The Holidays Are Over... But Downtown is Still Happening!

Winter may bring chilly weather, but your favorite Downtown merchants are here to warm things up! The post-holiday season can be tough for local restaurants and retailers, so let’s show them some love.

Here’s a New Year’s challenge: shop at one new Downtown store and dine at one new Downtown restaurant this month. Your support means the world to our independently owned businesses and helps keep our community vibrant! 

Looking at the Past... and Future

Although there were challenges last year, we continue to see the entrepreneurial spirit shine. Downtown's momentum is unstoppable.

At the beginning of a new year, it's fitting to look back on what has been accomplished. In 2024:

Eight businesses opened in the Downtown District in 2024:

• Night Cap Listening Lounge - 211 N 3rd St
• Taste & Seek - 218 Jefferson St
• The Main Line Restaurant - 206 N. 3rd St Suite 103
• Iconic.Design - 718 Jefferson St
• Mississippi Moon Ice Cream Parlor - 616-620 Jefferson St
• Black Water Mini Golf - 616-620 Jefferson St
• Korner Kremery - 314 Jefferson St
• Musty Tomes - 609 Jefferson St
• Thyme & Spice Company was awarded the Open 4 Business grant through Main Street Iowa for $26,000 to bring a new line of Olive Oils and Vinegars to the Downtown
• Five buildings sold in the Downtown District that have opened or will soon open unique businesses that will make the Downtown even more vibrant
• Downtown Partners, Inc. hosted 48 event days in the Downtown District
• Over 80 new residential units became available with Tama Too and Urbane424 opening and several upper-story units in Downtown that are filling up quickly

The community’s love for Downtown shone brightly this past year, with incredible turnout at events and a growing commitment to preserving our historic charm. This surge of energy and enthusiasm highlights the continued success of the Main Street approach to revitalization.

As we look ahead, Downtown Burlington has every reason to toot its New Year’s horn a little louder in 2025! Here’s to building on the momentum and making even more memories together. 

Downtown Deets

Feb 19

Mark your calendar for the first Downtown Deets gathering on February 19th from 8:30-9:30 AM! This is your chance to stay informed about all things Downtown Burlington, gain valuable business tips, connect with peers, and share your insights on our community's growth.

Let’s come together to shape the future of our vibrant Downtown, we hope to see you there! Stay tuned for location. Contact Amy Moyner with questions. 

Comedy Thursdays with BRE

February 6

It's Happening in Downtown Burlington at the Riverfront!

April Maci with opener Doug Thompson will have you rolling in your seats at the Memorial Auditorium. Don't miss this chance to enjoy top-notch comedy right here in Burlington!

Voice Your Vision: We Want Your Input!

A team of UIowa Graduate Students are partnering with the City of Burlington, City of West Burlington, and the University of Iowa’s Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities to implement an arts and culture plan in Burlington and West Burlington.

Voice Your Vision: We Want Your Input!

Their team is conducting a community survey to gather input on the arts and culture ecosystem in Burlington and West Burlington. They are calling it "Voice Your Vision", and they invite you to share your ideas and aspirations for the future of arts and culture initiatives within Burlington and West Burlington.



Your feedback will help guide the creation of a plan that aligns arts and culture initiatives with the needs and interests of both Burlington and West Burlington. It will provide valuable insights into how arts and culture can foster development, enhance community identity, and encourage social cohesion within these cities.

Snowflakes Illuminate Downtown Burlington

The Downtown District is glowing brighter this holiday season as ten stunning snowflake decorations have been installed, thanks to the generous support of our community donors. These festive additions bring a touch of winter magic to the area, enhancing the charm of Downtown Burlington during this special time of year.

Downtown Partners, Inc. is thrilled to announce that plans are already underway to expand the display. With continued donor support, additional snowflakes will be added throughout the district, further spreading holiday cheer and beautifying our community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this project possible. Together, we’re lighting up Downtown Burlington—one snowflake at a time!

Drone Camp

Have you ever wanted to learn to fly a drone?

Got a drone but you wrecked it in the first 10 minutes?

Wanna' get a drone for someone special?

Come to Drone Camp and learn to fly!

Sundays in January from 1-3 PM at the Inspiration Lab, 203 N. 3rd Street, Burlington(in the former Craftsman Press building)

We'll have simulators, Soccer Drones, a netted enclosure and plenty of open space to fly!

Bring a drone or play with one of ours!

Cost: free

Must be at least 11 years old to participate. 

Must arrive by 1 PM. Flying on 3rd floor.

Drones limited to 120 mm or smaller. Blade guards required.

Co-sponsored by the Burlington STEM Foundation and Burlington Model Airplane Club

Please RSVP to info@burlingtonstem.org

Fun at The Capitol Theater

The Goonies 40th Anniversary Steven Spielberg, Richard Donner (Lethal Weapon films) and Chris Columbus (Harry Potter films) collaborate to create an epic children's adventure of subterranean caverns, sunken galleons and a fortune in lost pirate treasure waiting to be found by a group of friends known as The Goonies.

Come check out all of the fun at The Capitol Theater this year!

Cultural & Entertainment District

Downtown Burlington’s Cultural & Entertainment District continues to thrive, promising a year filled with creativity, connection, and community engagement in 2025. With a renewed focus on art, music, and vibrant events, the district is set to deliver experiences that celebrate the heart of Burlington.

From live performances and gallery exhibits to festivals and interactive workshops, there will be countless opportunities to explore and enjoy. Downtown’s unique blend of culture and entertainment ensures that every visit is an adventure.

Stay tuned for event announcements and make plans to be a part of the excitement in Burlington’s Cultural & Entertainment District this year!

The Rink is back on the Riverfront

Lace up your skates! The Rink is back at Burlington Memorial Auditorium, offering a fun and festive activity for all ages this winter.

Come glide across the synthetic ice inside the warm and inviting auditorium, brought to you by Burlington Riverfront Entertainment.

Don't miss this unique chance to enjoy skating in a one-of-a-kind indoor setting, perfect for creating winter memories with family and friends! 

Open Skate with the Burlington Public Library

Come skate at Memorial Auditorium! This is a FREE program hosted by the library at the auditorium.

Children’s skate sizes are limited and will be available on a first come first served basis, for limited intervals of time.

Feel free to bring your own skates!

No registration Required!

Live at La Bohème

January 2 & 3

Start the year with incredible live music as La Bohème hosts Lewis Knudsen on January 2 and 3.

This talented songwriter from Moline, IL, has toured extensively across the U.S. and internationally, including South Korea, Germany, and the U.K. His music has even been featured on FOX and Netflix, showcasing his unique sound and broad appeal.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a memorable evening with a remarkable artist at La Bohème.

BINGO at The Busted Cup Brewhouse

The Busted Cup Brewhouse is turning up the excitement with its free Bingo Night, offering participants the chance to win fabulous prizes.

In an effort to promote sustainability, the event features eco-friendly, reusable Bingo cards, ensuring a fun and environmentally conscious evening. Each guest will receive one card, making it a fair and engaging experience for all.

Gather your friends and head to The Busted Cup Brewhouse for a night of entertainment, community, and friendly competition. Don’t miss your chance to join in the fun and take home a prize.

Beads On One String Celebration

Mark your calendars for an inspiring week in April as the Beads on One String celebration takes over Downtown Burlington! On April 17, 2025, singer-songwriter Dennis Warner will share his powerful message of unity and positivity with local elementary students during the day, followed by an evening concert at The Capitol Theater featuring his song, Beads on One String. This collaborative event, hosted by The Capitol, Burlington Public Library, Art Center of Burlington, and Downtown Partners Inc., will highlight themes 

of diversity, inclusion, and connectedness. Leading up to the concert, the community is invited to participate in unique projects: create personalized beads at the Art Center, share stories through a Human Library Project at the Burlington Public Library, and enjoy an interactive Story Walk downtown, bringing Warner’s book Beads on One String to life.

These activities provide an opportunity for individuals of all ages to celebrate creativity, foster connections, and support local businesses. The event highlights the importance of unity and showcases the vibrant spirit of the Burlington community.

Downtown Living

Urbane424 on North 3rd Street is now open! 

The property features tile backsplashes, quartz countertops, modern finishes and a stunning rooftop patio. Every unit comes equipped with stainless steel appliances, including washer/dryer and dishwasher. The property has a variety of studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom floor plans available for immediate move in. Ask us about our furnished units and short-term rental options! 

Blade Sign Grant

Downtown Partners, Inc. Business Signage Grant Program offers applicants up to $400 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

If you are interested in applying and for more information please contact Amy Moyner at 319-752-6365 or visit the Blade Sign webpage.

Donate to Downtown Partners, Inc.

Do you love events like the Lighted Holiday Parade, Sip, Taste & Stroll, Living Windows, A Very Vintage Market, and Jefferson St Farmers Market?

Supporting Downtown Partners, Inc. means contributing to the magic of these events and helping Downtown Burlington flourish. Your support plays a crucial role in making these happenings even more fantastic and ensures the growth of our beloved community.

Downtown Partners, Inc. is not just an organization; it's a community-driven force dedicated to preserving and revitalizing Downtown Burlington. By supporting this volunteer-driven Main Street Program, you actively contribute to the improvement of our city's quality of life.

Main Streets are proven economic drivers and essential for the resurgence of local economies. Your support goes beyond events – it fuels the engine that restarts and propels our community's economic vitality.

Downtown Partners, Inc. works tirelessly to bring you special events, enhance buildings and businesses, and beautify our city center. Your contribution, no matter the size, is a meaningful investment in the heart of Burlington.



For more information, please visit the Downtown Burlington Iowa Facebook page, reach out to a board member, or contact Amy Moyner at 319-208-0056 or amoyner@greaterburlington.com.

It's Happening!

Now Open:

• Night Cap Listening Lounge - 211 N 3rd St
• Taste & Seek - 218 Jefferson
• The Main Line Restaurant - 206 N. 3rd St Suite 103
• Iconic.Design - 718 Jefferson St
• Mississippi Moon Ice Cream Parlor - 616-620 Jefferson St
• Black Water Mini Golf - 616-620 Jefferson St
• Korner Kremery - 314 Jefferson Street
• Musty Tomes - 609 Jefferson St

It's Happening in Downtown...

Holiday Events:

• Thank you to Premier Sponsor Menke & Company for such a wonderful Living Windows event. Thank you to Standard of Beaverdale for sponsoring the horse and trolley rides and Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust for sponsoring the ice sculpting. There are so many hands that help make Living Windows such a success. Thank you to the volunteers, businesses and community organizations that have created such wonderful memories Downtown!

• Thank you to Addington Place of Burlington for sponsoring Santa's Cottage and Burlington Kiwanis Club for bringing Santa to the community!

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!
• Many thanks to outgoing Downtown Partners, Inc. board members Todd Darnall, Jerilyn Horn & Jessica Gerling. Their service has been instrumental in making Downtown Burlington a better place for all.

Market Season is just around the corner

• Vendor applications for Jefferson Street Farmers Market and A Very Vintage Market will be open soon online. Follow the A Very Vintage Market and Jefferson St. Farmers Market Facebook page for news about the annual events.

Don't miss all of the fun at the Art Center of Burlington

• Visit the Art Center of Burlington for winter classes, new art installations, and events for a date night, girls' night out, or family fun!

It's Happening all year long at the Capitol Performing Arts Center

• Visit the Capitol Performing Arts Center for Concerts, Movies, Comedy and more. It's Happening All Year!

The Burlington Public Library has so much scheduled all year long

• 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:

• Blade Sign Grant - see article above

The Downtown Burlington, Iowa Facebook page has reached 13,000 Followers! We hope you are among them!

The Port of Burlington Welcome Center is open Daily, 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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