Downtown Block Party | Iowa City Downtown District

Downtown Block Party - June 24, 2023

Iowa City’s biggest event of the year returns this summer! The 6th Annual Downtown Block Party is Saturday, June 24th, 2023 from 4:00 – 11:00pm and will take over 14 blocks in Downtown Iowa City. All of the programming activities and participation at the event are completely free and targeted toward all ages participation. The event instead sells event cups that allow attendees 21+ and older to purchase and take drinks from the bars and restaurants into the streets.

Many fan favorites such as Dueling pianos sponsored by Hills Bank, Silent Disco sponsored by GreenState Credit Union, Studio 13 DragShow, and Sand Volleyball are slated to return and continue to draw large engagement from the crowd. SCWPro Wrestling from Davenport, Iowa was such a hit last year, we had to bring it back! The Englert Theatre stage sponsored by IBEV will have a jam-packed lineup for attendees to enjoy. Stay tuned as more details and new programming is announced!

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 or at Hills Bank…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.

2023 Programming Schedule & Activities

The 2023 Downtown Block Party program will bring back fan favorites including the popular Studio 13 Drag Show, Dueling Pianos sponsored by Hills Bank, Silent Disco sponsored by GreenState Credit Union, the Sand Volleyball Court, and the SCWPro Wrestling matches introduced last year.

Many community partners like the Iowa Children’s Museum, Iowa City Public Library, FilmScene, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department, Wright House of Fashion, Gabe’s, Iowa City Senior Center, Dream City, and the University of Iowa are partners at the event. These entities will facilitate community activities like tennis and pickleball, a kid’s beach area, basketball games, a fashion show, a video game tournament, and more.

New program features for 2023 that can be released now include a one-of-a-kind talent show featuring various acts from children in the ChildServe program, sure to inspire attendees. In addition, new bocce ball courts will be highlighted at the request of a growing base of enthusiasts, Luther Bangert, the world-renowned juggler, will perform his mesmerizing act, and a variety of dynamic upbeat musical guests are sure to get the crowd moving.

The Englert Theatre’s Main Stage, sponsored by iBev, will feature headliner Mucca Pazza, whose sound is influenced by marching band traditions and street theater spectacle with rock and roll sensibilities. Second, indie roots rock band Katy Guillen & The Drive from Kansas City, Missouri will be performing alongside local artists Jim Swim & Friends, and The Blake Shaw Big(ish) Band.

Full schedule and times to be announced soon!

Mi Casa, Your Casa 2.0 Art Installation – All Day – Pedestrian Mall

SCW Pro Wrestling Stage – 5:30 – 7:00 pm and 8:00 – 9:00pm – Washington St./Linn St. Intersection

Iowa City Letters – All Day – Clinton St./College St. Intersection

Bingo Games – 4:00- 5:00 pm & 5:30-7:00 pm on the Iowa Ave Stage

The Senior Center Performers – 5:00 – 5:30 pm – Iowa Ave. Stage near El Ray’s Live & Dive

Sand Volleyball Games – 4:00 – 11:00 pm – Clinton St. near The Summit

Tennis/Pickleball Courts programmed by the University of Iowa Sports and Recreation Management Program – 4:00 – 11:00 pm – Clinton St

Beach Area programmed by the Iowa Children’s Museum – 4:00 – 9:00 pm – Clinton St. near Ewer’s Men’s Store

Ping-pong, Cornhole, Jenga, 3-on-3 Basketball and Yard Games – 4:00 – 11:00 pm – Iowa Ave. St. by Joe’s Place

Yoga in the Streets programmed by Benders Studio – 5:00 – 6:00 pm – Iowa Ave in front of Benders Studio

No sign up necessary. Pack the street with good vibes, drinks, and yoga!

Blitz and Bullet Chess Tournament programmed by the Iowa State Chess Association – 5:00 – 8:30 pm – Linn St. by White Rabbit

- See information here
- Registration 4:15 – 4:45pm or email evigil@gmail.com in advance
- Open chess play before and after tournaments

Dueling Pianos sponsored by Hills Bank – 5:00 – 10:00pm – Washington St. by Target

Englert Theatre Stage sponsored by iBev – Weatherdance Stage in the Pedestrian Mall

- 5:00 – 5:45pm – Crystal City
- 6:15 – 7:00 pm – James Tutson and the Rollback
- 7:15 – 8:00pm – Public Access
- 8:30 – 9:45 pm – Kiss the Tiger

Silent Disco sponsored by GreenState Credit Union – 5:00 – 11:00 pm – Dubuque St. near Pullman Bar & Grill

All Ages Video Games programmed by the Iowa City Public Library – 6:00 – 8:00 pm – ICPL meeting rooms

Drag Show programmed by Studio 13 – 6:00 – 7:30 pm – Iowa Ave. Stage by Players Sports Bar & Grill

Fashion Show – 8:00 – 9:00pm – Iowa Ave. Stage by Players Sports Bar & Grill

Crooklyn Outdoor Movie programmed by FilmScene – 9:00 – 11:00 pm – Chauncey Swan Park at sunset

Tug-of-War Games – 9:00 – 11:00 pm – Clinton St. near Summit

2022 Block Party Map

Pre-Registration Activities Coming Soon!

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. ‍

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!

Bo-James – 118 E Washington St

- BBQ Pork Sandwiches & Chips
- Buffalo Chicken Wraps & Chips
Bread Garden Market – 225 S Linn St
- Full Menu $5.00+
- Market Fresh Kitchen-Burgers, Tacos, Pizza, Mac & Cheese, Sandwiches and more!
Buffalo Wild Wings – 201 S Clinton St #120
- $15.00 – 5 Lite/Coors Lt bottles
Deadwood – 6 S Dubuque St
- $2.00 – PBR 12oz
- $4.00 – White Claw
Get Fresh Cafe – 109 Iowa Ave
- Iced Tea, Lemonade, & Smoothies
- Acai Bowls
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Healthy Nachos
Joe’s Place Iowa City – 115 Iowa Ave
- $5.00 – Shandy Drafts
Joystick Comedy Arcade – 13 S Linn St
- $5.00 – Burger baskets
- 2 for $7.00 – Hot Dog Baskets & Walking Tacos
- $4.00 – CL/ML Tallboys
- $4.00 – White Claw/Truly
Mesa Pizza – 114 E Washington St
- $4.00 – Pizza Slices: Pepperoni, Cheese, Mac & Cheese, Buffalo Chicken, and other specialty pizzas
Micky’s Irish Pub – 11 S Dubuque St
- $8.00 – Happy Meals
- Ham, Turkey, and Cheddar Cold-Cut Sandwich on a pretzel bun, mayo on the side served with a bag of chips and prize

NODO – 5 S Dubuque St
- $5.00 – Half Chicken Salad Wrap
- $5.00 – VEGAN Thai Peanut Half Wrap
Players Sports Bar & Grill – 219 Iowa Ave
- $5.00 – Burger baskets
- 2 for $7.00 – Hot Dog Baskets & Walking Tacos
- $4.00 – CL/ML Tallboys
- $4.00 – White Claw/Truly
Pullman Bar & Diner – 17 S Dubuque St

- $5.00 – PBR/Banquet Tallboys & High Life Bottles
Quintons Bar & Deli – 215 E Washington St
- 1 for $3.00 & 2 for $5.00 – Pulled Pork Sliders
- 1 for $5.00 & 2 for $9.00 – Shandy, BM, WC, Angry Tallboys
- 1 for $4.00 & 2 for $7.00 – CL/High Life 16oz
Sports Column – 12 S Dubuque St
- $2.00 – Slices of Pizza
Studio 13 – 13 S Linn St
- $5.00 – Burger baskets
- 2 for $7.00 – Hot Dog Baskets & Walking Tacos
- $4.00 – CL/ML Tallboys
- $4.00 – White Claw/Truly
The Keto Kitchen – 116 E Washington St
- $6.00 – Lasagna
- $5.00 – Garlic Bites
- $5.00 – Cauli Mac
- $4.00 – Cheese Street Tacos
Tiki Tacos ‘n Burgers ‘n Wings – 119 E Washington St
- Smoked Whole Pineapple Teriyaki Chickens

Tickets for cups can be purchased before the event online or in person the day of the event. Presale tickets can be purchased here. 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.

Purchase Presale Tickets

Thank You to the 2023 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!