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 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.

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.

See you on the street on June 28th!

Event Programming

*More programming and live music performances to come! Stay tuned.

Rollerskating with Parks and Recreation | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Street Hockey with Iowa Wild 

Hula Hoop Contests (and “free play”) | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Basketball | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Crossnet Volleyball | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Yard Games (including spike ball, giant jenga, and more) | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Adult Tricycle Races | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Beach Area with the Iowa Children’s Museum | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Tricycle and Strider Bike Races with Parks and Recreation | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.

T-Shirt Screen Printing 

Art Corner Sponsored by The Learning Grove Academy and Lionheart Early Learning | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Pickleball Tournaments and Free Play | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m

Dueling Pianos Sponsored by Hills Bank 

Silent Disco Sponsored by GreenState Credit Union 

Iowa Avenue Stage Sponsored by iBev | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Main Stage Sponsored by iBev and Curated by Englert Theatre 

SCW Pro Wrestling 

Chess Blitz Tournaments

Tap Dancing Street Performance Presented by Nolte Academy

Pickleball Tournaments and Free Play | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Mini-Golf

Gabe’s Stage 

Event FAQs

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 3:00 – 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. All ramps are free on Block Party day!

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 (digital QR code or printed PDF) 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. 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 local bars and restaurants will be serving food and drinks! Most establishments will be set up outside of their doors for quick-service.

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!

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