Events for Saturday, January 17th & Sunday, January 18th, 2026

Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉

Cold temps, hot events! This weekend features maker swaps, markets, art exhibits, family fun, live music, sports, and big community gatherings across Cedar Rapids. Bundle up and get out—there’s something happening all day Saturday, January 17th and Sunday, January 18th.

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.

❄️ SATURDAY, JANUARY 17

Forecast: Slight chance of snow | High 13° | Low 2°

🛍️ Markets, Swaps & Shopping

Homemakers & Homesteaders Swap

Time: 9:00–10:30 AM
Location: NewBo City Market
Price: $5
Description: Swap five handmade items with fellow makers in this community-focused exchange.

Immigrant-Owned Business Market

Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: NewBo City Market
Price: Free
Description: Shop handmade goods and support immigrant-owned local businesses.

HEY Cotton Gallery Warehouse Sale

Time: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: 4490 8th Ave, Marion
Price: Free entry (items $1–$3+)
Description: Deep discounts on apparel, including closeout and local school designs.

🎨 Arts, Culture & Classes

Mata Ortiz Ceramics

Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Price: Museum admission
Description: Contemporary Mexican pottery inspired by ancient ceramic traditions.

From the Outside Looking In: Interior Spaces in Art

Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Price: Museum admission
Description: An exploration of interior spaces as artistic subjects.

Curtain Up: 100 Years of Theatre Cedar Rapids

Time: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: The History Center Museum
Price: Museum admission
Description: Celebrating a century of Theatre Cedar Rapids history.

Saturday Open Studio

Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
Price: $5 non-members / Free members
Description: Creative open studio time for students in grades K–12.

Willow Star Wreath Workshop

Time: 10:00–11:30 AM
Location: Wickiup Hill Learning Center
Price: Not listed
Description: Learn willow weaving techniques and make a star-shaped wreath.

Artist Forum

Time: 2:00–5:00 PM
Location: DKW Art Gallery & Studios
Price: Free
Description: Casual artist meet-up for all skill levels.

Kid N Canvas: Fish

Time: 1:00–2:00 PM
Location: Sweet Mercantile
Price: $20
Description: Guided painting class for kids ages 8–16.

📚 Education & Community

Dolly Parton’s Birthday Party

Time: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Cedar Rapids Public Library
Price: Free
Description: Family-friendly celebration with storytime, dancing, and activities.

English Practice Conversation Group

Time: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Location: Ladd Library
Price: Free
Description: Casual English conversation practice for adults.

Learn & Practice English

Time: 12:00–1:00 PM
Location: Ladd Library
Price: Free
Description: Facilitated English learning session for all proficiency levels.

Crocheting, Knitting Loom & Friendship

Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Olivet Presbyterian Church
Price: Free
Description: Learn or share knitting and crocheting skills.

🧘 Health, Wellness & Fitness

Pints & Pilates

Time: 9:30 AM
Location: Big Grove Brewery
Price: Not listed
Description: Pilates workout followed by a beer.

National Skating Month – Free Public Skate

Time: 12:00–4:30 PM
Location: ImOn Ice Arena
Price: Free
Description: Free public skating and rentals while supplies last.

🎲 Games & Hobbies

Lorwyn Eclipse PreRelease

Time: 12:00–4:00 PM
Location: First Turn Games
Price: $35
Description: Magic: The Gathering prerelease tournament.

Weekly Yu-Gi-Oh! Tournament

Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Turtle Power Games (Lindale Mall)
Price: Not listed
Description: Weekly competitive Yu-Gi-Oh! play for all skill levels.

🎶 Music, Nightlife & Entertainment

Up N’ Smokin’ Open Jam

Time: 5:00–9:00 PM
Location: Up In Smoke BBQ
Price: Free
Description: Live music, jam sessions, BBQ, and happy hour.

All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Buffet

Time: 5:00–9:00 PM
Location: Up In Smoke BBQ
Price: $20
Description: Unlimited BBQ favorites.

GT Arenacross AMA Championship Series

Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Alliant Energy PowerHouse
Price: Ticketed
Description: High-energy indoor motocross racing.

Dancing with the Saints: Season 10

Time: 5:00 PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids
Price: Ticketed
Description: Dance competition supporting Xavier Catholic Schools.

Cold Shock 2

Time: 7:00–9:00 PM
Location: CSPS Hall
Price: Ticketed
Description: Midwest underground death metal showcase.

Ideal Idol Vol. V

Time: 7:00–11:00 PM
Location: Ideal Theater & Bar
Price: $5 to compete / Free to attend
Description: Karaoke competition with a $1,000 grand prize.

Karl Hudson (Live Music)

Time: 7:00–10:00 PM
Location: The Shack Tavern
Price: Free
Description: Live music with river views and bar favorites.

Matthew Kane & The Band

Time: 8:00–11:00 PM
Location: North Point
Price: Free
Description: Live band performance.

Glow Lab Play Action Park

Time: 8:00–11:00 PM
Location: Play Lab Action Park
Price: $19.99
Description: Black-light fun with live DJ.

🏒 Sports

Cedar Rapids RoughRiders vs. Waterloo Black Hawks

Time: 7:05 PM
Location: ImOn Ice Arena
Price: Ticketed
Description: USHL hockey action.

☃️ SUNDAY, JANUARY 18

Forecast: Slight chance of snow | High 22° | Low 1°

🛍️ Markets & Events

Cedar Rapids Card & Collectible Show

Time: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids
Price: Not listed
Description: Sports cards, TCGs, and collectibles marketplace.

Chili Cook-Off

Time: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
Location: Parlor City Pub & Eatery
Price: $1 per taste
Description: Sample chili from local restaurants and vote for your favorite.

🎭 Arts & Culture

Die Fledermaus

Time: 2:00–4:30 PM
Location: Paramount Theatre
Price: Ticketed
Description: A lively operetta presented by Cedar Rapids Opera.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family & Community

Sunday Bingo at NewBo

Time: 12:00–1:30 PM
Location: NewBo City Market
Price: Free
Description: Free bingo with prizes.

Grandma’s Storytime

Time: 2:00–3:30 PM
Location: Lindale Mall
Price: Free
Description: Stories, crafts, and fun for kids ages 2–8.

Sensory Night

Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Play Lab Action Park
Price: $10
Description: Sensory-friendly play with reduced lights and sound.

🎮 Games & Hobbies

January Pokémon League Challenge

Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Coulee Cards & Gaming
Price: $10
Description: Competitive Pokémon tournament with prizes.

🎶 Music & Nightlife

Fork in the Road (Live Music)

Time: 6:00–9:00 PM
Location: Old Neighborhood Pub
Price: Free
Description: Classic rock and blues performed live.

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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