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12 events found.

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Today

April 2025

Sun 20
Featured Featured April 20 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

R.A.P. Ferreira – The Situation & Spectacle Tour

Gabe's

Ruby Yacht and Oliver Booking Company present R.A.P. Ferreira at Gabe’s with special guest BLAX 7-10pm

$15
Sun 20
Featured Featured April 20 @ 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 21
Featured Featured April 21 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Paul Lisicky in conversation with Garth Greenwell–Song So Wild and Blue

Prairie Lights Bookstore

Brooklyn-based writer and Iowa Writers' Workshop alum Paul Lisicky will read from his newest book, Song So Wild and Blue: A Life with the Music of Joni Mitchell. He will be joined in conversation with fellow Writers' Workshop alum and current Iowa City resident, Garth Greenwell. Named a Most Anticipated Book of Spring 2025 by Kirkus...

Mon 21
Featured Featured April 21 @ 8:00 pm - 11:30 pm Event Series Jok-e-Oke Comedy Mic

Monday Open Comedy Mic

Alley Cat 13 S Linn St, Iowa City, I, United States

Every Monday! Join us at Alley Cat for a night full of comedy, karaoke and fun! Doors open 8pm and comedy at 9:30 pm! Karaoke after the mic!

Free
Tue 22
Featured Featured April 22 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Soulja Boy – The Swag Tour at Gabes

Gabe's

SODMG & First Fleet Concerts present Soulja Boy at Gabe's on The Swag Tour

$30
Wed 23
Featured Featured April 23 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series Trivia Wednesday at Wilder

Trivia Wednesday at Wilder

Graduate Iowa City 210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA, United States

Join us at Wilder inside Graduate Iowa City every Wednesday at 7PM for trivia! Treat yourself to a $10 single patty Graduate Burger and 1/2 priced beer!

Wed 23
Featured Featured April 23 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Karla Kelsey and Rebecca Lehmann

Prairie Lights Bookstore

Poet Karla Kelsey will read from her newest book, Transcendental Factory: For Mina Loy. Described as a "lyric-documentary rendezvous with iconoclastic writer and visual artist Mina Loy (1882–1966)" (karlakelsey.com), Transcendental Factory is praised by writer Danielle Dutton as "a brilliant novel from inside and outside Mina Loy—a novel that is also a poem, a dictionary, a historical compendium,...

Wed 23
Featured Featured April 23 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

VARIETOPIA with Paul F. Tompkins

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

VARIETOPIA is a modern variety show, showcasing the best in contemporary comedy, music, and other forms of live entertainment, hosted by acclaimed comedian Paul F. Tompkins. Debuting at the Largo nightclub in 2002 under the name The Paul F. Tompkins Show, the program ended its long and only slightly intermittent run in 2014. Now it returns to Los...

$20 – $50
Wed 23
Featured Featured April 23 @ 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 24
Featured Featured April 24 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Our Stories In and On the Midwest Landscape

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

Join us for a compelling panel discussion moderated by Katherine Simóne Reynolds and featuring Kelley Lemon, Naima Green, and Alicia Olushola Ajayi. Join us for a compelling panel discussion moderated by Katherine Simóne Reynolds and featuring Kelley Lemon, Naima Green, and Alicia Olushola Ajayi. This conversation will illuminate the many ways Black artists and practitioners are engaging with ecological narratives, uncovering hidden histories,...

Thu 24
Figure Drawing
Featured Featured April 24 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Thurs Drawing | 04/24/2025

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

The Thursday night life drawing group in memory of our dear friend, Phil Dorothy. Bring your own drawing materials which can include graphite, charcoal, pastels or watercolors. Drawing boards and easels will be available. Water-based oils and acrylics will be allowed. Solvent based oils may be used with odorless solvents. It is suggested that artists...

$10
Thu 24
Featured Featured April 24 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Claire Lombardo–Same As It Ever Was (Paperback Release)

Prairie Lights Bookstore

New York Times bestselling author and former Prairie Lights bookseller Claire Lombardo will return to Iowa City to read from her newest novel, Same As It Ever Was, which was just released in paperback! New York Times book critic and author, Hamilton Cain, praised Same As It Ever Was in a June 2024 NYT review as a "refashion domestic drama into...

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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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