Reading | Iowa City Downtown District

DOWNTOWN GIFT CARD
About Us
What We Do

Experience Downtown
Locate Here
Get Around

Experience Downtown

All Listings Eat & Drink Shop Services Events Stay Downtown Venues & Meeting Rooms Get Around

Arts & Culture Public Art Live Music Museums Art Galleries All Listings

Experience Downtown
Locate Here
Get Around
What We Do

Experience Downtown
Locate Here
Get Around

Write at the Stanley: A Generative Writing Workshop

PO/ART/RY Art Gallery Exhibit and Opening Reception

Looking Forward with Dave Eggers

Looking Forward with Ilyon Woo

Local Libraries LIT with Grace M. Cho

Eat Out to Read at The Wedge Pizzeria

Local Libraries LIT with Virginia Sole-Smith

Write at the Stanley: A Generative Writing Workshop

Poetry Reading Circle

Shelter House 2023 Book Sale

Search Our Site

Search for:

Facebook

X

Instagram

Running out of time for holiday shopping? Let Down

Running out of time for holiday shopping? Let Downtown Delivers help! With free delivery thanks to @greenstatecu, your favorite shops can come straight to your door—or be sent as a thoughtful gift to loved ones for the holidays and New Year.

Available to Iowa City, Coralville, Solon, West Branch, and North Liberty areas, our service makes sending gifts simple and stress-free. Just check with any downtown retailer to arrange your delivery. Skip the rush, shop local, and get your gifts on time!

Last-minute deliveries will be made this Monday, December 23rd. Deliveries will continue on the regular Monday, Wednesday, and Friday schedule, excluding next Wednesday, December 25th for the holiday.

Meet Maggy – General Manager at @revivaliowacity

Meet Maggy – General Manager at @revivaliowacity l, and longtime holiday spirit expert with over 6 years at the shop. For Maggy, shopping downtown during the holidays is all about the unique blend of community and local businesses. With families browsing the shops and neighbors bumping into each other, the festive atmosphere makes gift-hunting a special experience. Her advice? Let the perfect gift find you as you explore the wonderful local shops!

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“This year, we have our customer favorite ‘The Tinned Fish Candle’ in two special holiday scents. They look so cute and smell even more festive.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“My favorite part about Revival at the holidays is the customers. We say it all the time, but we really have some of the kindest customers around and this really shines at the holidays. The customers bring an infectious energy to the store and make our jobs so easy. People are happy to be out shopping for people they love, and we’re lucky we get to help them find perfect gifts.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“There are two weekends that are so fun to work at the store. Right after school lets out and all the students are shopping with their families—the vibes are amazing and the energy is so high. I also love the week between Christmas and New Year’s at the shop—people are home for the holidays and excited to be back to catch up with friends and family.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“If you come into Revival and Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas is playing—it’s probably me working the floor.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
“I’m originally from St. Louis, so I travel home for the holidays, and when I’m there all my retail friends from jobs past get together and have an ‘end of the season’ night, which I love!”

It’s the last weekend to catch Santa and enjoy a

It’s the last weekend to catch Santa and enjoy a festive Tractor Wagon Ride around downtown. These fun, free activities are the perfect way to celebrate the season with your family.

🎅 Santa’s making his final stop this weekend to spread some holiday cheer. Kids can drop off their wishlists, snap a FREE photo with Santa, and get in the holiday spirit before he heads back to the North Pole!

📍 The Chauncey with @icfilmscene & @sparemeic
📅 Saturday, Dec 21 | 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM

🚜 Tractor Wagon Rides – DOUBLE the fun! Hop on a decorated wagon and enjoy a FREE whimsical ride through downtown! Cozy up with a blanket and enjoy a candy cane

– Today - Friday, Dec 20: Noon - 5:00 PM at Washington St. in front of @daydreamscomics
– Saturday, Dec 21: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at @hillsbank

Don’t miss out on the holiday magic—bring your family and make this weekend extra special!

Meet Deb – Assistant Director at @villages_iowac

Meet Deb – Assistant Director at @villages_iowacity and one of the original team members who helped bring this Fair Trade treasure to Iowa City. Her passion for helping customers discover meaningful gifts that tell stories from around the world and sharing the shop’s mission make shopping there a special experience.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“My favorite part about working during the holidays is…everything! It’s my favorite time of year. Being surrounded by such beautiful handcrafted goods, knowing that each piece was lovingly made and fairly paid for, makes each day working here a joy, no matter what time of year. I always tell people it’s one of my “happy places”. How often do people get to say that about their job?”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“The ornaments! We have so many beautiful, handcrafted ornaments made by Artisans from all over the world, and from a wide variety of materials - gourd, felt, capiz shell, olive wood, glass, etc. I’m always excited to see what new ones come out each year. Their craftsmanship and creativity always leave me in awe.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“I love it when a customer finds the perfect gift for someone - even if sometimes they’re with that person! This gives us the opportunity to really feel like one of Santa’s elves. When they bring up the item and hand it to you quickly and discreetly across the counter - you know that your job is to quickly ring it up and secretly tuck it away into the bag before their friend notices. I love being a small part of the surprise.”

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹?
“ICDD really helps coordinate the most festive holiday experience for all the local businesses downtown. From the ‘Tis the Season Kickoff until New Year’s Eve, there is SO MUCH HAPPENING! Hunt for the Elves, Holiday Open House, trolley rides, and more. It’s always fun to see groups of families and friends take that perfect holiday photo with @benosflowers arch at the pop-up shops right outside our window.”

If you’re looking for some last-minute gifts, ma

If you’re looking for some last-minute gifts, make sure to check out the Downtown Holiday Pop-Up Market! This weekend’s vendors have the shops full of sweet treats, unique gifts, and holiday goodies: ✨🎄

🧁 @mollyscupcakesic  Molly’s is back with the Living & Giving Pop-Up this season! Shop DIY Gingerbread House Kits, with $5 off, and enjoy 20% off all cake orders placed at the pop-up. Don’t forget to place your orders for Christmas cakes, pies, and cheesecakes (for pickup on Tuesday, 12/24) by Sunday, 12/22! While you’re there, browse the pop-up’s other offerings, including handcrafted jewelry from @minkandbobby.studio, original art by Andrea Smisek Gage, and more.

🌟 @omgiftsiowa  Find unique, cultural, and spiritual gifts at Om Gifts for Body & Soul. Shop for holiday ornaments, kids’ toys, self-care products, essential oils, and candles to make the season extra special. Perfect for treating yourself or finding the ideal gift!

🥧 @wilsonsorchardandfarm  Wilson’s is back for one last weekend! Shop tasty holiday treats like homemade pies, apple crisp, donuts, and more to sweeten your celebrations. Plus, check out cozy sweaters, gifts for kids, and festive holiday décor to bring extra joy to your home.

Meet Andrew – Sales Associate at @theshopiowacit

Meet Andrew – Sales Associate at @theshopiowacity. With two years of experience under his belt, Andrew is a go-to for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their shopping experience. Whether it’s finding the perfect candle or offering some much-needed support during the hectic holiday rush, he’s the friendly face that keeps customers coming back for more.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“I absolutely love working at The Shop. The holidays can be chaotic and overwhelming for everyone, so I make it a point to really listen to my customers. It’s rewarding when they feel comfortable enough to come in and chat with me for hours—it’s what makes the season truly special.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“One of my favorite memories is the Holiday Retail Open House with all the festive energy and, of course, the cookies. There’s something about the smell of delicious, freshly baked treats that fills the air while everyone is out shopping, chatting, and soaking up the holiday spirit.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“I’m definitely a candle person, and the Ocean Sage candle by A Modern Day’s Apothecary is a personal favorite. It’s got this fresh, calming scent that just makes the whole space feel warm and inviting. Plus, it’s made locally in Muscatine, so it’s the perfect way to bring a little piece of Iowa into your home.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
“I love spending time with my family and friends from elementary school.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“Darlene Love’s ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),’ Eartha Kitt’s ‘Santa Baby,’ and Judy Garland’s ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.’”

You’re invited to Downtown Iowa City’s communi

You’re invited to Downtown Iowa City’s community happy hour! Celebrate the holiday season with us @plated.table this evening from 5:00-6:00pm.

Each December we come together for a casual and festive First Round where there are no speakers or sponsors, simply drinks, conversation, and holiday cheer. We invite you to come say hi to your fellow First Rounders, thank our past sponsors, and relax with a drink in-hand at this cozy wine bar.

We’ve been exposed to a wealth of knowledge over the past 11 months. We learned about the Anne Frank Sapling standing tall outside of the @pentacrest.museums, the beer caves hidden in the depths of the Northside, the exciting future of the UNESCO City of Literature, the process of printmaking, the influence that Keith had on our community, and so much more. We’re curious here at the Iowa City Downtown District and we know you are too. Join us next year to continue learning about the community, experiencing local venues, and meeting new people. First Round takes place on the third Wednesday of each month and is free for all to attend.

Thank you to our 2024 First Round Sponsors!

▪️@opnarchitects
▪️metronet
▪️@tuesday_agency
▪️@phoebemartinrealtor
▪️@uistanleymuseum
▪️@meld.marketing
▪️@lasansky_gallery_and_studio
▪️@heatherbrightrealtor
▪️@newpioneercoop

Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane in

Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane in this special episode of The Downtown Dish, as Anna and Charlie are joined by the original crew behind the hit radio show: Catherine Champion, Bill Nusser, and Maeve Clark.

In this fast-paced and wild conversation, the team reminisces about the early days of the Downtown Dish, reflecting on how it became a beloved staple of Iowa City’s airwaves and how the show’s unique mix of humor, local gossip, and heartfelt community moments captured the essence of downtown life. With stories from the past and plenty of laughs, this episode takes you through the evolution of the show and its impact on the downtown Iowa City scene.

Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music to take a listen!

Follow on Instagram

Downtown Gift Card
About Us

Job Board
Leasing
Add Your Event
Business Resources
Contact Us

© Copyright Iowa City Downtown District | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Sitemap