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 everyone and anyone! We have a beach area with sand, tennis, live music, and more!

Where should I plan on parking?
Parking is FREE in all downtown ramps Saturday until 10:00am on Sunday. 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 TICKET 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’s bars and restaurants will be open for business! 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 items. Please remember, only beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed in the official Block Party cup.  Restaurants  may be open for dine-in so make sure to visit each location to check in and see what is available. Below are some food/drink specials from some of our businesses, but all bars and restaurants will be open for you to visit.

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!

***Please note, the only open container allowed in the streets is the official 2023 Downtown Block Party Cup, sponsored by Collins Community Credit Union.

2023 Downtown Block Party Food & Drink Specials 

To be announced soon!