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@silentdiscodsm is back on Dubuque Street at this

@silentdiscodsm is back on Dubuque Street at this year’s Downtown Block Party and it’s ready to light up the night with beats, bops, and non-stop dance moves!

Sponsored by our friends at @greenstatecu, this fan-favorite experience brings 1,000 headsets, three DJ channels, and a whole lot of good vibes. Grab your crew, pick your playlist, and dance the night away.

Whether you’re in the middle of the action or just passing by for some people-watching, this is one Block Party moment you won’t want to miss.

Show us your moves on June 28th!

Our new pickleball vending machine in the Ped Mall

Our new pickleball vending machine in the Ped Mall is officially up and running and ready for action!

🎾 Free paddles and balls are available to play. Just grab what you need and hit the court! When you’re finished, we kindly ask that you return any borrowed items to the return slot on the side of the machine.

🧤 Looking to level up? The machine is also stocked with other pickleball gear available for purchase.

Game on, Iowa City!

The latest episode of the Downtown Dish is here an

The latest episode of the Downtown Dish is here and it’s all about the bright red shirts, friendly faces, and hardworking team keeping downtown clean, safe, and welcoming.

In Episode #12, Anna is joined by guest co-host Betsy Potter, Executive Director of ICDD, as they chat with Keyon Shelby, Operations Manager of the Downtown Iowa City Ambassador Program.

Keyon shares his journey from a career in film and video production in Chicago to leading the Ambassador team here in Iowa City through Block by Block, a national service management company operating in over 170 cities across the U.S. In just the first year, the local Ambassador team has removed over 191,000 pounds of trash, responded to more than 1,000 biohazard cleanups, and built a visible, trusted presence in our community. From curbside cleanup and snow shoveling to helping jumpstart cars and giving directions, these Ambassadors are changing how service and hospitality show up downtown.

You’ll also hear about their smart system for logging work, ongoing staff trainings, and new initiatives like a summer youth program with the Iowa City School District, designed to teach high school students hands-on job skills while working side-by-side with the Ambassador team.

Tune in on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon to hear the full story.

Programmed by @downtowniowacity, @thinkiowacity, a

Programmed by @downtowniowacity, @thinkiowacity, and @cfjc_ia, a new mural will soon be brought to life in the heart of Downtown. @xolp, an artist who specializes in whimsical illustrations, has worked on thousands of custom projects and we can’t wait for this project to be added to her list of accomplishments. Her mural will serve as a lasting piece of public art, fostering creativity, community engagement, and a sense of place that reflects the spirit of Johnson County.

As a key feature of the Downtown Block Party on June 28th, the mural’s final touches will be completed with the help of event attendees. Leave your mark on Downtown Iowa City by filling in the doodles with beautiful pops of color!

See you on the streets on June 28th!

Come on down to Block Party on Saturday, June 28th

Come on down to Block Party on Saturday, June 28th and bring out your inner child with these extra large tricycles. We promise you’ll be laughing out loud and reliving your childhood summer days.

@briar_ridge_bikes will be organizing the races and cheering on the chaos. Thank you, @briar_ridge_bikes , for participating your first-ever Block Party!

See you on the streets on June 28th!

Take a memento home with you as a reminder of the

Take a memento home with you as a reminder of the fun you had at the 2025 Downtown Block Party! Screen print your own t-shirt with Wright House of Fashion, a local non-profit that finds meaning in creating opportunities for youth to build their skills in leadership, teamwork, and sustainable design principles. @wrightfashionhouse artists will help you press the ink directly onto the t-shirt and heat-cure it on the spot so you can wear it right away. This activity was a major draw last year - so much so that we’re bringing in THREE more screens to help speed up the lines. More t-shirts for everyone!

T-Shirt Screen Printing Sponsored by @chase. Thank you for joining us again!

See you on the streets on June 28th!

Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 15 — and if

Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 15 — and if you’re still looking for the perfect way to celebrate the dads, stepdads, and father figures in your life, Downtown Iowa City’s shops have you covered. 🎁

Whether he’s into music, food, fashion, or the great outdoors, there’s something special waiting in our local shops. For the dad who likes to keep it stylish, check out clothing, watches, and accessories at places like Ewers Men’s Store, @revivaliowacity, @handsjewelers, @glassandojewelry, @raygunshirts, @advancedeyecareic, and @herteens.

If he’s more of an adventurer, he’ll love the vintage bikes and canoes at @artifactsiowacity, a fresh stack of travel guides from @prairielightsbooks, or Hawkeye golf gear from @iowabook_ic.

For foodie dads and grillmasters, you can’t go wrong with high-quality kitchen knives, hot sauces, and specialty gifts from @prairiekitchenstore or @akardesignstore.

And if he’s into vinyl, guitars, comics, or collectibles, explore @rec_collect, @bartertowntoysandcollectibles, and @daydreamscomics — and maybe even surprise him with tickets to a live show at @iowacitygabes or @englerttheatre.

📣 Don’t forget! If you received a Legacy Busi

📣 Don’t forget! If you received a Legacy Business Retail Bounce-back Voucher, this is your week to redeem it!

🛍️ Bring your voucher and your qualifying receipts (showing you spent $200 or more between May 19–28) into any participating retail Legacy Business in Downtown Iowa City and enjoy $40 off your purchase—our way of saying thank you for supporting the shops that have helped shape our community for 20+ years.

🗓️ Vouchers are valid now through June 14th, so don’t miss your chance to celebrate and support these long-standing, locally owned businesses!

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