Events for Friday, February 20th, 2026.
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
Snow early, high of 35—but Friday in Cedar Rapids is bringing the heat. In this episode, we run through everything from morning wellness at Ely Public Library and movement at Cedar Rapids Public Library to big-stage energy with the RoughRiders facing the Chicago Steel at ImOn Ice Arena. We’ve got live jazz, country, chamber music, drag, theatre, karaoke, fish fries everywhere, Restaurant Week kick-off, and late-night dance floors. Cold outside, packed inside—Friday’s stacked.
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, February 20
Forecast: Chance of snow early | High 35° | Low 18°
🧘 Health & Wellness
GERIFIT | 8–8:45 a.m. & 1–1:45 p.m. | Ely Public Library | FREE
Strength, balance, and mobility class for adults 60+. Helps improve flexibility and reduce risk of osteoporosis.
Tai Chi for Older Adults | 10–11 a.m. | Cedar Rapids Public Library
12-week gentle movement series focused on balance and coordination.
Awakening Awareness of Energy Retreat | 6:30 p.m. | Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center | $195–$255
Women’s retreat exploring the body’s energy centers through meditation and reflection.
👶 Family & Kids
Baby & Toddler Story Time | 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Ladd Library | Free
Stories, songs, and playtime for newborns–age 3.
Expressive Arts with Tanager | 10–11 a.m. | Cedar Rapids Public Library | Free
Creative arts program for Pre-K–2nd grade focused on healing through art.
Introduction to 3D Printing (Teens) | 4–6 p.m. | Hiawatha Public Library | Free
Hands-on intro to 3D printing basics.
2026 Winter Wonderland Gymnastics | 11 a.m. | Alliant Energy PowerHouse
Youth gymnastics competition event.
📚 Education & Community
Cedar Rapids Area Genealogy Library | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Masonic Building | Free
Research your family history with volunteer assistance.
Community Writers Circle | 1–2 p.m. | Hiawatha Public Library | Free
Adult writing group for sharing and feedback.
Teach-In: Local Professors Speak Out | 2–5 p.m. | Cedar Rapids Public Library | Free
Open forum discussion on current issues.
Friday Film Classics | 2–3:30 p.m. | Ely Public Library | Free
Weekly classic movie screening.
🎭 Theatre & Performing Arts
Guys and Dolls | 7:30 p.m. | Theatre Cedar Rapids
Beloved Broadway musical comedy.
Silver Foxes | 7 p.m. | Giving Tree Theater | $30
Contemporary comedy exploring friendship and LGBTQ+ aging.
The Minutes | 7:30 p.m. | Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Theatre
Sharp political satire about small-town power.
Kings of Iowa Drag Revue | 10:30 p.m. | Basix | No Cover
High-energy drag king showcase followed by DJ dance party (21+).
41st Jefferson Show Choir Invitational | 4 p.m. | Jefferson High School
Regional show choir competition fundraiser.
🎶 Live Music & Concerts
Kirkwood Vocal Jazz Festival | Daytime Free | 7:30 p.m. ticketed | Kirkwood Community College
Featuring Jazz Transit and New York Voices. Admission $0–10.
Chamber IV | 7:30 p.m. | Opus Concert Cafe
Chamber music celebrating women composers and Tchaikovsky.
Red Cedar Chamber Music: Return to Roots | 7 p.m. | Fairfax Library
Violin and cello works blending classical and folk traditions.
Friday Night Music – Brittany Sword | 6–9 p.m. | Cedar Ridge Distillery
Alternative pop-rock performance.
The Jason Christensen Trio | 7 p.m. | Campbell Steele Gallery | $10
Live jazz set with limited seating.
Live Music – FM Country | 6–9 p.m. | The Pines Pizza and Pub
Country favorites with Mike Flack & Jeff Mattison.
Fork in the Road | 9 p.m. | Otis’ Tailgators Sports Bar
Classic rock and blues covers.
Finally Friday Music | 4–7 p.m. | CR Midnight Smoker BBQ
Live music and BBQ.
Karaoke | 9 p.m. | The Shack Tavern
Late-night singalong with DJ Mikey Z.
🍽️ Food, Drink & Social
Restaurant Week Begins | Feb 20–Mar 1 | Cedar Rapids Region
Special menus at 20+ local restaurants.
Fish Fry – American Legion | 5–7 p.m. | $15
All-you-can-eat cod dinner (kids under 6 free).
Fish Fry – El Kahir Shrine | 5–7 p.m. | $17 adults
All-you-care-to-eat pollock dinner.
Fish Fry – Whiskey River Grill | 4–9:30 p.m. | $23
All-you-can-eat fried cod.
Knights of Columbus Fish Fry | $15 meals
Multiple dinner options each Friday during Lent.
Honky Tonk Night | 6–8 p.m. | American Legion Post 555
All-ages country music and line dancing.
Czech Tasting | 5–7 p.m. | Benz Beverage Depot
Sample Czech wines, beers, and spirits.
Love Gnome – Cork n’ Canvas | 6 p.m. | 350 First | $35
Guided paint night with supplies included.
Paint Your Partner | 6 p.m. | DKW Gallery
Couples paint night with instructor guidance.
Pink Out – The After Party | 7–10 p.m. | Kingston’s Steakhouse
After-Valentine’s themed party.
🏒 Sports & Special Events
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders vs. Chicago Steel | 7:05 p.m. | ImOn Ice Arena
USHL hockey action.
Dodgeball Tournament | 6:45 p.m. | Jane Boyd Community House | $100/team
18+ co-ed tournament.
Hawkeye Downs Boat, RV & Vacation Show | 3–8 p.m. | Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center
Seasonal outdoor recreation showcase.
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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