CLINTON, IOWA (July 31, 2026) — Paint it Back is coming to Downtown Clinton in 2026 starting a bold new chapter. After three years of transforming a former anchor, now vacant building in the Lyons District into a colorful open-air gallery, Paint It Back is taking the public art movement to a new location in Downtown Clinton.
From August 18–22, 2026, a full line-up of artists will take over a new block of Downtown Clinton, the intersection of 6th Avenue South and South 2nd Street, turning three walls into vibrant stories through large-scale murals, creativity, and collaboration.
“Paint it Back has always been about more than painting walls. It’s about showing what happens when artists and a community dream together,” said Gabi Torres, co-founder.
“After seeing the incredible response over the last three years, we listened to the call to bring the energy to another part of Clinton.”
The transformation officially begins Tuesday, August 18, as artists start sketching and bringing their visions to life. Throughout the week, the public is invited to watch the walls evolve from blank spaces into works of art.
The celebration continues Thursday, August 20, as Paint It Back partners with Music on the Avenue for a special Downtown edition. The evening will feature live music by The Stockwells, mural painting, community gathering, and the showing of the Paint It Back documentary short film once the sun goes down. There will be a full lineup of food trucks as well that night. It’s a regular Music on the Avenue just moved to the intersection of South 2nd Street and 6th Avenue South.
“Downtown Clinton is very excited to host Paint it Back. Our district covers 16 blocks, and we are always looking for ways to bring programming to all of our blocks. Being able to move Music on the Avenue and then help put on the Saturday festival, helps us bring people to all of our Downtown,” said Megan Dove, Downtown Director.
The week reaches its grand finale on Saturday, August 22, with the Paint It Back Block Party — the community celebration everyone has come to love.
Visitors can expect:
- Live mural painting and the final touches from artists;
- Food trucks and local vendors;
- 12-4 Kids Zone. Activities include painting pavers, painting a giant kids wall, painting spray cans, chalk art, face-painting, and other booths;
- 12-6 Art + Fashion Market and creative experiences. Ten art boutiques will popup selling custom made or curated items;
- 12-3 DJ;
- 3-4: Live Music by Drama Major;
- 4:30-6 PiB Fashion Show by Wright House of Fashion. Show will feature a 90s rap DJ, 30 plus outfits showcased, and more;
- 6:30-7:30: Live Music by High Five Sinners:
- 8-9: Live Music by Malortians;
- Community activities around the festival;
- Car Show: Cruise In; and
- 2-7PM: The Street Art Battle, where two visiting artists go head-to-head creating on the same theme and palette for the ultimate public art showdown. Features Stick Mang and Other Dude.
Paint It Back invites everyone to experience the magic of watching a city block transform in real time.
Three years ago, one forgotten space became a gallery. In 2026, a new corner of Clinton becomes the canvas.
Follow along as Paint it Back brings color, creativity, and community to Downtown Clinton.
Visit paintitback.org and Facebook for more information.
Paint it Back 2026
August 18–22, 2026
New walls. Same energy. A bigger canvas.
