The Mission Creek Festival is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary from April 3 to April 5, 2025, in Iowa City, Iowa. This annual festival is renowned for its intimate atmosphere, featuring a diverse lineup of music and literary events across various venues in downtown Iowa City.
Lineup Highlights:
The 2025 festival boasts an impressive array of artists and authors, including:
- Music Performances:
- Julien Baker & TORRES: Acclaimed singer-songwriters debuting their country-rock collaboration.
- Raekwon: Wu-Tang Clan member performing his classic album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.
- Mannequin Pussy: Energetic punk rock band known for their dynamic live shows.
- William Elliott Whitmore: Iowa’s own folk-blues troubadour with soulful storytelling.
- Dawn Richard x Spencer Zahn: Groundbreaking collaboration blending avant-garde electronic and jazz sounds.
- Your Smith: Pop artist known for her witty and charming music.
- Flore Laurentienne: Montreal-based composer blending classical and cinematic sounds.
- Mark Guiliana: Influential drummer leading a genre-defying jazz ensemble.
- Angry Blackmen: High-energy hip-hop duo with sharp, socially conscious lyricism.
- Cabeza de Chivo: Masters of blending regional Mexican sounds with modern musical flair.
- Supersonic Piss and The Tanks: Local Iowa bands showcasing the raw power of the regional underground music scene.
- Literary Events:
- Rachel Kushner: Acclaimed author reading from and discussing her novel Creation Lake.
- Neko Case: Musician reading from and discussing her memoir The Harder I Fight the More I Love You.
- Melissa Febos: Internationally acclaimed, locally based writer with compelling storytelling.
- Torrey Peters: Notable author engaging in discussions and readings.
- Srikanth Reddy: Esteemed writer contributing to the literary lineup.
Ticket Information:
Early bird passes are available now through January 16, 2025, offering a 25% discount:
- Early Bird Full Pass: $115 – Access to all festival events over three days.
- Insider Early Bird Full Pass: $215 – Includes VIP perks such as free drinks/food in the VIP lounge, merchandise, and more.
- Student Full Pass: $75 – Discounted rate for students; limited availability.
After January 16, ticket prices will increase:
- Regular Full Pass: $150 – Access to all festival events.
- Day Passes: $55–65 – Single-day access.
- Literary Capstone Event: $20 – Access to the closing literary event.
Tickets can be purchased through the Mission Creek Festival’s official website.
Date and Location:
The festival will take place from April 3 to April 5, 2025, at various venues across downtown Iowa City, including:
- The Englert Theatre
- Hancher Auditorium
- Prairie Lights Bookstore
- Public Space One
- Reunion Brewery
- The Tuesday Agency
- Trumpet Blossom Cafe
- Voxman Music Building
For the complete lineup and additional details, visit the Mission Creek Festival’s official website.
Please note that The Englert Theatre will step down from producing the festival after 2025, marking a significant change in the festival’s production.
The 20th anniversary of the Mission Creek Festival promises to be a memorable celebration of music, literature, and community in Iowa City.
