Dubuque Street between Washington and Iowa Avenue in downtown Iowa City reopened to traffic at the end of August after closing down in March for infrastructure updates as part of Iowa City’s revitalization efforts. But on Thursday that block is closing down again as the Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) holds its Back to Dubuque Celebration.
The block-long block party will run from 4-8 p.m., and feature live entertainment and outdoor dining with food and drink specials.
“This mini block party is a chance for residents and visitors to experience the new improvements, celebrate the end of construction, and reconnect with their favorite businesses in the heart of downtown,” Christopher Hunter, ICDD’s marketing director, said in a news release.
The following day there’ll be a bigger temporary disruption to downtown traffic, as the University of Iowa’s Homecoming Parade winds its way through the streets on Friday evening.
“The parade will begin at the intersection of Washington and Gilbert streets, proceeding west on Washington Street, then turn north on Clinton Street, east on Jefferson Street, south on Dubuque Street, then east on Iowa Avenue, and finish where Iowa Avenue intersects with Gilbert Street,” according to the city.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m., and the street closures will begin at 4 p.m. “No parking” signs along the parade route will start to go up at noon, and towing will begin 30 minutes later.
The Tower Place Parking Ramp will shut down at 5 p.m., and if your vehicle is parked there, it will have to remain there until the parade ends.
“Most streets will reopen immediately following the parade around 8 p.m., but Clinton Street, between Washington and Jefferson Street, and Iowa Avenue, between Clinton and Dubuque streets, will remain closed for the Homecoming Coronation and a concert on the Pentacrest,” the city said.
