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Live from the @englerttheatre in just one week! G

Live from the @englerttheatre in just one week!

Get ready for a night of high-energy action and excitement with @scwpro as part of the first annual X Marks the Arts Presents: Free Week!

Since 2003, SCW Pro has been Eastern Iowa’s premier sports entertainment promoter, bringing epic matches and larger-than-life personalities to the ring. Mark your calendars and get ready to cheer!

📅 Thursday, February 20th
⏰ Doors: 5:30 p.m. | Show: 6:30 p.m.
📍 The Englert Theatre

Don’t miss your chance to experience the thrill live and for FREE! Thanks to @thinkiowacity and @downtowniowacity, Free Week brings a celebration of arts and culture to Downtown Iowa City’s Cultural & Entertainment District. Tons of free events happening across multiple venues for all to enjoy.

See the full Free Week schedule at: www.xmarksthearts.com

Still need a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift? D

Still need a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift? Downtown Delivers has got you covered! Thanks to @greenstatecu, we’re bringing your favorite downtown shops straight to your door with FREE delivery.

Good news! We’ve added an extra day of deliveries this week for the holiday—now available for Thursday AND Friday—to Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, West Branch, and Solon areas at no cost! 🎁💌

Check with participating downtown retailers to request delivery for your gifts or orders. Don’t wait—let us help you spread the love just in time for Valentine’s Day!

X Marks the Arts Presents: Free Week kicks off in

X Marks the Arts Presents: Free Week kicks off in one week!

Downtown Iowa City’s Cultural & Entertainment District will come alive with over 40 free events, performances, and workshops across 20+ venues. Enjoy family-friendly activities during the day at the library, museums, and other spots, then catch incredible live music, theater, and more at night! Sponsored by @thinkiowacity and @downtowniowacity, you won’t want to miss this new winter arts and culture festival!

For more details and the full schedule, visit www.xmarksthearts.com

How to Experience Free Week:

🔹 Bundle Up & Explore – Most venues are just a short walk apart, so dress warmly, wear comfortable boots, and embrace the winter vibes as you move from show to show.

🔹 Arrive Early – Venues fill up fast! Get there ahead of time to grab a spot for your must-see performances. Once a space hits capacity, it’s full.

🔹 Hop from Venue to Venue – With multiple events happening each night, take advantage of the chance to explore different shows, spaces, and artistic experiences.

🔹 Try Something New – Keep an open mind! Free Week is all about discovery—your next favorite band, artist, or performance might be one you’ve never heard of before.

🔹 Enjoy & Support the Scene – All events are 100% free to attend! While you’re out, grab a bite or a drink at participating venues or downtown restaurants to fuel your night and support local businesses. @thinkiowacity’s Restaurant Week will also be happening!

The 21 S Linn St lot has been transformed into an

The 21 S Linn St lot has been transformed into an outdoor gallery. The winning designs from the Iowa City Arts & Culture Banner Contest are now installed, celebrating the creativity and artistic spirit of our community. Each banner showcases a unique interpretation of the arts and culture theme, bringing bold colors and inspiring visuals to this evolving downtown space.

To learn more about the future development at 21 S Linn St, visit the @cityofiowacity’s website or scan the QR code on the banner.

Visit downtown to see the banners in person and celebrate the amazing artists behind them:

Juli Seydell Johnson
Parker Jones
Miriam Alarcón Avila
Andreas Soemadi
Heather Stanfield
Stacia Stonerook
Pam Gilchrist
Josh Sikrisamouth Pierce
Nancy Purington
Ivy Hinrichs
Laura McCarragher
Josephine Duccini
Hope Spragg
Amanda Stout

Here’s a look at the lineup of cookies and parti

Here’s a look at the lineup of cookies and participating shops for this Saturday’s Downtown Cookie Crawl! 🍪

Stroll through downtown, stop by each shop to collect your sweet treats, and make an afternoon of it with some shopping along the way. Keep an eye out for special in-store deals and offers at participating businesses—you never know what sweet surprises you’ll find!

🎟 Less than 50 tickets remain! Get yours at the link in our bio!

Here’s a look at the new and improved cookie tin

Here’s a look at the new and improved cookie tin for this Saturday’s Downtown Cookie Crawl! More space for more cookies and a built-in handle for easy carrying. Hop from shop to shop to collect all 20 cookies! 🍪

Tickets are still available but limited. Get yours today and join us for a delightful afternoon. You can share a tin with friends or get your own to keep the cookies for yourself. It’s perfect for the whole family!

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.

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