Events for Friday, April 17th, 2026.
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
Cedar Rapids is buzzing this Friday, April 17th, with a full day of events for all ages—from morning fitness, kids camps, and story times to art workshops, writing groups, and community events. In the evening, enjoy a Kernels baseball game, live music, comedy, theater like The Little Mermaid, or hands-on fun like salsa dancing and game nights. Whether you're looking to stay active, get creative, or enjoy a night out, there’s plenty happening to kick off the weekend.
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.
🌤️ Friday, April 17th
Forecast: Mostly sunny with storms late. High of 80°, low of 42°
☀️ HEALTH, WELLNESS & FAMILY
GERIFIT
🕗 8 – 8:45 a.m. & 🕐 1 – 1:45 p.m.
📍 Ely Public Library
💲 Free
A low-impact fitness class designed to improve strength, balance, and mobility for adults 60+.
INSERVICE CAMP: MYSTERY MOMENTS
🕘 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
📍 Indian Creek Nature Center
💲 $55–$75
Kids will use teamwork and detective skills to solve fun, nature-based mysteries.
POETRY MONTH
🕘 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
📍 Ely Public Library
Celebrate creativity by writing and sharing your own poetry.
BABY & TODDLER STORY TIME
🕤 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
📍 Ladd Library
A short story and song session followed by playtime to build early literacy skills.
TAI CHI FOR OLDER ADULTS
🕙 10 – 11 a.m.
📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library
Learn gentle Tai Chi movements that promote balance, relaxation, and overall wellness.
EXPRESSIVE ARTS WITH TANAGER
🕙 10 – 11 a.m.
📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library
Kids explore emotions and creativity through art, music, and movement.
ART DEN – OPEN STUDIO
🕙 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
📍 Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
💲 $5
A relaxed, all-ages space to create art using provided or personal supplies.
🎨 COMMUNITY, LEARNING & DAYTIME EVENTS
GALLERY TALK: GRANT WOOD'S MEMORIAL WINDOW
🕚 11 – 11:30 a.m.
📍 Veterans Memorial Building
A quick, engaging talk on Grant Wood’s famous stained glass artwork.
ENCORE CAFÉ (Registration Required)
🕦 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
📍 Marion Public Library
Enjoy a nutritious meal paired with social and wellness activities for older adults.
BOOKMARK BAR
🕚 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
📍 Sisters Books & Nooks, LLC
💲 $5
Create your own custom bookmark using vintage and floral materials.
FIBER FRIENDS WOOL GATHERING
🕐 1 – 4 p.m.
📍 Ushers Ferry Historic Village
💲 $24–$28
Kids learn how wool is turned into yarn and make a craft to take home.
COMMUNITY WRITERS CIRCLE
🕐 1 – 2 p.m.
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
An inviting space for adults to write, share, and connect with other writers.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE (Members Only)
🕓 4 – 5 p.m.
📍 Marion Public Library
Shop discounted books while supporting local library programs.
TRIPLE PLAY SIGNING DAY
🕔 5 p.m.
📍 HEA Book Boutique
Meet three authors, enjoy a Q&A, and get your books signed.
⚾ SPORTS & SPECIAL EVENTS
KERNELS BASEBALL vs Quad Cities
🕕 6:05 p.m.
📍 Veterans Memorial Stadium
Catch a night of minor league baseball and hometown energy.
BREAKFAST LAUNCH
🕖 7 – 11 a.m.
📍 Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
Kick off the morning with a special breakfast menu and drinks.
BLOOMS GARDEN CENTER GRAND OPENING
🕘 Starts at 9 a.m.
📍 Blooms Garden Center
Celebrate spring with plants, food specials, and a refreshed garden center.
🎯 GAMES, CLASSES & COMMUNITY FUN
NERF WAR FOR TEENS
🕕 6 – 8 p.m.
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
Teens can battle it out in a fun, organized Nerf arena.
SECRETS OF STRIXHAVEN PRERELEASE
🕔 / 🕕
📍 First Turn Games / RePlay Gaming / Coulee Cards & Gaming
Be among the first to play the newest Magic: The Gathering set.
MAGIC THE GATHERING – LEGACY FORMAT
🕕 6 – 10 p.m.
📍 RePlay Gaming
Play casual or competitive MTG using cards from across all sets.
SALSA BASICS
🕖 7 – 8:30 p.m.
📍 Rootspace Wellness
💲 $25
Learn beginner-friendly salsa steps in a fun, welcoming environment.
🎭 ARTS, COMEDY & EXPERIENCES
OPEN MIC POETRY NIGHT
🕕 6 – 8 p.m.
📍 Tree of Liminality
Share your writing or listen to others in a supportive creative space.
LAUGH LOCAL IV: NADA SCHOOL NIGHT
🕡 6:30 – 10 p.m.
📍 The Ideal Theater & Bar
💲 $14.44
Teachers take the stage for a night of stand-up comedy and storytelling.
MOVIE & CRAFT NIGHT
🕕 6 p.m.
📍 Make/Believe CR
Bring a craft project and relax while watching a movie.
RESILIENCE & RENEWAL RETREAT
🕡 6:30 p.m.
📍 Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
A reflective evening focused on mindfulness, healing, and personal growth.
🎶 LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
MANSION MIXER (1920s BROADWAY THEME)
🕡 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
📍 Brucemore
Step into a 1920s-themed evening exploring women behind Broadway history.
FRIDAY NIGHT MUSIC
🕕 6 – 9 p.m.
📍 Cedar Ridge Distillery
Enjoy live blues music alongside food and drinks in a scenic setting.
LIVE MUSIC – CHAD JOHNSON & LAYNE GOLDSBERRY
🕕 6 – 9 p.m.
📍 The Pines Pizza and Pub
Catch a laid-back evening of live music in a casual atmosphere.
KITES & KARAOKE
🕖 7 – 10 p.m.
📍 Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
Sing your heart out while enjoying specialty drinks and fun vibes.
KINGSTON TIKI PARTY
🕖 7 – 10 p.m.
📍 Kingston’s Steakhouse and Event Venue
A tropical-themed party with drinks, music, and beachy energy.
THE INVISIBLE BAND (JAZZ)
🕖 7 – 10 p.m.
📍 Campbell Steele Gallery & Venue
Enjoy smooth and funky live jazz in an intimate setting.
OCEANA (ACOUSTIC SHOW)
🕢 7:30 p.m.
📍 Opus Concert Café
An intimate acoustic performance focused on storytelling and connection.
SUSHI ROLL (LIVE SHOW)
🕢 7:30 – 10:30 p.m.
📍 Olympic Southside Theater
A high-energy, theatrical cover band performance packed with hits.
FOOL HOUSE: MILLENNIUM TOUR
🕗 8 – 10 p.m.
📍 Alliant Energy PowerHouse
A nostalgic 90s/Y2K concert experience with a full party atmosphere.
THE TALBOTT BROTHERS
🕗 8 – 10 p.m.
📍 CSPS Hall
Enjoy heartfelt Americana music with powerful harmonies.
SUGAR & SPICE TRIO
🕗 8 – 11 p.m.
📍 OTIS' Tailgators Sports Bar
A fun night of live music to kick off your weekend.
JASON CHRISTENSEN FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHT
🕖 7 – 10 p.m.
📍 Old Neighborhood Pub
Local musicians bring a lively night of entertainment and good vibes.
🎭 THEATER
DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID
🕢 7:30 p.m.
📍 Theatre Cedar Rapids
A live stage adaptation of the beloved Disney story under the sea.
SPA-DEE-DAH SISTERHOOD
🕢 7:30 – 10 p.m.
📍 Giving Tree Theater
A comedic Southern story about friendship, resilience, and chasing dreams.
🌙 LATE NIGHT
THE WEAKEST TWINK RETURNS
🕙 10 p.m.
📍 Basix
A high-energy weekly competition blending humor, performance, and nightlife fun.
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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