Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mission Creek Festival?

Mission Creek Festival is an intimate festival experience in downtown Iowa City focusing on music and literature. The program highlights quality, independent-minded sounds, words, and events hosted in venues across downtown Iowa City. We are keen on emerging artists and also embrace renegade spirits who have been around for years. We are the music festival with deep literary roots, the literary gathering with music and other happenings tucked around the edges, and the cultural experience that rivets both locals and visitors in the middle of a unique Midwestern town. 2020 is the fifteenth year of the festival. Mission Creek Festival is produced by The Englert Theatre.

When and where is Mission Creek Festival?

Mission Creek Festival takes place April 1 – 4, 2020 at various venues in downtown Iowa City with most events at The Englert Theatre, Gabe’s, The Mill, Prairie Lights, and Yacht Club and special one-off events at Big Grove Brewery, The Masonic Lodge, The University of Iowa Pentacrest Museum, White Rabbit, Riverside Theatre, Goosetown Cafe, and more tbd.

What is the format?

There are concerts, readings and discussions, an annual book fair, a comix and zine fair, a vinyl marketplace, and a full slate of free programming.

Do you accept submissions?

The festival is curated by a small team of programmers – we do not accept unsolicited artist submissions.

Are there age restrictions?

Passes and tickets are available to purchasers of all ages but some venues have age restrictions – Gabe’s, The Mill, and Yacht Club are all 19+ after 10 p.m. Additionally, some material at performances might be more appropriate for mature audiences. Festival goers should research all artists and presenters if they have concerns about content.

I want to buy a student pass. What types of student ID are acceptable?

We are happy to accept all valid student IDs including secondary schools, colleges, and universities. Please note that age restrictions listed above must be followed.