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Elray's Live and Dive Tickets
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Upcoming Events at Elray's Live and Dive
Elray's Live and Dive sits in the heart of downtown Iowa City, a multi-room venue acclaimed for hosting hundreds of performances each year across its three distinct spaces: the Live & Dive front room, the Dance Dive back room, and the Disco Dive upstairs. Opened on the site of the former Blue Moose Tap House, Elray's carries forward a tradition of vibrant live music and DJ nights in a flexible, room-based layout designed to keep things feeling intimate and energetic. Whether you’re planning a night of curated live sets or high-energy dancing, you’ll secure your seats and plan ahead with our straightforward guide to seating, parking, transit, and nearby amenities.
Here’s what to expect when visiting Elray's: a two-story venue with fluid spaces for standing and dancing across multiple rooms, downtown Iowa City accessibility, and practical details to help you move from showtime to showtime with ease. We’ve gathered parking options, transit tips, and trusted nearby hotels and dining to simplify your night out.
Elray's is part of Iowa City's lively music scene, drawing crowds for hundreds of performances annually in a venue that blends live music, DJ events, and dance nights. While seating isn’t assigned in fixed sections, the room-based layout makes it easy to find a spot in the moment, whether you’re near the stage or enjoying the energy on the dance floor. For a smooth night, plan your arrival with CAMBUS transit options, check nearby parking ramps for the best rates, and consider a nearby hotel for convenience after a late show. We’re here to help you navigate the scene—think of us as your ticket connection, ready to help you secure your plans and experiences at Elray's.
Venue Overview
- Address: 211 Iowa Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240
- Venue layout: Two-story venue with three rooms — Live & Dive front room, Dance Dive back room, and Disco Dive upstairs
- Capacity: Multi-room setup with standing/dance space across levels; no public fixed seating chart
- Renamed location history: Replaced the former Blue Moose Tap House; documented in local coverage by Daily Iowan
Seating and Capacity
Elray's organizes events by room rather than fixed seating. Expect flexible floor areas for standing and dancing, with sightlines designed to maximize the live and DJ experiences across the front, back, and upstairs spaces. While there isn’t a traditional seating chart, bands and DJs create varied layouts for each show, so arrive early if you want the best vantage points near the stage.
Parking
Downtown Iowa City offers several parking options, including ramps and metered lots. Some ramps offer free the first hour, which can help you keep morning or late-evening costs down. Notable nearby options include the Chauncey Swan Ramp, Capitol Street Ramp, and Court Street Transportation Center. It’s a good idea to check the signage and city parking apps for current rates and time limits before you head out.
Transit
Elray's is served by CAMBUS with additional late-night service via Nite Ride. For real-time planning, use the Transit app to map routes, schedules, and the best drop-off points near 211 Iowa Ave. If you’re staying out late, plan ahead for return options and potential schedule changes on weekends.
Nearby Hotels
Staying nearby is convenient if you’re catching a late show or DJ night. Top options within walking distance or a short drive include:
- Graduate Iowa City — 210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52240. A modern, collegiate-themed hotel with on-site dining and easy access to downtown venues.
- Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown — 255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA 52240. Contemporary lodging with comfortable rooms and a short walk to Elray's and other downtown hotspots.
Nearby Dining and Affiliates
After the show, you’ll find a variety of dining options in the downtown area. For a night-out plan, consider these trusted options, linked to official sites and with convenient hours for late arrivals:
Notable Events & History
Elray's hosts hundreds of performances annually across its three rooms, attracting live music lovers and DJs alike. The venue’s location, previously home to Blue Moose Tap House, represents a continuity of Iowa City’s music culture—now reimagined as Elray's Live and Dive with a multi-room, flexible layout designed to keep energy high and crowds engaged.
Ticketing & Access
For events at Elray's, plan ahead to find the best entry points and movement within the space. If you’re arranging a night out through an affiliate or partner, we can help you secure your spots and provide guidance on arrival timing, parking, and transit.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Address: 211 Iowa Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240.
- Venue type and layout: 2‑story venue with three rooms (Live & Dive front room, Dance Dive back room, Disco Dive upstairs).
- Capacity: public capacity is not publicly published; venue uses multiple rooms with standing/dance space across levels.
- Seating chart: no public seating chart; layout is room-based rather than fixed seating.
- Parking: downtown Iowa City has several parking ramps and metered lots; first hour is often free in some ramps (e.g., Chauncey Swan Ramp, Capitol Street Ramp, Court Street Transportation Center).
- Transit: served by CAMBUS with additional late-night options (Nite Ride); use Transit app for real-time planning.
- Nearby hotels: Graduate Iowa City (210 S Dubuque St) and Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown (255 E Court St).
- Notable events hosted: hundreds of performances per year across three rooms; frequently hosts live music and DJ events; historically opened in the former Blue Moose Tap House location.
- Renaming/history: located at the site previously occupied by Blue Moose Tap House; Daily Iowan notes Elray’s opened in that location to replace Blue Moose.