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Last night, X Marks the Arts was honored to receiv

Last night, X Marks the Arts was honored to receive the Sizzle Growth Mindset Award at the Better Together 2030 - Excellence in Action Awards.

Recognized for its collaborative efforts in uniting arts organizations and activating public spaces, X Marks the Arts reinforces Iowa City’s status as a leading cultural hub. With @uiowa and over 15 cultural venues as key partners, the initiative thrives within the Downtown Cultural & Entertainment District, fostering collaboration and creativity across the community.

A huge thank you to @greateriowacity, Better Together 2030, and Tom Cilek for this recognition, and congratulations to all of the incredible winners who continue to make Johnson County a thriving, innovative community!

Looking ahead—get ready for X Marks the Arts Presents: Free Week, a new Winter Arts & Culture Festival, happening February 18-22! With 40+ free events at 20+ cultural venues, this festival will bring the arts to life across downtown. Learn more at www.xmarksthearts.com

The Pop-Up Shops in the Ped Mall are wrapping up t

The Pop-Up Shops in the Ped Mall are wrapping up this weekend! This is your last chance to shop unique finds, explore creative exhibits, and support amazing local vendors before they’re gone. Here’s what’s happening:

📻 Sweet Livin’ Antiques | Thursday – Sunday Flip through records, comics, vintage cameras, and eclectic home decor—perfect for collectors and nostalgia lovers alike!

🎨 Virginia A. Myers Exhibit | Thursday & Friday | 3 PM – 7 PM Celebrate the life and work of Virginia A. Myers, a visionary artist and innovator. In partnership with students from the University of Iowa (@hmuirl.studios) and Iowa Foil Printer, this special exhibit will showcase her groundbreaking contributions to the arts. A closing reception will take place Friday from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

💖 Love Thyself Pop-Up | Saturday & Sunday | 11 AM - 5 PM End the season with a little self-love! Find handcrafted jewelry by @amadecommunity, luxe self-care goodies from @revivaliowacity, and heartfelt cards + prints by @bridgetbrownstudio.

Don’t miss your last chance to experience the Pop-Up Shops before they disappear! Stop by this weekend and soak up the creativity one last time.

⚡️ FOREVER 22 is here! ⚡️ In honor of Cait

⚡️ FOREVER 22 is here! ⚡️ In honor of Caitlin Clark’s jersey retirement, @raygunshirts has gone full rebrand mode for ONE WEEK ONLY!

Stop by for an exclusive line of @caitlinclark22 merch featuring her iconic #22 jersey. Whether you’re grabbing a shirt, snapping pics, or just soaking in the energy of the Hawkeye legend, come show your support!

Calling all cookie lovers! The Downtown Cookie Cra

Calling all cookie lovers! The Downtown Cookie Crawl is back next Saturday, February 8th, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and it’s the perfect outing for kids, families, and anyone with a sweet tooth.

Bring your family or friends to share a tin or grab your own for the maximum amount of cookies. One cookie per tin, per shop. Tickets are limited—so grab yours before they’re gone!

🍪$20/ticket - link in bio
🍪18 participating shops
🍪Access to special offers and in-store deals
🍪A new commemorative cookie tin to collect your goodies
🍪Iced heart shaped sugar cookies, ginger snaps, lotus biscoff cookies, classic chocolate chip, lemon cookies, Indian cookies, peanut butter brownie cookies, + more delicious treats!

@coffeeemporium.ia has some exciting updates brewi

@coffeeemporium.ia has some exciting updates brewing on the Northside. With a fresh new look, the neighborhood café reopened this week, offering a refreshed space that blends charm and comfort.

For over 18 years, Coffee Emporium has been serving the Corridor, providing a welcoming space for students, neighbors, and coffee lovers come together for great drinks and even better conversations.

The menu goes far beyond coffee, featuring soups, salads, sandwiches, and irresistible baked goods. Whether you’re grabbing a latte or staying for a bite, the updated space is ready to welcome you back.

Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming months!

The first day of Cozy Clearance was a success! The

The first day of Cozy Clearance was a success! The cold didn’t stop us from exploring the variety of sales. From 50% off all items, to puzzle sales, to SMEG kitchen appliances, there are really great offerings that are not only cozy but essential. Shoppers have until Sunday to make the trip Downtown!

@papercraneic, located in the historic Brewery Squ

@papercraneic, located in the historic Brewery Square on Iowa City’s Northside, is expanding its menu and services to offer guests even more dining options. In addition to its dinner service, Paper Crane is now open for lunch, offering a special midday menu, and providing convenient takeout and delivery. This innovative venue, which combines a fast-casual ramen shop with an intimate, upscale cocktail lounge, continues to redefine dining and nightlife in Downtown Iowa City.

🍜 Lunch Special: For lunch, guests can now savor the Teishoku Lunch Set for $19, a balanced meal featuring rice, a choice of protein (Pork Belly Chashu, Karaage Chicken, or Braised Mushrooms), soup, salad, and mochi for dessert. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying midday break, the Teishoku Set reflects the simplicity and flavor of traditional Japanese lunches.

🍸Cocktail Lounge: The moody and sophisticated cocktail lounge offers a curated menu separate from the ramen shop. Guests can enjoy signature drinks like the Industry Baby and Straight to the Noggin, complemented by small bites such as Yakitori Skewers and Squid Skewers. With its intimate design featuring dark-toned wood, plush seating, and custom lighting, the lounge creates an upscale retreat for adults seeking a refined and relaxed atmosphere.

📅 Hours:
* Lunch: Wed–Mon, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
* Dinner: Sun–Thurs, 5–9 p.m.; Fri & Sat, 5–10 p.m.
* Lounge: Wed–Sun, 5 p.m.–12 a.m.

No reservations—walk-ins only! Visit us for lunch, dinner, or cocktails and discover why Paper Crane is a must-visit spot on the Northside.

It’s a perfect weekend to shop downtown. With Co

It’s a perfect weekend to shop downtown. With Cozy Clearance offering mega winter sales, don’t forget about Downtown Delivers—a complimentary service that makes shopping locally even easier.

Whether you’re exploring stores in-person, ordering online, or sending a special gift, Downtown Delivers accepts orders from all downtown retailers at no additional cost.

Thanks to @greenstatecu, this free delivery service is available to Iowa City, Coralville, Solon, West Branch, and North Liberty areas.

Just connect with your favorite downtown retailer to set up delivery and enjoy a stress-free shopping experience!

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