The Iowa City Downtown District is a story in of itself, a place steeped in local flavor and history, alive with participatory art and music, a living room to the University of Iowa, a home to literary giants, and an extraordinary community experience. We’re more than just great shopping and restaurants. If you’ve never been, you should be here.
News & Entertainment
UICCU BenchMarks People's Choice Award Voting Open!
For the last two years, the UICCU BenchMarks program has brought original art to ordinary public benches, aimed at making art a part of everyone's everyday life. For 2014, the program continues with thirty benches that can be found throughout downtown Iowa City, completed by local artists chosen by a panel of judges. As a new feature for 2014, UICCU BenchMarks 3.0 program is now being put to a public vote- so, let us know what you think in our People's Choice Award! Voting is open to the public and will happen electronically at downtowniowacity.com until August 10th at 5pm.
Downtown Hunt for Herky
Looking for some free summer fun? Take part in this summer’s Hunt for Herky in Downtown Iowa City, a scavenger hunt made up of 15 clues leading to 15 different Herky on Parade statues located in downtown Iowa City. Everyone who completes the scavenger hunt and returns the "Downtown Hunt for Herky" to the ICDD office or via email to info@downtowniowacity.com will receive a prize and will be entered into our drawing for a grand prize that will be awarded at the end of summer. Get your Downtown Hunt for Herky HERE.
New pop-up street performance program "Open City"
The Iowa City Downtown District, MC Ginsberg, Iowa Digital Engagement and Learning & Research undergraduates at the University of Iowa are bringing a new pilot program to Downtown Iowa City this month. Open City is a pilot program for "pop-up" street performances and public art shows in Downtown Iowa City. The goal of the program is to instigate curated series of art, music, dance and production talent to the streets. Open City will aim to highlight and bring out into the open the work of creative people, and create an opportunity to highlight uncanny collaborations, works-in-progress, pleasant surprises and professional performances. Currently the Open City program is booking street performances in Downtown Iowa City for this summer. Anyone interested in booking a gig more...
Free Public Wi-Fi Comes to Downtown
Good News for Iowa City businesses, residents, and visitors who can't stand to be disconnected-free public Wi-Fi has landed Downtown. Seeing the margins of a boom in tech-related jobs, free Wi-Fi is one way to encourage the City and property owners to enhance their broadband capabilities. Free Wi-Fi, has been in the works since last summer and crucial to Downtown's growth. Look for "DowntownIC_Free_Public_WiFi" to connect to this new service more...
IC Downtown Magazine Now Available
The 2nd Edition of the IC Downtown Magazine Summer Adventures is now available. Creative design, stunning photography, and editorial voice of our local Downtown Businesses, the IC Downtown Magazine is Downtown Iowa City's quarterly news and cultural magazine. Get your FREE print copy today at the ICDD office more...
New Downtown Merchandise Available
We now have a new partnership with RAYGUNshirts to bring the 1st piece of Downtown Iowa City swag! Get Your Downtown Iowa City "Anything Goes" t-shirt today at raygunsite.com, directly from ICDD or they will be available for purchase in Iowa City Downtown District retailers beginning in March 2014. By purchasing this new Downtown Iowa City t-shirt you will be supporting the Community Gallery Art Program that includes the "Tickle My Keys" public pianos, Tree Huggers and much more.