Downtown Block Party

June 22, 2024 | 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

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 – 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 the Fashion Show are slated to return and continue to draw large engagement from the crowd. SCWPro Wrestling from Davenport, Iowa was such a hit last year, that we had to bring it back! The Englert Theatre stage sponsored by IBev will have a jam-packed lineup for attendees to enjoy.

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.

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

Iowa Ave Side Stage – Near Player’s Sports Bar & Grill

    • 4:00 – 5:00pm – Drag Storytime with Studio 13
      • Frisbee Jenkins, Hollywood Hope, Jackie Frost, Hazel Sanchez-Belle, & Myling Belle
    • 5:00 – 6:00pmChildServe Talent Show
      • Jude Salten, Fashion Show with Aria Warren, Dad Jokes, Best of WWE Act, & Tricks with Tucker the Amazing Therapy Dog
    • 6:00 – 6:30pm – Pomtasticks from the Iowa City Senior Center
    • 6:45 – 7:00pm – International Juggler Luther Bangert
    • 7:00 – 8:00Studio 13 Drag Show
      • Frisbee Jenkins, Hollywood Hope, Jackie Frost, Hazel Sanchez-Belle, & Myling Belle
    • 8:00 – 9:00 – Baddest in the City Wright House Fashion Show featuring brands Finer Streetwear, Vice Iowa City, and Wright House and hair styled by Thompson & Co. Salon Parlor

SCW Pro Wrestling Stage sponsored by Fly CID at  the Englert Theatre *rain location

    • 6:00 – 7:00pm – Wrestling Matches
    • 7:00 – 8:00 pm – Photo booth with wrestlers
    • 8:00 – 9:30pm – Wrestling Matches

Rollerskating with the City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department4:00 – 8:00 pm – Clinton St./College St. Intersection by Yotopia

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

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

Tennis/Pickleball Courts programmed by the UI Recreational Services and Sport and Recreation Management Program4:00 – 9:00 pm – Linn Street near AKAR and Joystick Comedy Club

Beach Area programmed by the Iowa Children’s Museum4:00 – 8:00 pm – Clinton St. near Pancheros and Ewer’s Men’s Store

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

3-on-3 Basketball programmed by Dream City 

  • 4:00 – 5:00 pm and 9:00 – 11:00 pm – Freeplay
  • 5:00 – 9:00 pm – Registered games

Blitz & Bullet Chess Tournament programmed by the Iowa State Chess Association5:00 – 8:00 pm – Black Hawk Mini Park in the Ped Mall

Dueling Pianos sponsored by Hills Bank5:00 – 10:00 pm – Washington St. by Target

Silent Disco sponsored by GreenState Credit Union5:00 – 11:00 pm – Dubuque St. near Pullman Bar & Grill

Bocce Ball Courts sponsored by Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown – 4:00 – 11:00 pm

All Ages Video Games programmed by the Iowa City Public Library

  • 5:00 – 8:00 pm – Free play with Mario Kart & Super Smash Bros
  • Lobby air conditioning and restrooms are accessible 4:00 – 8:00 pm
  • No alcohol allowed

Outdoor Movie in the Park with FilmScene: Romeo + Juliet8:45 – 11:00 pm – Chauncey Swan Park at sunset

Side Stage at Gabes Iowa City

    • 5:00 pm – 2:00 am – DJ’S PhDJ, DJ Roach, Flying V, SupaRusty on Gabe’s patio
    • 6:30 – 8:30 pm – Hard Luck & The Troubles on Washington Street

Tug-of-War Games with Iowa City Ducks Rugby8:00 – 11:00 pm – Clinton St. near Pancheros

FitMeReach Booth – 4:00 – 9:30pm – Washington St. near US Bank

  • Competitive physical and mental challenge games

ICOR Boxing Booth – 4:00 – 7:00 pm – Washington St. near Discerning Eye Optical

  • Come test your might with Iowa City’s original boxing club! Find out if you have what it takes to compete on a championship level. Get a taste of what boxing training is all about by trying your hand at some fun and friendly no-contact boxing strength and stamina drills!

Iowa City Fencing CenterWashington St. near Iowa Artisans Gallery

      • 4:00 – 6:00 pm – Electronic Fencing Target
      • 6:00 pm – Fencing Demonstration

Puzzle Competition – 7:00 – 8:30 pm on Linn St. near White Rabbit

  • 30-minute rounds to complete a 100-piece puzzle -can have up to 4 team members

Bingo – 4:00 – 6:00 pm and 8:30 – 10:00 pm on Linn St. near White Rabbit

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!

  • Airliner – 22 S Clinton St
    • Pizza Slices
  • Aspen Leaf Yogurt – 125 S Dubuque St
    • Carmel Apples
    • Froyo
    • Other Treats
  • Bollywood Grill – 201 S Clinton St
    • Gyros, Pakoras, Chicken Wraps, Samosas, Chicken Tacos, Butter Chicken, Rice, Naan
  • Bo-James – 118 E Washington St
    • BBQ Pork Sandwiches & Chips
    • Buffalo Chicken Wraps & Chips
    • Water
  • Brother’s  – 125 S Dubuque St
    • $6.00 Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches
    • $7.00 Peach & Pineapple High Noons
    • $5.00 Coors & Miller Lite Aluminums
    • $6.00 Blue Moon & Peacetree Get a Little Hazy IPA
    • $7.00 Sutliff Blackberry Frose
  • Burger Haul -112 E College St
    • Joe’s Late Night Burger & Chips
  • Dandy Lion – 111 S Dubuque St
    • $4.00 Pulled Pork Sliders
    • $4.00 Vegan Impossible Meatball Skewers
    • $6.00 Smoked Wings
  • Gabe’s – 330 E Washington St
    • $8-$10 Brisket & Pulled Pork Sandwiches
    • $8-$10 Quesadillas (pork, brisket, tofu)
  • George’s Gyros – Ped Mall
    • Greek Gyros
  • Get Fresh Cafe – 109 Iowa Ave
    • Assorted Sandwiches and Wraps $7-$12
  • India Cafe – 227 E Washington St
    • vegetable biryani
    • chicken tikka masala
    • chana masala
    • tandoori chicken
    • vegetable samosa
    • naan
    • rasmalai
    • gulab jamun
    • soda cans
    • mango lassi
    • beer
    • water
  • Joystick Comedy Arcade – 13 S Linn St
    • $5.00 – Burger & Chips
    • $4.00 – Hot Dog & Chips 
  • Marco’s – Ped Mall
    • Grilled Cheese & Quesadillas
  • Masala – 9 S Dubuque St
    • Chick Tikki Masala
    • Mango Lassi
    • Samosas
    • Channa Masala
    • Rice
  • One Twenty Six – 126 E Washington St
    • Fish Tacos
  • Player’s – 219 Iowa Ave
    • $5.00 – Burger & Chips
    • $4.00 – Hot Dog & Chips 
  • ReUnion Brewery – 113 E College St
    • $6.00 Hot Dogs
    • $6.00 Hot Links
  • SpareMe – 404 E College St
    • $6 Hot Dog + Free Soda or 2 for $10
    • $2 Pizza Slices
  • Sports Column – 12 S Dubuque St
    • $2.00 – Slices of Pizza
  • Studio 13 – 13 S Linn St
    • $5.00 – Burger & Chips
    • $4.00 – Hot Dog & Chips
  • Unimpaired –
    • Iced Coffees and Energy Drinks
    • Pizza
    • Breakfast Burritos
  • Yotopia – 132 S Clinton St
    • $3 Popsicles
    • $4 Mini Froyo Mashups
  • Z’Marik’s Noodle Cafe – 19 S Dubuque St
    • $4-7 Build your mac & cheese bar
    • $1 Scotcharoos

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.

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!