DOWNTOWN GIFT CARD
About Us
What We Do

Experience Downtown
Locate Here
Get Around

Experience Downtown

All Listings Eat & Drink Shop Services Events Stay Downtown Venues & Meeting Rooms Get Around

Arts & Culture Public Art Live Music Museums Art Galleries All Listings

Experience Downtown
Locate Here
Get Around
What We Do

Experience Downtown
Locate Here
Get Around

ESQUINA+session+-+photo+by+Luis+Bacque

Search Our Site

Search for:

Facebook

X

Instagram

The Northside Outside just got a little touch-up a

The Northside Outside just got a little touch-up and a big pop of color with @drewetienne’s mural getting refreshed and some gorgeous new blooms from @willowandstock—just in time for summer. 🌸

Come snap some pics, grab lunch on the street, hop into a game of hopscotch, and bring the family to Northside Saturday Nights for some free live music and good times all around!

ICDD is thrilled to announce the selected artists

ICDD is thrilled to announce the selected artists for the 2025 BenchMarks Program, an annual tradition that transforms everyday public benches into vibrant works of art.

This year’s gallery of benches, located around the playground in the Ped Mall near the @iowacitypubliclibrary, will once again come alive with color, creativity, and imagination—just in time for summer.

Congratulations to the 2025 BenchMarks Artists:

Carlos Maldonado
John Syrbu
Carrie Guenther
Hannah Jannusch
Nora Cole
Lauren Berry
Madi Sanubari & Eylul Doganay
Kayla Nguyen
Amanda Stout
Lauren Manninen

These talented artists will begin painting this month, with their benches set to be completed by early June. Be sure to stop by to see how they’ve reimagined these public spaces with designs that delight visitors of all ages.

Our Downtown Ambassadors continue to go above and

Our Downtown Ambassadors continue to go above and beyond to keep Iowa City clean, safe, and welcoming. This week, City Councilor Josh Moe joined us for lunch to meet the team, learn about their day-to-day work, and hear more about their incredible impact across the central business district.

Since launching last summer, the Ambassadors have collected over 191,000 pounds of trash, power-washed sidewalks, maintained the parking facilities, and provided friendly hospitality support by giving directions, walking someone to their car, or helping with battery jumps and flat tires.

With warmer months ahead, the Ambassador team has expanded to summer hours. They will be available from 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. seven days a week and until 9:00 p.m. on weekends, Thursday through Sunday.

If you need a hand downtown or spot something that needs attention, you can reach the team by texting or calling the Ambassador service line at 319-452-0608.

🍀 Legacy Happy Hour is back tonight at @donnell

🍀 Legacy Happy Hour is back tonight at @donnellysic—a place where past and present raise a glass together!

While today’s Donnelly’s opened in 2005, the name traces back nearly a century to Harold Donnelly’s original pub on Dubuque Street, a cherished gathering spot from the 1930s until its closure in 1974 during the city’s urban renewal era. It was a home for everyone—farmers, artists, professors, and Iowa Writers’ Workshop legends like Kurt Vonnegut, John Irving, and Dylan Thomas, all known to have shared stories and pints there.

Though the original building is gone, its spirit lives on in today’s pub named in tribute and still proudly Irish. Pieces of the original pub remain in town, most notably the original oak and mahogany bar, now installed at Micky’s.

Pub favorites like fish and chips, Irish stew, and a perfect pour of Guinness fill the menu, and the timeless vibe feels just right for everything from Hawkeye game days to conversations over classic cocktails, St. Patrick’s Day festivities, and of course, anyone seeking that classic Irish pub feel any day of the week.

Join us tonight from 5–6 p.m. for Legacy Happy Hour, write your own Legacy Love Letter, and celebrate Donnelly’s enduring place in Iowa City’s history.

No need to take a summer vacation when you can hea

No need to take a summer vacation when you can head to the beach in Downtown Iowa City on June 28th! We know that families missed the beach last year so we’re bringing it back to ensure you have the best Downtown Block Party experience yet. The @iachildrensmuseum will be present helping kiddos build sand castles, dig holes, and perhaps make a few “snow” angels. Don’t forget your shades and flip-flops - see you at the beach! ☀️☀️

🎓✨ Caps off to the Class of 2025! It’s gra

🎓✨ Caps off to the Class of 2025!

It’s graduation weekend in Iowa City, and Downtown is buzzing with celebration. ICDD extends a huge congratulations to all @uiowa graduates—your hard work, heart, and hustle have brought you to this incredible milestone, and we’re so proud to cheer you on. 🖤💛

As friends and families gather from near and far, our downtown shops and boutiques are ready with the perfect gifts to honor your grad’s big achievement. From Hawkeye gear and locally made keepsakes to stylish accessories and heartfelt treasures, you’ll find something meaningful for every graduate.

Celebrate this special weekend by strolling our vibrant streets, snapping pics at your favorite Iowa City spots, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Go Hawks!

Break out the sunscreen and get ready to make a sp

Break out the sunscreen and get ready to make a splash—the Weatherdance Fountain has officially been turned on!

The iconic fountain in the heart of the Ped Mall is splashing, dancing, and ready for little feet, big smiles, and lots of fun. Located next to the playground, it’s the perfect downtown destination for families looking to cool off, laugh, and make the most of the summer weather.

Grab the kids, roll up your pant legs, pack a towel, and soak up all the joy!

It’s Tuesday, and that means it’s time for ano

It’s Tuesday, and that means it’s time for another Legacy Lunch!

Today, we’re spotlighting @126restaurants, a beloved bistro that’s been a cornerstone of the downtown dining scene since it opened its doors in October 2000. For nearly 24 years, this charming spot has brought a taste of France to Iowa City, serving up refined, comforting dishes in an atmosphere that feels both elevated and welcoming.

Founded by chef and owner Mathew, One Twenty Six was inspired by his travels through Europe and a deep commitment to Iowa roots. The restaurant partners with local farmers to source fresh, organic ingredients, and everything is made in-house—from savory stocks to house-ground burgers to fresh-baked breads.

📍 Heading to lunch? Bring your Legacy Dining Passport and grab a stamp for a chance to win a $200 ICDD Gift Card.

See the registry of Legacy Businesses and learn more at: downtowniowacity.com/legacy-businesses

Follow on Instagram

Downtown Gift Card
About Us

Job Board
Leasing
Add Your Event
Business Resources
Contact Us

© Copyright Iowa City Downtown District | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Sitemap