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Downtown Iowa City’s Nonprofit Arts and Culture Industry Generates $20.4 Million in Economic Activity and 319 Jobs Annually

November 9, 2023

Art, Community, Culture, Entertainment, Nightlife, Traveling

Downtown Iowa City Kicks Off the Holiday Season this Thursday

November 8, 2023

Community, Culture, Entertainment, Nightlife, Retail

Iowa Ave Hospitality Opens Camp & Scout’s Honor in Downtown Iowa City

November 3, 2023

Community, Culture, Entertainment, Food, Nightlife

Downtown Block Party Celebrates 6th Year This June

May 18, 2023

Art, Community, Culture, Entertainment, Nightlife, Programs

New Downtown Nightlife Employee Recognition Program: IC STARS

August 25, 2022

Nightlife, Programs

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@austinkorns took some time out of his day to meet

@austinkorns took some time out of his day to meet us at a few downtown stores to shop for the holidays. He is excited to shop for the newest member of his family and get his son Macintyre a few new toys and clothes from @223babyco this year.

“Each year I look forward to @fontenellesupplyco coming to the Downtown Holiday Pop-Up Market which brings a variety of vendors and fun way to shop for the holidays. It seems like I end up with a new sweater or flannel from them each year they pop up in the Ped Mall. I got one of my favorite sweaters when they were in town last year.”

“@revivaliowacity is perfect when it's time to get something for my wife. They always have great new stuff and you can find really nice used brands as well.”

“I love that I can walk from work and get everything I need for so many different people in my life. Working downtown around all these great shops makes it all so much easier and supporting local businesses makes it all the better.”

“I will surely head to @prairiekitchenstore for stocking stuffers, @brixiowacity for a bottle of wine, and @johnsgrocery for some nice bourbon. I will definitely make my way over to @rec_collect and @prairielightsbooks as well to get something for my friends... and a few records for myself.”

#DowntownIowaCity #iowacity #thinkiowacity #thisisiowa #holidays #holidayshopping #gifts #supportlocal #shopsmall #tistheseaon #happyholidays

3 new shops have joined us in the Holiday Pop-Up M

3 new shops have joined us in the Holiday Pop-Up Market. West Music and the ICDD Basket Boutique will be open through Wednesday with Ulysses Modern until Sunday!

🛍️ @westmusiccompany - The Coralville West Music store has been servicing the Coralville and Iowa City area for over 50 years! Stop by to pick up gifts and stocking stuffers for all the musicians and music lovers on your list. Fender Squire Guitar Packs, Remo Kids Djembe Drums, Casio CT-S1 Keyboards, Ukuleles, and other fun gift items.

🛍️ @ulyssesmodern - Discover a selection of high-end Midcentury Modern furnishings and vintage streetwear apparel. The pop-up will have a curated selection of vintage housewares, clothing, and art perfect for gifting. Maybe even bring a piece of furniture or two! Bring your friends and family, meet the owners, and come find out what Ulysses is all about!

🛍️ ICDD Basket Boutique - Who doesn’t love a good gift basket!? Come shop a selection of handmade gift baskets from our downtown shops. There’s Iowa-themed baskets, holiday decor baskets, stationary-lovers baskets, cozy socks, hot sauce, and more!

We had a great time meeting up with Shereena Honar

We had a great time meeting up with Shereena Honary to talk about the holidays downtown. @shereenarae gave us an inside look at her go-to spots for shopping and some gifts she’s picking out for her loved ones this year.

“To me, the holidays are about giving back, and Ten Thousand Villages is not only a way to give back by supporting a locally-owned business, but also by empowering artisans from communities from all over the globe who need it most. The products are eco-friendly & and fair trade, which all align with my values to be as conscious as possible in my purchasing. It feels great knowing I play a small role in making an impact and supporting this mission each time I shop here.”

“This year I have my eye on some beautiful woven baskets from @villages_iowacity, Iowa City. I'm planning to get a book on mushroom foraging from @prairielightsbooks for a good friend, and a deck of animal oracle cards from @omgiftsiowa for my sister that I think she'll love!”

“Shopping downtown is a whole experience. Everything is within walking distance and there are plenty of restaurants or cafes interspersed between the shops. It’s a great way to connect with friends or to spend the day by yourself.”

“My go-to spot for gemstones is the Museum of Natural History! Pulse they have a variety of animal toys and books for kids. Everyone always loves the adorable Baby Rusty Sloth plushie.” @pentacrest.museums

“I believe it’s important to support local because these businesses are run by people who genuinely care about our community. They will likely become your friends, colleagues, and neighbors if you live here long enough, and will go out of their way to get to know you. Our downtown shops are truly like family, and that’s always worth supporting.”

#downtowniowacity #thinkiowacity #thisisiowa #happyholidays #holidayshopping #gifts #iowacity #traveliowa #shopsmall #supportlocal

Hop on a tractor wagon ride through downtown this

Hop on a tractor wagon ride through downtown this Saturday at @hillsbank. Rides are every 15 minutes from 10am - 4pm with cozy blankets, jingle bells, and candy canes.

This Saturday will have a few special guests including one of Santa’s elves and Olaf! @dunkiniowacity will join us to start the morning and welcome riders with donuts. Carolers from @old_gold_uiowa will perform in the afternoon around 1 and 2pm. Come take in all of the sights and sounds of downtown!

#downtowniowacity #iowacity #thinkiowacity #traveliowa #thisisiowa #holidays #tractor #tistheseason

Find some inspiration for everyone on your list wi

Find some inspiration for everyone on your list with the 2023 Downtown Iowa City Gift Guide.

The guide offers a seasonal glimpse at some of downtown’s finest gifts from your favorite small, independent businesses. Here’s a look at just some of the many featured items.

Whether you explore these unique finds online or visit the stores in person, you'll encounter an extensive array of fantastic merchandise and offerings.

www.issuu.com/downtowniowacity.com/docs/lookbook

#downtowniowacity #iowacity #thinkiowacity #gifts #giftguide #downtown #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocal #shoplocal #tistheseason

Theo is ready to start his holiday shopping! He lo

Theo is ready to start his holiday shopping! He loves adventuring downtown through the stores to find the perfect gifts. This year he is excited to shop for his mom and little brother at @akardesignstore, his dad at @raygunshirts, # and his best friends from school at @daydreamscomics.

"My friend Ozzie and my other friend Mack love Scooby-Doo. I'm going to get them books at the comic book store just like Sheldon on Big Bang. They are going to LOVE it!”

"My dada loves cats. He's going to think these are so funny. I'm going shopping for my mommy and little brother too. She loves buying things here. She always gets me fun toys from here and I think my brother will like them too.”

"My favorite store is the candy store @sweetsandtreatsic, but I also like @prairielightsbooks where I can pick out books. Harry Potter is my favorite.”

#downtowniowacity #thinkiowacity #thisisiowa #tistheseason #holidays #gifts #holidayshopping #comics

Six new local shops are joining us at the Downtown

Six new local shops are joining us at the Downtown Holiday Pop-Up Market this week! Visit the shops from 11am - 7pm to shop sneakers, jewelry, candles, socks, and more gifts.

Monday - Wednesday:

- @viceiowacity - premier shop for sneakers, streetwear, and vintage clothing with rotating deals and Supreme accessories

- @shopstrawberrylane - handmade jewelry, cups, shirts, hair accessories, keychains, and more

- Sock Shop - cozy boutique dedicated to the art of foot comfort and style with an array of different socks from downtown retailers

#dowtowniowacity #thinkiowacity #iowacity #holidays #popupshop #thisisiowa #tistheseason #gifts

“You can always find something unique and unexpe

“You can always find something unique and unexpected at Artifacts. It’s all about the thrill of the hunt when you go to a thrift store. You never know what fun item you’ll discover next." - @nkaeding

See where Nate Kaeding likes shopping for gifts downtown. Two of his favorite places during the holidays are @artifactsiowacity and @johnsgrocery.

"We make sure to stock up on wine from John's Grocery. With a big family at home...sometimes you need those extra libations to get through the holidays! Plus, I can treat myself to a rare bottle of whiskey I can't find anywhere else."

“Downtown is always fun for last-minute shopping and the full experience. You can grab a cup of coffee, walk store-to-store, and have a great meal afterward.”

“I lean on an assist from Catherine and Kara on something nice for my wife from @catherinesboutique. And they get bonus points for doing the gift wrapping!”

“@prairielightsbooks never fails for a unique book to accompany some larger gifts. I often stumble upon a new title that they've curated that I hadn't heard about before.”

#thinkiowacity #thisisiowa #downtowniowacity #iowacity #tistheseason #happyholidays #iowacity #gifts #thrifting

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