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12 events found.

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Today

April 2025

Wed 16
Featured Featured April 16 @ 10:00 pm

Late Shift at The Grindhouse

FilmScene (at the Chauncey) 404 E College St., Iowa City, IA, United States

Wednesdays get weird at Filmscene at the Chauncey in Downtown Iowa City. Horror, Exploitation, Action, Bikers, Monsters, Cult, Slashers, Nudity! 30 Minute Trailer Reel Starts the Show See the upcoming line up of films, here

Thu 17
Featured Featured April 17 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Sanjena Sathian in conversation w/ Ren Arcamone –Goddess Complex

Prairie Lights Bookstore

Iowa Writers' Workshop alum Sanjena Sathian will read from her new novel, Goddess Complex, and will be joined in conversation by Ren Arcamone, also a Writers' Workshop alum. Penguin Random House, which published Goddess Complex, describes it as "a darkly funny, vertiginous novel about the dilemmas of procreation, pregnancy, and parenting." Sarah Thankam Mathews, author of the...

Thu 17
Featured Featured April 17 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

The Tallest Man On Earth

Englert Theatre 221 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240, IOWA CITY, IA, United States

with The Still Tide Kristian Matsson has never remained in one place for very long. Having spent much of the last decade touring around the world as The Tallest Man on Earth, Matsson has captivated audiences using, as The New York Times describes, “every inch of his long guitar cord to roam the stage: darting...

$25 – $56
Fri 18
Featured Featured April 18 @ 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Schools Out at the Stanley | Bunny Buddies

Stanley Museum of Art 160 West Burlington Street, Iowa City, IA, United States

Hop to it! In this fun and creative workshop, children will transform ordinary socks into adorable bunny friends. Using rice to fill their bodies and buttons for eyes and noses, kids will design and create their own unique and cuddly companions. Space is limited; please reserve your spot at https://uiowa.doubleknot.com/event/schools-out-at-the-stanley-april-18/3... Please arrive in time for children...

Fri 18
Featured Featured April 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Nathan Brown, translator of Baudelaire–Flowers of Evil

Prairie Lights Bookstore

Montreal-based professor of English and translator Nathan Brown will read from his translation of The Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire. Verso Books says: "Probing the depths of the modern psyche in a voice at once caustic and vulnerable, melancholic and humorous, Baudelaire’s infamous book brings to the surface a new understanding of evil, of eroticism, and...

Fri 18
Featured Featured April 18 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series The Lifespan of a Fact

The Lifespan of a Fact

Riverside Theatre 119 E College St, Iowa City, IA, United States

GET YOUR TICKETS Select the date below to purchase tickets for that performance. Friday, April 18 @ 7:30pm Saturday, April 19 @ 7:30pm Sunday, April 20 @ 2:00pm Thursday, April 24 @ 7:30pm Friday, April 25 @ 7:30pm Saturday, April 26 @ 7:30pm Sunday, April 27 @ 2:00pm* Thursday, May 1 @ 7:30pm Friday, May...

Sat 19
Featured Featured April 19 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Just the Basics 4/19/25

Artifactory 120 N Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, United States

Learn the fundamentals of drawing with various tools like pencils, charcoal, and different types of paper. Master basic shapes, break down complex objects, and practice different lines. Understand perspective, proportion, and shading to create depth and dimension. Bring your own materials. Paper, pencils, and conte. Doors will open at 9:45 am. Participants – Minimum 5...

$10
Sat 19
Featured Featured April 19 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm Event Series The Lifespan of a Fact

The Lifespan of a Fact

Riverside Theatre 119 E College St, Iowa City, IA, United States

GET YOUR TICKETS Select the date below to purchase tickets for that performance. Friday, April 18 @ 7:30pm Saturday, April 19 @ 7:30pm Sunday, April 20 @ 2:00pm Thursday, April 24 @ 7:30pm Friday, April 25 @ 7:30pm Saturday, April 26 @ 7:30pm Sunday, April 27 @ 2:00pm* Thursday, May 1 @ 7:30pm Friday, May...

Sat 19
Featured Featured April 19 @ 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

The Mystery Hour with Jeff Houghton

Englert Theatre 221 E Washington St, Iowa City, IA 52240, IOWA CITY, IA, United States

The Mystery Hour with Jeff Houghton returns to The Englert for the second time. Hosted by Iowa City native Jeff Houghton, the uproarious late night talk show features music, interviews, and comedy. Joining Houghton for an interview will be special guest Jim O’Heir, from the sitcom, Parks and Recreation, which aired for seven seasons on NBC. O’Heir played the...

$18 – $32
Sat 19
Featured Featured April 19 @ 9:00 pm - 11:30 pm

mssv w/ Sam Locke Ward and Shining Realm

Gabe's

Metro Concerts Live present mssv at Gabe’s with special guests Sam Locke Ward & The Boo Hoo(s) and The Shining Realm

$20
Sat 19
Featured Featured April 19 @ 10:00 pm - April 20 @ 1:30 am

Worst Impressions

Elray's Live & Dive 211 Iowa Ave, Iowa City, IA, United States

Iowa City band takes the front stage Live at the Dive!

$5
Sun 20
Featured Featured April 20 @ 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series The Lifespan of a Fact

The Lifespan of a Fact

Riverside Theatre 119 E College St, Iowa City, IA, United States

GET YOUR TICKETS Select the date below to purchase tickets for that performance. Friday, April 18 @ 7:30pm Saturday, April 19 @ 7:30pm Sunday, April 20 @ 2:00pm Thursday, April 24 @ 7:30pm Friday, April 25 @ 7:30pm Saturday, April 26 @ 7:30pm Sunday, April 27 @ 2:00pm* Thursday, May 1 @ 7:30pm Friday, May...

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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
There’s no better way to kick off the weekend th There’s no better way to kick off the weekend than with a trip to the Farmers Market. Fresh produce, local goods, homemade treats, and good vibes all around.

Grab a coffee, pick up something delicious, and start your Saturday morning off right. See you there!
National Small Business Week is all about recogniz National Small Business Week is all about recognizing the businesses that keep our community thriving–and Downtown Iowa City has some of the best.

This May, we’re celebrating our cherished Legacy Businesses—the places that have helped shape Iowa City and continue to define its character, charm, and community spirit. From favorite meals to memorable moments, they’ve been the backdrop to some of our best stories.

Now it’s your turn to say thanks! Write a Legacy Love Letter to a business that’s made a positive impact on you. Pick up one of our adorable vintage postcards at the ICDD office, MERGE, or any of our Legacy Happy Hours, then drop it back off or mail it to 103 E. College St. #200.

Notable letters may be shared to show these businesses just how much they mean to us. Let’s fill the mailbox with memories, spread the love, and celebrate Iowa City’s amazing small businesses! 💛

Legacy Happy Hour Schedule | 5-6pm
– May 15: @donnellysic 
– May 22: George’s Buffet
– May 29: @bojamesbar 

Learn more: www.downtowniowacity.com/legacy-businesses
☀️ Summer vibes are rolling into Downtown Iowa ☀️ Summer vibes are rolling into Downtown Iowa City, and that means it’s time for one of our favorite traditions — the Summer Shop Crawl!

Join us on Friday, May 30th from 4:00–8:00 p.m. to stroll through your favorite local shops, drink in hand, snag some deals, catch up with friends, and maybe even find a new favorite spot. 🌼🛍️

We say it every year, but it’s true — this event always sells out. So if this sounds like your kind of evening, grab your $15 ticket now! It comes with a custom glass, a tote bag, a surprise gift, and access to all the sips and deals along the way.

It’s the perfect way to kick off summer and have a fun night out downtown.

🎟️ Tickets available at the link in our bio!
Raise a glass to a legacy! Legacy Happy Hours are Raise a glass to a legacy! Legacy Happy Hours are here–every Thursday in May from 5:00–6:00 p.m.–and we’re kicking it off today with a stop at the one and only Micky's Irish Pub.

A true Iowa City icon, @mickysic has been holding down Dubuque Street since 1980 with good food, cold beer, and a legendary bar that dates back to 1870. This storied pub has hosted everyone from college students to literary legends like Tennessee Williams and Kurt Vonnegut, and it’s still a favorite for lunch, bingo nights, and catching the game. With over four decades of history, Micky’s continues to be a cornerstone of downtown’s legacy dining scene.

Want more behind-the-scenes stories? Tune in to the Downtown Dish podcast to hear the owners talk about the bar’s wild journey, how they almost bought a firetruck, and why Micky’s remains one of Iowa City’s most beloved institutions.

Join us to celebrate one of downtown’s longest-standing hangouts and swing by after work to grab a drink. Don’t forget to bring your Legacy Dining Passport to earn a sticker and get one step closer to winning a $200 ICDD Gift Card + exclusive swag!

📍 Passports, happy hour locations, and Legacy Month details at downtowniowacity.com/legacy-businesses
Celebrate Iowa City’s culinary icons all month l Celebrate Iowa City’s culinary icons all month long with the Legacy Dining Passport, a fun and flavorful way to support the long-standing bars and restaurants that have shaped our downtown.

ICDD is encouraging office teams, downtown workers, and lunch crews to make Tuesdays a tradition by dining out for Legacy Lunches, and to unwind on Thursdays with Legacy Happy Hour. These weekly outings are the perfect excuse to enjoy a mid-day or after-work break, connect with colleagues, and support local businesses.

Passports and can be picked up at any Legacy dining location, the front desk at MERGE (136 S Dubuque St), or printed at home from our website. It’s the perfect excuse to revisit longtime favorites and explore new flavors.

Collect a sticker each time you dine at a Legacy location during May. Once you’ve visited five, snap a photo of your completed passport and submit it online for a chance to win a $200 ICDD Gift Card—plus exclusive Legacy swag!
Downtown Iowa City makes gifting easy — with fre Downtown Iowa City makes gifting easy — with fresh blooms, one-of-a-kind jewelry, handmade goods, and relaxing self-care favorites from our local shops and boutiques.

🌸 Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and our downtown retailers have everything to make Mom feel extra loved. Shop sweet, stylish, and unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

And don’t forget: free delivery is available! Send a gift or have one delivered at no cost with Downtown Delivers. Just check with any of our shops when making your purchase or look for the delivery option when checking out online.

Deliveries go out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to Iowa City, Coralville, Solon, Tiffin, and West Branch areas.
Legacy Lunch is on! Every Tuesday in May, we invit Legacy Lunch is on! Every Tuesday in May, we invite downtown workers, office teams, and lunchtime crews to take a break and support the long-standing restaurants and bars during Legacy Business Month!

– Visit longtime favorites or try something new
– Soak up the midday vibes downtown
– Make it a weekly outing with your coworkers
–  Dine out and support the local flavors that have shaped our community

Tag your lunch crew and comment where you’re headed today! 

📍 See the full list of Legacy Lunch spots at downtowniowacity.com/legacy-businesses
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