Downtown Block Party | Iowa City Downtown District

2024 Downtown Block Party

Saturday, June 22, 4:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

PRESALE TICKETS – Ended – Tickets available at the event

Tickets for cups can be purchased before the event online or in person the day of the event. Tickets will buy you the official event wristband and cup that will allow you to walk around the event with ONLY wine and beer. ONLY guests with these materials (event wristband and cup) will be allowed to do so. Wristbands only need to be purchased if you are consuming alcohol. *During the event, you can get your wristbands and cups at 5 stations throughout downtown for $15 (Cash & Venmo accepted).

*PRE-SALE Cup Booths will be located next to each station with their own tents and tables to allow people to move through lines more quickly.

2024 Downtown Block Party Map & Schedule

FAQ’s & Reminders for Attendees

Iowa City’s biggest event of the year returns this summer! The 7th Annual Downtown Block Party is Saturday, June 22nd, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. and will take over 14 blocks in Downtown Iowa City. All of the programming activities and entertainment at the event are completely free and targeted toward all ages. Rather than selling physical tickets, the event instead sells Block Party cups that allow attendees 21 and older to purchase their drink and take it into the street to enjoy.

The Downtown Block Party will be bigger and better than ever with a Power Bungee Jump Trampoline, 9-hole mini putt course, custom t-shirt screen printing, pickleball tournaments, and an Olympic-themed fashion show.

Many fan favorites such as the Main Stage sponsored by iBev, Silent Disco sponsored by GreenState Credit Union, and Dueling Pianos sponsored by Hills Bank are slated to return this year. SCWPro Wrestling from Davenport, Iowa was also such a hit last year that we had to bring it back!

Main Stage sponsored by iBev | Weatherdance Stage in the Pedestrian Mall

- 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Alyx Rush
- 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Wave Cage
- 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. | Bad Bad Hats

Iowa Ave Side Stage sponsored by iBev | Near Scout’s Honor and Camp

- 4:00-5:00 p.m. | University of Iowa Dance Team
- 5:00-6:00 p.m. | Taylor Swift Music Bingo
- 6:15 – 6:45 p.m. | Iowa City Senior Center Pomtastiks
- 6:50 – 7:00 p.m. | All the Way Up Dance Studio Performance
- 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Studio 13 Drag Show
- 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. | Sunset Salsa

SCW Pro Wrestling Stage | ** MOVED indoors due to rain to Englert Theatre

- 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Wrestling Matches
- 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Photo booth with wrestlers
- 9:00 – 9:30 p.m. – Wrestling Match Finale

Pickleball Tournaments Programmed by UI Recreational Services and Sport and Recreation Management Program: 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. | Black Hawk Mini Park

Iowa City Letters: 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. | Clinton St.

Power Bungee Trampoline: 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. | Clinton St./ Iowa Ave. Intersection

Mini Putt Putt sponsored by ImOn: 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. | Clinton St.

Ping-pong, Cornhole, Jenga, and Yard Games: 4:00 – 11:00 pm | Iowa Ave. by Joe’s Place

Blitz & Bullet Chess Tournament programmed by the Iowa State Chess Association: 5:00 – 8:00 pm | Washington Street in front of Lasansky Gallery

Custom T-Shirt Screen Printing Sponsored by Chase Bank: 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Washington St. by U.S. Bank

Dueling Pianos sponsored by Hills Bank: 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. | Washington St. by Target

Silent Disco sponsored by GreenState Credit Union: 5:00 – 11:00 p.m. | Iowa Ave. by Basta and St. Burch

Summer Games Fashion Show by Wright House of Fashion: 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Linn Street in front of Record Collector and Baroncini

All Ages Activity programmed by the Iowa City Public Library: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Iowa City Public Library

Video Shorts and Nintendo Switch Free Play
Lobby air conditioning and restrooms are accessible 4:00 – 8:00 pm
No alcohol allowed

Interactive Keith Haring Chalk Murals with Stanley Museum of Art | Clinton St. in front of Molly’s Cupcakes

3×3 Basketball with Dream City: 4:00 – 8:00 pm

Yoga in the Pedmall with Hothouse Yoga | Next to the pickleball court

Tap Company Street Performance with Nolte Academy | Next to the Iowa City Public Library

Giant Pong with SpareMe Bowl & Arcade | Iowa Avenue

Block Printing at the Block Party: Letterpress Printing with Ps1: 4:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Battle of the Bands at AlleyCat: 8:00 – 11:00 p.m. | AlleyCat

8:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Critical Mass
9:00 – 10:00 p.m. – Second Half
10:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Worst Impressions

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 4:00 – 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.

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 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, and at the pedestrian walkway next to Graduate Iowa City. 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 bars and restaurants! Drinks come from the bars/restaurants and food comes from all of our restaurants, many of which will be set up outside of their doors with quick-serve lunches.

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!

Do I need to bring my ticket?
Yes! You do. Bring your electronic ticket (QR code) to the pre-sale booths, please.

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

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 Party

In 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! They 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!

Dubuque St Food Pop-Up:

Masala, Micky’s, Z’marik’s, and NoDo will be set up at the Dubuque/Iowa intersection with special food and non-alcoholic offerings!

***Please note, the only open container allowed in the streets is the official 2024 Downtown Block Party Cup, sponsored by RDG Planning & Design.

2024 Downtown Block Party Food & Drink Specials

Alley Cat & Studio 13 – 13 S Linn St
- Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chicken Strips, Chicken Sandwiches, & Tenderloins

Coa Cantina – 18 1/2 S Clinton St
- Street Burritos: $6
- Street Corn: $4
- Coa Egg Rolls: 1 for $3 or 2 for $5
Deadwood – 6 S Dubuque St
- Domestics: $4
Double Tap – 121 1/2 E College St
- Cheeseburger & Chips: $10
- Pizza & Taps: $2 off from 12pm – 5pm
- Trulys: $4
- Margaritas: $4 (inside only)
- Jameson: $4 (inside only)
Dublin Underground – 5 S Dubuque St
- Domestics: $4
Joe’s Place – 115 Iowa Ave
- Jimmy Jack’s Pop-Up
India Cafe – Iowa/Dubuque Food Pop-Up
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Chana Masala
- Rice
- Naan
- Mango Lassi
Iowa Chop House – 223 E Washington St
- Bacon Cheddar Slider: $3
- Fainting Cow Slider: $3
- Mac-n-Cheese: $3
Masala – Dubuque St Food Pop-Up: Dubuque/Iowa
- Chick Tikki Masala
- Mango Lassi
- Samosas
- Channa Masala
- Rice

Micky’s Irish Pub – 11 S Dubuque St
- Slider Burgers & Conglomeration Sandwiches at Iowa/Dubuque Pop-Up
- Full menu at restaurant with kitchen open until 1am

NoDo Downtown – Iowa/Dubuque Food Pop-Up
- Cookies
- Water
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Thai Peanut Wraps
- Turkey Cranberry Wraps
- Blueberry Mimosa at 126 E Washington St

Quinton’s Bar & Deli – 215 E Washington St
- Pulled Pork Sliders
Scout’s Honor – 219 Iowa Ave
- Pizza Slices: $3
Short’s Burger & Shine – 18 S Clinton St
- Food:
  - Cheese Burgers: $9
  - Chips & Salsa: $3
- Draft Beer:
  - Plains Simple Light Lager: $5
  - Over The Ivy Czech Style Pilsner: $6
  - Citra Sky Hazy IPA: $6
  - Light & Squeezy Lemon Raspberry Radler: $8
- Seltzers:
  - Untitled Art Blood Orange Seltzers: $8
  - Untitled Art Prickly Pear Guava Seltzers: $8
  - Blackberry Lemon Swarm Vodka Sodas: $8
Sports Column – 12 S Dubuque St
- High Noons: $6
- Carbliss Cocktails: $6
- Import Drafts: $6
- Pizza Slices: $3
The Stuffed Olive – 121 E College St
- Burger Baskets & Chips: $10
- Sangria: $8
- Beer: $6
Yotopia – 132 S Clinton St
- Vegan Popsicles
- Mini Froyo Mash-ups
- Bottled Water
Z’Marik’s Noodle Cafe – Dubuque/Iowa Food Pop-Up
- Mac & Cheese + Toppings: $3 – $6
- Scotcharoos: $1
- Water: $1

Thank You to the 2024 Downtown Block Party Sponsors:

A big THANK YOU to this year’s volunteers. The Downtown Block Party would not be possible without the gracious help from these local groups, clubs, non-profits, and organizations. Proceeds from the Downtown Block Party will be donated to the volunteer groups for their hard work. Make sure to thank any volunteers you see working the event!