Events for Friday, August 21st, 2026.

Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉

Welcome to Cedar Rapids Daily, your quick guide to everything happening across Eastern Iowa! In today’s episode for Friday, August 21, we’re highlighting wellness activities, family fun, library and learning opportunities, outdoor adventures, live music, local entertainment, an outdoor movie, NASCAR racing, theater, and plenty of ways to kick off the weekend. Whether you’re looking to get active, explore nature, enjoy a night of music, spend time with the family, discover something new, or cheer on local racers, Cedar Rapids Daily helps you find what’s happening across Eastern Iowa—in five minutes or less.

A big shoutout to our sponsors, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust for helping make Cedar Rapids Daily possible and supporting all the amazing things happening in our community.

☀️ Cedar Rapids Daily
Friday, August 21

🌤️ FORECAST

Slight chance of storms with a high of 83° and a low of 63°. Keep an eye on the skies, but there are plenty of great ways to enjoy your Friday across Eastern Iowa!

⭐ TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

🎵 Rock the Block 2026
🕕 6–8 p.m. | NewBo City Market | FREE
Kick off the weekend with free live music from The Invisible Band on the Bankers Trust Stage. Grab dinner from Market Shopkeepers, enjoy a drink, and relax in the Market Yard.

🎬 Movies on the Move: Jurassic World Rebirth
🕖 7–10 p.m. | Lowe Park Playground, Marion | FREE
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and favorite snacks for an outdoor movie night complete with yard games and family activities.

🏁 NASCAR Local Racing Championship Night
🕖 7–10 p.m. | Hawkeye Downs Speedway | $0–$15
Experience an exciting night of local racing as drivers compete under the NASCAR Local Racing Series, with children 8 and under admitted free with a paid adult.

🎸 One Night of Queen
🕢 7:30 p.m. | Paramount Theatre | Ticketed
Gary Mullen & The Works bring the music, energy, and theatrical spirit of Queen to life with favorites like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are the Champions, and Another One Bites the Dust.

🎶 Kris Lager
🚪 Doors 7 p.m. | 🎤 Show 8 p.m. | Ideal Theater Bar & Grill | $20 + fees
Enjoy a high-energy night of blues, soul, funk, and rock as Kris Lager returns to Cedar Rapids for an all-ages show.

🌿 HEALTH & WELLNESS

💪 Geri-Fit
🕗 8–8:45 a.m. & 1–1:45 p.m. | Ely Public Library | FREE
Adults 60 and over can improve strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility in this welcoming wellness class.

👶 Baby & Me Yoga Summer Series
🕚 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Toula Yoga | $20 drop-in or series pricing
A gentle postpartum yoga class designed to help moms reconnect with their bodies, bond with their babies, and build community.

🌲 Mini Explorer Hiking Club
🕥 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Indian Creek Nature Center | $3–$5 adults; kids FREE
Families with children from birth through school age are invited for a fun, family-friendly hike through nature.

🙏 Active Hope for Troubling Times Retreat
🕡 Begins at 6:30 p.m. | Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center | Registration required
This weekend retreat offers reflection, community, rituals, movement, and time in nature for those navigating personal or global challenges.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY & KIDS

🧩 Senior Citizens Day Drop-In
🕘 9 a.m.–7 p.m. | Ely Public Library | FREE
Stop in and create a custom card for a senior citizen in your life.

🤠 Little Pioneers
🕚 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Ushers Ferry Historic Village | Ticket information not provided
Young explorers can experience hands-on activities, stories, crafts, games, and old-fashioned chores inspired by life in an early Iowa town.

🎯 NERF Night for Kids Ages 7–12
🕔 5–7 p.m. | Hiawatha Public Library | FREE
Get ready for an evening of foam-filled fun at the library.

🥷 Little Ninja Warrior Class
🕔 5–7 p.m. | Line Drive Sports Complex | Registration required
Kids ages 2–7 can run, climb, jump, and balance their way through an exciting obstacle course.

🐠 Disney's Finding Nemo JR.
🕢 7:30–9 p.m. | Giving Tree Theater | Ticketed
Dive into a colorful underwater adventure as young performers bring Marlin, Nemo, and their unforgettable journey to the stage.

📚 LEARNING, BOOKS & LIBRARIES

🧩 Puzzle Lovers, This One's for You!
🕘 9–10 a.m. | Hiawatha Public Library | FREE
Finished your latest puzzle? Stop by to find your next challenge.

🍽️ Encore Café
🕦 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Marion Public Library | Registration required
Enjoy a nutritious, dietitian-reviewed meal along with activities and educational opportunities designed to support health and social connection.

🛠️ MakerSpace Open Hours
🕛 12–3 p.m. | Marion Public Library | FREE
Explore creative technology including 3D printers, Cricut machines, heat presses, and more.

✍️ Community Writers Circle
🕐 1–2 p.m. | Hiawatha Public Library | FREE
Connect with fellow writers and spend time developing your creative work.

📖 Author Signing: Steven R. Southard
🕑 2–5 p.m. | Swamp Fox Bookstore | FREE to attend
Meet Cedar Rapids science-fiction author Steven R. Southard and learn about his stories exploring life, culture, and conflict on the ocean.

🃏 Friday Afternoon Magic
🕝 2:30–4:30 p.m. | Cedar Rapids Public Library | FREE
Play Magic: The Gathering or Pokémon, meet other players, learn the games, and build your deck with free common and uncommon cards.

🪟 Gallery Talk: Grant Wood's Memorial Window
🕚 11–11:30 a.m. | Veterans Memorial Building | FREE
Learn about Grant Wood's towering stained-glass Memorial Window and the history behind this tribute to veterans.

🎨 ARTS, MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

🎤 Pop-Up Acts in the Artway: Isaac Scott
🕕 6–8 p.m. | Uptown Artway, Marion | FREE
Enjoy a free evening of live music in Uptown Marion featuring local and regional performers.

🎸 The Remains
🕕 6–9 p.m. | Cedar Ridge Distillery | Ticket information not provided
Enjoy live music and a beautiful Iowa summer evening with The Remains.

🎵 The Coolerators
🕖 7–10 p.m. | Event details provided through Giving Tree Theater | Ticket information not provided
Enjoy an evening of live entertainment as part of Friday's busy local music scene.

🏆 SPORTS & ACTIVE FUN

🎳 Heroes Appreciation Night
🕔 5–9 p.m. | Spare Time Cedar Rapids | FREE for eligible heroes with RSVP
First responders, healthcare workers, military members, dispatchers, and other hometown heroes can enjoy free bowling, shoe rental, laser tag, and more. RSVP and ID are required.

🖼️ EXPLORE CEDAR RAPIDS

🎨 Free Summer Admission at Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
📍 Cedar Rapids Museum of Art | FREE
Explore the museum's galleries for free through August 30 as part of the annual Free Summer Admission Program.

Special Thanks

A big shoutout to our sponsor: Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust.

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

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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