Iowa Cultural & Entertainment District
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs has officially designated Downtown Burlington as an Iowa Cultural & Entertainment District. This prestigious recognition highlights the Downtown District as a vibrant hub of cultural activity and artistic expression. This designation application process was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Art Center of Burlington, the Capitol Performing Arts Center, and Downtown Partners, Inc.
The Iowa Cultural & Entertainment Districts program aims to identify and celebrate well-defined, pedestrian-friendly areas within cities, counties that have a rich concentration of cultural amenities, exceptional vibrancy, a robust arts and cultural scene and an established entertainment portfolio. By receiving this designation, Downtown Burlington becomes eligible for a range of benefits, including marketing opportunities, promotional programs, and technical assistance from the Department of Cultural Affairs and its dedicated staff. The designation lasts for 10 years and requires an annual report submission.
This designation will have a positive impact on the quality of life and cultural vitality of Iowa, benefiting a significant number of individuals. By focusing on creating walkable, mixed-use spaces that serve as cultural anchors, the Iowa Cultural & Entertainment Districts program enriches our community and fosters a sense of civic pride. The state of Iowa continues to cultivate its cultural heritage and provide engaging experiences for residents and visitors alike.
For more information, contact Amy Moyner, 319-208-0056
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Jefferson Street Farmers Market
Thursdays
May - September,
4:30 - 7 PM
Experience the bounty of local farmers and producers with the freshest and most delicious fruits and vegetables in town every Thursday at the Jefferson Street Farmers Market. From crisp greens to juicy tomatoes, the market is stocked with a wide variety of fresh produce that is sure to delight your taste buds. Not only are you supporting local farmers and businesses, but you're also getting the best of the best when it comes to quality and taste. Come on down to the Jefferson Street Farmers Market and taste the difference that local and fresh makes!
LIST OF ENTERTAINMENT
August 3 – Ruby Orr Live Entertainment
August 10 – Jared Rouggly Live Entertainment
August 17 – Diane DeJaynes Live Entertainment, Free Horse, and Trolley Rides
August 24 – Diane DeJaynes Live Entertainment
August 31 - Jared Rouggly Live Entertainment
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A Very Vintage Market 2023 Thank You!
It was a beautiful day filled with fun! We have such an amazing, beautiful Downtown that plays the backdrop to these awesome events!
Thank you to the amazing vendors, that made the event so incredible! Thank you to the awesome Downtown Partners, Inc. volunteers for all the hard work with setting up, tearing down, and taking care of the event, as well as all of the hard work leading up to the event.
Thank you to the City of Burlington for their support and Wemiga Waste for the trash collection.
A HUGE thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible!
Thank you to Tom Ward for capturing this picture of the event!
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Des Moines County Entrepreneur Competition
Calling All Entrepreneurs!
Welcome to the thrilling world of innovation and entrepreneurship!
The Greater Burlington Partnership, through the Economic Development division, is excited to present the Des Moines County Entrepreneur Competition. As the stage for budding visionaries, creative minds, and trailblazers, this competition is designed to showcase and celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship.
The winner will be announced at the Greater Burlington Partnership Annual Dinner on January 26, 2024. A prize pool of up to $10,000 in cash and other valuable business assistance will be distributed to winners. Any cash awards made by the Judges will be in the form of reimbursable grants.
While there are no restrictions this year on the type of businesses that can enter, in future years the competition will focus on certain business sectors that are lacking in the region.
For more information contact Jeremy Hess, 319-208-0050. |
Downtown Partners, Inc. Board Nominations
The Boards of Directors for Downtown Partners, Inc. is looking for candidates who are interested in establishing the direction and policies of the organization. The nominating committees seek candidates with a variety of perspectives who will serve from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025.
Ideal candidates will:
- have served in previous volunteer leadership roles in the community
- will have a substantial personal or business stake in the continued progress and growth of the Downtown business community
- represent decision making role in his/her firm or business/organization
- have demonstrated an interest in service/participation regarding Downtown activities/programs
- be a resident/industry leader
- have demonstrated the ability to maintain objective opinions and willingness to face challenges and opportunities
- be able to commit to participate/attend board meetings on a regular basis
Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Amy Moyner and Downtown Partners, Inc. for more information.
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6th Annual Old Couch Music Fest
August 12, 5:30 PM
The Old Couch Music Fest returns to 3rd Street on Saturday, August 12 for a FREE night of live music. Cold beer and delicious food will be available for purchase.
Featuring:
Derek Luttrell Band
Eric Pettit Lion
Frankie Joe & Kinfolk
The Rockin' Rhinoz
The Old Couch Music Festival was created in 2017 to display local and regional Americana, folk, bluegrass, country, blues, and rock music. The name was inspired by an old couch in the back of the theater that just couldn’t be dumped because it was donated in someone’s memory. This old couch has come to serve as the primary fundraising event for the Capitol Theater.
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New Downtown Branded Products
Downtown Burlington is thrilled to announce the launch of the new collection of t-shirts and stickers showcasing Downtown Burlington.
Purchase swag, show off love for Downtown Burlington, and support the local businesses that make Downtown such a vibrant and unique place.
The t-shirts are made from high-quality, soft cotton and
are available in a variety of sizes and colors. The stickers are perfect for decorating water bottles, laptops, and notebooks. They are made with durable vinyl material that is resistant to scratches, water, and sunlight.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to show support for Downtown Burlington and its small businesses.
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Pint By Number: Downtown Burlington Bar Crawl
August 26, 4 PM
Pick up your paint by number 'canvas' at the Art Center, then make your way to preselected bars throughout Downtown.
Each participating bar will have a couple different colors of paint waiting for you to add to your painting.
Take your time and enjoy a drink while you paint! You'll need to stop at every bar to complete your piece. Last stop is at the Art Center for the final touches! Super fun awards and prizes will be given for different categories.
Cost includes 8x10 paper mounted on a board, paints, and
brushes. Drinks may be purchased at each participating bar.
You'll be given a map and list of the 4 bars when you pick up
your "canvas" at the Art Center.
The Theme will be "Burlington's Riverfront". Tickets are $25
per participant paid in advance, or $30 at the door (if space is
available).
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2023 Sip, Taste & Stroll
September 22, 5 PM - 8 PM
Enjoy a stroll through historic Downtown Burlington on a gorgeous fall evening and sample variety of local wines and brews from a variety of local
Participants will visit shops in Downtown Burlington and enjoy tastings at participating locations. Save your spot now for this popular Downtown event by ordering tickets online then redeem your ticket for a glass, coaster, and map, beginning at 4:30 PM on Friday, September 22, at the Port of Burlington Welcome Center.
Tickets are $20 in advance until Sept 8, then $25 Sept 9 through the day of the event. For more information, follow Downtown Burlington, Iowa on Facebook, or visit: greaterburlington.com
For more information, contact Amy Moyner, 319-208-0056.
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Art Center of Burlington Mural
The Art Center of Burlington will be finishing the mural on the East side of the building on 3rd Street. This summer you can watch the progress being made on the mural!
Public art ignites conversations about how we are all connected, and creatively depicts our place in the past, present, and future. Public art also helps bring culture and a vibrant welcome to the community. This mural is the next addition to more art and murals in the community.
#BurlingtonDoesArt
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Patio Season
It's patio season and there is so much happening in Downtown Burlington. Many of the restaurants have beautiful patios that are open to sit out and enjoy the scenery.
Grab a drink and some food and watch the progress in Downtown on the patios!
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B.R.E "There's Nothing To Do In Burlington"
It's Happening in Downtown Burlington and at the Riverfront! Be sure to check out ALL of the fun events to DO with Burlington Riverfront Entertainment.
August 25, 5:30 PM is Friday Fest at the Riverfront. Featuring FREE live entertainment.
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Live Bands ALL Summer at The Washington
Don't miss the FANTASTIC live entertainment ALL Summer long at The Washington in Downtown Burlington!
Visit The Washington for more information on the live shows, dates, and times. |
Celebrate 20 years with The Drake Restaurant
The Drake Restaurant celebrated 20 years in Downtown Burlington, but you can celebrate with them all year!
Watch their Facebook page for specials and live music events on the patio. |
Celebrate 5-years with Wake N' Bake!
This year marks 5-years of Wake N' Bake Breakfast Company providing great food, and amazing live entertainment in Downtown Burlington!
For more information and to keep up on all the upcoming live music and events, Follow Wake N Bake on Facebook!
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Splash Pad at the Riverfront
Now Open
The construction at the Riverfront has brought about some amazing improvements, including the new shade structure and light up splash pad! Come see for yourself! The kids are having a blast cooling off in the water jets, and it's beautiful to watch the lights at night with the newly lighted Great River Bridge in the background. What a fun way to cool off this summer.
The hours of operation for the splash pad are 11 AM to 10 PM.
The push button is now operational!
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Blade Sign Grant
The Downtown Partners, Inc. Business Signage Grant Program, offers applicants up to $300 in matching grant funds for perpendicular “blade” signage for their businesses!
Blade signs have several benefits:
- Accentuating the traditional historic and walkable character of Downtown Burlington.
- Emphasizing the Downtown District as a collection of small, independent, locally owned businesses.
- Adding to the liveliness of the streetscape.
- Freeing up sidewalk space occupied by sandwich board signs.
- Encouraging businesses to explore their individuality and examine their branding.
- Increasing business visibility for potential customers who would otherwise not know anything about the business unless they were directly in front of it.
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Watch Our Progress: Downtown Burlington Is Open for Business
With all of the projects happening in the Downtown District, it’s time to support local businesses.
Downtown Partners, Inc. is heading a community effort to support the small businesses that have been impacted by the ongoing construction. With your help, the community can come together and make a positive difference in the local economy.
The mission is simple... show love and support to the businesses that are the backbone of the community.
Downtown Partners, Inc. encourages everyone to join the local movement and show support for the beloved local shops. Together, we can make a difference and help our small businesses thrive. Let's show the community spirit and make the Tiger Streetscape project a roaring success!
Remember: "We Are Open for Business." Come down and see the progress for yourself! Stroll, shop, eat, drink, and enjoy Downtown!
For more information, please contact Amy Moyner, 319-208-0056. |
Downtown Survey
Downtown Partners, Inc. is thrilled to announce the launch of a new Downtown Burlington Survey and is asking for your help! DPI knows the opinions and feedback of community members are invaluable in shaping the future of the Downtown area.
This survey is specifically designed to gather information about the needs and wants of local businesses, the products that should be carried, and the experiences that will help DPI create a thriving Downtown environment.
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Downtown Living
Churchill Lofts is a newly constructed, 48-unit luxury loft building in Downtown Burlington, located on the corner of 4th and Valley Streets.
The Churchill Lofts offer 48 pet-friendly, secure, and spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom lofts. Each unit was built specifically with the tenant in mind. These luxury units offer stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, in-unit washer/dryer, beautiful windows offering tons of natural sunlight, hardwood floors, large bedrooms with closet space, a private parking lot, open floor plans made for hosting friends and family, and complimentary access to a newly developed fitness center.
Come live in a private luxury loft, just steps away from the Mississippi River, wonderful boutique stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and everything that Downtown Burlington has to offer.
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It's Happening in Downtown Burlington...
Opening Soon:
August:
Now Open:
Don't miss all of the fun at the Art Center of Burlington
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Visit the Art Center of Burlington for classes, new art installations, and events! It's the perfect place for a date night, girls' night out, or some memorable family fun!
It's Happening all year long at the Capitol Performing Arts Center
The Burlington Public Library has so much scheduled all summer
- There is so much happening at the Burlington Library all summer long! Lots of activities for all ages! Visit the Burlington Public Library Calendar to see what's going on and join in on all the fun!
Grants:
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Downtown Loan Guarantee program IEDA and IFA can provide financial assistance in the form of loan guarantees for eligible Downtown revitalization projects. For more information, visit Downtown Loan Guarantee Program (iowaeda.com)
Thank You:
- We are so thankful for all of the wonderful volunteers and supporters! Downtown Partners, Inc would not be able to host all of the events, tours, and make Downtown so vibrant without you! There are so many hands that help make these events such a success. Thank you to the volunteers, businesses, and community organizations that help create such wonderful memories Downtown!
Love Downtown? Donate Today!
Downtown Partners, Inc. works hard to present special events, to beautify the city center, and to encourage building and business improvement. We hope you will show your support for our activities by contributing at a level that is meaningful to you.
The Port of Burlington Welcome Center is open Sunday – Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM. The store is also available ONLINE. Items may be picked up on site, or shipped to any destination in the U.S. Follow the Port of Burlington Welcome Center on Facebook to stay in the know when new products are added.
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Like Us!
Want to keep up to date with Everything Happening in Downtown Burlington? Like and Follow us on Facebook at: Downtown Burlington, Iowa, for daily posts, video, live stream feed, and all of the current events and activities going on DOWNTOWN!
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"Downtown Partners, Inc. is a volunteer-driven Main Street Program established to preserve and revitalize downtown Burlington while improving the quality of life for the community."
A Main Street Iowa Program
An Affiliate Program of the Greater Burlington Partnership
RiverPark Place
610 N 4th Street, Suite 200
Burlington, IA 52601
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Downtown Partners, Inc.
Board of Directors 2023
Mercedes Ponce - Chair
Titan Broadcasting & Digital Group
Todd Darnall - Past Chair
McConnell Lofts
Tom Burch - Treasurer
Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust
Todd Ackerman - Chair Elect
World Insurance
Kansha Tiwari
Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission
Brittany Jacobs
Burlington Public Library
Lynda Graham-Murray
City of Burlington
Elizabeth Pappas
Art Center of Burlington
Vanessa Watson
Great River Health
Suann Wells
The Beancounter
Coffeehouse & Drinkery
Alec Cornick
Universal Fitness
Angie Hedges
Heritage Hill Wellness
Chelsea Stevens
Burlington Vintage & Co.
Jerilyn Horn
Jerilyn Horn Kitchen & Bath Design Company
Jessica Gerling
City of Burlington
Chad Bird
City of Burlington
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