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2025 Downtown Block Party

Saturday, June 28, 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

PRE-PURCHASE CUPS & WRISTBANDS

Iowa City’s biggest event of the year returns this summer! The 8th Annual Downtown Block Party is set for Saturday, June 28th from 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and will take over 14 blocks in the heart of Downtown Iowa City. The event is for all ages and specifically targets the feel of a community block party. Rather than selling tickets, the event instead sells Block Party cups that allow attendees 21 and older to purchase their drink from local establishments and take it into the street to enjoy. All of the programming activities and entertainment are completely free and open to the public.

Pre-sale cups can be purchased online for a reduced price of $10. Tickets will buy you the official event cup and wristband that will allow you to walk around the event with wine and beer in-hand. Cups only need to be purchased if you plan on consuming alcohol. Day-of cups can also be purchased during the event at cup stations for an increased price of $15.

See you on the street on June 28th!

Event Programming

This year you’ll be welcomed with a wide variety of activites such as adult tricycle races, crossnet volleyball, kid’s street hockey, hula hoop stations, rollerskating, live music, and so much more. And many fan favorites such as Dueling Pianos Sponsored by Hills Bank, Silent Disco Sponsored by GreenState Credit Union, the Main Stage Sponsored by iBev, and SCWPro Wrestling, are slated to return.

Englert Main Stage Sponsored by iBev and Curated by Englert Theatre

Iowa Avenue Stage Sponsored by iBev | 3:00 – 9:30 p.m.

SCW Pro Wrestling with Black and Brave Wrestling Academy

    • 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wrestling Matches
    • 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Photos with Wrestlers
    • 8:00 – 8:30 p.m. Wrestling Match Finale

Gabe’s Stage – Beaker Brothers | 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

  • Rollerskating with Parks and Recreation | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Tricycle and Strider Bike Riding with Parks and Recreation | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Street Hockey with Iowa Heartlanders | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Hula Hoop Station | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Basketball | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • CrossNet Volleyball | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Yard Games (including SmashNet, giant Jenga, and corn hole) | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Pickleball in the Ped Mall 
    • 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Free Play
    • 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Tournaments
    • 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. Free Play
  • Mini-Golf | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Beach Area with the Iowa Children’s Museum | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • All-ages Yoga with HotHouse Yoga | 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
  • 4-Square | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Scooters | 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • T-Shirt Screen Printing Sponsored by Chase | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Art Corner Sponsored by The Learning Grove Academy and Lionheart Early Learning | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
    • Porch Light Literary Arts Center: Join the team from PorchLight Literary Arts Center for a collaborative art making experience at the Image+Word Assembly Line. You give them the first line for a story or poem and they’ll pass it through the line of word-smithing typists and multi-media artists who take your idea and run with it. This collaborative activity is fun for adults and children alike. See what your ideas spark, and take home a one-of-a-kind piece of Iowa City art!
    • Public Space One: Print your own Downtown Iowa City postcard using letterpress and foil stamping equipment from PS1’s community print studio, the Iowa City Press Co-op!
    • FilmScene: Bring your kids to FilmScene’s Popcorn Magic Fairy Fantasyland tent to make your own mini-movie with an incredible backdrop commissioned by a local artist, fun theatrical props and customizable clapboard sheets that can be taken home.
    • The Learning Grove Academy and Lionheart Early Learning: Our sponsors will be featuring Ooblick, a gooey sensory material  that exhibits properties of both a solid and a liquid.
  • Adult Tricycle Races | 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Tug-of-War | 9:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Iowa City Letters | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • The Snap Wagon Mobile Photo Booth | 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Event FAQ’s

Event FAQs

 

How does the event work?
The Downtown Block Party is a one-day event packed with unique street programming, local food, and all-ages fun. All programming is free to attendees. A ticket is only necessary if you would like to consume alcohol throughout the festival footprint. The official Block Party cup will act as your ticket.

Can I bring my family?
Absolutely! The Downtown Block Party is for everyone. We have many kid and family oriented activities, including beach play, mini-golf, hula-hoop station, art activities, and so much more.

Where should I park?
We recommend parking in one of the 6 parking ramps: Court St & Dubuque St, Dubuque St & Burlington, Dubuque & Burlington, Iowa Ave & Linn St, and Harrison St. All ramps are free on Block Party day!

Can I bring my dog?
We recommend leaving pets at home. The event can mean large crowds, loud music, and hot concrete.

FAQ for Tickets (Cups):

PRE-SALE TICKETS: I purchased a ticket online…now what?
Bring your ticket (digital QR code or printed PDF) and ID to one of the four cup stations located throughout the event footprint. There will be a PRE-SALE tent at each location. Upon being ID’d and wristbanded, you will show your ticket in exchange for a cup.

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

What about food and drinks? 
All of our local bars and restaurants will be serving food and drinks! Most establishments will be set up outside of their doors for quick-service. As a reminder, if you’d like to drink in the streets you will need to purchase an official Block Party cup.

What if I have problems with my ticket, where do I go?
Volunteers can assist at any of the cup stations. The volunteer booth will also be located in the Ped Mall outside of Wells Fargo.

What should I bring to the event? 

  • Your ID! We need your identification to provide you with your official wristband and cup.
  • If you purchased a Pre-Sale ticket, bring your ticket!
  • Your friends and family!
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • We recommend wearing tennis shoes for some of the activities.
  • 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 PartyIn 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.

All downtown bars and restaurants are open for regular business, with some set up outside their location with quick-serve items and specials.

Remember, only beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed in the official Block Party cup. If you are looking for water, any of the bars and restaurants will have some. You can also visit Target, CVS, or Bread Garden to purchase bottles of water. Please make sure to stay hydrated and drink lots of water!

Stay tuned for a full list of food and drink specials.

Event Programming

 

ACTIVE PLAY 

  • Rollerskating with Parks and Recreation | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Tricycle and Strider Bike Riding with Parks and Recreation | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Street Hockey with Iowa Heartlanders | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Hula Hoop Station | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Basketball | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • CrossNet Volleyball | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Yard Games (including SmashNet, giant Jenga, and corn hole) | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Pickleball in the Ped Mall 
    • 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Free Play
    • 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Tournaments
    • 9:00 – 10:00 p.m. Free Play
  • Mini-Golf | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Beach Area with the Iowa Children’s Museum | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • All-ages Yoga with HotHouse Yoga | 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
  • 4-Square | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Scooters | 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

INTERACTIVE ART  

  • T-Shirt Screen Printing Sponsored by Chase | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Art Corner Sponsored by The Learning Grove Academy and Lionheart Early Learning | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
    • Porch Light Literary Arts Center: Join the team from PorchLight Literary Arts Center for a collaborative art making experience at the Image+Word Assembly Line. You give them the first line for a story or poem and they’ll pass it through the line of word-smithing typists and multi-media artists who take your idea and run with it. This collaborative activity is fun for adults and children alike. See what your ideas spark, and take home a one-of-a-kind piece of Iowa City art!
    • Public Space One: Print your own Downtown Iowa City postcard using letterpress and foil stamping equipment from PS1’s community print studio, the Iowa City Press Co-op!
    • FilmScene: Bring your kids to FilmScene’s Popcorn Magic Fairy Fantasyland tent to make your own mini-movie with an incredible backdrop commissioned by a local artist, fun theatrical props and customizable clapboard sheets that can be taken home.
    • The Learning Grove Academy and Lionheart Early Learning: Our sponsors will be featuring Ooblick, a gooey sensory material  that exhibits properties of both a solid and a liquid.

COMPETITIVE FUN 

  • Adult Tricycle Races | 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Tug-of-War | 9:00 – 10:00 p.m.

MOVE & GROOVE 

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

STREET PERFORMANCES

MIND GAMES

AND MORE! 

  • Iowa City Letters (photo-op) | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
  • The Snap Wagon Mobile Photo Booth | 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Event FAQs

 

How does the event work?
The Downtown Block Party is a one-day event packed with unique street programming, local food, and all-ages fun. All programming is free to attendees. A ticket is only necessary if you would like to consume alcohol throughout the festival footprint. The official Block Party cup will act as your ticket.

Can I bring my family?
Absolutely! The Downtown Block Party is for everyone. We have many kid and family oriented activities, including beach play, mini-golf, hula-hoop station, art activities, and so much more.

Where should I park?
We recommend parking in one of the 6 parking ramps: Court St & Dubuque St, Dubuque St & Burlington, Dubuque & Burlington, Iowa Ave & Linn St, and Harrison St. All ramps are free on Block Party day!

Can I bring my dog?
We recommend leaving pets at home. The event can mean large crowds, loud music, and hot concrete.

FAQ for Tickets (Cups):

PRE-SALE TICKETS: I purchased a ticket online…now what?
Bring your ticket (digital QR code or printed PDF) and ID to one of the four cup stations located throughout the event footprint. There will be a PRE-SALE tent at each location. Upon being ID’d and wristbanded, you will show your ticket in exchange for a cup.

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

What about food and drinks? 
All of our local bars and restaurants will be serving food and drinks! Most establishments will be set up outside of their doors for quick-service. As a reminder, if you’d like to drink in the streets you will need to purchase an official Block Party cup.

What if I have problems with my ticket, where do I go?
Volunteers can assist at any of the cup stations. The volunteer booth will also be located in the Ped Mall outside of Wells Fargo.

What should I bring to the event? 

  • Your ID! We need your identification to provide you with your official wristband and cup.
  • If you purchased a Pre-Sale ticket, bring your ticket!
  • Your friends and family!
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses.
  • We recommend wearing tennis shoes for some of the activities.