shuttle rides, food and drink specials, a $5 Lyft voucher and more — buy it your HERE

Sip and stroll

• Thursday February 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Liberty Center Pond
• “Taste wine and beer samples from local makers as you stroll the Liberty Center Pond trail for North Liberty Lights presented by Tryon Investments. Pick up a commemorative tasting glass at the gazebo near Cherry Street and enjoy free sips while exploring the illuminated winter. display. No recording.”
• The event is free

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