Mission Creek Festival

The Mission Creek Festival is a vibrant three-day music and literature event that takes place in the heart of Iowa City every spring. The event's focus on providing intimate and direct connections between artists and attendees has made it unique among other festivals. The event offers authentic experiences as it transforms local shops into performance spaces just for the celebration!

After a triumphant return to hosting live and in-person events in 2022, the 18th installment of Mission Creek will be an unmissable celebration of independent voices through music, literature, and community. In 2023, there's something for everyone as this festival sprawls across Iowa City from its northernmost point all the way down to its southern border! Come to this event for what promises to be the ultimate combination of evolution and familiarity.

On April 6–8, the 2023 literary program at The James Theater is proud to partner with The Sun Magazine in celebrating its 50th anniversary. Additionally, they offer a Readers Write Workshop led by The Sun Magazine as well as an enlightening literary conversation between Fonograf Editions and Sarabande Books on texture and hybridity within the independent publishing world. Also included is an Industry Talk from Black Lawrence Press about chapbooks, followed by Lit Hub's Thresholds Podcast hosted by Jordan Kisner for all interested in hearing more!

Mission Creek Festival Inc. is a nonprofit organization passionate about delivering an array of enriching artistic experiences to the Iowa City region annually. Its main event, the week-long Mission Creek Festival held annually in downtown Iowa City during springtime, has become a much-anticipated community tradition!