Schedule & Programming Activities

*Please Note: This schedule is continually being updated. Stay tuned for a finalized list of programming!

Main Stage sponsored by  iBev | Weatherdance Stage in the Pedestrian Mall

• • 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Alyx Rush
  • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Wave Cage 
  • 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. | Bad Bad Hats 

Iowa Ave Side Stage | Near Scout’s Honor and Camp

• • 6:15 – 6:45 p.m. | Pomtastiks
  • 6:50 – 7:00 p.m. | All the Way Up Dance Studio Performance
  • 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Studio 13 Drag Show
  • 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. | Sunset Salsa

SCW Pro Wrestling Stage | Linn St./Washington St. Intersection

• • 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Wrestling Matches
  • 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Photo booth with wrestlers
  • 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. – Wrestling Matches

Pickleball Tournaments Programmed by UI Recreational Services and Sport and Recreation Management Program: 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. | Black Hawk Mini Park

Iowa City Letters: 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. | Clinton St./College St. Intersection

Power Bungee Trampoline: 4:00 – 11:00 p.m.  | Clinton St./ Iowa Ave. Intersection

Mini Putt Putt sponsored by ImOn: 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. | Clinton St.

Ping-pong, Cornhole, Jenga, and Yard Games: 4:00 – 11:00 pm | Iowa Ave. by Joe’s Place

Blitz & Bullet Chess Tournament programmed by the Iowa State Chess Association: 5:00 – 8:00 pm | Washington Street in front of Lasansky Gallery

• • Detailed information coming soon
  • Open chess play before and after tournaments

Custom T-Shirt Screen Printing Sponsored by Chase Bank: 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Washington St. by U.S. Bank

Dueling Pianos sponsored by Hills Bank: 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. | Washington St. by Target

Silent Disco sponsored by GreenState Credit Union: 5:00 – 11:00 p.m. | Iowa Ave. by Basta and St. Burch

Summer Games Fashion Show by Wright House of Fashion: 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Linn Street in front of Record Collector and Baroncini

All Ages Activity programmed by the Iowa City Public Library: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Iowa City Public Library

• Video Shorts and Nintendo Switch Free Play
• Lobby air conditioning and restrooms are accessible 4:00 – 8:00 pm
• No alcohol allowed

Interactive Keith Haring Chalk Murals with Stanley Museum of Art | Clinton St. in front of Molly’s Cupcakes

3×3 Basketball with Dream City: 4:00 – 8:00 pm

Yoga in the Pedmall with Hothouse Yoga | Next to the pickleball court

Tap Company Street Performance with Nolte Academy | Next to the Iowa City Public Library

Giant Pong with SpareMe Bowl & Arcade | Iowa Avenue

Block Printing at the Block Party: Letterpress Printing with Ps1: 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Battle of the Bands at AlleyCat: 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. | AlleyCat

• 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Critical Mass
• 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Second Half
• 10:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Worst Impressions

Event FAQ
How does the event work?
The Downtown Block Party is a one-day event that welcomes all to come enjoy unique programming, food, and fun throughout the core of downtown. All programming is free for attendees. The only paid element is if you would like to consume alcohol throughout the festival, you will need to purchase a Block Party cup.

Can I bring my family?
Yes, please do! The Downtown Block Party is for all ages and open to anyone and everyone! We have a numerous kid and family oriented activities, most taking place between 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Where should I plan on parking?
Where you will find the most luck finding a spot is at one of the 6 parking ramps: Court St & Dubuque St, Dubuque St & Burlington, Dubuque & Burlington, Iowa Ave & Linn St, and Harrison St.

Can I bring my dog?
We do not recommend bringing pets to the Block Party. The event can mean large crowds, loud music, and hot concrete. We ask that attendees do not bring their pets.

FAQ for Tickets:

PRE-SALE TICKETS: I purchased a ticket online…now what?
Bring your ticket and ID to one of 5 glass station locations located at: Clinton & College, College & Linn St, Washington St & Clinton St, Washington St & Linn St, Iowa Ave and Linn St, Clinton St and Iowa Ave, and at the pedestrian walkway next to Graduate Iowa City. There will be a PRE-SALE-only tent at each location and you will exchange your ticket for a wristband and cup.

I have friends coming that didn’t purchase tickets ahead of time, can we come to the same glass station?
Yes, at every glass station there will be a pre-sale booth and a day-of purchase booth. 5 locations at Clinton & College, College & Linn St, Washington St & Clinton St, Washington St & Linn St, and Iowa Ave and Linn St.

Where are all of the food vendors and where can I get drinks?
All of our bars and restaurants! Drinks come from the bars/restaurants and food comes from all of our restaurants, many of which will be set up outside of their doors with quick-serve lunches.

What if I have problems with my ticket, where do I go?
To any of the 5 glass station booths and the volunteers will help!

Do I need to bring my ticket?
Yes! You do. Bring your electronic ticket (QR code) to the pre-sale booths, please.

What else do I need?
Your ID. We need your identification to provide you with your official wristband and cup.

Safety at the Block Party

We want every community member and attendee to feel safe while attending the Downtown Block Party. Specific questions regarding safety, security, medical, and any others can be directed to info@downtowniowacity.com. If you have an immediate need while on-site seek out on-site public safety officers or the first-aid tent. ‍

Weather & Safety Protocols for Downtown Block Party

In case of lightning– All are asked to take shelter inside open businesses, Iowa City Public Library, or a nearby parking ramp lowest level. If no shelter is available, find a clearing away from trees. Never stand near a tree. Lightning strikes the tallest point and travels downward, sometimes arcing to things – including people nearby. Once you find a clearing, squat on your toes with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Once lightning is confirmed, programming will stop until it has been confirmed that it is safe to continue

In the case of a tornado–A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado. It doesn’t necessarily mean a tornado has been spotted. A tornado warning means that rotation has been spotted in the clouds or a funnel has actually touched down. If there is rotation or a warning, take cover immediately. A tornado will generally come from the southwest and move northeast. Most injuries and deaths from a tornado are a result of flying debris. Tornado storms can produce more than one funnel, lots of lightning, rain, and hail. In this storm, everyone should take immediate action and find shelter. Designated tornado shelters should be used including any open buildings with basements (see map below*note: send people into businesses & open city buildings)

In case of hail–Attempt to seek shelter immediately. If there is no lightning, move under a tree. Generally, if there is hail with a severe storm, it probably means lightning, in which case standing under a tree is not advised.