Events for Thursday, February 26th, 2026.
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
Thursday in Cedar Rapids starts cloudy but fills up fast. Ease into the morning with stretch at Ely Public Library or dive into the AI forum at Coe College. The day rolls on with yoga at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, story times and teen STEAM at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, and cultural talks at the African American Museum of Iowa. By night, catch Guys and Dolls at Theatre Cedar Rapids, a rom-com throwback at Lion Bridge Brewing Company, live music around town, trivia, karaoke, and Restaurant Week specials everywhere you look. From mindful mornings to packed nightlife, Thursday’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.
☁️ Thursday, February 26
Forecast: Clouds early with a high of 42° and a low of 27°.
🌅 Morning Activities
Morning Stretch | 8–9 a.m. | Ely Public Library
Gentle group exercise with yoga elements adaptable to all mobility levels. Bring a mat if you can.
Thursday Forum: From Perception to AI | 8:45–11:30 a.m. | Kesler Lecture Hall, Hickok Hall
Four-part forum series exploring the evolution and societal impact of large language models and AI. $40 series / $12 per lecture.
Standard Java | 10:10–11:10 a.m. | Iowa Hall Stage (Kirkwood)
Coffeehouse-style live music with Kirkwood Music faculty.
National Fairy Tale Day Trivia | 9 a.m.–7 p.m. | Ely Public Library
Drop in anytime to test your fairy tale knowledge.
Muddy Pig Craft | 9 a.m. | Ely Public Library
Celebrate National Pig Day with a fun (not messy!) themed craft.
🧘 Wellness & Support
Metta Yoga (Gentle) | 9:30–10:30 a.m. | Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
Hatha-style yoga linking breath and movement. $15 drop-in or class pass options.
Metta Chair Yoga | 10:45–11:45 a.m. | Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
Accessible chair-based yoga for all abilities.
Tai Chi for Well-Being | 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Hiawatha Public Library
Improve balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness.
Journaling Workshop | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia
Explore journaling techniques and build a personal practice. Registration required.
Caregiver Losses & Grief | 1–2:30 p.m. | DeWolf Innovation Center
Reflect and learn coping strategies for caregiving-related grief.
Grief Share | 2–4 p.m. | Calvary Baptist Church
13-week support series for those grieving a loved one.
55+ Wisdom Circle – Be a Dementia Friend | 1:30–3:30 p.m. | Bridge Senior Center
Become certified as a Dementia Friend and learn how to support those living with dementia.
Caring for Parents with Chronic Conditions | 6:30–8 p.m. | National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library
Support group for adult children caregivers. Registration required.
Intro to Strength & Mobility | 6–7 p.m. | Vella Yoga, Health & Wellness
Beginner-friendly strength training with mobility focus.
👶 Kids, Teens & Families
Preschool Story Time | 10–11 a.m. | Ely Public Library
Stories, songs, and crafts for ages 3–5.
Sensory Story Time | 10–10:30 a.m. | Cedar Rapids Public Library
Low-light, low-sound story time designed for multi-sensory needs.
Teen STEAM | 4–5 p.m. | Cedar Rapids Public Library
Hands-on science, tech, engineering, art & math projects.
Teens: Board & Card Games | 5–7 p.m. | Ely Public Library
Classic and new games for teens.
Rising Aces Softball Pitching Clinic (8–9 yrs) | 6–7 p.m. | D-BAT Marion
Skill-building pitching clinic for young athletes.
Snowshoe Hop or Hike | 5 p.m. | Wickiup Hill Learning Center
Snowshoe or hike depending on conditions. $5 adults / $2.50 kids.
🎨 Arts, Crafts & Culture
Embroiderers’ Guild Demonstrations | 1–3 p.m. | National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library
Live embroidery demonstrations in Rozek Grand Hall.
Large-Scale Cross-Stitch Wall Hanging | 6–7:30 p.m. | Ladd Library
Create an 11x17 pegboard cross-stitch piece. Registration required.
Standing Alone Gallery Closing | 5:30 p.m. | CSPS Hall
Closing reception for David B. Miller’s exhibition.
Sol Butler: An Olympian’s Odyssey – Author Talk | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | African American Museum of Iowa
Historian Brian Hallstoos discusses his new book.
Guys and Dolls | 7:30 p.m. | Theatre Cedar Rapids
Classic Broadway musical comedy.
Creative Artists Open Studio | 5–8 p.m. | Eastern Iowa Arts Academy | $10
Bring your own materials and create alongside other artists.
Macramé Shelf – Cork N’ Canvas | 6 p.m. | The TapHaus (Atkins) | $25
Make a macramé shelf; all supplies included.
🍞 Food, Drinks & Social
The First Rise – Sourdough Basics | 5 p.m. | NewBo City Market
Hands-on sourdough baking class.
Iowa After Hours: Cedar Rapids | 6–7:30 p.m. | Pickle Palace
Networking event for University of Iowa alumni.
Rom Com Movie Night – 10 Things I Hate About You | 5–8 p.m. | Lion Bridge Brewing Company
Trivia, prizes, and nostalgic ’90s vibes.
Theology on Tap | 7–8:30 p.m. | Big Grove Brewery (Cedar Rapids)
Casual faith discussion group.
Thursday Night Karaoke Party | 8–11:45 p.m. | Buchona’s Sports Bar & Grill
BOGO drink for singers.
Rush Cleveland Trio | 7–10 p.m. | J M O’Malley’s | No cover
Sammy’s East Side Jam | 6–9 p.m. | Sammy’s Lounge
Live music with The Mandela Effect.
Palomino (Live Country Music) | 5:30–8:30 p.m. | VFW Post 788 | $10 cover
Cup Night | 8 p.m.–12:30 a.m. | Raging Ryno’s | 21+
🎲 Games & Community Fun
Scrabble Club | 1–4 p.m. | Hiawatha Public Library
For the Love of Plants | 4–5 p.m. | Hiawatha Public Library
English Practice Conversation Group | 4–5 p.m. | Ladd Library
Learn & Practice English | 5–6 p.m. | Ladd Library
Silent Book Club | 6–7 p.m. | Ely Public Library
Tango Práctica | 6–7:30 p.m. | Cedar Rapids Public Library
Disney Lorcana League | 5–7 p.m. | Turtle Power Games – Lindale Mall
Pokémon Night – Free Play & Trade | 5–7 p.m. | Turtle Power Games – Lindale Mall
Bingo – Public Invited | 6–9 p.m. | El Kahir Shrine
Game Night (Think & Drink) | 7 p.m. | Spare Time Entertainment
🎤 Comedy & Special Events
Comedy Night February | 7–8:30 p.m. | The Ideal Theater & Bar | $12.35
Monthly stand-up showcase featuring Mel Mackey.
Cedar Rapids Home Show | 3–6 p.m. (Fri preview; full weekend Feb 27–Mar 1) | Hawkeye Downs Expo Center
Restaurant Week | Feb 24–Mar 1 | Cedar Rapids Region
Special menus at 20+ local restaurants across the area.
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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