Downtown Block Party

Downtown Block Party

Saturday, June 22, 2019 5:00 - 11:00 p.m.

Join us for the 3rd Annual Downtown Block Party! The most anticipated event of the year is back and you won’t want to miss it. With 42,000 attendees last year, this year is sure to be better than ever before. For 2019, the event is expanding its offerings and footprint to take over all of Clinton Street! That means more outdoor fun, more activities, and more entertainment. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the summer weather in the heart of Iowa City and experience downtown in a whole new way.

This is the ultimate block party for the entire community. It is FREE to attend and open to ALL AGES. RSVP to the event on Facebook!

**Please note: This is a rain or shine event (there will be no ticket refunds).

Entertainment and Activities

See the 2019 Downtown Block Party Map HERE

SO what is all of the programming happening during the Block Party event?

The idea is to have programming throughout the entire downtown area that appeals to anyone and everyone. All of the programming is FREE.

2:00 – 3:00pm at Brothers – Free Yoga in the beer gareden (bring your own mat) programmed by Pedals & Poses
2:00 – 4:00pm at the Sand Volleyball Court on Clinton St. – Iowa Volleyball Camp Coaches hosts a free clinic – open to any and all
4:00 – 6:00pm on Linn St. Stage – Senior Center performers/programming (Reading Aloud, Salsa Dancing, Tempered Brass Ensemble, The Pomstastics) programmed by the Iowa City Senior Center
4:00 – 9:00pm on Clinton St. from Ewers to Airliner – Sand Volleyball Tournament (Pre-registration required – FULL)
4:00 – 11:00pm on Clinton St. from Yotopia to MidWestOne – Tennis Courts (Pre-registration required – REGISTER HERE!) programmed by the University of Iowa Recreational Services
4:00 – 11:00pm on Clinton St. – 3×3 Basketball Games (Pre-registration required – REGISTER HERE!)
4:00 – 11:00pm on Washington St. – Rollerskating Rink programmed by the Iowa City Parks and Recreation
4:00 – 11:00pm at Clinton St. from Pancheros to Tailgate – Beach Area programmed by the Iowa Children’s Museum
4:00 – 11:00pm on Linn St. – Yard Games (Ping-Pong, Four Square, Cornhole, Jenga)
4:30pm – Start selling wristband/cups – Pre-sale can start picking up their materials at booths
5:00 – 7:00pm outside of Benders Studio – Outdoor Yoga and Challenges programmed by Benders Studio
5:00 – 8:00pm on Iowa Ave. by Akar – UI Stanley Museum Interactive Public Art programmed by the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art
5:00 – 8:00pm in Black Hawk Mini Park – Generative Art Station programmed by Prompt Press
5:00 – 10:00pm on Washington St. by M.C. Ginsberg – Dueling Pianos sponsored by Iowa City Area Association of Realtors and Hills Bank and Trust Company
5:00 – 10:00pm at the Weatherdance Fountain Stage – The Englert Theatre Live Music Stage sponsored by iBev: Coors Light, Miller Lite, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Lagunitas, New Belgium, White Claw and programmed by The Englert Theatre
- 5:00 – 5:45pm – Elly h.
- 6:00 – 6:45pm – The Mystery Lights
- 7:15 – 8:15pm – The Diplomats of Solid Sound
- 8:45 – 10:00pm – Tristen
5:00 – 11:00pm on Dubuque St. from Raygun to St. Burch – Silent Disco sponsored by the University of Iowa Community Credit Union
6:00 – 7:00pm on Linn St. Stage – Break Dancing Competition
6:00 – 8:00pm in Iowa City Public Library – Open Video Game Play programmed by the Iowa City Public Library
7:00 – 8:00pm on Linn St. Stage – Drag Show programmed by Studio 13
7:30pm at MERGE – Global Poetry Slam programmed by Iowa City UNESCO of Literature
8:00 – 9:00pm on Linn St. Stage – Blu Collar Fashion Show programmed by Born Leaders United
8:30 – 9:30pm at the Iowa City Public Library – Jason Snell Art Workshop/Performance programmed by the Iowa City Public Library
8:00 – 11:00pm at The Center – Barn Dance programmed by the Iowa City Senior Center
9:00 – 11:00pm on Linn St. by The Record Collector – Grease the Movie programmed by FilmScene
10:00 – 11:00pm on Clinton St. from Ewers to Airliner- Tug-of-War Tournament (Pre-registration required – FULL)

This event is at night! The focus will be on evening hours.
$10 (presale) or $11 at the event tickets will be purchased, this will buy you the official event wristband and cup that will allow you to walk around the event with beer or wine – 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.
The event will focus on our existing business economy. Meaning ALL food and drinks will be purchased at the businesses. Go to any business in the event layout to purchase your food and drinks!
The event will have a very open feel to the layout. Programming will be spread out to allow for a comfortable feel and relaxed crowd flow.

TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased before the the event online below or here.

During the event, you will be able to get your wristbands and cups at 7 stations throughout downtown for $11 (CASH ONLY)

*PRE-SALE TICKET BOOTHS will be located next to each station with their own tents and tables to allow people to move through lines quicker.

It’s important to note that the proceeds from the Downtown Block Party will benefit a multitude of organizations. 18 groups, clubs, and non-profits will receive donations for their help volunteering at the event. Make sure to say ‘thank you’ to any volunteers you see!

In addition, a portion of the funds will be donated to the Strengthen – Grow – Evolve Campaign organized by FilmScene and The Englert Theater. The donation will help fund investments that include major capital projects, innovative programming initiatives, and strategic planning to better align all local arts nonprofits towards more efficient and collaborative models. Learn more about this fantastic movement by visiting their website and join us in helping them build the greatest small city for the arts in America by donating here!

DONATE HERE!

Downtown Block Party FAQ

Can I purchase a cup/wristband the night of the event? Will you sell out?

Do I have to be 21+ to attend the downtown block party?

Do I need to buy a ticket to attend the downtown block party?

Can I bring my family?

Who can give me a ride home if I plan on drinking?

What will I do with my car if I find an alternative ride home?

You said you donate to over 15 local charities, who?

Can I bring my dog?

How do I access the city buses/public transit?

Can I purchase a cup/wristband the night of the event? Will you sell out?

Yes, you can purchase at one of the 7 booths that will be selling cups/wristbands. PLEASE note ***these are cash only booths. If you don’t have cash with you when you arrive there are a number of ATMS in downtown, including some inside of the bars and restaurants. $11 for day of cups/wristbands

NO, we won’t “sell” out.

Do I have to be 21+ to attend the downtown block party?

No, this is an all ages event. However, you must be 21+ with a valid ID to purchase a ticket and take beer or wine throughout the event.

Do I need to buy a ticket to attend the downtown block party?

No, you only need to purchase a ticket if you wish to take beer or wine from restaurant/bar to the streets. All other elements of this event are free and open to the public.

Can I bring my family?

Yes, this is a family event. We have a lot of entertainment and programming events scheduled throughout the night that are free and open to everyone.

Who can give me a ride home if I plan on drinking?

There are plenty of taxi companies, as well as Uber and Lyft, in Iowa City that can safely get you where you need to be. The Downtown Block Party does not support, condone, or encourage drunk driving at all. Please make a responsible and smart decision and take a taxi or Uber/Lyft home or arrange a ride from a sober friend if you are impaired.

What will I do with my car if I find an alternative ride home?

All parking ramps will be FREE on Saturday, June 22nd until 10:30am Sunday morning, so you can leave your car and come get it Sunday morning if you need to find a safe, alternative ride home.

You said you donate to over 15 local charities, who?

Yes, we donate to 18 local non-profits, clubs, and organizations. These groups help us put on the event and in exchange, we donate to their cause.

Can I bring my dog?

Your dog isn’t going to enjoy the festival/event as much as you do. The event is too loud for your dog to be comfortable. Dogs don’t enjoy loud noises and many don’t enjoy crowds with people bumping into each other. Remember, if your dog bites someone out of fear, you are responsible. Food and sugary beverages dropped on the ground can be dangerous for your dog to consume. In the summertime the pavement gets hot – just because the sun has gone down doesn’t mean the pavement has cooled off enough for your dog to walk around.

Other things to remember: bring water, poop bags, and treats. Your dog might be friendly, but someone else’s dog attending might not like your dog and a stressful situation arises. There are plenty of doggie daycare options in our community to consider.

How do I access the city buses/public transit?

Transit interchange to move to Court Street due to closure of Washington Street and Clinton Street for the Downtown Block Party effective Saturday, June 22, 2019.

Starting at 6AM, on Saturday, June 22 the bus interchange will move from Washington and Clinton Street to a temporary location on Court Street between Clinton and Dubuque (adjacent to the Court Street Transportation Center) until the service day is concluded. Normal bus service utilizing the main transit interchange will resume on Monday, June 24, 2019. Iowa City Transit will be operating a normal Saturday schedule on June 22.

The outbound bus stops located at Washington Street & Linn Street (stop 7200), Washington Street and Gilbert Street (stop 7201), Clinton Street & Jefferson Street (stop 7400), Jefferson Street & Linn Street (stop 7401), Washington Street and Madison Street (stop 7082) and UI Main Library (stop 7080) will be closed. The inbound bus stops located at Madison Street & Washington Street (stop 7081), UI Lindquist Center (stop 7079), Market Street & Linn Street (stop 7206), Clinton Street & Jefferson Street (stop 7207), IC Recreation Center (stop 7243), and Burlington Street & Dubuque Street (stop 7244) will also be closed. Customers who use these stops should catch their buses at the alternate interchange on Court Street.