Events for Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉 From yoga and meditation to trivia, live music, crafting, and community gatherings, January 8th is packed with great ways to get out, connect, and have fun around town—there’s truly something for everyone today.
A big shoutout to our sponsors, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, Gutschmidt Properties, and Jean’s Team with CMG Home Loans, for helping make Cedar Rapids Daily possible and supporting all the amazing things happening in our community.
🌧️ Weather
Forecast: Rain likely | High 47° | Low 34°
📚 Library & Educational Events
Design a Bookmark
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Ely Public Library
Price: Free
Description: Drop in anytime to design custom bookmarks to take home.
Preschool Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Ely Public Library
Price: Free
Description: Stories, songs, and crafts for ages 3–5 (siblings welcome).
Sensory Story Time
Time: 10:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Cedar Rapids Public Library
Price: Free
Description: Story time designed for children with sensory needs using low lights and reduced sounds.
Silent Book Club
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Ely Public Library
Price: Free
Description: Bring a book, enjoy a hot cocoa, and read quietly together.
Trivia at the Library
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Hiawatha Public Library
Price: Free
Description: A fun, interactive trivia night full of laughs and friendly competition.
Family LEGO Challenge Night
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Ladd Library
Price: Free
Description: Families work together using random LEGO sets to complete fun challenges.
🧘 Health, Wellness & Support
Tai Chi for Well-Being
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Hiawatha Public Library
Price: Free
Description: Tai Chi session focused on balance, flexibility, and overall wellness.
Wellness Initiative for Senior Education (WISE)
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Hiawatha Public Library
Price: Free
Description: Educational and social program celebrating life for older adults.
Good Time Social
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia
Price: Free
Description: Social gathering for caregivers and those they care for, with games and refreshments.
Metta Yoga (Gentle Yoga)
Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Location: Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
Price: $15 drop-in (passes available)
Description: Gentle, meditative yoga for all levels.
Metta Yoga (Chair Yoga)
Time: 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
Location: Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
Price: $15 drop-in (passes available)
Description: Accessible chair yoga focused on relaxation and mobility.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Info Session
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Online (Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center)
Price: Free
Description: Learn about an 8-week mindfulness program focused on stress reduction.
🎨 Arts, Crafts & Creative
Daytime Knit Wits
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Marion Public Library
Price: Free
Description: Social knitting and crafting time for all skill levels.
Winter Art Night: Marbled Notecards
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Tanager Expressive Arts
Price: Not listed
Description: Creative art session exploring marbling techniques and sensory engagement.
Opening Reception: “Rural Revival” by Emily Davis
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Iowa Ceramics Center & Glass Studio
Price: Free
Description: Gallery reception and artist talk featuring new ceramic work.
👨👩👧👦 Kids & Teens
Symphony Kids
Time: 10:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Marion Public Library
Price: Free
Description: Interactive music program for families in partnership with Orchestra Iowa.
(Teens) Board & Card Games
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Ely Public Library
Price: Free
Description: Casual game night for teens featuring classic and new games.
💼 Career & Learning
How to Impress at Your Job Interview
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Ladd Library
Price: Free
Description: Interview skills workshop with a $10 Goodwill voucher for participants.
English Practice Conversation Group
Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Ladd Library
Price: Free
Description: Casual English conversation practice led by a facilitator.
🎲 Games, Trivia & Social Fun
55+ Game Day
Time: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Bridge Senior Center
Price: Free
Description: Card and board games for adults 55+, including Euchre and Scrabble.
Pinsanity! Pinball Tournament
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: First Turn Games
Price: $6
Description: Competitive pinball tournament with multiple rounds.
K-Pop Demon Hunters Trivia Night
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Spare Time Entertainment
Price: Free
Description: Pop-culture trivia night with prizes and costumes encouraged.
🎭 Performing Arts & Live Events
Ideal Idol Vol. V
Time: 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Ideal Theater & Bar
Price: $5 to compete; free to attend
Description: Karaoke competition series with a $1,000 grand prize.
TellersBridge Live Storytelling: “Contrary”
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Parlor City Pub & Eatery
Price: Not listed
Description: Live storytelling event with open mic participation.
2026 West Side Delegation Preview Concert
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Jefferson High School
Price: Free (donations welcome)
Description: High-energy student performance featuring rock and alternative music.
🎶 Music, Nightlife & Social
Grand Opening: The Martini Lounge
Time: 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Location: The Martini Lounge
Price: Free
Description: Celebrate a new location with special drinks, cupcakes, and merch.
Sammy’s East Side Jam
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Sammy’s Lounge
Price: Not listed
Description: Live jam session featuring The Mandela Effect.
Palomino at the CR VFW
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: VFW Post 788, Cedar Rapids
Price: $10 cover
Description: Country music and dancing with live band Palomino.
Club Member Wine & Cheese Pick-Up Party
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: WineStyles Cedar Rapids (Edgewood)
Price: Free for members | $10 guests
Description: Wine and cheese tasting for club members and guests.
🛠️ Workshops & Special Events
Intro to Improv
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Groundswell Event Center
Price: Not listed
Description: Six-week improv class teaching foundational skills (18+).
Pour Your Own Epoxy Workshop
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Cedar Ridge Distillery, Swisher
Price: Ticketed (varies)
Description: Create an epoxy wood project with guided instruction.
Ribbon Cutting: Renew Physical Therapy & Wellness
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: 3825 Armar Dr, Marion
Price: Free
Description: Celebrate the grand opening of a new wellness location.
Pokémon Night – Free Play & Trade
Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Turtle Power Games (Lindale Mall)
Price: Free
Description: Weekly Pokémon meetup for casual and competitive players.
Special Thanks
A big shoutout to our sponsors, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, Gutschmidt Properties, and Jean’s Team with CMG Home Loans.
With convenient locations throughout the area, a deep commitment to relationship banking, and the best cookies on the planet, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust is the bank of choice for Cedar Rapids locals. CRBT provides full service commercial and consumer banking as well as trust and asset management services, all while making your banking experience so much more than you expected. Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust: The people you can bank on. Learn more at crbt.bank.
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.
Whether it’s your first house, an investment property, or your dream home, Jean’s Team with CMG Home Loans makes mortgage lending a home run. With competitive rates, great turnaround times, and programs for buyers, sellers, and those looking to refinance, Jean’s Team is ready to step up to the plate for you and make getting a home loan feel like pitching a perfect game, every time. Learn more at cmghomeloans.com/mysite/jean-sellnau. CMG Mortgage, Inc., CMG Home Loans, and CMG Financial, NMLS# 1820, as well as Jean Sellnau, NMLS# 6180, is an equal housing lender.
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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