Events for Friday, July 17th, 2026.
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
Welcome to Cedar Rapids Daily for Friday, July 17! Today's forecast calls for a slight chance of storms with a high of 92° and a low of 73°, so keep an eye on the sky as you plan your day. In this episode, we'll highlight the best events happening across Eastern Iowa—from family-friendly library programs, kayaking adventures, and creative workshops to live music, community festivals, museum activities, and Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball. Whether you're looking for something free, planning a date night, or searching for weekend fun with the kids, we've gathered everything you need to make the most of your Friday in just a few minutes.
A big shoutout to our sponsors, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust for helping make Cedar Rapids Daily possible and supporting all the amazing things happening in our community.
☀️ Cedar Rapids Daily | Friday, July 17
Forecast: Slight chance of storms with a high of 92° and a low of 73°. Keep an eye on the sky as scattered storms are possible later in the day, but there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor concerts, family activities, library programs, baseball, and community events across Eastern Iowa.
🌿 Health & Wellness
💪 GeriFit
⏰ 8:00–8:45 a.m. & 12:00–12:45 p.m.
📍 Ely Public Library
💲 Free
Improve strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility in this fitness class designed for adults 60 and older.
☕ Encore Café
⏰ 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 Marion Public Library
💲 Registration required
Enjoy a nutritious lunch, social connection, and wellness activities through this nationally recognized senior program.
👶 Baby & Me Yoga
⏰ 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
📍 Toula Yoga
💲 $20 drop-in or $78 series
Postpartum moms and babies can reconnect through gentle movement, relaxation, and community.
👨👩👧 Family & Kids
🎣 Fish & Float Fridays
⏰ 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
📍 Ushers Ferry Historic Village
💲 Registration required
Kids can kayak through the backwaters while enjoying a morning of fishing and outdoor adventure.
📚 Baby & Toddler Story Time
⏰ 9:30–10:30 a.m.
📍 Ladd Library
💲 Free
Stories, songs, and playtime designed to build early literacy skills.
🎨 Expressive Arts with Tanager
⏰ 10:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library
💲 Free
Young children explore creativity through music, movement, theater, and visual arts.
🎤 K-Pop Demon Huntress Story Time & Singalong
⏰ 10:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
💲 Free
A lively story time celebrating K-pop and imaginative adventures.
📖 Your Library at Daniels Park
⏰ 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
📍 Daniels Park
💲 Free
Story time, books, games, giveaways, and the Mobile Technology Lab visit the park.
🎨 Craft & Create
⏰ 2:00–2:30 p.m.
📍 Ely Public Library
💲 Free
Make a fun dandelion craft during this week's creative afternoon.
🎬 Minecraft Bee Papercraft & A Minecraft Movie
⏰ 4:00–6:00 p.m.
📍 Ely Public Library
💲 Free
Build a Minecraft bee before enjoying a family-friendly movie screening.
📚 Learning & Community
🖼️ Gallery Talk: Grant Wood's Memorial Window
⏰ 11:00–11:30 a.m.
📍 Veterans Memorial Building
💲 Free
Learn about one of Grant Wood's most significant stained-glass masterpieces.
✍️ Community Writers Circle
⏰ 1:00–2:00 p.m.
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
💲 Free
Writers of all experience levels are invited to share ideas and encourage one another.
📝 Introduction to Papermaking for Teens
⏰ 2:00–5:00 p.m.
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
💲 Registration required
Teens learn the art of handmade paper with Iowa artist Harper Folsom.
💻 Computer Basics for English Learners
⏰ 3:00–4:30 p.m.
📍 Ladd Library
💲 Free
Build basic computer and internet skills while practicing English.
🎮 Games, Movies & Hobbies
🃏 Friday Afternoon Magic
⏰ 2:30–4:30 p.m.
📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library
💲 Free
Play Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, or learn from experienced players.
🎥 A Very Muppet Summer: The Dark Crystal
⏰ 2:30–4:30 p.m.
📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library
💲 Free
Enjoy Jim Henson's fantasy classic on the library's big screen.
📚 Friends of the Library Book Sale
⏰ 4:00–5:00 p.m.
📍 Marion Public Library
💲 Free admission
Browse affordable books while supporting library programs.
🖼️ Museums & Special Events
🖌️ Free Summer Admission
📍 Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
💲 Free
Explore the museum's galleries at no cost all summer long.
🍦 Ice Cream Social
⏰ 12:00–1:00 p.m.
📍 Bever Park
💲 Free
Cool off with free Iowa-made ice cream and meet your neighbors.
🎉 Community Impact Night
⏰ 4:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 American Skillet
💲 Free
Games, food, raffles, music, and family-friendly activities celebrate community connections.
⚾ Sports & Recreation
⚾ Cedar Rapids Kernels vs. Beloit
📍 Veterans Memorial Stadium
💲 Ticketed
Cheer on the Kernels during another exciting night of Midwest League baseball.
🎵 Live Music, Theatre & Entertainment
🎶 Rock the Block
⏰ 6:00–8:00 p.m.
📍 NewBo City Market
💲 Free
Enjoy live music from Brett Newski Duo with food, drinks, and a lively summer atmosphere.
🎭 Little Women
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Giving Tree Theater
💲 Ticketed
Experience the beloved story of the March sisters in this musical adaptation.
🎤 Elvis in Person starring Matt Stone
⏰ 7:00–10:00 p.m.
📍 Paramount Theatre
💲 Ticketed
A nationally acclaimed Elvis tribute recreates the King's legendary performances.
🎸 Pop-Up Acts in the Artway
⏰ 6:00–8:00 p.m.
📍 Uptown Marion Artway
💲 Free
Enjoy live music by Sam Day during Marion's summer concert series.
🎭 Camp Yesandia Camper Showcase
⏰ 6:30–9:30 p.m.
📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library
💲 Ticketed
Celebrate youth improv with an evening of performances by camp participants.
🎵 Crossing Streams – Shake the Lake
⏰ 7:00 p.m.
📍 Sag Wagon
💲 Free
Live music featuring country, rock, pop, and original songs.
🎤 Blueeyeddaze EP Release Show
⏰ Doors 7:00 p.m.
📍 Ideal Theater & Bar
💲 Ticketed
Celebrate the release of "This Isn't What I Planned" with local artists.
🎶 Friday Night Music
⏰ 6:00–9:00 p.m.
📍 Cedar Ridge Distillery
💲 Free
The Whiskey Fund performs an eclectic mix of classic hits and deep cuts.
🎸 Live at Kickstand
⏰ 7:00–10:00 p.m.
📍 Kickstand
💲 Free
Greg, Brenda, Joe, and Layne perform favorite rock and country tunes.
🎉 Party at the Point
⏰ 8:00 p.m.–12:30 a.m.
📍 North Point
💲 Free
Kick off the weekend with live music from Rahlan Kay.
🚗 Community & Nightlife
🏍️ McGrath Powersports Bike Night
⏰ 5:00–8:00 p.m.
📍 McGrath Powersports
💲 Free
Vintage motorcycles, live music, military appreciation, raffles, and food.
🌿 Moss Wall Art Workshop
⏰ 6:00–7:35 p.m.
📍 Moss: Plants, Gifts & Decor
💲 $75–95
Create your own preserved moss wall art masterpiece.
🎥 From Iowa and Back: The Vietnam Era
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Ely Public Library
💲 Free
A documentary highlighting the experiences of Iowa veterans during the Vietnam War.
💄 Besties Night Out
⏰ 4:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 Asteria Spa
💲 Reservation required
Enjoy self-care specials, local vendors, refreshments, and skincare promotions.
🔥 Bawdy Heat Wave
⏰ 9:00–10:30 p.m.
📍 Basix
💲 Cover at the door
A lively late-night entertainment event hosted by Raksha Blue.Special Thanks
A big shoutout to our sponsor: Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust.
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
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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