The Paint it Back street art festival returns in 2025!
Clinton’s most colorful tradition is back!
The Paint it Back Festival returns for its third year, and this time, it’s bigger, bolder, and bursting with more creative energy than ever before.
The Main Event: 9 Artists, 1 Canvas – Clinton’s Own Urban Gallery
For one full week, the old car dealership at McKinley & Main becomes a canvas for transformation. Artists will paint over last year’s murals, adding new chapters to a story written in spray paint. The public is invited to stop by throughout the week, watch the works evolve, meet the artists, and witness the takeover of space through creativity.
These aren’t just muralists—they’re cultural storytellers. Some travel the national street art circuit and have returned to Clinton each year to bring life, movement, and color to Clinton’s forgotten corners.
SATURDAY BLOCK PARTY– August 23, 12–10PM
The weeklong mural festival culminates in a full-throttle block party packed with:
STREET ART PAINT BATTLE 2-5PM
Two artists. Five hours. One wall each. A **$500 prize** on the line.
Brought to you by AdCraft Custom Apparel and Mech, this is street art in its rawest form—fast, fearless, and live.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN Noon - 4PM
– The Kids’ Wall returns with stencils and space for young creatives to express themselves.
– Characters 2 Life delivers face painting, glitter paint, and balloon animals
– Clinton Public Library brings games and activities for all ages
-The Sawmill Museum is bringing their axe throwing
-BMX demonstration by Olliewood Action Sports from Dubuque
FASHION + ART VENDORS
– AMIDST Lounge from Dubuque brings clothing experiences and local flair to the spotlight
- Emerald Frommelt- Pink Moons Cree
- Mama Gets Casual with Spring Lake Campground
-Heather Houzenga
-Jay Pauley
-Stevie Sachsenmaier
-Vavrosky Art
-The PIB Merch Table
MUSIC
-Kristina Marie & Shawn Healy, Dubuque, Noon -2PM
-DJ Ang'l, Chicago, 2-5PM
-Bill & Dan Dunmore of the Harvest Band, Iowa City, 5-7PM
-The Malortians, Clinton, 7-8PM
-The Stockwells, Clinton, 8-10PM
FOOD + DRINKS ALL DAY
– Local food vendors to satisfy every craving
– The Rusty Wagon will be on hand to quench adult thirst with style
PLUS: We’re proud to be the official after party for the FitPro 5K Race!
Come cool down and celebrate with us after the run—enjoy art, music, food, and a high-energy community vibe right in the heart of the Lyons District.
Also check out other Arts events in Clinton, Entertainment events in Clinton, Parties in Clinton.
