- Event Overview
About
Iowa City, IA
Ugly Sweater Pub Crawls
Iowa City’s Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl brings the Athens of the Midwest’s bar culture and University of Iowa Hawkeye spirit to the holiday sweater tradition. The Ped Mall and surrounding bar district are the heart of Iowa City nightlife and on ugly sweater night the combination of U of I creative talent, the literary tradition of the famous Iowa Writers’ Workshop, and the excellent Iowa City bar community creates a holiday celebration that has a creative depth that few college towns can match.
Our Iowa City route moves through the Ped Mall and the surrounding bar district, stopping at venues that represent the quality and character of what Iowa City’s bar scene has built. The ugly sweater competition in Iowa City draws on the creative energy of a community that has produced some of America’s finest writers and the entries reflect that literary sensibility applied to the gloriously ridiculous holiday sweater tradition.
December in Iowa City is cold, typically ranging from 18 to 28 degrees at night. The Iowa winter is real and the Ped Mall holiday decorations are festive and welcoming. The bar community here has the creative warmth that the Iowa Writers’ Workshop tradition has always fostered.
Our hosts manage the Iowa City route with local knowledge. Specials are confirmed, wristbands handle entry at every stop, and the ugly sweater contest brings Hawkeye creativity to the holiday season.
Event Detalis
Everything you need to know about the Iowa City Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl.
VIP Wristband
Largest Pub Crawl Event
Top Iowa City Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
40,000+ Attendees
Thousands join the annual Iowa City Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
100+ Participating Bars
Organized Event
- What's Included
What You Get With a Pub Crawl Ticket
Pub crawls for the biggest party holidays. Choose your event and join the party in 100+ cities across the USA.
Ugly Sweater Contest
The most outrageous sweater wins a prize. Wear your best worst holiday creation.
Welcome Drink at Check-In
Included with your ticket.
Drink Specials at Every Stop
Exclusive holiday pricing throughout the route.
Official 2025 Wristband
One wristband for every venue on the crawl.
On-Site Hosts
Our team manages the route and the sweater competition.
VIP Entry at Select Venues
Priority access at participating bars.
Holiday Party Gear
Festive accessories at check-in.
Pub Crawl Route
The crawl covers the best bars in the city’s top bar neighborhood.
Participating Venues on the Pub Crawl Route
The 2026 Iowa City Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl route runs through State Street / Capitol Square. All stops within walking distance. Full lineup sent to ticket holders before the event.
How the Pub Crawl Works
Four simple steps to join the Iowa City Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl and start bar hopping.
Purchase at pubcrawls.com.
7:00 PM. Address with ticket confirmation.
Welcome drink, wristband, holiday gear. Route starts at 7:30 PM.
Hosts guide the group through venues all evening.
Event Agendas
Your complete Iowa City Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl timeline from check-in to after-party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Iowa City Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl.
Where does the crawl start?
Iowa City IA. Exact address with ticket purchase.
What is the weather like?
Iowa City IA in December averages 18 to 28 degrees at night. Cold Iowa winter. Full winter gear.
Is there a dress code?
Ugly sweaters are the theme. The more outrageous the better.
What is included?
Welcome drink, wristband, drink specials, holiday gear, ugly sweater contest.
Group bookings?
Ten or more get priority entry. Contact pubcrawls.com.
Age requirement?
21 and over with valid ID.
Can I buy at the door?
Subject to availability. Buy in advance.
Is the event walkable?
Yes. All venues are within walking distance on the route.
