Events for Thursday, February 12th, 2026.
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
Rain or snow—who cares? Thursday, February 12th in Cedar Rapids is stacked. Think AI talks, powerhouse speakers, Galentine’s parties, live music, karaoke, trivia, and fun for kids and teens all day long. Learn something, sip something, sing something—just don’t stay home.
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.
🌦️ WEATHER
Chance of rain & snow | High 43° | Low 27°
📅 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 — CEDAR RAPIDS AREA EVENTS
🎓 LECTURES, EDUCATION & TALKS
Thursday Forum: From Perception to AI
🕣 8:45–11:30 a.m. | Coe College, Kesler Auditorium (Hickok Hall)
A four-part series exploring the evolution, impact, and real-world use of large language models, presented by Associate Professor Michael Stobb.
💲 $40 series | $12 per lecture (includes coffee & pastries)
Contemporary Issues Forum
🕖 7–8:30 p.m. | Coe College, Sinclair Auditorium
Speaker: Col. Nicole Malachowski (USAF, Ret.), trailblazer, combat veteran, and Thunderbird pilot, sharing leadership and resilience insights.
💲 Pricing not listed
How to Impress at Your Job Interview
🕑 2–3 p.m. | Ladd Library
Practice interview skills and earn a $10 Goodwill voucher.
💲 FREE
Women in Leadership: Galentine’s Get Together
🕦 11:30 a.m. | Mount Mercy Graduate Center
Networking, conversation, and light bites.
💲 FREE
👶 FAMILY, KIDS & TEENS
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday Activities
🕘 9 a.m.–7 p.m. | Ely Public Library
Drop-in crafts and activities celebrating Lincoln.
💲 FREE
Sensory Story Time
🕙 10–10:30 a.m. | Cedar Rapids Public Library
Low-sensory story experience.
💲 FREE
Preschool Story Time
🕙 10–11 a.m. | Ely Public Library
Stories, songs, and crafts (ages 3–5).
💲 FREE
Teen STEAM
🕓 4–5 p.m. | Cedar Rapids Public Library
Hands-on STEAM projects.
💲 FREE
Teen Board & Card Games
🕔 5–7 p.m. | Ely Public Library
Drop-in games and hangout.
💲 FREE
Art from the Heart Teen Hang
🕕 6–8 p.m. | Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
Pizza, art, and creativity for ages 13–18.
💲 FREE
Eco-Explorers: Animal Trail Treasure Hunt
🕐 1–2:30 p.m. | Wickiup Hill Learning Center
Ages 5–7 explore winter animal tracks.
💲 $10
💙 HEALTH, WELLNESS & SUPPORT
Caregiving for Mid-to-Late-Stage Dementia
🕙 10–11:30 a.m. | DeWolf Innovation Center
Six-week caregiver support group.
💲 FREE (registration required)
Caregiver Losses & Grief
🕐 1–2:30 p.m. | DeWolf Innovation Center
Support group focused on grief and change.
💲 FREE (registration required)
Good Time Social (Caregivers)
🕑 2–3:30 p.m. | DeWolf Innovation Center
Social gathering with games and refreshments.
💲 FREE
Tai Chi for Well-Being
🕥 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Hiawatha Public Library
Balance-focused movement.
💲 FREE
Chair Yoga
🕐 1–2 p.m. | Ladd Library
Accessible yoga for all mobility levels.
💲 FREE
Metta Gentle Yoga
🕤 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Prairiewoods
💲 $15 single | punch cards available
Metta Chair Yoga
🕥 10:45–11:45 a.m. | Prairiewoods
💲 $15 single | punch cards available
🎨 ARTS, CULTURE & CREATIVITY
Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power (Film)
🕕 6–7:30 p.m. | African American Museum of Iowa
Documentary screening and discussion.
💲 FREE
Kirkwood Songwriting Studio Showcase
🕖 7–9 p.m. | Kirkwood CC, Ballantyne Auditorium
Student-written and performed songs.
💲 FREE
Second Thursday Art Chat
🕕 6–8 p.m. | Tree of Liminality
Creative discussion and feedback.
💲 $5 suggested donation
The Art & Soul of Contemplative Gardening
🕡 6:30–8 p.m. | Prairiewoods
Three-week reflective gardening series.
💲 $25 series
🍷 GALENTINE’S, VALENTINE’S & SOCIAL EVENTS
Classic Cocktail Prix Fixe Dinner (for Two)
🕠 5:30–8:30 p.m. | Big Grove Brewery
Five courses with cocktail pairings.
💲 $80 per couple
Galentine’s Day at Midtown Reserve
🕔 5–10 p.m. | Midtown Reserve
Champagne, specials, and vibes.
💲 FREE entry
Galentine’s Sip & Shop
🕕 6–8 p.m. | Refined Living
Sips, shopping, gifts, and prizes.
💲 FREE (registration encouraged)
Galentine’s Wine & Chocolate Pairing
🕕 6 p.m. | WineStyles Cedar Rapids
💲 $38 | $33 club members
Galentine’s Store Party
🕓 4–7 p.m. | Maurices
Styling, snacks, and gifts with purchase.
💲 FREE
🎲 GAMES, MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
Ideal Idol Vol. V
🕖 7–11 p.m. | Ideal Theater & Bar
Karaoke competition with $1,000 prize.
💲 $5 to compete | FREE to watch
TellersBridge: “First Love” Storytelling
🕖 7 p.m. | Parlor City Pub & Eatery
Live personal storytelling.
💲 FREE
Palomino (Live Country Music)
🕠 5:30–8:30 p.m. | VFW Post 788
💲 $10 cover
Thursday Night Karaoke
🕗 8–11:45 p.m. | Buchona’s
Sing and get BOGO drink deals.
💲 FREE
Bingo – Public Invited
🕕 6–9 p.m. | El Kahir Shrine
💲 $6 entry packet
Romantic Films Trivia Night
🕖 7 p.m. | Spare Time Entertainment
💲 FREE
🎮 GAMES & SPORTS
TCG Trade Night
🕔 5–7 p.m. | Turtle Power Games
💲 FREE
Pokémon Night: Free Play & Trade
🕔 5–7 p.m. | Turtle Power Games
💲 FREE
Dedicated Doubles Pickleball
🕕 6–8 p.m. | Backyard BBQ Iowa
💲 $20 per team
Adult Pickup Basketball
🕗 8–9 p.m. | Palo Community Center
💲 Pricing not listed
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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