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

167A0745

Search Our Site

Search for:

Facebook

X

Instagram

Each year, the Iowa City Downtown District partner

Each year, the Iowa City Downtown District partners with local non-profits, clubs, and organizations to offer fundraising opportunities through volunteer shifts at some of downtown’s biggest events.

Opportunities for 2025 are now open and groups can raise funds by volunteering together at these favorite community events:

📅 Downtown Block Party – June 28, 2025
🍽️ Taste of Iowa City – August 27, 2025
🍻 Northside Oktoberfest – September 20, 2025

In appreciation of their time and effort, participating groups will receive a donation to their organization, ranging from $250 to $1,000, depending on the event, task, and time commitment.

Support your cause, have fun, and be part of downtown’s major events! ICDD event staff will confirm available shifts and notify selected groups this spring.

Apply today! Application link in bio.

Save the date and join us at ICDD’s 2025 Annual

Save the date and join us at ICDD’s 2025 Annual Meeting, State of the Downtown on Wednesday, May 21st from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the Iowa City Senior Center.

ICDD welcomes community members, civic leaders, business partners, and downtown members to join us. This gathering provides an opportunity to reflect on our collective accomplishments over the past year and to look ahead at exciting initiatives on the horizon. We’ll unveil our renewal plan for the business improvement district, outlining our vision for Downtown Iowa City’s continued growth and vitality.

Attendees can enjoy a happy hour to connect with fellow downtown members and supporters while enjoying refreshments and light snacks followed by a program and presentation with ICDD leadership.

Please join us for this important community event. Your presence matters as we continue working together to make downtown vibrant and welcoming for all.

Learn more and get tickets at the link in our bio.

A shoutout to the incredible artists who showcased

A shoutout to the incredible artists who showcased their work at Friday’s Spring Gallery Walk! We loved seeing the community come together to support local artists and students, explore downtown galleries, and get creative with drop-in drawing sessions. From colorful paintings to captivating sculptures and everything in between, the talent on display was inspiring and thought-provoking.

Missed the Spring Walk? Don’t worry! Mark your calendars and join us for the Summer Gallery Walk on Friday, June 6th happening during the Iowa Arts Festival with @summerofthearts. We’ll see you there!

Calling all artists and creatives–applications a

Calling all artists and creatives–applications are now open for the 2025 BenchMarks Program!

Transform a bench into a work of art and bring color, creativity, and joy to the Ped Mall. This year, 12 benches will be painted outside the @iowacitypubliclibrary, creating a vibrant space for kids and families to enjoy. We’re looking for bold, eye-catching, and engaging designs that utilize the entire bench surface, incorporating color, pattern, and texture to create an immersive experience.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄:
🎨Artists can submit up to 3 designs and may be selected for multiple benches
🎨Selected artists will receive a $350 stipend + a @blick_iowacity gift card
🎨Benches must be painted on-site and finished before the Iowa City Arts Festival in June
🎨A mandatory virtual orientation will provide all the details and materials info

𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲:
*Applications Open: NOW – April 22 (deadline: midnight)
*Acceptance Notifications: 4th week of April
*Virtual Orientation: Week of April 28
*Painting Deadline: June 1

Apply now and be part of Downtown Iowa City’s public art scene. Link in bio 🔗

Get ready to sink your teeth into the latest episo

Get ready to sink your teeth into the latest episode of the Downtown Dish–

Anna and Charlie are joined by the legendary duo David Stein and Aaron Jennings, the co-owners of @mickysic, for a conversation packed with flavor and local lore. They dive into what makes Micky’s an Iowa City staple, from its historic bar dating back to the 1850s to its irresistible menu featuring Eggs Benny and their infamous hand-cut fries and home-made ranch.

David and Aaron, who have been friends since high school, share how they’ve expanded Micky’s to North Liberty and Davenport, built an exceptional team with longtime staff members who have been there for over a decade, and the story of how they almost bought a firetruck along the way. Plus, fresh off their People’s Choice win for best mixology at this year’s Top Chef: Downtown, they reflect on what keeps Micky’s at the heart of the community.

This episode also highlights a few important local updates including the 21 S. Linn St. Redevelopment Project that is moving forward. The @cityofiowacity City Council will be holding a work session tomorrow, March 11th, at 4:00 p.m. to discuss the proposals. You can find all the details at https://www.icgov.org/councildocs. Plus, don’t forget it’s @missioncreek’s 20th anniversary. Tickets are still available for music and literature festival happening April 3rd - 5th.

So, grab your headphones and tune in to Downtown Dish for all the stories and insights straight from the source. You can find us on:

📱 Apple: https://tinyurl.com/2zynh7r3
🎧 Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2p97kpca
🔊 Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/4v3wsf42

The Downtown Dish is presented by the Iowa City Downtown District & @cbjournal and produced by @uploadmediagroup.

#DowntownDish #MickysIrishPub #IowaCityEats #MissionCreekFestival

Congratulations to Keyon Shelby, the Downtown Amba

Congratulations to Keyon Shelby, the Downtown Ambassador's new Operations Manager! Keyon has been an integral part of the team since the program's launch in June 2024, starting as a Team Lead. His dedication and commitment to the program's mission have led to his selection as Operations Manager, where he will now oversee daily operations, manage the 13-member Ambassador team, and ensure our downtown remains vibrant and welcoming.

In partnership with @cityofiowacity and managed by @blockbyblock, the Downtown Ambassadors provide cleaning, hospitality, and safety services, including infrastructure maintenance, power washing, graffiti abatement, and sidewalk cleanup. They also offer wayfinding assistance and after-hours escorts for residents and visitors.

Downtown businesses and community members are encouraged to utilize the Ambassador program's services by calling or texting the service line at 319-452-0608.

Have you heard?! The Kitty Corner Social Club is o

Have you heard?! The Kitty Corner Social Club is officially open in Downtown Iowa City! This purr-fectly unique space brings community and feline companionship together for a one-of-a-kind experience. More than just a cat lounge, it’s a cozy retreat to unwind, connect, and make a difference—all while hanging out with the cutest cats around!

Located at 20 S Clinton St, @kittycornersocialclub partners with the @icanimalcenter to give adorable kittens a loving temporary home and a chance to find their forever families. Come relax after a long day, study with a purring friend, or simply enjoy the calming presence of these wonderful and playful cats. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful break, a stress-free lunch escape, or just to snuggle some whiskered friends.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
- 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀: Enjoy timed sessions to destress, play, and hang out with cats. Read a book, work, or simply enjoy the peaceful vibes.
- 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Meet your new best friend! Resident cats are adoptable and staff can guide you through the process.
- 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Cat yoga, trivia nights, and more! Follow Kitty Corner to stay updated on the latest happenings.
- 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Host a birthday party, team outing, or special celebration and book a package with local partners @mollyscupcakesic or @yotopiafroyo.
- 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗖𝗮𝘁-𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹: Browse a curated selection of adorable cat-themed gifts and goodies.

𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀:
🐾 15 min - $11 | 30 min - $15 | 60 min - $22
🐾 Walk-ins welcome, but reservations are highly recommended.

ICDD is thrilled to welcome this innovative addition to our Downtown! Come experience the magic of @kittycornersocialclub and be part of a community that cares.

Learn more and book your visit at: www.kittycornersocial.club

It's a perfect day to support your favorite small

It's a perfect day to support your favorite small businesses that make our Downtown a welcoming and vibrant space.

A sunny day to buy all the books, enjoy a good cup of coffee, and visit your friends and neighbors at their shops.

Downtown Iowa City is a collection of small businesses who are the employers, friends, and providers of unique and thoughtful products & experiences.

The sun is shining, the weather is warming up, and a good excuse to get outside, see friends, and enjoy Downtown.

Support small not just today but every day! ☀️

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