Events for Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 12th, 2026.
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
Cedar Rapids is packed this weekend with something for everyone—from Saturday’s hands-on workshops, story times, and art classes to big events like Hops for Housing, a Titans football game, and live performances across the city. Families can enjoy kid-friendly activities and creative classes, while the evening brings music, theater, and even a public astronomy night. On Sunday, keep it going with a pancake breakfast, bingo at NewBo, a community 5K, art workshops, and live entertainment like a Beatles tribute show—making it a full weekend of community, creativity, and fun.
A big shoutout to our sponsors, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust and Gutschmidt Properties for helping make Cedar Rapids Daily possible and supporting all the amazing things happening in our community.
🌧️ Saturday, April 11th (Showers likely, 58°/54°)
📚 Education, Classes & Workshops
Makerspace Open Hours
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1 – 4 p.m.
Location: Marion Public Library
Cost: Free
About: Explore creative tools like 3D printers and Cricut machines in this open, hands-on space.Portraits in Bloom with Mykael Leigh
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: NewBo City Market
Cost: Varies
About: A hands-on photography workshop focused on mastering lighting techniques.Gardening Advice Office Hours
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Marion Public Library
Cost: Free
About: Get expert gardening advice from local Master Gardeners in a drop-in setting.Creative Writing Class – Writing Poetry for Others
Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
Location: Tree of Liminality
Cost: Varies
About: Learn to write meaningful, personalized poetry through listening and creative exercises.Coffee & Code: Networking and Collaboration
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Groundswell Cafe
Cost: Free
About: Connect with others in tech while working on projects in a casual, collaborative space.Nikki’s April Card Class
Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Scrapmania
Cost: $34 total
About: Create handmade cards with guided instruction and take-home kits.Pressed Flower Resin Trinket Tray Workshop
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: The Painted Butterfly
Cost: Varies
About: Design and craft a decorative resin tray using pressed flowers.
👨👩👧 Family & Kids
Saturday Story Time
Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Cedar Rapids Public Library
Cost: Free
About: A fun storytime that promotes early literacy and engagement for kids.The Mermaid Princess Story Time
Time: 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Location: Hiawatha Public Library
Cost: Free
About: A magical themed storytime experience for young children.Orange Track Racing
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Grace Street Church
Cost: $0.25 per car (max $5)
About: Race toy cars in a fun and competitive environment for all ages.Preschool Trail Trekkers: Seasons Exploration
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Location: Indian Creek Nature Center
Cost: $5
About: A sensory-based outdoor exploration experience for preschoolers.Kids Macrame Class
Time: 1 – 2 p.m.
Location: Sweet Mercantile CR
Cost: $20
About: Kids learn basic macrame techniques to create their own project.Catapult Workshop
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Make/Believe CR
Cost: $5
About: Build and test your own mini catapult in this interactive activity.
🎨 Arts, Culture & Creative Events
Red Cedar Chamber Performance – Reunion Redux
Time: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Marion Public Library
Cost: Free
About: Enjoy a live chamber music performance in an intimate setting.Artist Forum
Time: 2 – 5 p.m.
Location: DKW Art Gallery & Studios
Cost: Free
About: A relaxed gathering for artists to connect, share, and collaborate.Art After Hours
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
Cost: $10
About: A casual adult art studio session with no instruction—just creativity.Dishonorable Discharge: A Solo Fashion Show
Time: 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
Cost: Varies
About: A creative fashion showcase with a pop-up bar and live presentation.
🎭 Performances & Entertainment
Descendants The Musical
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: Marion High School
Cost: Varies
About: A musical about the children of Disney villains choosing their own paths.Masterworks V
Time: 7:30 – 9 p.m.
Location: Paramount Theatre
Cost: Varies
About: A symphony performance featuring Nordic classical works.SPT Theatre: Old Enough to Serve
Time: 8 – 11 p.m.
Location: SPT Theatre
Cost: Varies
About: A mix of comedy sketches and theatrical performances.IMF Wrestling: Cyber Slam!
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Backyard BBQ Iowa
Cost: Varies
About: Live wrestling matches with fan interaction and championship bouts.
🎉 Festivals, Fundraisers & Community Events
Best in Yard: A Pet Day Pawty
Time: 12 – 4 p.m.
Location: Kingston Yard
Cost: Free
About: Celebrate National Pet Day with contests, vendors, and a pet parade.Adult Easter Egg Hunt (21+)
Time: 3 – 8 p.m.
Location: Bloomsbury Farm
Cost: $23.54
About: A fun adult-only Easter event with prizes and drinks.Hops for Housing
Time: 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Ushers Ferry Historic Village
Cost: $45–$50
About: A fundraiser featuring tastings, music, and auctions.I Know Jack Annual Fundraiser
Time: 7 – 11 p.m.
Location: TBD
Cost: Varies
About: A fundraising event featuring live music and community support.Dogs Forever Annual Fundraiser
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Dogs Forever
Cost: Free
About: A garage sale fundraiser supporting animal rescue surgeries.Cedar Boat Club Spring Auction
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Location: The Double Z Bar & Grill
Cost: Varies
About: Auction benefiting local fireworks funding.
🏃 Health, Wellness & Sports
Spring Renewal Yoga Event
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Illuminations Cedar Rapids
Cost: Varies
About: A full-day retreat focused on renewal, balance, and growth.Cedar Amateur Astronomers Public Night
Time: 8 – 9 p.m.
Location: Eastern Iowa Observatory
Cost: Free
About: Learn about space and observe the night sky through telescopes.Cedar Rapids Titans Game
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Alliant Energy PowerHouse
Cost: Varies
About: Watch exciting indoor football action with a lively crowd.
🎶 Music, Nightlife & Gaming
Mary Runyan Band
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: North Point
Cost: Varies
About: Enjoy live music with a fun crowd atmosphere.Brayden Hammer Live
Time: 7 – 10 p.m.
Location: The Shack Tavern
Cost: Free
About: Live country and modern music with river views.Dickie & Ian Landuyt
Time: 7 p.m. (show 8 p.m.)
Location: Ideal Theater & Bar
Cost: Varies
About: A live recorded performance by local musicians.Saturday Night Music: Tangle Creek
Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
Location: Cedar Ridge Distillery
Cost: Free
About: Live music spanning rock, country, and Americana.The George Jazz Trio
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Campbell Steele Gallery
Cost: $10
About: A classic jazz performance with food and drinks available.Open Swim Party
Time: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Location: Otis’ Tailgators
Cost: Varies
About: Late-night swim and music event.Weekly Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Local game store
Cost: Varies
About: Competitive card tournament open to all skill levels.
⛈️ Sunday, April 12th (Storms possible, 74°/63°)
🍳 Community & Social
Lions Annual Pancake Breakfast
Time: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Otter Creek Area Lions Club
Cost: Freewill donation
About: A community breakfast fundraiser supporting local causes.Sunday Bingo at NewBo City Market
Time: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: NewBo City Market
Cost: Free
About: Play bingo and win prizes in a fun market setting.50+ Singles Mixer
Time: 3 – 5 p.m.
Location: Kingston’s Steakhouse
Cost: $25
About: A social mixer for singles with games and conversation.
🎨 Arts, Classes & Hobbies
Crocheting for Adults
Time: 2 – 3 p.m.
Location: NewBo City Market
Cost: Varies
About: Learn crochet basics and create a beginner project.Watercolor Workshop: Apple Blossoms
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Location: Indian Creek Nature Center
Cost: $32–$40
About: Paint spring flowers in a beginner-friendly class.Moss Wall Art Workshop
Time: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Location: Moss Plant Shop
Cost: $75
About: Create framed moss artwork using natural materials.
🏃 Health, Wellness & Outdoors
Abbi’s Hope in Motion 5K
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Location: Noelridge Park
Cost: Varies
About: A community 5K honoring Abbi Smith and supporting local causes.Drum Circle & Guided Imagery
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Location: Prairiewoods
Cost: Free ($15 suggested)
About: Participate in a relaxing and rhythmic group drum session.Queer Yoga
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: Breathing Room Yoga
Cost: Free/donation
About: An inclusive yoga session focused on movement and connection.
🎭 Entertainment & Performances
An Evening with The Fab Four
Time: 2:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Location: Paramount Theatre
Cost: Varies
About: A Beatles tribute show recreating iconic songs.Never Miss a Sunday Show
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Old Neighborhood Pub
Cost: Varies
About: A live funk-inspired performance to end the weekend.Bingo at Basix
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: Basix
Cost: Varies
About: A lively bingo night hosted with entertainment.
🛍️ Markets, Expos & Community Activities
Community Plant Exchange
Time: 2 – 4 p.m.
Location: Marion Public Library
Cost: Free (bring a plant)
About: Trade plants with others in a community exchange.Midwest Antique & Art Show
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Hawkeye Downs Expo Center
Cost: $10
About: Browse antiques, collectibles, and vintage goods.Cafe Pear at The Glittering Pear
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: The Glittering Pear
Cost: Free
About: Enjoy complimentary coffee and donuts while shopping.
🎥 Ongoing Weekend Events
Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival
Time: 12:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Collins Road Theatres
Cost: Varies
About: A showcase of films from Iowa-connected creators.Friends of the Cedar Rapids Public Library Book Sale
Time: 1 – 5 p.m.
Location: Cedar Rapids Public Library
Cost: Free entry
About: Shop discounted books while supporting literacy programs.Jazz Weekend @ Kirkwood
Time: Through 4 p.m.
Location: Ballantyne Auditorium
Cost: $0–10
About: A weekend celebration of jazz performances inspired by New Orleans.
Special Thanks
A big shoutout to our sponsors, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust and Gutschmidt Properties.
With five convenient locations across the greater Cedar Rapids area and yes, the best cookies on the planet, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust is a place where relationships and service truly matter. From personal to business banking, CRBT is here to support you every step of the way. Come meet the People you can bank on at crbt.bank. Member FDIC
Employee-owned and tenant-focused, Gutschmidt Properties creates sustainable spaces that make a real community impact. From studios and sleeping rooms in their historic Smyth House, to both their old and new homes as part of the Rainbow Road project just off I‑380, or flexible commercial space at Averill House in downtown Cedar Rapids, they may have just the place for you. Every house has a story—write yours in one of their homes. Learn more at gutschmidtproperties.com.
Thank you for being part of the Cedar Rapids Daily community. We can’t wait to see you at these events! Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring.
Warm regards,
The Cedar Rapids Daily Team
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