Iowa City to Host 8th Annual
Pre-Sale Tickets Now Available for Iowa City’s Premier Summer Event Featuring Tricycle Races, Street Hockey, Art Corner, and more!
(Iowa City, IA – April 8, 2025) – The Iowa City Downtown District announced Tuesday the return of the highly anticipated 8th Annual Downtown Block Party, scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Recognized as one of the area’s largest and most dynamic community festivals, the Downtown Block Party continues to showcase the vibrancy of Iowa City’s culture and its captivating nighttime economy through a wide variety of engaging activities for all ages and families. While all event programming remains free and open to the public, discounted pre-sale tickets for the official event cup and wristband are now available online.
This year’s event will feature an expanded lineup of activities and entertainment designed to appeal to a diverse audience. For 2025, new programming highlights include Adult Tricycle Races, offering a unique competitive experience for those seeking lighthearted fun, Street Hockey with the Iowa Heartlanders, allowing visitors to test their skills, a hula hoop station, and an Art Corner for the creative minds. Event staples such as Silent Disco, Dueling Pianos, SCW Pro Wrestling, Chess Tournament, and performances at the Englert Theatre Main Stage and Iowa Avenue Stage will continue to provide exceptional entertainment throughout the day. Back by popular demand, other returning favorites include the Kids’ Beach Area in collaboration with the Iowa Children’s Museum and the high-energy Tug-of-War Tournament for groups to show their strength.
In keeping with the event’s mission to remain accessible and inclusive, all programming is offered free of charge. The only paid feature is the Downtown Block Party event cup and wristband, which allows attendees aged 21 and over to responsibly enjoy beer and wine from participating downtown businesses throughout the event area. The official Downtown Block Party cup and wristband are now available online for $10 during the pre-sale period—a savings from the $15 price on the day of the event.
Additional activities include 3×3 Basketball, Strider Bike Races and Rollerskating with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, Downtown Block Party T-Shirt Screen Printing, Giant Pong, Yard Games, Crossnet Volleyball, Speed Puzzle Competitions, Mini-Golf, Pickleball Tournaments, Iowa City Letters for photos, Tap Dancing and Street Performers, and more live music with Gabe’s. “This year, we’re being intentional about expanding programming that can be enjoyed by all ages, along with activities that require physical movement, such as crossnet volleyball, rollerskating, and hula hooping,” said Katie Carpenter, Director of Events at the Iowa City Downtown District. “These interactive elements are reminiscent of the classic neighborhood block party, where everyone can join in on the fun. A big thank you to our sponsors who are supporting this event and in turn, supporting the local business economy here in Iowa City. Block Party is truly the best way to celebrate summer!”
The success of the Downtown Block Party is made possible through strong community partnerships. The Iowa City Downtown District extends its appreciation to its 2025 partners and collaborators, including Silent Disco Des Moines, the Iowa Children’s Museum, Gabe’s, Studio 13, Iowa City Senior Center Pomtastiks, Public Space One, FilmScene, PromptPress, Nolte Academy, the Englert Theatre, and the City of Iowa City’s Parks and Recreation Department.
The 8th Annual Downtown Block Party is made possible through the generous support of this year’s sponsors: GreenState Credit Union, iBev, Hills Bank, The Learning Grove Academy, Lionheart Early Learning, Thompson & Co Salon Parlor, McGrath Toyota of Iowa City, Iowa Speedway, Raising Cane’s, Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, and RDG Planning & Design.
To purchase discounted pre-sale tickets or learn more about this year’s event, visit www.downtowniowacity.com. Complete programming details with the full entertainment schedule and festival updates will be released on the website in the coming weeks.
The Iowa City Downtown District remains committed to fostering community engagement and supporting local businesses through high-quality signature events and innovative programming that enhances the local economy, promotes community connection, and celebrates the unique character of Iowa City.
