Events for Friday, July 3rd, 2026.
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
The holiday weekend is officially here, and Cedar Rapids Daily is your guide to all the festive fun happening around Eastern Iowa. In today’s episode, we’re covering family-friendly favorites like the Kernels Ballpark Bash, Fireworks & Fireflies in Marion, and Freedom Freeze skating at ImOn Ice. We’ll also highlight art exhibits, community celebrations, and live music all across the area—from Rock the Block at NewBo to bourbon and blues at Cedar Ridge. If you’re looking for the best fireworks, summer concerts, or ways to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, we’ve got you covered. Grab your water bottle, watch for pop-up storms, and join us for the best of Cedar Rapids—in five minutes or less.
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 3
Forecast: Muggy with isolated storms, with a high of 92°F and a low of 72°F.
Expect hot, humid conditions with pop-up storms possible later in the day—pack water, sunscreen, and an umbrella if you’re heading out.
🎨 Arts, Culture & Exhibits
Gallery Talk: Grant Wood’s Memorial Window
🕒 11–11:30 a.m.
📍 Veterans Memorial Building
💲 Free
Learn about Grant Wood and his iconic stained-glass Memorial Window during this engaging half-hour gallery talk in downtown Cedar Rapids.
The Oops Garden Gallery Opening
🕒 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 CSPS Hall
💲 Free
Explore Michelle’s nature-inspired mixed media collection featuring dried foliage, glass beads, photography, and found objects.
Pop-Up Acts in the Artway
🕒 6–8 p.m.
📍 Uptown Artway, Marion
💲 Free
Enjoy a summer evening strolling Marion’s Artway—note that no live performance is scheduled tonight, but the Artway remains open to explore.
☕ Community & Educational Events
Coffee and Kolach
🕒 1–2 p.m.
📍 National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
💲 Free
Tune in online for the monthly Kava & Kolac series featuring culture, conversation, and Czech heritage.
America’s 250th Birthday Celebration
🕒 Noon–4 p.m.
📍 American Legion Post 298
💲 Free
Celebrate America’s 250th with family-friendly games, face painting, food, and activities honoring local veterans.
❄️ Family Fun & Kid-Friendly
Freedom Freeze Skate
🕒 1–4 p.m.
📍 ImOn Ice Arena
💲 $8 admission (free skate rental)
Cool off with public skating and complimentary skate rentals while supplies last.
Makerspace Open Hours
🕒 1–4 p.m.
📍 Marion Public Library
💲 Free
Experiment with 3D printers, Cricuts, heat presses, and more in Marion’s creative maker lab.
Star Spangled Splash Dock Diving Event
🕒 Starts 5 p.m.
📍 Cedar Rapids
💲 $25 pre-entry
Watch high-flying canine athletes leap into the water during this patriotic dock-diving competition.
🎵 Live Music & Entertainment
Rock the Block 2026
🕒 6–8 p.m.
📍 NewBo City Market
💲 Free
Tonight’s featured act is Matthew Kane and the Band Greenbrier at one of NewBo’s favorite summer concert series.
Cedar Ridge Bourbon & Blues
🕒 Starts 11 a.m.
📍 Cedar Ridge Distillery
💲 Free admission
Enjoy blues performances, bourbon cocktails, and holiday weekend vibes.
Fire Seasons Water Ski Show
🕒 7 p.m.
📍 Cedar Rapids
💲 Free
The Five Seasons Ski Team returns with Disco Fever, featuring jumps, tricks, and themed fun.
Sugar and Spice Trio
🕒 7–10 p.m.
📍 Kickstand
💲 Varies
Live music to kick off the long weekend.
The Time Beings
🕒 6–10 p.m.
📍 North Point
💲 Varies
Enjoy classic and progressive rock favorites from this energetic local band.
Finally Friday Music
🕒 4–7 p.m.
📍 CR Midnight Smoker BBQ
💲 Free
Good food and live music make for an easy Friday evening.
Kick Off the 4th of July Weekend
🕒 6–9 p.m.
📍 Kingston’s Steakhouse
💲 Free
Acoustic music from Donnie Heffernen plus patio dining and drinks.
Party Plan
🕒 9 p.m.
📍 Otis’ Tailgators Sports Bar
💲 Varies
Hard-rocking local trio bringing serious energy to the holiday kickoff.
🎆 Holiday Celebrations & Fireworks
Fireworks & Fireflies
🕒 Starts 6 p.m.
📍 Lowe Park, Marion
💲 Free
One of the area’s biggest celebrations with food trucks, family activities, live music, and fireworks.
Kernels Ballpark Bash
🕒 4–10 p.m.
📍 Cedar Rapids Kernels / Veterans Memorial Stadium
💲 $5–$20
Dueling pianos, live music, inflatables, axe throwing, and a fireworks finale make this a top family pick.
🌙 Nightlife
RnB Night July
🕒 8 p.m.–1 a.m.
📍 Ideal Theater & Bar
💲 $10+
A holiday-weekend edition of R&B classics, singalongs, and late-night vibes for ages 30+.
Lost in America
🕒 8–11 p.m.
📍 The Shack Tavern
💲 Varies
Celebrate America’s 250th with southern rock and classic hits.
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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