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Jun 2025

Sun 8

9:00 pm - 10:30 pm

Featured Sunday Open Mic

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You’re invited to Downtown Iowa City’s communi

You’re invited to Downtown Iowa City’s community happy hour! Celebrate the holiday season with us @plated.table this evening from 5:00-6:00pm.

Each December we come together for a casual and festive First Round where there are no speakers or sponsors, simply drinks, conversation, and holiday cheer. We invite you to come say hi to your fellow First Rounders, thank our past sponsors, and relax with a drink in-hand at this cozy wine bar.

We’ve been exposed to a wealth of knowledge over the past 11 months. We learned about the Anne Frank Sapling standing tall outside of the @pentacrest.museums, the beer caves hidden in the depths of the Northside, the exciting future of the UNESCO City of Literature, the process of printmaking, the influence that Keith had on our community, and so much more. We’re curious here at the Iowa City Downtown District and we know you are too. Join us next year to continue learning about the community, experiencing local venues, and meeting new people. First Round takes place on the third Wednesday of each month and is free for all to attend.

Thank you to our 2024 First Round Sponsors!

▪️@opnarchitects
▪️metronet
▪️@tuesday_agency
▪️@phoebemartinrealtor
▪️@uistanleymuseum
▪️@meld.marketing
▪️@lasansky_gallery_and_studio
▪️@heatherbrightrealtor
▪️@newpioneercoop

Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane in

Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane in this special episode of The Downtown Dish, as Anna and Charlie are joined by the original crew behind the hit radio show: Catherine Champion, Bill Nusser, and Maeve Clark.

In this fast-paced and wild conversation, the team reminisces about the early days of the Downtown Dish, reflecting on how it became a beloved staple of Iowa City’s airwaves and how the show’s unique mix of humor, local gossip, and heartfelt community moments captured the essence of downtown life. With stories from the past and plenty of laughs, this episode takes you through the evolution of the show and its impact on the downtown Iowa City scene.

Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music to take a listen!

Meet Jan – Manager at @velvetcoat, where timeles

Meet Jan – Manager at @velvetcoat, where timeless style meets holiday magic. With just over a year at the boutique, Jan has quickly become an essential part of the team, helping customers find that just right outfit or the perfect holiday gift. Her love for the festive energy of Black Friday weekend and her eye for unique finds make shopping at Velvet Coat even more special this season.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“This year we are carrying decorative gift items from @johnderiancompany – puzzles, notepads, paperweights, and gorgeous coffee table books. We also carry fine jewelry you won’t see anywhere else, making for very special gifts.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“Black Friday weekend is so much fun. Customers are with their families, the mood is fun and energetic, and the store is bustling!”

“Our window decorations always draw comments from customers. I love how so many of our customers light up when you ask them what their holiday plans are – it adds to the festive spirit.”

𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁:
“Because some people are hard to buy for, I like to ask our customers questions to try to find out personal details about who they are buying for. What their personality is like, what they like to do in their free time, maybe a favorite color or activity. This can lead us to find something that really suits that individual’s uniqueness.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
“Making the rounds of holiday parties and watching Christmas Vacation.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“The soundtrack from A Charlie Brown Christmas NEVER gets old!”

Meet Lindsey – Yoga Teacher and Work-Study Manag

Meet Lindsey – Yoga Teacher and Work-Study Manager at @hothouse_yoga. For the past eight years, Lindsey has been a guiding presence in the studio, helping clients find balance and peace on their mats. She loves being part of the Hothouse community, especially during the holidays when the studio transforms into a warm, welcoming retreat from the seasonal hustle and bustle. Whether it’s teaching packed holiday classes or helping customers pick out thoughtful gifts, Lindsey embraces the magic and calm that Hothouse brings to the community.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“The holidays bring up all types of emotions for people. I love that Hothouse is a warm and welcoming place for anyone to practice yoga and help cope with any stresses the holidays may bring. Whether a client is coming in because that’s the one hour in the day they have to themselves or they’re bringing a family member visiting from out of town to laugh and sweat alongside them, there’s something for everyone. I love seeing how Hothouse is a constant place for our community to return to, feel at home in their bodies, and become a little more calm and grounded in their everyday lives.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day classes have a reputation for being full to capacity with fun holiday music. They’re an amazing way to connect with yourself while also feeling a sense of community and belonging with everyone in the room.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“We sell a lot of gift cards during the holidays. What’s better than the gift of practicing yoga?! I also love all of the retail our owner, Cara Viner, continues to bring into the studio, including quality yoga mats, essential oils, and a wide variety of yoga tops and bottoms.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
“Baking cookies!”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“I’m partial to Jingle Bell Rock or anything Mariah Carey!”

This Monday-Wednesday, we’re thrilled to welcome

This Monday-Wednesday, we’re thrilled to welcome three new vendors to the Downtown Holiday Pop-Up Market, sponsored by @greenstatecu. Open daily from 11am - 7pm, visit the Ped Mall to support these incredible local businesses:

📚@heabookboutique  Marion’s romance bookstore is here to sweep you off your feet! Featuring romance titles from both indie and traditionally published authors (including Iowa authors!), HEA is a book lover’s dream. Don’t miss their bookish goodies, all designed with love by Jenn, the shop’s owner and Chief Book Babe.

👜 @midwestleather_fudgefactory  Craftsmanship runs deep at this family-owned leather goods shop from Amana. From purses and wallets to jackets, belts, and moccasins, Midwest Leather offers timeless, high-quality items for every need. With three generations of expertise, their products are built to last. Have a sweet tooth craving? Get a taste of their delicious fudge creations!

🕉️ @omgiftsiowa  For over 21 years, Om has brought positivity, calm, and unique treasures to the community. Shop a wide variety of cultural and spiritual gifts from jewelry, gemstones, essential oils, candles, meditation tools and other fun cultural and spiritual gifts

X Marks the Arts Presents: Free Week – A New Adm

X Marks the Arts Presents: Free Week – A New Admission-Free Winter Festival Celebrating Downtown Iowa City’s Cultural & Entertainment District.

This winter, step into the epicenter of the arts and immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of Iowa City’s dynamic arts and cultural scene. Taking place from February 18th to 22nd across the Downtown Iowa City Cultural & Entertainment District, this collaborative event showcases the creativity and energy of local and regional artists in a series of free concerts, performances, workshops, and more for the community to enjoy. From intimate performances in historic theaters to hands-on activities and live music at iconic venues, Free Week will offer a wide range of cultural experiences for all ages.

Stay tuned for the full festival schedule, including participating venues, the lineup of performers, and detailed programming announcements coming in January.

Learn more at www.xmarksthearts.com

Meet Michelle – Manager & Optical Guru at @disce

Meet Michelle – Manager & Optical Guru at @discerningeye, celebrating her 12-year work anniversary this December!

Michelle finds joy in helping customers discover eyewear that feels uniquely their own. With her expertise and love for the holiday season, she’s known for creating a magical atmosphere inside the shop, making each visit a memorable experience. Here’s a glimpse into what makes the holidays at Discerning Eye so special.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“My favorite part about working at Discerning Eye during the holidays is transitioning the store into a little holiday fun. The decorations, the trees, the lights, and of course the fabulous frames. Throw in a little snow and you’ve got a little holiday magic! We know when our customers pop in, they have been shopping for everyone else on their list. Now it’s their turn. Just like all the others on their list, they are wanting something unique and special, something personalized for themselves.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“Our trunk shows always land in the thick of the holiday season. The shows are an opportunity to have a little fun during the holidays—customers get to see their favorite frame line, the entire collection, all the colors, and all of the styles. It’s really such a fun time. Joni always has some delicious holiday treats to nibble on. The customers love it, and so do we!”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“In addition to glasses and sunglasses, we have Oyo boxes, which are wonderful to protect your eyewear collection. Eyeglass cleaner and cloths, and gift cards are always great stocking stuffers!”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
“One of my favorite traditions with my children is to find a time and meet at @mickysic (can’t beat the Seven Layer Dip) usually a week or so before Christmas. We might need to add a movie in at @icfilmscene!”

Introducing LocateDowntownIowaCity.com – a compr

Introducing LocateDowntownIowaCity.com – a comprehensive new website and business toolkit designed to support those looking to establish or expand their presence in Downtown Iowa City. Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a bold idea, a growing business ready to scale, or a company considering relocation, this resource provides valuable information you need to make informed decisions.

The website showcases available storefronts, market insights, grant opportunities, and other essential business resources to set you up for success. With a low vacancy rate of just 5%, opportunities are limited, but our organization is committed to curating a dynamic mix of businesses that enhance our district’s appeal. From pet shops to men’s stores and innovative soft goods retailers, we’re actively seeking creative ventures ready to thrive in one of Iowa’s most vibrant commercial hubs.

To make the process even easier, the “Find Your Space” survey allows you to share your business vision, preferred square footage, necessary amenities, and more. ICDD is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a seamless transition into our supportive community.

Ready to bring your vision to life? Visit LocateDowntownIowaCity.com to learn more and get started today!

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