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Spring continues to take over Downtown Iowa City a

Spring continues to take over Downtown Iowa City and you can feel it in the air. Trees are budding, flowers are bursting with color, and storefronts are stocked with spring arrivals.

From fresh fashion and new merchandise to updated menus and sunny patios, downtown shops and restaurants are buzzing with the energy of the season. It’s the perfect time for patio lunches, window shopping, and exploring all the seasonal displays popping up around the district.

Take a lap around the block and let spring in downtown surprise you.

This Saturday is Free Comic Book Day—and we’re

This Saturday is Free Comic Book Day—and we’re lucky to have a dedicated comic book shop right here in Downtown Iowa City to celebrate it!

As a designated Legacy Business, @daydreamscomics has been a cornerstone of downtown since 1986, specializing in new & old comics, graphic novels & manga, plus gaming & sports cards. For nearly 40 years, it’s been a cultural hub, a gathering space, and a launchpad for generations of readers and collectors. The shop has outlasted the trends, weathered the rise of online retail, and remained a people-first place, now owned by its fourth former employee-turned-owner. Talk about staying power!

Free Comic Book Day is this Saturday, May 3rd, from 10am–6pm, and Daydreams is celebrating in style:
– Free comics for all ages
– Artist signings with Eric Gapstur & Phil Hester (10am–2pm)
– Free coffee from @brassringcoffee
– Button making with @antelopelibrary
– Raffle prizes & more surprises!

Support this downtown original and experience why Daydreams continues to thrive as Iowa City’s one-and-only comic book shop.

www.daydreamscomics.com

www.downtowniowacity.com/legacy-businesses

@beyondfashionfest is taking over Downtown Iowa Ci

@beyondfashionfest is taking over Downtown Iowa City this weekend! Presented by @wrightfashionhouse, this two-day celebration fuses fashion, art, music, comedy, poetry, and education—all while supporting local talent and driving community connection.

They’ve teamed up with some of your favorite downtown cultural venues—like @elrayslivendive, @iowaconservatory, @iowacitygabes, and the @iowacitypubliclibrary—to host a city-wide festival packed with runway shows, live performances, installations, panels, and interactive workshops.

🎟️ There’s still time to grab your full festival pass for only $25, unlocking access to everything from couture showcases to real-talk panels and powerful performances.

Plus, don’t miss these FREE community events open to everyone:
— Create a Culture Live | May 2, 7:30–8:30 PM | Elrays Live&Dive
— Streetwear Fashion Show | May 3, 6–8 PM | Alleyway in front of @studio13ic

Get ready for a weekend where fashion meets purpose—and every block becomes part of the runway.

👉 Check out the full schedule and get your pass at www.icbeyondfest.com

May is here, and so is Legacy Business Month in Do

May is here, and so is Legacy Business Month in Downtown Iowa City! All month long, we’re shining a spotlight on the businesses that have helped shape our community and stood strong through decades of change.

From iconic retailers and go-to lunch spots to beloved bars and service providers, these businesses are the backbone of downtown. They’re the familiar faces and places where tradition meets expertise, where every storefront holds a story, and every handshake carries history.

A Legacy Business is classified as “a long-standing business that has been operating continuously for at least 20 years, enduring the test of time while shaping the economic and cultural identity of Downtown Iowa City.”

Join us all May long as we highlight, support, and raise a glass to the places that give downtown its character.

Learn more and see the full list of the 75+ Legacy Businesses at downtowniowacity.com/legacy-businesses.

Another beautiful spring day downtown—sun shinin

Another beautiful spring day downtown—sun shining, birds chirping, and everything feeling just right.

Perfect weather for a stroll, lunch on a patio, or just hanging out and seeing where the day takes you.

With Mother’s Day and graduation just around the

With Mother’s Day and graduation just around the corner, now’s the time to get ahead on gift shopping—and Downtown Delivers, sponsored by @greenstatecu, makes it easier than ever.

Shop in-store or online from your favorite retailers, and we’ll deliver your items straight to your doorstep—completely free of charge! It’s also a super simple way to send a thoughtful gift directly to someone you care about—no wrapping, no shipping hassle.

🚐 Deliveries go out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
📍 Service areas include: Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Solon, Tiffin, and West Branch

Surprise someone special or simply take the pressure off your to-do list. There’s no better time to support local and make your spring celebrations a breeze!

This week on Downtown Dish, hosts Anna & Charlie s

This week on Downtown Dish, hosts Anna & Charlie sit down with Niki Neems, owner of r.s.v.p.—the Northside’s go-to shop for gorgeous paper goods, gifts, and all things delightful. Tune in for stories from behind the counter, Niki’s take on creative entrepreneurship, and a few laughs along the way.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon!

Reminder: Tonight’s the deadline to submit your

Reminder: Tonight’s the deadline to submit your designs for the 2025 BenchMarks Program!

We’re selecting 12 creative designs to brighten the benches outside the Iowa City Public Library—turning the space into a colorful, welcoming spot for kids and families. Think bold, playful, and full of personality. Use the entire bench surface to bring your design to life with color, pattern, and texture.

– Submissions are due by midnight TONIGHT – up to 3 designs per artist!
– Artists receive a $350 stipend + Blick Art Materials gift card
– Benches must be painted by June 1st

Learn more & apply now: https://bit.ly/4ijNhEi

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