Small Business Saturday

November 25

Small Business Saturday is coming up on November 25, but for Downtown Burlington, it is EVERY DAY!

Independent businesses are the backbone of the community. Locally owned and operated businesses are a big reason why Downtown Burlington is a distinctive destination, with items you cannot find anywhere else!

When you support a locally owned business, whether it’s a retail shop, restaurant, or professional service, you are directly supporting your own community. These businesses are owned by your neighbors, the people who have personally made financial

investments in seeing Downtown Burlington succeed. They are entrepreneurs who know how important it is to have direct contact with their customers. They choose the merchandise, maintain the buildings, and pay the taxes. They are in business here because they believe in Downtown Burlington, so let’s return the favor. Unique products, personal service, keeping your dollars in the community. There are a lot of great reasons to shop independent!

Downtown Partners, Inc. Fundraiser Campaign

Downtown Partners, Inc. (DPI) is launching a Fundraiser Campaign. The campaign is a fun way to support Downtown Burlington!

The new Streetscape project means new Downtown décor is needed, so all donations will be going towards new holiday decorations.

The first 50 Investors who donate $100+ will receive two (2) V.I.P. second-story indoor seats at The Busted Cup Brewhouse to watch the 2023 Lighted Holiday Parade on November 25. As a V.I.P. special donor "Thank You" from Downtown Partners, Inc. The V.I.P. section will include a free drink, light appetizers, and a warm, dry spot to watch the 2023 Lighted Holiday Parade, plus, you'll be the first to experience the new location!

For more information, please visit Downtown Burlington Iowa Facebook page, reach out to a board member, or contact Amy Moyner at 319-752-6365, or amoyner@greaterburlington.com.

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. Main Streets are a proven economic driver for communities and play a vital role in restarting the economy.

Downtown Partners works hard to present special events, encourage building and business improvement, and beautify the city center. We hope you will show your support for our activities by contributing at a level that is meaningful to you. The proceeds of this campaign will go towards new holiday decorations in the Downtown!

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

DONATE NOW.

Thank you to The Busted Cup Brewhouse for sponsoring the V.I.P. section!

Lighted Holiday Parade

November 25,

5 PM

Downtown Partners’ Lighted Holiday Parade will take place in the Downtown on Saturday, November 25 at

5 PM. The theme this year is "Miracle on Jefferson Street"!

Want to participate in the parade with a lighted float? Download the parade entry form at greaterburlington.com.

Thank you to our Premier Sponsor, Standard of Beaverdale, for making the Lighted Holiday Parade possible!

Thank you to Pritchard Broadcasting for being the Media Sponsor for the Lighted Holiday Parade!

Santa's Cottage



The jolly old elf himself will be greeting visitors in Downtown Burlington on the corner of Fifth and Jefferson Saturdays during December from 12 - 2 PM.

There is no cost, and cameras are welcome. Creating fond memories of Downtown for families today helps build support for Downtown tomorrow.

Many thanks to Carl A. Nelson & Co., The City of Burlington, Boy Scouts Troop 3, and the DPI Design Committee for their assistance with Santa's Cottage. 

Thank you to the Premier Sponsor, Addington Place of Burlington for bringing Santa and Santa's Cottage to the Downtown!

Remodeling can be fun with Jerilyn Horn Kitchen & Bath Design Co. on your side!

Attention all HGTV fans: sign up for e-newsletters with Jerilyn Horn Kitchen & Bath Design Co. located in Downtown Burlington! See local projects, design tips, exciting announcements and more!

Sign up on the bottom of the homepage at Kitchen And Bath Design | Jerilyn Horn Kitchen & Bath Design Co. (jhkitchenbath.com)

Heritage Hill Wellness Center

515 North 3rd Street

Have you seen the renovations at 515 North 3rd Street? Heritage Hill Wellness Center is excited to offer you integrative health, wellness, and medicine all under one roof. With 7 amazing services offered in one location, there is nothing like it around. Stop in and see all of the businesses:

• Lumi Beauty Clinic
• Magnetic Touch
• Red Sea Apothecary
• American Hemp Research
• by the Moon
• Holistic Coaching
• Carlos Falcon Esthetics and Aries Esthetics

For more information visit Heritage Hill Wellness Center.

Comedy Thursdays with Burlington Riverfront Entertainment

Comedy Thursday continues November 2 with breakout star comedian from America's Got Talent, TOM COTTER!

Comedian Tom Cotter has taken the comedy scene by storm since finishing as runner-up and becoming the Breakout Star from Season 7’s "America's Got Talent." He lost to a dog act, but don’t hold that against him; Tom was the first comedian ever to be a finalist on the show and was the highest finishing human being on the show that year.

Tom's other numerous television and radio credits include "The Tonight Show,” “Last Comic Standing,” his very own "Comedy Central Presents... Tom Cotter", "The Howard Stern Show, Comics Unleashed, multiple appearance on CBS’ "The Late Late Show" and Celebrity Host of “Gotham Comedy Live” on AXS-TV.

Doors open at 6:30. Show starts at 7:30. 

General Admission Tickets are just $15. Table seats are $25.

For more information and tickets, visit BurlingtonRiverfront.com.

The Som's Chili Cook Off Part III

November 4

Come watch the teams cook up their masterpiece Chili recipes at The Som. Or if you think you have the best Chili recipe, compete to win!

There are two categories Red Chili (with beans or without beans) or Open Category. The Open category consists of literally whatever you would like to cook.



Both categories will be judged on the following criteria: Smell, Thickness, Color, Flavor, Aftertaste

The top three winners of each category will be awarded prizes.

Entry forms will be available at The Som Friday, 9/1.

All entry forms must be turned in by Tuesday, 10/31

Visit The Som for more details.

One Night in Memphis

November 10 7:30 PM

One Night in Memphis is a concert tribute to Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley.

Fans of these legends will love the authentic rockabilly, country, gospel and 1950’s rock and roll.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Burlington Civic Music Association.

Iowa Cultural & Entertainment District

It's Happening! Downtown Burlington, Iowa is now designated as a 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.

To learn more about the Iowa Cultural & Entertainment Districts program, please visit iowaculture.gov. Thank you to the Iowa Arts Council for this designation!



For more information, contact Amy Moyner, 319-752-6365.

Miracle on Jefferson Street at the Art Center of Burlington

December 2 and 9, 10 AM - 4 PM

Don't miss out on everything the Art Center of Burlington has to offer! Miracle on Jefferson Street is an awesome kid's event that has become a family tradition. Plus, they host classes for all ages, Gallery Lounge night with live music and drinks and so many amazing opportunities to network with other artists.

Visit the Art Center of Burlington for more information.

Living Windows

December 7, 5-8 PM

Dozens of storefronts will come alive during the 21st annual Living Windows celebration on December 7!

This favorite holiday event includes lights, carolers, story readings, crafts, decorations, gingerbread houses, free horse-drawn carriage rides, and much more. And of course, Santa Claus will be on hand at his cottage.

Living Windows includes complimentary food and beverages at many Downtown stores. It's a great opportunity to do some Christmas shopping, see friends, and enjoy the holiday season.

If you would like to participate in a window, please contact  Amy Moyner at 319-752-6365 or amoyner@greaterburlington.com.

Thank you to our Premier Sponsor, The Collective Food Hub!

Thank you to Standard of Beaverdale for being the Trolley Sponsor and Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust for sponsoring the Ice Carving!

New Downtown Branded Products

Downtown Burlington is thrilled to announce the launch of the new collection of t-shirts, glasses 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.

Visit the Port of Burlington Welcome Center for purchase.

It's Happening in Downtown Burlington...

Did you know that 21 businesses have opened in Downtown Burlington, Iowa this year?! And more to still come by the end of year! 10 of these are in spaces that have been vacant for years!

Now Open:

• La Bohème - 417 Jefferson St - opening in November
• Concordia Cigar Lounge - 611 Jefferson St - Opening in November
• Bone Chilling Beauty Studio - 409 N 4th St
• Downtown Daisy - 875 Jefferson St
• Big River Popcorn - 713 Jefferson St
• The Charmed Needle - 116 N 4th St, Suite 105
• Sanded Edges DIY - 404 Jefferson St
• Ryan Harvey State Farm - 122 N 4th St, Suite 104
• Parties Unlimited and Event Rentals - 413 Valley St
• Concordia Wine and Cigars - 724 Jefferson St
• Busted Cup Brewhouse - 724 Jefferson St
• Uppers - 871 Jefferson St
• Poppie's Market - 724 Jefferson St
• Kalioke Movement Lounge - 301 Jefferson St
• Sleeping Dog Art Gallery - 318 N 4th St.
• Heritage Hill Wellness Center - 515 North 3rd St
• Lumi Beauty Clinic - 515 North 3rd St
• Magnetic Touch - 515 North 3rd St
• Red Sea Apothecary - 515 North 3rd St
• American Hemp Research - 515 North 3rd St
• by the Moon - 515 North 3rd Street
• Holistic Coaching - 515 North 3rd St
• Carlos Falcon esthetics and Aries Esthetics - 515 North 3rd St
• Suz Boutique - 108 North 4th St
• Destination Ink - 724 Jefferson St

Downtown Trick or Treat Thank You!

• Thanks also to all those merchants who passed out candy for the Downtown Trick or Treat, as well as the Des Moines Co. CERT team volunteers for keeping the community safe during the event.
• Thank you to Tim Lundgren Farm Bureau Financial Services for sponsoring such a wonderful community event!

Decorating the Downtown

• The Snowflakes on Snake Alley will be going up on November 4 at 10 AM. If you are able to volunteer to light up Snake Alley, please contact Amy Moyner at 319-208-0056 or amoyner@greaterburlington.com

Thank you to the Volunteers!

• Two Rivers Bank & Trust has been supporting the Jefferson Street Farmers Market by volunteering their time to set-up and tear down the market barricades and helping with bag sales. Thank you for supporting these community events, we could not do it without the wonderful volunteers from Two Rivers Bank & Trust!

Thank you to Zaisers for the beautiful flowers this year!

• Zaisers did a wonderful job with the Downtown flower planters again this year. They are a beautiful part of our vibrant Downtown. We are grateful for funding from the John H. Witte, Jr. Foundation and Keep Burlington Beautiful that help make these beautiful flower planters possible.

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

• 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

• 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:

• 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.

For more information, visit the Downtown Burlington, Iowa Facebook page, reach out to a Board Member, or contact Amy Moyner at 319-208-0056 DONATE HERE.

The Downtown Burlington, Iowa Facebook page has reached 12,000 Followers! We hope you are among them!

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.