Iowa City Block Party Brings Back Favorites & Keeps Expanded Layout

Downtown Iowa City’s annual summer evening event, the Downtown Block Party returns for the 5th year this summer on June 25th. Moving back to its typical Saturday in June, the 2022 event will keep the expanded layout of 14 blocks that was first used in 2021 to provide additional programming and space for attendees.

“Celebrating the 5th year of the Downtown Block Party will bring together all of our favorite activities that have been built up over the past years but as usual, we look to bring new and unique programming. The goal of the programming is always to bring something that you normally don’t see on the street in the middle of downtown, something open to all audiences”, said Director of Special Events, Christopher Hunter, Iowa City Downtown District. Many fan favorites such as the Dueling pianos sponsored by Hills Bank, Silent Disco sponsored by GreenState Credit Union, Studio 13 DragShow, and Iowa City Parks & Rec roller skating are slated to return and continue to draw large engagement from the crowd. In addition to these beloved traditions, new for 2022, SCWPro Wrestling from Davenport, Iowa will host performances throughout the evening, Iowa City Ducks Rugby will be facilitating and running matches, and a 16-piece interactive international public art installation. The Englert Theatre main stage sponsored by IBEV will have headliner Minneapolis native Kiss the Tiger, supported by Grand Rapids group Public Access, James Tutson & the Rollback, and Crystal City.

As always, the event offers all of the programming free and open to everyone. The only paid feature is for those wishing to partake in the unique opportunity to take alcoholic beverages from downtown restaurants, bars, and businesses to the streets to enjoy amongst the programming elements. Event cups specific to the 2022 Block Party are required to partake in the open container option of the event and pre-sale for these opened on March 28th for $10. Cups will be available to purchase on the day of the event at the rate of $15 at a number of different cup stations.

The event will also offer free parking all day on Saturday, June 25th at all of the City of Iowa City parking ramps until Sunday at 10:30 am to allow people to leave their vehicles overnight if necessary.

All of the event’s details and ticket link can be found at https://downtowniowacity.com/events/downtown-block-party/ . A final schedule of events will be added throughout the next few months.