(Iowa City, IA) May 1, 2025 – The Iowa City Downtown District, in collaboration with The Englert Theatre and Northside businesses, announced the return of Northside Saturday Nights for the 2025 season. Starting May 3rd, this outdoor music series will bring free entertainment to the Northside Outside community area on select Saturdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. through the end of September.

Curated by The Englert Theatre, Northside Saturday Nights features 20 Saturday evenings of performances by local and regional musicians, offering a wide range of genres—from upbeat rock and soulful blues to jazz, folk, and family-friendly pop. This year’s series is made possible thanks to support from Suzanne Stock Orthodontist, the Nusser Team of Urban Acres, Phoebe Martin Realtor, and KCL Engineering.

Attendees are invited to bring their own chairs or utilize the available picnic tables along the street while experiencing the distinctive atmosphere of the historic Northside Marketplace. Diners can savor offerings from the area’s restaurants, including Oasis Falafel, Brix Cheese Shop and Wine Bar, the Webster, George’s, Pop’s BBQ, Pagliai’s Pizza, Kindred Coffee, Paper Crane, Hamburg Inn No. 2, Wild Culture, and Midnight Coffee. Arrive early to shop notable Northside retailers like r.s.v.p., Prairie Kitchen Store, The Haunted Bookshop, and Artifacts.

“If downtown is Iowa City’s front door—welcoming visitors with its energy and bustle—then the Northside has earned its place as the community’s backyard: familiar, relaxed, and full of character,” said John Schickedanz, Executive Director of The Englert. “It’s where neighbors gather, friendships deepen, and the creative spirit of our city comes to life. In that same spirit of connection and celebration, our programming team has thoughtfully curated a lineup designed to bring people together—to share a meal, raise a glass, and experience the incredible talent that makes this corner of the Midwest so special. It’s our way of honoring the artists who bring this neighborhood to life, and the community that continues to support them.”

Northside Saturday Nights is part of the Iowa City Downtown District’s ongoing investment in the Northside Outside initiative, which transforms North Linn Street, from Market Street to Hamburg Inn, into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly community space. As part of this initiative, the street features a mural by artist Drew Etienne, showcasing floral designs and playful hopscotch elements. For the 2025 season, the mural will receive a fresh coat of paint, adding a bright pop of color to the street and creating a fun, welcoming environment for kids, families, and all who visit.

The Northside Outside initiative and concert series have played a vital role in strengthening the economic vitality of Northside businesses while enhancing the area’s appeal. “Northside Saturday Nights has become an essential part of the neighborhood’s rhythm,” said Riene Gelman, owner of the Webster. “Transforming North Linn Street into a dynamic community destination not only supports our local businesses—it also celebrates the energy, creativity, and culture that define the Northside. It’s a place where neighbors, artists, and visitors come together to gather and experience the unique spirit and charm of our neighborhood.”

The 2025 season opens this weekend on May 3rd, featuring the Tanya English Band, and continues through September 27th, concluding with Silt Creek. With live music, local flavors, and a welcoming neighborhood vibe, Northside Saturday Nights offers the perfect way for a night out on the town and to celebrate summer in Downtown Iowa City.