Events for Thursday, March 12th, 2026.
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
Thursday around Cedar Rapids brings a mix of learning, creativity, and community events under partly cloudy skies. You can start the day with wellness activities like Tai Chi, chair yoga, or morning stretch, or head to a lecture at Coe College or Kirkwood to learn about poetry or Iowa’s water quality. Families can enjoy story times, Lego Club, and kids’ crafts, while artists can check out gallery receptions, cookie decorating, painting nights, or art chats. As the evening rolls in, there’s plenty to choose from—storytelling at Parlor City Pub, live country music, trivia nights, bingo, karaoke, or even raclette dinner at WineStyles. However you spend it, Thursday offers something for nearly every interest across the corridor.
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 Events – Cedar Rapids Area
Forecast: Partly cloudy • High 51°F • Low 37°F
🎓 Education, Lectures & Learning
Thursday Forum: Poetry for All
📍 Coe College – Kesler Auditorium
💲 $12 single lecture / $40 series
A two-week forum led by poet Margaret LeMay exploring poetic forms, famous works, and the craft of writing poetry.
Mel Oliven Lecture: What’s in Your Water?
📍 Kirkwood Community College – Iowa Hall Room B
💲 Free
Environmental scientist Dr. Claire Hruby discusses research tracking contamination sources in Iowa’s recreational waters.
How to Impress at Your Job Interview
📍 Ladd Library
💲 Free
Participants practice interview questions, learn professional tips, and receive a $10 Goodwill voucher for interview clothing.
👶 Family, Kids & Teens
Sensory Story Time
📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library
💲 Free
A low-sensory storytime designed for children who benefit from softer lights, reduced sounds, and interactive play.
Preschool Story Time
📍 Ely Public Library
💲 Free
Stories, songs, and crafts designed for preschoolers ages 3–5.
Drop-In Craft: St. Patrick’s Day Wreath
📍 Ely Public Library
💲 Free
Stop by anytime to create a festive paper wreath perfect for decorating your home.
Lego Club
📍 Northwest Recreation Center
💲 Registration required
Kids build creative Lego projects while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Color Explosion Teen Hang
📍 Cedar Rapids (Ave NE area)
💲 Free
Teens ages 13–18 can enjoy a cereal bar while creating colorful watercolor art.
💪 Health, Wellness & Support
Morning Stretch
📍 Ely Public Library
💲 Free
A gentle group exercise class incorporating yoga-style movements suitable for all mobility levels.
Tai Chi for Well-Being
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
💲 Free
A relaxing class focused on balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular wellness.
Chair Yoga
📍 Ladd Library
💲 Free
A beginner-friendly yoga session using chairs for support to make poses accessible.
Together in Song Chorus
📍 DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia
💲 Free (registration required)
A welcoming chorus for people living with dementia, caregivers, and volunteers to sing together and build connection.
Journaling Workshop
📍 DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia
💲 Free (registration required)
Learn journaling techniques and discover the mental health benefits of reflective writing.
Caregiver Losses & Grief Support Group
📍 DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia
💲 Free (registration required)
A discussion group helping caregivers process grief and challenges related to chronic illness caregiving.
Caring for Parents with Chronic Conditions
📍 DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia
💲 Free (registration required)
Support group for adult children navigating caregiving responsibilities.
🎨 Arts, Crafts & Creative Activities
BE.jeweled Gallery Closing Reception
📍 CSPS Hall – Commons Gallery
💲 Free
A closing reception for Gae Sharp Richardson’s mixed-media exhibit inspired by vintage photographs.
Irish Icing Cookie Decorating Class
📍 The Painted Butterfly (Fairfax)
💲 Paid class (registration required)
Participants decorate six St. Patrick’s Day cookies while learning royal icing techniques.
Cork & Canvas Painting Night
📍 La Cantina Bar & Grill – Marion
💲 $35 per person
Paint a guided 16x20 canvas while enjoying food and drinks available for purchase.
Second Thursday Art Chat
📍 Tree of Liminality
💲 $5 suggested donation
Local artists gather to share works in progress, receive feedback, and connect with creative peers.
Bone Bar Pop-Up
📍 Sisters Books & Nooks
💲 $25–$100 depending on materials
Create a unique decorative arrangement using bones, moss, shells, and vintage vessels.
🎲 Games, Hobbies & Clubs
Scrabble Club
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
💲 Free
Word game enthusiasts gather for friendly Scrabble matches.
TCG Trade Night
📍 Turtle Power Games – Lindale Mall
💲 Free
Trading card collectors meet to buy, sell, and trade cards with fellow hobbyists.
Pokémon Night: Free Play & Trade
📍 Turtle Power Games – Lindale Mall
💲 Free
Players gather to battle, trade cards, and coordinate Pokémon GO activities.
Disney Lorcana League Casual Play
📍 Turtle Power Games – Lindale Mall
💲 Free
Fans of Disney’s trading card game meet weekly for casual matches and league points.
Riftbound Nexus Night
📍 Coulee Cards & Gaming – Cedar Rapids
💲 $10 entry
A competitive 1v1 card-game event with booster pack prizes for winners.
Pinsanity Pinball Tournament
📍 First Turn Games
💲 $6 entry
Competitive pinball players compete in six rounds of tournament play.
🎭 Culture, Tours & Talks
In Her Steps: Women’s History Tour
📍 Brucemore
💲 Ticketed tour
A guided tour highlighting the women who shaped the historic Brucemore estate and Cedar Rapids history.
55+ Our Struggle for an Honest History
📍 Bridge Senior Center
💲 Free
A documentary and discussion exploring the historical roots of White Christian nationalism in the United States.
🗣️ Language & Community
English Practice Conversation Group
📍 Ladd Library
💲 Free
A relaxed group for adults to practice conversational English in a welcoming environment.
Learn & Practice English at the Library
📍 Ladd Library
💲 Free
Facilitated language practice sessions with games and structured discussions.
🎭 Performances, Storytelling & Music
TellersBridge Storytelling: “Thin Ice”
📍 Parlor City Pub & Eatery
💲 Ticketed event
Local storytellers share personal stories about risky moments and fragile turning points in life.
Palomino Live Country Music
📍 VFW Post 788 – Cedar Rapids
💲 $10 cover
Live country band performing dance-friendly classics.
Sammy’s East Side Jam
📍 Sammy’s Lounge
💲 Free / tips encouraged
A community jam session featuring live music and guest performers.
🧠 Trivia & Social Fun
Trivia at the Library – World Travel Edition
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
💲 Free
Teams test their knowledge of world geography, landmarks, and cultures.
Oscars-Themed Trivia Night
📍 Pedaler’s Fork
💲 Free
A trivia competition focused on Academy Award-winning and nominated films.
80’s Name That Tune
📍 Spare Time Cedar Rapids
💲 Free
Guess iconic songs from the 1980s in this music trivia challenge.
Bingo – Public Invited
📍 El Kahir Shrine
💲 $6 entry packet
Weekly bingo night with food and beverages available.
🍻 Nightlife & Late-Night Events
Theology on Tap
📍 Big Grove Brewery – Cedar Rapids
💲 Free
A casual faith discussion group reflecting on recent sermons over drinks.
Raclette Night
📍 WineStyles Cedar Rapids
💲 $60 / $55 wine club members
A specialty dinner event featuring melted raclette cheese and traditional accompaniments.
Girls Night Out Show
📍 Ideal Theater & Bar
💲 Ticketed event
A high-energy male revue performance designed for a fun ladies’ night.
Karaoke Night
📍 Buchona’s Sports Bar & Grill
💲 Free entry
Sing your favorite songs and enjoy drink specials.
Cup Night with Rahlan Kay
📍 Raging Ryno’s
💲 21+ event
A lively late-night party with music, drinks, and social vibes.
Strikes & Slices Bowling Special
📍 Spare Time Cedar Rapids
💲 $10.99
Two hours of unlimited bowling with shoe rental and unlimited pizza slices.
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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