Advocacy
DOWNTOWN GIFT CARD
About ICDD
Do Business
Contact Us

Experience Downtown
Arts and Culture
Get Around

Experience Downtown

All Listings Eat & Drink Shop Services Events Stay Downtown Venues & Meeting Rooms Get Around

Arts & Culture Public Art Live Music Museums Art Galleries All Listings

Experience Downtown
Arts & Culture

Experience Downtown
Arts and Culture
Get Around

cocktails and cupcakes

Search Our Site

Search for:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

📣 The countdown is on! The 56th Annual Downtown

📣 The countdown is on! The 56th Annual Downtown Iowa City Sidewalk Sales are just ONE WEEK AWAY!

🛍️ Join us from July 18th - 21st for the hottest shopping event of the summer! Our sidewalks will be packed with tables and tents overflowing with incredible deals. This tradition, dating back to 1968, offers four days of unbeatable savings from Thursday through Sunday evening.

🏷 Don’t miss out on door-busting deals and amazing discounts from your favorite downtown merchants. Stay tuned for the sales and get ready to shop ‘til you drop!

#DowntownIC #SidewalkSales #ShopLocal #SaveBig #IowaCity #DowntownIowaCity #ThinkIowaCity #ShopSmall

@dulcineaiowacity has been a beloved fixture on Du

@dulcineaiowacity has been a beloved fixture on Dubuque Street since it opened in 1996. This charming women’s apparel store, locally owned and operated, offers an eclectic mix of casual and stylish clothing for women of all ages, along with unique home décor items.

Beyond fashion, the shop cultivates a warm, personal atmosphere and vibrant sense of community. Sandra Navalesi, the original owner, always prioritized honesty and customer satisfaction, ensuring that everyone who walked into her shop left feeling fabulous. Her simple yet effective philosophy was, “If I were you, would I wear it?” This approach kept her connected with trends and her customers’ tastes.

Dulcinea carries an impressive selection of brands like Free People, Michael Stars, and Latico, alongside handcrafted jewelry and home decor treasures. The store’s warm, friendly atmosphere has made it a favorite among locals and visitors.

A highlight of Dulcinea is the stunning mural on its exterior wall facing Iowa Avenue. Created by local artist Anne Ullerich in 2001, “Medicine for the Soul” is a vibrant tribute to Iowa City’s rich literary heritage. It features references to literary works, from “Don Quixote” to “Harry Potter,” and was part of the UNESCO City of Literature development. Chat with the staff to learn more and see the full list of literary references.

Dulcinea’s history is as colorful as its apparel. The building at 2 S Dubuque St, dating back to the late 1860s, has housed various businesses over the decades, from the Wikel Typewriter store to a trophy and engraving shop, and even a coffeehouse. Each incarnation has added layers of charm and character to the space that Dulcinea now calls home.

In 2019, Clare Mummey took over the reins from Sandra, promising to maintain the store’s adored boho-chic and contemporary style. Clare, with her passion for fashion and community, continues to uphold the welcoming and stylish spirit that has defined Dulcinea for over two decades. Having shopped there since she was a kid, Clare cherishes the memories and magic of Dulcinea, ensuring it remains a beloved destination for years to come.

Downtown is once again adorned with vibrant, color

Downtown is once again adorned with vibrant, colorful benches!

The 2024 BenchMarks Program collaborated with ten talented local artists to create captivating designs and unleash their creativity to revitalize the shared urban space.
Visit the gallery of benches surrounding the playground in the Ped Mall near the @iowacitypubliclibrary to see the artistry for yourself.

A shoutout and big thank you to this year’s contributing artists:

Amanda Stout
Sarah Alward
Linda Ge & Daria Tan
Cami Vrba
Talya Miller
Monica Basile
Jenna Kalkert
Catlynn Byrd
Madi Beauchamp Sanubari
Makayla Morales

#downtowniowacity #iowacity #benchmarks #publicart #thinkiowacity #murals

The Dubuque Street Reconstruction Project, a capit

The Dubuque Street Reconstruction Project, a capital improvement project by the @cityofiowacity, has been underway since March 2024 replacing underground infrastructure and above-ground street improvements. The project, while necessary, continues to have an impact on the businesses along the construction area.

As a THANK YOU and extra bonus for your continued support of the businesses along the streetscape area, ICDD has put together a gift card incentive program.

From July 8th until August 8th, for every $150 spent at participating businesses, customers can receive a $20 ICDD gift card. Upload up to five receipts via this form and ICDD will mail your gift card: https://tinyurl.com/bdfzxnty

@223babyco
@catherinesboutique
@icdeadwood
@dublin._underground
@dulcineaiowacity
@masala_indiancuisine
@mickysic
NoDo
@pullmaniowacity
@prairielightsbooks
@spoco_ic
@theshopiowacity
@whichwichia
@zmariks

Support local and get rewarded! #SupportLocal #DubuqueStreet #IowaCity #DowntownIowaCity

It's a beautiful summer day to enjoy the visiting

It's a beautiful summer day to enjoy the visiting Los Trompos from @gocreos, created by @esrawestudio and @cadenaconcepts. These brightly colored "spinning tops" are the perfect spot to enjoy the pedmall.

Los Trompos are located on the west end of the pedestrian mall until August 5th.

Thank you @thinkiowacity for their support of this public art installation.

Our Dubuque St business features continue with Mas

Our Dubuque St business features continue with Masala, located at 9 S Dubuque St in Downtown Iowa City.

Masala Indian Vegetarian invites you to embark on a culinary adventure through the rich and diverse flavors of traditional Indian cuisine. Renowned for serving some of the most delicious and authentic Indian food in Iowa City, Masala has carved out a niche as one of the city's unique dining destinations. With its brightly painted red exterior and prime location on Dubuque Street, Masala is a hidden gem that promises a memorable dining experience with unbeatable flavors.

Inside Masala, you'll find a cozy space that seats just under 50 diners, making it the perfect spot for an intimate meal. The menu at Masala is a testament to the incredible variety and depth of Indian cuisine, featuring an array of mouth-watering dishes such as Chicken Vindaloo, Lamb Korma, Malai Kofta, and Paneer Tikka Masala. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options abound, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy. Start your meal with flavorful appetizers like Samosa Chaat or Garlic Shrimp, and don't forget to try their refreshing Mango Lassi.

Masala's lunch buffet is a local favorite, offering a quick and satisfying option for those on the go. Whether you're a downtown office worker, a University of Iowa student between classes, or simply someone with a craving for Indian cuisine, Masala's buffet has something to please every palate. From the aromatic Navratan Korma to the savory Chicken Tikka Masala, each dish is crafted with care and packed with the vibrant spices that make Indian food so beloved. So why not treat yourself to a delightful meal at Masala? Come for the food, stay for the warm, welcoming atmosphere, and leave with a smile on your face and a satisfied appetite.

Step into @theshopiowacity on Dubuque St and you’ll instantly feel the magic of creativity and collaboration that defines this unique retail space. Opened in the summer of 2018, The Shop is the vision of three talented women: Jessica Meyer of @goodfolktradingco, Kate Dreyer of @kate.figandfarm, and Kay Boyer of @youre.golden.co. Their journey began in 2014 with @theshopkalona in the small town of Kalona, and due to the overwhelming support from loyal customers, expanding to Iowa City’s downtown was a natural next step.

Its location is steeped in history, having once been home to University Camera and, before that, a typewriter store. Jessica, Kate, and Kay, along with their families, remodeled the space themselves. They exposed the original tin ceiling and restored the original wood flooring, giving the store a blend of historical charm and contemporary flair. Their love for vintage decor shines through with the inclusion of vintage cameras and typewriters, adding a nostalgic touch to the eclectic mix of fashion, accessories, and home decor.

Each founder brings a unique style creating a curated experience that offers something for everyone. Jessica has a passion for global travel and indie concerts, which fuels her creativity. Her eye for sourcing vintage pieces ensures that every item has a story. Kate, with her feminine vintage glam aesthetic, is often found cooking for her large family or hunting for industrial vintage treasures at estate sales. Her obsession with vintage barware adds a touch of elegance to the store’s offerings. Kay, whose style is rustic, simple, and clean, brings a passion for health and design. A carpenter by trade, she often works with wood and builds her dream projects alongside her father.

Despite their diverse backgrounds, Jessica, Kate, and Kay didn’t know each other before going into business. Their paths crossed at various markets and they quickly realized they shared a common dream of opening a storefront. They joined forces, bringing their brands together to create a cohesive and inviting shopping destination, and are now known as The Shop Girls.

#downtowniowacity #iowacity #theshop #shop #smallbusiness #womanownedbusiness

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Iowa City on Dubu

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Iowa City on Dubuque Street, @zmariks has been serving up delightful dishes since 2002. The brainchild of Dave and Ellie Allen, this charming eatery began with a simple yet powerful vision: to combine fresh, fast, and affordable food with warm, personal service. Over the years, Z’Mariks Noodle Café has expanded beyond its Iowa City roots, opening additional locations, but its heart remains firmly in the community that first embraced it.

Z’Mariks offers a unique dining experience where hearty, healthy bowls of noodles, rice, soups, and salads are crafted to order and delivered to your table within minutes. The menu is a flavorful journey through various culinary traditions, featuring American classics like Mac and Cheese, Italian delights such as Pesto and Marinara, and adventurous options like Buffalo Chicken Mac and Asian Spicy Peanut. Specials like Mac Mondays and Kidz Eat Free Saturdays add to its appeal, ensuring there’s always a reason to return.

Ellie’s Greek heritage shines through in dishes like the Greek salad, Krith-a-raki, Lemon Sauté bowls, and other family recipes, adding a special touch that sets Z’Mariks apart. With the option to customize your meal with an array of fresh ingredients, each visit is a chance to create a dish that’s as unique as you are.

The name Z’Mariks, derived from the Greek word for pasta “Zimarika,” reflects the restaurant’s blend of tradition and innovation. This spirit of originality extends beyond the food, creating a welcoming atmosphere where customers feel like part of the family. The current owner, Jacob, and his wife Jill, met while working at Z’Mariks, and their story adds another layer of charm to the café’s history.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Z’Mariks Noodle Café invites you to experience the warmth, community, and deliciousness that have made it a beloved Iowa City institution. Come see why diners keep coming back, time and time again!

#downtowniowacity #iowacity #zmariks #noodles #macandcheese #noodlecafe #dubuquestreet #thinkiowacity #iceats #iowacityfoodie

Follow on Instagram

Job Board
Leasing
Add Your Event
Business Resources
Contact Us

© Copyright Iowa City Downtown District | All Rights Reserved