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Today

May 2025

Sat 17
Featured Featured May 17 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series Iowa Conservatory’s 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee

Iowa Conservatory’s 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee

The James Theater 213 N Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA, United States

Join us at The James Theater for Iowa Conservatory's 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee! Iowa Conservatory's second annual spring musical promises an evening of laughs, music, and competition in this...

$16 – $22
Sat 17
Featured Featured May 17 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Community Collaborations: Stories of Community 6

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

About the Series Community Collaborations is an ongoing series of engaging cinematic events in partnership with nonprofits, advocacy groups, passionate individuals, and community organizations to generate conversation and action inspired...

Free – $10
Sat 17
Featured Featured May 17 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Event Series NORTHSIDE SATURDAY NIGHTS CURATED BY THE ENGLERT THEATRE

Northside Saturday Nights Curated by The Englert

Northside Outside Corner of Market St & Linn St, Iowa City, IA, United States

Northside Saturday Nights returns May through September 2025 with free outdoor concerts curated by The Englert Theatre, bringing local and regional music to the Northside Outside. North Linn Street transforms...

Sat 17
Featured Featured May 17 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Banned Books on Screen: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

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

About the Series Intellectual censorship has reared its head time and time again throughout history. When the powerful feel the threat of the people, they're quick to limit access to...

$8 – $15
Sat 17
Featured Featured May 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series The Magnetic Fields performing “69 Love Songs”

The Magnetic Fields performing “69 Love Songs”

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

The Englert & Hancher Auditorium Present Performing "69 Love Songs" The Magnetic Fields, fronted by the multi-talented Stephin Merritt, released 69 Love Songs in September of 1999. This three-volume concept...

$22 – $70
Sat 17
Featured Featured May 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series Iowa Conservatory’s 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee

Iowa Conservatory’s 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee

The James Theater 213 N Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA, United States

Join us at The James Theater for Iowa Conservatory's 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee! Iowa Conservatory's second annual spring musical promises an evening of laughs, music, and competition in this...

$16 – $22
Sat 17
Featured Featured May 17 @ 9:00 pm - May 18 @ 1:00 am

One More Hour, Greg Wheeler & The Poly Mall Cops, Running Man, TV Cop

Gabe's

One More Hour, Greg Wheeler & The Poly Mall Cops, Running Man & TV Cop 8:00pm Doors

$10 – $20
Sun 18
Featured Featured May 18 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Sunday Funday: Make Sun-Shaped Suncatchers!

Iowa City Public Library 123 South Linn Street, Iowa City, IA, United States

Sunday, May 18, 2025 -2:00pm to 4:00pm +  Storytime Room It's almost summer vacation! Today we will be making tissue paper, sun-shaped suncatchers to celebrate! If you need disability-related accommodations in order...

Sun 18
Featured Featured May 18 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series Iowa Conservatory’s 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee

Iowa Conservatory’s 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee

The James Theater 213 N Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA, United States

Join us at The James Theater for Iowa Conservatory's 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee! Iowa Conservatory's second annual spring musical promises an evening of laughs, music, and competition in this...

$16 – $22
Sun 18
Featured Featured May 18 @ 9:00 pm - 10:30 pm Event Series Sunday Open Mic

Sunday Open Mic

The AlleyCat 13 S Linn St, Iowa City, IA, United States

A comedy open mic followed by all night long karaoke! Comedy start at 9:30 pm!

Mon 19
Featured Featured May 19 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Local Journalism with the Gazette

Iowa City Public Library 123 South Linn Street, Iowa City, IA, United States

Monday, May 19, 2025 -12:00pm to 1:00pm +  Meeting Room A, Meeting Room B, Meeting Room C Register0 of 50 registered Join us May 19 at noon for a behind-the-scenes look at...

Mon 19
Featured Featured May 19 @ 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Banned Books on Screen: Malcom X

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

About the Series Intellectual censorship has reared its head time and time again throughout history. When the powerful feel the threat of the people, they're quick to limit access to...

$8 – $15
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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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