From volleyball to hula hoops to a sand pit for the kids, the Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) is bringing a bit of the beach to the streets on Saturday for the eighth annual Downtown Block Party. The Iowa City summertime staple will cover 14 blocks with art, music, culture and activities for all ages.
Favorites from previous years, like the silent disco, a professional wrestling exhibition, a tug-of-war tournament, and a live music and drag show, are returning. New activities on Saturday will include adult tricycle races and kids’ street hockey with members of the Iowa Heartlanders.
“This year, we’re being intentional about expanding programming that can be enjoyed by all ages, along with activities that require physical movement … These interactive elements are reminiscent of the classic neighborhood block party, where everyone can join in on the fun,” ICDD Director of Special Events Katie Carpenter said in a news release.
There will be an expanded Art Corner, featuring three local arts organizations.
“PorchLight Literary Arts Center will host their Image+Word Assembly Line, where participants contribute story or poem openings that are transformed through collaborative word-smithing and multimedia artistry,” ICCD’s news release explained. “Public Space One will offer hands-on letterpress and foil stamping experiences through their Iowa City Press Co-op, allowing visitors to create personalized postcards. FilmScene’s Popcorn Magic Fairy Fantasyland tent will enable families to produce mini-movies using custom backdrops by local artists, theatrical props, and take-home clapboard sheets.”
Diversions Tabletop Game Lounge, which recently opened in Coralville, will bring a speed puzzle competition and human checkers to the block party’s gaming plaza. There will be plenty of family friendly activities such as a chalk and a sensory play experience, a performance by Eulenspiegel Puppet Theater Company and a kids’ talent show.
Adults 21 or older can purchase a ticket, which includes an event wristband and a 2025 Downtown Block Party cup. This allows them to buy wine or beer from local establishments and enjoy them within the boundaries of the party. Tickets for the wristband/cup are $10 before Saturday, when they go up to $15.
The seven-hour Downtown Block Party kicks off at 3 p.m. on Saturday. A full schedule of activities and performances is available on ICDD’s site. The event is free and open to the public. Parking in all city ramps will be free from Saturday morning through 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Street closures for the party will start at 5 a.m. on Saturday. All the streets should reopen early Sunday morning, except for the west lane of Clinton Street between Washington Street and Iowa Avenue, which is scheduled to reopen at 11 a.m. on Sunday.
