FRIDAY - MAY 2nd
MAY 2nd
4PM - 6PM
Tequilla Cowgirl
347 S Gilbert St. Iowa City
Festival KICK OFF
We’re kicking off the Beyond Fashion Festival in style at The Chill Spot—a dope, laid-back space at Tequilla Cowgirl (347 S Gilbert St, Iowa City) where you can vibe, connect, and celebrate creativity. Pull up for Happy Hour and a special beer release from Reunion on tap, plus the exclusive Kick-It shoe drop you won’t want to miss. Climbing Kites is bringing their THC drink for a next-level refreshment experience, and the University of Iowa’s Graphic Design program is showcasing poster art for a one-of-a-kind exhibition. And of course, we’ve got a fire DJ spinning all night to keep the energy flowing. This is the spot to chill, meet new people, and set the tone for an epic festival weekend. Don’t miss it!
COMEDY FASHION
Beyond Fashion is about culture, creativity, and community—and what better way to kick off the festival than with some serious laughs? We’re teaming up with Don’t Tell Comedy to bring you a lineup of hilarious, unfiltered, and straight-up genius comedians because, let’s be real, we could all use a good laugh. This isn’t your average comedy show—it’s the kind of unexpected, underground comedy experience that keeps you on your toes. Pull up, kick back, and let’s start this festival off with good vibes and big laughs!
MAY 2nd
6PM - 7PM
Poindexter
210 S Dubuque St. Iowa City
MAY 2nd
6PM - 7PM
TBD
Slam Poetry
IC Speaks is about to set the stage on fire with a poetry slam like no other. We’re talking raw emotion, unfiltered truth, and a lineup of poets that will have you on your feet all night. Leading the charge is none other than Caleb the Negro Artist, alongside IC Speaks, ready to elevate spoken word to its rightful place at the forefront of the festival. This isn’t just poetry—it’s an experience, a movement, a vibe that will leave you speechless and inspired. Get ready for a night of powerful storytelling and electric energy.
MAY 2nd
7:30PM - 8:30PM
Elrays
211 Iowa Ave, Iowa City
Create a culture live
This ain’t just another show—this is Culture Live. A night where the city’s heartbeat syncs to the rhythm of live music, raw talent, and unstoppable energy. We’re bringing together the illest local and national talent, backed by a live band that’s gonna take every performance to a whole new level. This is where art meets sound, where the vibe is real, and where the culture lives LOUD.
MAY 2nd
9PM - Until
Gabes
330 E Washington St Iowa City
BEYOND FRIDAY NIGHT PARTY
Listen, Friday night ain't over till we say it is. After a full day of dope events, we’re taking it to Gabe’s Beer Garden to keep the energy going. A live DJ will be spinning all night, setting the perfect vibe while we sip on a special beer on tap—crafted just for the occasion.
SATURDAY - MAY 3Rd
MAY 3rd
STARTS 3pm
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
MAY 3rd
9AM - 10AM
In Front of the Graduate
210 S Dubuque St. Iowa City
BEYOND YOGA
Wake up, shake off the night, and step into the new day with power and intention. After a night of vibing and celebrating, it’s time to realign with the Black Butterfly himself, Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. He’s about to take us on a journey—one that starts with the breath and flows into the mind, body, and spirit.
MAY 3rd
11AM - NOON
Graduate
210 S Dubuque St Iowa City
BEYOND DIVERSITY
Yo, this one’s gonna hit different. Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. is stepping up to the mic to challenge everything we think we know about diversity—where it’s been, where it’s going, and why the work is far from over. In a time when folks are questioning the value of DEI, we’re flipping the script. Is it really about ending diversity—or finally making it mean something real?
MAY 3rd
NOon - 1pm
Chauncey (THEATRE 1)
404 E College St, Iowa City
PASSION+FASHION
WRIGHT HOUSE DOCUMENTARY
The Wright House Documentary, narrated by Andre Wright, captures the transformation of a dry-cleaning facility into a thriving creative hub. This 30-minute biopic features interviews with community leaders and those impacted, inspiring creatives beyond fashion. It also dives deep into Iowa City’s fashion scene, showcasing Wright House as Iowa’s first Fashion House. A story of resilience, mentorship, and innovation, it celebrates a space built for equity, opportunity, and cultural impact. Come meet the filmmaker Josh Booth and discuss the film with the creators.
MAY 3rd
1PM - 2PM
Iowa City Public Library
123 S Linn St Iowa City
BEYOND FASHION KEYNOTE
Pull up and listen as Luke Haverhals takes us on a wild ride—from plastic to plants. This ain't just a talk; it’s a revolution. Natural Fiber Welding (NFW) is flipping the game, building a materials company that’s taking on the petrochemical industry head-on. Part fashion, part science, all impact.
NFW is showing the world how to create biodegradable, high-performance materials that don’t just look good—they change the game. Imagine a future where what you wear doesn’t harm the planet. That’s the vision, and Luke is here to break it all down. Innovation, sustainability, and bold moves—this is the future of fashion. Don’t miss it.
MAY 3rd
2pm - 4pm
Graduate
210 S Dubuque St Iowa City
BLACK ECONOMICS
Tap in with Joy Sallis and Anthony Arrington as they drop knowledge on leadership, Black economic development, and the real meaning of entrepreneurship and workforce. Straight out of Waterloo and Cedar Rapids, they’re making waves, building businesses, and proving that economic power starts with ownership. These two have put in work across different industries—including fashion—using creativity and commerce to fuel real economic stimulus in Waterloo and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. From the runway to the boardroom, they’re showing how the industry isn’t just about style—it’s about creating opportunities, building wealth, and leaving a legacy.
MAY 3rd
2pm - 3pm
MERGE
136 S Dubuque St Iowa City
RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Pull up for a powerful panel featuring rural business owners who are putting in the work, facing challenges, and making big moves in places most people overlook. This isn’t just a talk—it’s a real conversation about the struggles, successes, and surprises that come with building businesses in rural Iowa.
FASHION SHOWS
MAY 3rd
STARTS 10PM
Elrays
211 Iowa Ave, Iowa City
BEYOND FASHION
Fashion lovers, get ready! We’re bringing local, regional, and national designers straight to the heart of downtown for a one-day style takeover. Expect to be dazzled by couture, streetwear, and everyday drip—all setting the trend for Spring/Summer.
Multiple shows, one day, and a whole city moving in style. This is more than fashion—it’s a cultural moment. Iowa, we’re making history. Don’t miss it!
Check the schedule below and pull up to see where each brand and designer will be showcasing their vision.
3pm - TBD
4:30pm - HMUIRL & Garbich @ TBD
6pm - Streetwear collection Solitude Seeker, Destined Apparel, Cope apparel @ Reunion
8pm Main Stage - Finer Streetwear & Born Leaders United @ TBD
BEYOND FESTIVAL CELEBRATION
After a day filled with fashion, art, and game-changing education, it’s time to turn up! Join us at Elrays for the ultimate festival afterparty, where the fashion crew, influencers, and creatives all come together to celebrate the culture we just built.
This isn’t just a party—it’s the grand finale of a movement. The energy will be high, the vibes unmatched, and the music on point. Let’s close out the festival the right way—on the dance floor.