Witches Night Out

October 17

Witches Night Out is a popular event with a spin on "Ladies Night Out." Downtown will be taken over by Witches and their "Ghoul Friends" as they stop into local retailers, eateries and drinkeries and have a night on the town.

This event is growing year by year with hundreds of witches taking to the street and visiting each location on the map for samples, bling, and goodies.

With the purchase of a ticket, You will receive a witch’s hat, a spooktacular costume accessories, and all the spooky bling needed to cast a bewitching spell!

Tickets available at a discounted rate until October 3. Quantities are limited. Redeem tickets for a hat and costume accessory at The Busted Cup Brewhouse 2nd floor (724 Jefferson Street) starting at 4 PM.

Sponsored by: KimAnne Portrait Design

Entertainment Sponsor: F & M Bank & Trust

Last stop: The Busted Cup Brewhouse

Last Stop After Party for Witches Night Out

Friday, October 17 8 PM

After Witches Night Out

Location: The Busted Cup Brewhouse, 724 Jefferson Street

Wrap up Witches Night Out with the Last Stop After Party at The Busted Cup Brewhouse, featuring It’s Electric Entertainment. Get ready for all the dancing vibes as the DJ keeps the energy high with party hits, spooky throwbacks, and crowd favorites to keep the night alive. Expect festive décor, a lively dance floor, and the perfect finale to an enchanting evening downtown.

Downtown Partners, Inc. extends gratitude to The Busted Cup Brewhouse for hosting and to Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust for sponsoring the evening’s entertainment.

End your night with great music, good friends, and all the downtown magic, because it’s happening!

Downtown Trick-or-Treat

October 24

Downtown Burlington will once again be the place to be this spooky season!

On Friday, October 24 from 4–6 PM, families are invited to bring their ghouls, goblins, princesses, and superheroes to Jefferson Street for the annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat. Kids can trick-or-treat safely while exploring downtown businesses, many of which will be handing out candy and treats.

This fun community tradition offers families a chance to enjoy Burlington’s historic downtown while celebrating Halloween in a family-friendly atmosphere. Businesses up and down Jefferson Street will be decked out and ready for little visitors to stop by with their candy buckets in hand.

Local businesses outside of Downtown are also encouraged to get involved. For details on how to participate, please contact Amy Moyner at 319-752-6365.

So gather your costumes, grab your candy bags, and get ready, Downtown Burlington is the place where Halloween magic happens!

A special thank-you goes out to this year’s Premier Sponsors: Burlington Black Water Mini Golf & Mississippi Moon Ice Cream Parlor and Farm Bureau Financial Services - Tim Lundgren! Their support helps make this fun, safe, and festive community event possible.

Burlington Riverfront Entertainment Brings Scares to the Haunted Auditorium

The Haunted Auditorium returns the last 3 weekends in October with new scares and thrills behind every twist and turn!

Tickets can be purchased online or at the Memorial Auditorium Box Office Tuesday - Friday 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

October Fun At The Capitol Theater

The Capitol Theater will host a one-night-only, interactive 50th anniversary screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday, October 18 at 10:00 PM (doors open earlier for bar service). This is more than a movie, audiences are invited to sing, shout, and dance along, with a prop bag provided at entry (no outside props allowed).

Costumes are strongly encouraged, beer and wine will be available at the bar, and please note the event is very adult in nature and recommended for ages 18+. Let’s do the Time Warp again and celebrate 50 years of Rocky Horror in Downtown Burlington!

October will be a busy month at The Capitol Theater! Halloween movies, Tribute Bands and cult classics, will have you visiting the Capitol all October long!

Check out their event calendar at BurlingtonCapitolTheater.com.

The Som's Chili Cook Off

October 5

The Som is turning up the heat this fall with the highly anticipated Chili Cook-Off on October 5. Hosted at The Som, festivities kick off at 11 AM and promise a flavorful day of friendly competition, community pride, and, of course, plenty of chili.

What began as a fun idea has quickly grown into a showcase of local talent and teamwork, with more entries than ever imagined. From city departments and local businesses to restaurants, breweries, and creative community teams, the lineup guarantees a diverse mix of recipes and styles.

With this incredible slate of contenders, competition is sure to be fierce, and the community can look forward to sampling a wide variety of flavors, from traditional recipes to bold, creative twists.

Whether you’re competing, cheering on your favorite team, or simply here to enjoy the chili, this event is shaping up to be one of Downtown Burlington’s most delicious gatherings of the season.

Cornhole for a cause

October 18

The Paddle Wheel Lounge is bringing the community together for a fun and meaningful fundraiser, Cornhole for a Cause, with all proceeds benefiting the Burlington Fire Department.

Set for Saturday, October 18, this event will feature four-person teams competing in cornhole at participating downtown locations. The tournament will be flighted similar to a golf outing, ensuring friendly competition and plenty of excitement for players and spectators alike.

This unique fundraiser not only supports our first responders but also adds to the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Burlington, creating another reason for neighbors and visitors to gather, play, and give back.

For more information, contact The Paddle Wheel Lounge

Downtown Holiday Open House

November 9, 10 AM - 4 PM

Kick off your holiday season with a favorite event - Downtown Burlington's Holiday Open House on Sunday, November 9!

Get a head start on holiday gift buying and register from 10 AM - 4 PM at participating businesses for the giveaway of $1000 in Downtown Dollars. Need not be present to win, winner will be announced on Facebook the week of November 10.

Comedy on the Riverfront Jon Rudnitsky

Oct 2

Downtown Burlington will be filled with laughter as the 2025–2026 Comedy Thursday season kicks off on Thursday, October 2 with comedian Jon Rudnitsky performing live on the riverfront.

Rudnitsky, known for his quick wit, sharp observations, and memorable performances, will bring a night of high-energy comedy to launch the new season in style.

Season tickets for the Comedy Thursday series are available now at www.btowntix.com. Audiences are encouraged to secure tickets early and be part of an exciting season of entertainment in Downtown Burlington.

Burlington Organ Crawl

October 19 at 2 PM

Burlington Organists Network hosts the 10th Annual Organ Crawl!

Join Downtown for a tour of stained glass windows of two Burlington churches, accompanied by music from local organists.

Begin at Zion UCC (412 N 5th), then walk down the hill to First United Methodist (421 Washington).

Kiwanis Lighted Holiday Parade

November 29, 5 PM

Kiwanis’ Lighted Holiday Parade will take place in the Downtown on Saturday, November 29 at 5 PM. The theme this year is "New Beginnings, Old Traditions"!

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

Thank you to 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!

Living Windows

December 4, 5-7 PM

Dozens of storefronts will come alive during the 23rd annual Living Windows celebration on December 4!

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.

There’s an App for That and It’s All About Downtown!

If you don’t like fun, this app might not be for you.

But if you do enjoy amazing local eats, stylish boutiques, craft drinks, hidden gems, and stories that bring Downtown Burlington to life, then say hello to your new favorite download: the Downtown App.

Designed with both locals and visitors in mind, this free app puts everything happening in Downtown Burlington right at your fingertips. Whether you're planning your weekend, exploring with out-of-town guests, or just looking for your next favorite lunch spot, the Downtown App makes it easier (and more fun!) than ever.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

• 🍽️ A full directory of our eateries, drinkeries, and sweet spots
• 🛍️ An up-to-date guide to boutique shopping and galleries
• 🎉 A live feed of events, markets, shows, and festivals happening Downtown
• 🗺️ Self-guided walking tours of our public art, historic buildings, and local legends

Whether you're a Downtown regular or a curious newcomer, the Downtown App helps you experience the heartbeat of Burlington in a fresh, interactive way. It's your pocket-sized concierge, tour guide, and event calendar rolled into one.

📱 Download the app now and get exploring!

• Google Play: Click here
• Apple App Store: Click here

Just don’t say we didn’t warn you: fun is highly likely.

Downtown Partners, Inc. Launches Fundraiser for Art Installations

Downtown Partners, Inc. (DPI) is excited to announce a new Fundraiser Campaign aimed at bringing even more life, art, and community to the heart of Burlington. This initiative will focus on activating alleyways, installing additional public art, and creating social gathering spaces designed to foster a true neighborhood vibe. With more seating areas, creative installations, and inviting décor, Downtown Burlington will continue to evolve as a welcoming place to gather, connect, and enjoy.

To make the campaign both fun and rewarding, DPI is offering a special thank-you for early investors. The first 25 donors contributing $200 or more will receive two (2) V.I.P. second-story indoor seats at The Busted Cup Brewhouse during the 2025 Lighted Holiday Parade on November 29, 2025. This exclusive V.I.P. experience includes four complimentary drinks, appetizers, and a warm, dry spot to enjoy one of Burlington’s most cherished holiday traditions.

Why It Matters

Main Streets are proven economic drivers and play a vital role in strengthening communities. DPI’s mission is to preserve and revitalize Downtown Burlington while improving the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit here. Through events, business support, beautification efforts, and placemaking projects, DPI ensures that Downtown continues to be a hub of culture, creativity, and community spirit.

How to Support

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

DPI invites community members to support at whatever level is meaningful to them. Contributions to this campaign will directly fund new art installations, alleyway activations, and social gathering spaces that make Downtown Burlington a place where people want to be.

A special thank-you to The Busted Cup Brewhouse for sponsoring the V.I.P. section at the Lighted Holiday Parade.

It's Happening!

Now Open:

• The Kloset Boutique - 108 N 4th Street
• La Reyna International Store - 404 Jefferson Street
• 369 Aesthetics - 214 Jefferson Street
• Korner Kremery - 314 Jefferson Street

Thank You:

Jefferson Street Farmers Market THANK YOU!

• Thank You to everyone who came Downtown this summer and shopped, participated in events, and spread the word about our Fantastic Farmers Market! Thank you to all of the Vendors that came out and shared their food, produce, crafts and talent!
• Thank You to all of the amazing sponsors that made the 2025 Downtown Farmers Market a HUGE success! Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Des Moines County, AIM Credit Union, US Bank N.A., Two Rivers Bank & Trust and Shottenkirk Superstore. We couldn't do it without all of you, and we look forward to doing it all again next year!

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:

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.

The Downtown Burlington, Iowa Facebook page has reached 14,000 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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