Events for Friday, May 15th, 2026.
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
This episode covers the best events happening around Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa for Friday, May 15 — including live music, community festivals, family activities, arts and culture, local sports, wellness events, food trucks, nightlife, and weekend entertainment happening 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.
🌤️ Friday, May 15 in Cedar Rapids & Eastern Iowa
Forecast: Partly Cloudy with a high of 84° and a low of 57°
🍪 Family & Community Events
National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
Cost: Free
Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Ely Public Library
Celebrate with a free chocolate chip cookie while supplies last at the library.
Baby & Toddler Story Time
Cost: Free
Time: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Ladd Library
Stories, songs, and playtime designed for babies, toddlers, and caregivers.
Food Truck Friday
Cost: Free admission
Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Village Center Plaza
Enjoy lunch from rotating local food trucks in the heart of Hiawatha.
Freebie Friday Public Skate
Cost: Skate admission required | Free skate rental
Time: 2:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: ImOn Ice Arena
Hit the ice and enjoy complimentary skate rentals during public skate hours.
🎨 Arts & Creative Events
Sacred & Profane Art Exhibit
Cost: Free
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: St. Paul United Methodist Church
View fiber art and intricate iconography from artists Robert Appel and Timothy Hein.
Community Writers Circle
Cost: Free
Time: 1 - 2 p.m.
Location: Hiawatha Public Library
A welcoming writing group for adults looking to create and connect.
Art Den Open Studio
Cost: $5
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
Spend the morning creating art in a relaxed open studio environment.
GTT’s Improv Tree House
Cost: Ticketed
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Giving Tree Theater
Enjoy an evening of unscripted comedy and audience-inspired improv performances.
⚾ Live Music & Entertainment
Cedar Rapids Kernels Baseball
Cost: Ticketed
Time: 6:35 p.m.
Location: Cedar Rapids Kernels
Watch the Kernels take on Fort Wayne with special entertainment from Tyler’s Amazing Balancing Act.
Rock the Block featuring Alicia Monée
Cost: Free
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: NewBo City Market
Free outdoor live music returns to the Market Yard for another summer season.
NASCAR Local Racing Series
Cost: $15 adults
Time: 7 - 10 p.m.
Location: Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Event Center
Experience loud, fast-paced local racing action under the lights.
Bashiri Asad Live
Cost: $24.88
Time: 8 - 11 p.m.
Location: The Olympic Theater
Soul singer Bashiri Asad brings an emotional and immersive live performance downtown.
Todd Day Wait
Cost: $19.66
Time: 8 - 10 p.m.
Location: The Ideal Theater & Bar
A night of Americana, folk, and country storytelling with Todd Day Wait and Clayton Brown.
Dogs on Skis
Cost: Free
Time: 6 - 9 p.m.
Location: Cedar Ridge Distillery
Dance the night away with classic rock favorites from Iowa Hall of Fame band Dogs on Skis.
🧘 Health & Wellness
GeriFit
Cost: Free
Time: 8 - 8:45 a.m. & 1 - 1:45 p.m.
Location: Ely Public Library
Exercise classes focused on improving strength, flexibility, and balance for adults 60+.
Gentle Yoga Class
Cost: Free
Time: 10 - 11 a.m.
Location: Hiawatha Public Library
Slow-paced yoga focused on breathing, mindfulness, and movement.
Loving the Wild Retreat
Cost: Registration required
Time: Begins 7 p.m.
Location: Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
A three-day retreat exploring spirituality, nature, and healing connections with the earth.
🌙 Nightlife
Pink Pony Club Patio Party
Cost: Free admission
Time: 7 - 10 p.m.
Location: Kingston's Steakhouse and Event Venue
Pink cocktails, patio vibes, music, and themed fun all evening long.
Cedar Rapids Silent Party
Cost: Ticketed
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Big Grove Brewery
Switch between three DJ channels during this unique headphone dance party experience.
Karaoke Night
Cost: Free admission
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: The Shack Tavern
Take the stage and sing your favorite songs during Friday night karaoke.
The Weakest Twink Returns
Cost: Free admission
Time: 10 p.m.
Location: Basix
A lively late-night competition filled with entertainment, comedy, and crowd participation.
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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