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@beyondfashionfest is taking over Downtown Iowa Ci

@beyondfashionfest is taking over Downtown Iowa City this weekend! Presented by @wrightfashionhouse, this two-day celebration fuses fashion, art, music, comedy, poetry, and education—all while supporting local talent and driving community connection.

They’ve teamed up with some of your favorite downtown cultural venues—like @elrayslivendive, @iowaconservatory, @iowacitygabes, and the @iowacitypubliclibrary—to host a city-wide festival packed with runway shows, live performances, installations, panels, and interactive workshops.

🎟️ There’s still time to grab your full festival pass for only $25, unlocking access to everything from couture showcases to real-talk panels and powerful performances.

Plus, don’t miss these FREE community events open to everyone:
— Create a Culture Live | May 2, 7:30–8:30 PM | Elrays Live&Dive
— Streetwear Fashion Show | May 3, 6–8 PM | Alleyway in front of @studio13ic

Get ready for a weekend where fashion meets purpose—and every block becomes part of the runway.

👉 Check out the full schedule and get your pass at www.icbeyondfest.com

May is here, and so is Legacy Business Month in Do

May is here, and so is Legacy Business Month in Downtown Iowa City! All month long, we’re shining a spotlight on the businesses that have helped shape our community and stood strong through decades of change.

From iconic retailers and go-to lunch spots to beloved bars and service providers, these businesses are the backbone of downtown. They’re the familiar faces and places where tradition meets expertise, where every storefront holds a story, and every handshake carries history.

A Legacy Business is classified as “a long-standing business that has been operating continuously for at least 20 years, enduring the test of time while shaping the economic and cultural identity of Downtown Iowa City.”

Join us all May long as we highlight, support, and raise a glass to the places that give downtown its character.

Learn more and see the full list of the 75+ Legacy Businesses at downtowniowacity.com/legacy-businesses.

Another beautiful spring day downtown—sun shinin

Another beautiful spring day downtown—sun shining, birds chirping, and everything feeling just right.

Perfect weather for a stroll, lunch on a patio, or just hanging out and seeing where the day takes you.

With Mother’s Day and graduation just around the

With Mother’s Day and graduation just around the corner, now’s the time to get ahead on gift shopping—and Downtown Delivers, sponsored by @greenstatecu, makes it easier than ever.

Shop in-store or online from your favorite retailers, and we’ll deliver your items straight to your doorstep—completely free of charge! It’s also a super simple way to send a thoughtful gift directly to someone you care about—no wrapping, no shipping hassle.

🚐 Deliveries go out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
📍 Service areas include: Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Solon, Tiffin, and West Branch

Surprise someone special or simply take the pressure off your to-do list. There’s no better time to support local and make your spring celebrations a breeze!

This week on Downtown Dish, hosts Anna & Charlie s

This week on Downtown Dish, hosts Anna & Charlie sit down with Niki Neems, owner of r.s.v.p.—the Northside’s go-to shop for gorgeous paper goods, gifts, and all things delightful. Tune in for stories from behind the counter, Niki’s take on creative entrepreneurship, and a few laughs along the way.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon!

Reminder: Tonight’s the deadline to submit your

Reminder: Tonight’s the deadline to submit your designs for the 2025 BenchMarks Program!

We’re selecting 12 creative designs to brighten the benches outside the Iowa City Public Library—turning the space into a colorful, welcoming spot for kids and families. Think bold, playful, and full of personality. Use the entire bench surface to bring your design to life with color, pattern, and texture.

– Submissions are due by midnight TONIGHT – up to 3 designs per artist!
– Artists receive a $350 stipend + Blick Art Materials gift card
– Benches must be painted by June 1st

Learn more & apply now: https://bit.ly/4ijNhEi

Who’s ready to dink around this summer? We team

Who’s ready to dink around this summer?

We teamed up with the Downtown Ambassadors to set up the pickleball court in the Ped Mall—now all it needs is YOU!

Bring your own paddles and balls and start playing today—we’ll have extra equipment out soon.

Let’s get the games going!

Thank you to Camp for hosting tonight’s First Ro

Thank you to Camp for hosting tonight’s First Round! From the antique coolers and antler chandeliers to the vintage matchbooks and buoy lanterns, Camp’s team dreamt up every detail to ensure your visit is reminiscent of a weekend away in the woods, albeit with great service, cheese curds, and old fashioneds.

Cheers to this month’s sponsor, Bankers Advertising and Tru Art Color Graphics, for providing everyone with their first round!

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