Events for Friday, June 26th, 2026.
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
Kick off your Friday with Cedar Rapids Daily as we highlight the best events happening around Eastern Iowa on June 26. From family-friendly fun like story times, guided hikes, and outdoor adventures to creative workshops, community gatherings, and Freedom Festival favorites like DockDogs and the Drone Show, there’s something for everyone today. Tonight brings an exciting lineup of live music, theater, racing, movies in the park, and a major concert from Russell Dickerson at McGrath Amphitheatre. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing morning, a fun family outing, or an energetic night out, Cedar Rapids has plenty to explore this Friday.
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.
🌦️ Cedar Rapids Daily | Friday Guide
Friday, June 26, 2026
Forecast: Slight chance of showers with a high of 77°F and a low of 62°F — keep an umbrella handy, but it should still be a great day to get out and explore.
☀️ Morning Wellness, Nature & Family Fun
GeriFit
📍 Ely Public Library
🕒 8–8:45 a.m. & 12–12:45 p.m.
💲 Free
A low-impact fitness class for adults 60+ focused on strength, balance, mobility, and flexibility.
Baby & Toddler Story Time
📍 Ladd Library
🕒 9:30–10:30 a.m.
💲 Free
Stories, songs, and playtime designed to build early literacy for little ones ages 0–3.
Story Time with Miss Rachel
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
🕒 10–11 a.m.
💲 Free
A playful, music-filled story time perfect for young children and caregivers.
Slow & Steady Story Time
📍 Old MacDonald's Farm
🕒 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
💲 Free (donations appreciated)
Enjoy turtle-themed stories, bubbles, activities, and outdoor play with the The Iowa Children's Museum.
Fresh Air Fridays
📍 Wanatee Park
🕒 10–11:30 a.m.
💲 Free
Hands-on nature activities, story time, and outdoor fun for kids and families.
Mini Explorer Hiking Club
📍 Indian Creek Nature Center
🕒 10:30–11:30 a.m.
💲 $5 adults / kids free
A family-friendly guided hike through the Nature Center trails.
Little Pioneers
📍 Ushers Ferry Historic Village
🕒 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
💲 Admission may apply
Hands-on historical fun where kids explore life in an early Iowa town.
🎨 Arts, Learning & Community
Gallery Talk: Grant Wood’s Memorial Window
📍 Veterans Memorial Building
🕒 11–11:30 a.m.
💲 Free
Learn about Grant Wood and his stunning stained-glass masterpiece.
Encore Café
📍 Marion Public Library
🕒 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
💲 Registration required
A meal and wellness program supporting older adults through food and connection.
Community Writers Circle
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
🕒 1–2 p.m.
💲 Free
A welcoming writing group for adults looking to create and share.
A Very Muppet Summer: Muppet Treasure Island
📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library
🕒 2–4:30 p.m.
💲 Free
Enjoy a pirate adventure with the Muppets in this family-friendly film screening.
Friday Afternoon Magic
📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library
🕒 2:30–4:30 p.m.
💲 Free
Bring your deck for Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and casual gaming.
Computer Basics for English Learners
📍 Ladd Library
🕒 3–4:30 p.m.
💲 Free
Build computer confidence while strengthening English skills.
String Art
📍 Ely Public Library
🕒 4–5:30 p.m.
💲 Free
Create colorful string art designs in this creative craft session.
🐾 Festivals & Special Events
Freedom Festival DockDogs
📍 NewBo Neighborhood
🕒 12–6 p.m.
💲 Admission varies
Watch talented dogs compete in thrilling dock-jumping competitions.
Freedom Festival Drone Show
📍 Marion Airport
🕒 5:30–10 p.m.
💲 2 festival buttons per car
One of the weekend’s biggest highlights—hundreds of drones create synchronized aerial art set to music.
Summer in the Square: Rev Up the Square
📍 Greene Square Park
🕒 5–7 p.m.
💲 Free
Classic cars, community, and downtown summer vibes.
Fairfax USA Days
📍 Fairfax
🕒 Begins 5 p.m.
💲 Varies
A beloved community festival featuring family fun, live entertainment, and fireworks.
USA Wrestling Kids Nationals
📍 Alliant Energy PowerHouse
🕒 Starting 9 a.m.
💲 Ticketed
Top young wrestlers from across the country compete in national-level freestyle and Greco-Roman competition.
🎶 Live Music, Theater & Nightlife
Rock the Block
📍 NewBo City Market
🕒 6–8 p.m.
💲 Free
This week features Jasper Tide with food, drinks, and live music in the Market Yard.
Russell Dickerson
📍 McGrath Amphitheatre
🕒 7–10 p.m.
💲 Ticketed
Country star Russell Dickerson brings his high-energy tour to Cedar Rapids.
Playtime Poppy: The Seeds of Our Story
📍 Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
🕒 7–8:30 p.m.
💲 Free
Celebrate 75 years of Playtime Poppy with this original family-friendly production.
NASCAR Weekly Racing
📍 Hawkeye Downs Speedway
🕒 7–9 p.m.
💲 $15 adults
Fast cars, local racing, and family-friendly summer thrills.
Movies on the Move: Superman
📍 Hanna Park
🕒 7–10 p.m.
💲 Free
Pack blankets and lawn chairs for an outdoor movie night.
ILL OMEN Album Release Show
📍 CSPS Hall
🕒 7–10 p.m.
💲 Ticketed
Heavy riffs and album-release energy from local metal band ILL OMEN.
Almost Bernadette
📍 Giving Tree Theater
🕒 7:30–9:30 p.m.
💲 $13–$38
A moving cabaret performance blending Broadway classics with personal storytelling.
EDM Night
📍 The Ideal Theater & Bar
🕒 8 p.m.–1 a.m.
💲 $15
House, techno, bass, and dance-floor energy to close out the night.
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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