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Happy National Record Store Day!  We’re lucky

Happy National Record Store Day!
 We’re lucky to have a true vinyl gem right here in Downtown Iowa City— @rec_collect, proudly spinning since 1982.

This Saturday, they’re celebrating Record Store Day the best way they know how:

- 250+ exclusive releases (many available ONLY on this day!)
- First come, first served—collectors line up early to score their must-haves
- Tons of giveaways and good vibes all day long

Get your wish list ready and keep an eye on their channels to see what exclusive titles they’ve received. You can check out the full release list now at recordstoreday.com.

Let’s show some love to this downtown staple and celebrate the joy of vinyl together!

Spring cleaning is in full swing in Downtown Iowa

Spring cleaning is in full swing in Downtown Iowa City thanks to our hardworking Ambassadors! From power washing away grime to keeping sidewalks spotless and welcoming, they’re making downtown shine just in time for the warmer weather.

We were thrilled to have City Councilor Laura Bergus join us and the Ambassador team for lunch this week to meet the crew and learn more about their work to keep downtown clean, safe, and inviting. Thank you, Councilor Bergus!

Need a hand downtown or spot something that needs attention? Just wave them down or call/text the Ambassador Service Line at 319-452-0608 for assistance.

🎨 Reminder for Artists & Creatives! There’s s

🎨 Reminder for Artists & Creatives! There’s still time to submit your designs for the 2025 BenchMarks Program—the deadline to apply is just under two weeks away on April 22nd.

Transform a bench into a work of art and bring color, creativity, and joy to the Ped Mall. 12 designs will be selected for the benches outside the Iowa City Public Library, creating a vibrant space for kids and families. We’re looking for bold, eye-catching, and engaging designs that utilize the entire bench surface, incorporating color, pattern, and texture to captivate visitors.

🖌️ 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀:
– Artists have the opportunity to be selected for multiple benches and can submit up to 3 designs
– Receive a $350 stipend + @blick_iowacity gift card
– All painting happens on-site and must be complete by June 1st

🗓️ 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀:
– Application Deadline: April 22nd at midnight
– Artist Notifications: 4th week of April
– Virtual Orientation: Week of April 28th
– Painting Deadline: June 1st

📚 The Literary Pub Crawl returns Thursday, Apri

📚 The Literary Pub Crawl returns Thursday, April 24, from 6–9:30 p.m. with ICDD and the @iowacityoflit.

Join a small group of 10 for an intimate stroll through Iowa City’s literary past—celebrating the storytelling legacy that helped earn our city its UNESCO distinction. You’ll pop into downtown pubs once frequented by writers past and present, enjoy thoughtful writing activities, and raise a glass in honor of our city’s creative spirit.

🎟️ Tickets Include:
• Complimentary drinks at George’s, @davesfoxheadtavern, and @dublin._underground
• A “Response” hand-pressed poet card & pencil from r.s.v.p.
• Group writing prompts with local creatives
• A guided tour of the Literary Walk, St. Mary’s Church, and other historic haunts

Spots are limited—secure your ticket now!
https://downtowniowacitymarket.com

📣 Mark Your Calendars! The 8th Annual Downtown

📣 Mark Your Calendars! The 8th Annual Downtown Block Party is back in Iowa City on Saturday, June 28th, from 3-10 p.m.

It’s the summer’s biggest party and fun for the whole family. Enjoy free live music, dueling pianos, pro wrestling matches, pickleball tournaments, and so much more—all while supporting your favorite local businesses! 🎉

This year, we’ve got some exciting new additions: an interactive art corner, street hockey with the Heartlanders, adult tricycle races, and even more surprises! And don’t worry, your favorite crowd-pleasers like the Silent Disco, Tug-of-War, and Rollerskating are also making a return.

All programming is FREE and open to the public! A ticket is only needed if you’d like to enjoy beer or wine from downtown bars and restaurants while exploring the activities in the streets.

🎟️ Save $5 and grab your discounted event cup + wristband now for just $10!

Stay tuned for more festival updates and programming announcements. See event details and pre-purchase tickets at downtowniowacity.com.

Downtown is buzzing with energy this Saturday—fr

Downtown is buzzing with energy this Saturday—free community events with @missioncreek, spring shopping promotions, and so many spots to explore.

From local flavors and unique finds to community vibes, downtown is the place to be this weekend. Come experience everything that makes it one-of-a-kind!

Here’s a few snapshots from Mission Creek Festival last night.

See you downtown!

From tea tastings and trunk shows to jewelry speci

From tea tastings and trunk shows to jewelry specials and sustainable fashion, downtown shops are rolling out all the seasonal fun this weekend.

To celebrate the start of the spring shopping season, many shops are offering special promotions and perks you won’t want to miss—come see what’s popping up!

– @akardesignstore: Serving Tea Forte Blueberry Merlot + 20% off all Tea Forte + Jewelry Sale
– @glassandojewelry: 20% off select sterling silver rings
– @handsjewelers: Free jewelry cleaning & Diamond Dazzle stick giveaway
– @prairiekitchenstore: Olive oil & balsamic sampling (Sat & Sun) and free Lavender Honey cocktail sample (Sun)
– @villages_iowacity: Earth Expo: Sustainable Fashion Show (April 5th at 2:00 p.m. at Robert A. Lee Rec Center)
– @velvetcoat: Marion Parke spring footwear trunk show

Warmer days call for fresh finds, and our downtown

Warmer days call for fresh finds, and our downtown shops have just what you need to refresh your wardrobe, accessories, and more.

Plus, don’t miss these special promotions happening this weekend to kick off the spring shopping season:

– @223babyco: New Spring Jellycats
– @cielogoods: 10% off all purchases + free charm with Charm Bar or Everlasting Jewelry purchase
– @discerningeye: Sunglass Spectacular
– @hothouse_yoga: New shopping only hours (Sat. 1-3pm & Sun 1-4pm) + Members get 10% off all retail
- @iowabook_ic: Spring Fling Sale: Up to 50% off select UI apparel and gifts
– @pitaya.iowacity: New Spring/Summer arrivals–clothing, swimwear, accessories, and shoes!
– rsvp: A curation of the cutest darn stationery goods around!
– @ugphawkeyes: Spring sale + 20% off

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