Iowa City Downtown District Archives

Local businesses in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids will offer special deals on Small Business Saturday

Posted on Nov 27, 2019 by Izabela Zaluska

For the most ambitious shoppers (who often make the rest of us look bad), the end of Thanksgiving means the start of the holiday shopping season. But because sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday — the two biggest shopping days of the year — typically benefit big retailers the most, American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010. The shopping event encourages people to support their local economy. […]

Where to park for free and which streets and bus stops are closed for the Iowa City Downtown Block Party

Posted on Jun 17, 2019 by Paul Brennan

Parking will be free in the downtown ramps on Saturday, as the third annual Downtown Block Party takes over the streets, Iowa City Transit announced on Monday. Finding a spot may be a challenge though, because 42,000 people attended last year’s party, according to the Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD), which produces the event. […]

Iowa City Downtown District selects new ‘nighttime mayor’

Posted on May 22, 2019 by Paul Brennan

The Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) announced on Wednesday it’s hired a new “Nighttime Mayor,” the nonprofit’s “nightlife, arts and culture liaison.” Joe Reilly will fill the vacancy created when Angela Winnike, the first person to hold the position, resigned in December, before moving to Los Angeles for a new job. Reilly, a native of […]

Room to play: Critical Hit Games moves to larger space in heart of downtown

Posted on Apr 5, 2019 by Talitha Ford

In its surprisingly well-lit, expansive, new underground space, Critical Hit’s walls are lined with games, with the middle of the room now devoted entirely to seating and play space, for new customers or those who attend their weekly gameplay events. […]

Hot Cocoa Crawl to bring winter shoppers downtown

Posted on Jan 17, 2019 by Talitha Ford

Many of Iowa City’s downtown businesses are keeping doors open late this Friday, Jan. 18 for the second annual Hot Cocoa Crawl. They’ll be offering drinks, treats and special sales for ticket-holding shoppers. […]

Free parking, free trolley rides, elves (and their boss) and bears: The holiday season starts Saturday in downtown Iowa City

Posted on Nov 21, 2018 by Paul Brennan

Free parking in the ramps isn’t exactly a holiday miracle, but it is a nice, stress-free part of the season. Starting this weekend, parking in the downtown ramps will be free on three out of the five Saturdays before Christmas. […]

Tickets for the 2018 Farm to Street Dinner go on sale this weekend (updated)

Posted on Jun 27, 2018 by Paul Brennan

“It will probably sell out within an hour,” said Betsy Potter, director of operations for the Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD). The Farm to Street Dinner is hosted by ICDD, along with the City of Iowa City and Johnson County. […]

A new hotel and delivery service are changing the game in downtown Iowa City

Posted on Jun 14, 2018 by Paul Brennan

The health of downtown Iowa City’s economy and a plan to bring almost anything for sale downtown to people’s homes were discussed during the Iowa City Downtown District’s (ICDD) annual State of Downtown presentation on Wednesday night. “Retail sales have held firm over the past year,” ICCD Executive Director Nancy Bird told the audience. Iowa […]

Live at the Market: Bringing the funk to the Ped Mall for free

Posted on Jun 14, 2018 by Abby Evans

Live at the Market — Saturday Nights Downtown Iowa City Ped Mall, across from Bread Garden Market & Bakery — Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. Live at the Market — Saturday Nights Downtown is bringing the funk to the Ped Mall this Saturday night at 7 p.m. This is the third week for the free summer […]

Flowers, art and fundraising for a good cause at United Action for Youth’s Festival of Flowers

Posted on May 24, 2018 by Abby Evans

The Festival of Flowers is a fundraiser that has become a UAY tradition. Artists from a range of skill levels including professionals, amateurs, and youth have submitted their flower-based art creations to be displayed and auctioned. […]

RAGBRAI reveal: Iowa City’s logo and plans for the last overnight stop of RAGBRAI unveiled

Posted on Apr 17, 2018 by Paul Brennan

The logo for RAGBRAI’s first overnight stop in Iowa City in 42 years was revealed during a press conference at MERGE on Tuesday morning. […]

‘Death by a thousand cuts’: University Camera is closing after 48 years

Posted on Mar 21, 2018 by Paul Brennan

University Camera, which opened in 1970, is the last full-service camera store in Johnson County and one of a handful of such stores still remaining in the Midwest. When it closes its doors for the last time on April 15, a wide range of photographic services will disappear in Iowa City. […]

Browse latest Issues