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

ACTIVE PLAY 

• Rollerskating with Parks and Recreation | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Tricycle and Strider Bike Races 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 more) | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
• Pickleball Tournaments and Free Play | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m
• 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
• 4-Square | 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.

INTERACTIVE ART  

• T-Shirt Screen Printing | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
• Art Corner Sponsored by The Learning Grove Academy and Lionheart Early Learning | 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Prompt Press
  • 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.

GOOFY FUN 

• Adult Tricycle Races | 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.
• Tug-of-War | 9:00 – 10:00 p.m.
• Scooters | 8:00 – 10:00 p.m.

MOVE & GROOVE 

• Dueling Pianos Sponsored by Hills Bank | 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
• Silent Disco Sponsored by GreenState Credit Union | 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

• 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 
• Gabe’s Stage 

STREET PERFORMANCES

• Tap Dancing Street Performance Presented by Nolte Academy
• Jazz Trio | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

MIND GAMES

• Chess Blitz Tournaments
• Puzzle & Gaming Plaza with Diversions Tabletop Game Lounge 

AND MORE! 

• Iowa City Letters (photo-op) | 3:00 – 10:00 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.