Events for Saturday, May 2nd, and Sunday, May 3rd, 2026.
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area are packed with activity the weekend of May 2–3, offering everything from community breakfasts, farmers markets, and citywide garage sales to plant sales, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly festivals like Chalk the Walk in Mount Vernon. Residents can explore arts and culture through museum events, walking tours, live performances, and concerts, while sports fans can enjoy Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball, racing at Hawkeye Downs, and indoor football. The weekend also features hands-on workshops, educational programs, and wellness activities, along with a vibrant lineup of nightlife, live music, and special events like Kentucky Derby parties and fundraisers—making it a well-rounded weekend with something for every age and interest.
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.
🌸 Saturday, May 2, 2026
Forecast: Partly cloudy | High: 60° | Low: 43°
🍳 Food & Community Events
Kenwood Park Neighborhood Pancake Breakfast
📍 Kenwood Park United Methodist Church
⏰ 7:00–10:30 a.m. | 💲 $5 adults / $2 kids / Free under 5
A community breakfast fundraiser featuring pancakes, sausage, and a free flag exchange.
🛍️ Markets, Sales & Shopping
Annual Spring Rummage Sale
📍 Noelridge Christian Church
⏰ 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | 💲 Free entry ($4 bag day)
Shop bargain-priced secondhand items and fill a bag with deals.
Marion Farmers Market (Opening Day)
📍 Willowood Park, Marion
⏰ 8:00–11:00 a.m. | 💲 Free
Kick off market season with fresh produce, baked goods, and local vendors.
Swisher City Wide Garage Sales
📍 Swisher, IA
⏰ 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Explore dozens of garage sales across the entire town.
Garage Sale – Everything $1
📍 Unity Center of Cedar Rapids
⏰ 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | 💲 $1 items
Huge church sale with nearly everything priced at $1.
Made for Her Marion Mother’s Day Market
📍 Marion American Legion
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Shop handmade goods and gifts perfect for Mother’s Day.
Grown-Up Book Fair
📍 Marion Public Library
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
A nostalgic book fair experience with local vendors and shops.
🌱 Outdoor, Nature & Garden
Matthew 25 Spring Plant Sale
📍 Cultivate Hope Urban Farm
⏰ 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | 💲 Varies
Purchase locally grown plants while supporting urban agriculture.
Spring Plant & Art Sale
📍 Indian Creek Nature Center
⏰ 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Browse plants, flowers, and artwork for your home and garden.
Buds & Blossoms Plant Sale
📍 Grow at Kazimour Farm & Orchard
⏰ 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | 💲 Varies
Family-friendly plant sale with expert advice and activities.
Mushroom Ramble
📍 Wickiup Hill Learning Center
⏰ 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | 💲 Free (registration required)
Guided foraging walk to learn about local mushrooms.
International Women’s Mountain Bike Day Ride
📍 Wanatee Park
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
A welcoming group ride for all skill levels celebrating women in biking.
Alpaca Farm & Gift Shop Open
📍 Rainbow Feathers Farm
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Visit alpacas, shop the farm store, and enjoy a relaxed farm day.
🎓 Educational, Library & Workshops
English Practice Conversation Group
📍 Ladd Library
⏰ 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Casual conversation group to practice English.
Learn & Practice English
📍 Ladd Library
⏰ 12:00–1:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Guided activities to build communication skills.
CoderDojo (K-5 STEM Program)
📍 NewBoCo
⏰ 1:00–3:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Hands-on STEM exploration with a Star Wars theme.
STEAM Saturday: Crocheting with Amanda
📍 NewBo City Market
⏰ 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Creative crocheting activity designed for kids and families.
North Star Studio (Adaptive Art Program)
📍 Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
⏰ 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | 💲 Free members / $10 non-members
Inclusive art studio designed for K–12 students with disabilities.
🎨 Arts, Culture & Tours
Free First Saturday for Students
📍 National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
⏰ 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | 💲 Free (students)
Students can explore museum exhibits for free.
New Bohemia Walking Tour
📍 National Czech & Slovak Museum
⏰ 12:00–1:30 p.m. | 💲 $10–$15
Guided walking tour highlighting NewBo’s history and architecture.
Artist Forum
📍 DKW Art Gallery & Studios
⏰ 2:00–5:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Open meetup for artists to collaborate and share work.
🚴 Community, Family & Special Events
Chain Reaction Bike Hub Open House
📍 Chain Reaction Bike Hub
⏰ 2:00–4:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Community celebration featuring a ribbon cutting and bike programs.
Free Document Shred Day
📍 Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust (Council St.)
⏰ 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Safely dispose of sensitive documents.
Low-Cost Dog Vaccine & Microchip Clinic
📍 Iowa Humane Alliance Event
⏰ 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | 💲 Low-cost
Affordable vaccinations and microchipping for dogs.
Morel Masters Truck (Fresh Mushrooms)
📍 Hy-Vee Johnson Ave
⏰ 10:00–11:00 a.m. | 💲 Varies
Purchase freshly harvested morel mushrooms.
🏡 Home & Lifestyle
Parade of Homes
📍 Various locations
⏰ 12:00–5:00 p.m. | 💲 $10
Tour newly built and remodeled homes across the area.
🏁 Sports, Recreation & Gaming
Midwest Pavement Grand Nationals Racing
📍 Hawkeye Downs
⏰ 2:00 p.m. start | 💲 $5–$25
Kart racing event with heats, qualifying, and finals.
Cedar Rapids Kernels Game + Fireworks
📍 Veterans Memorial Stadium
⏰ 6:05 p.m. | 💲 Ticketed
Baseball game followed by a fireworks show.
Aced Cornhole IA ACL Regional #7
📍 Backyard BBQ Iowa
⏰ 10:00 a.m. | 💲 Varies
Competitive cornhole tournament.
Riftbound Unleashed Prerelease
📍 RePlay Gaming
⏰ 5:00 p.m. | 💲 $35
Trading card game prerelease event.
Bloomburrow Draft
📍 RePlay Gaming
⏰ 1:00 p.m. | 💲 $25
Card draft event with prizes.
🎭 Performing Arts & Entertainment
Pops IV: The Best of Broadway
📍 Paramount Theatre
⏰ 7:30–9:30 p.m. | 💲 Ticketed
Orchestra Iowa performs iconic Broadway hits.
Spring Choral Showcase
📍 Sinclair Auditorium (Coe College)
⏰ 7:00 p.m. | 💲 Likely free
Final concert of the semester featuring student choirs.
Little Women – Auditions
📍 Giving Tree Theater
⏰ 1:00–4:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Open auditions for the musical production.
The Little Mermaid (Matinee)
📍 Theatre Cedar Rapids
⏰ 2:30 p.m. | 💲 Ticketed
Live stage production of the classic story.
🎶 Live Music, Nightlife & Social
Funk Daddies
📍 Campbell Steele Gallery
⏰ 5:30–10:00 p.m. | 💲 $15
High-energy funk, soul, and R&B performance.
Redemption (Live Band)
📍 North Point
⏰ 8:00 p.m. | 💲 Varies
Rock and pop covers spanning multiple decades.
Sugar & Spice Trio
📍 Moco Game Room
⏰ 8:00 p.m. | 💲 Varies
Live music with a lively atmosphere.
Spencer Ammons Live
📍 Kickstand
⏰ 7:00–10:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Outdoor acoustic performance.
Electric Paperclips
📍 Up In Smoke BBQ
⏰ 7:00 p.m. | 💲 Free (buffet optional $25)
Geek rock and original music performance.
Salsa Dancing with JV
📍 Basix
⏰ 7:00 p.m. | 💲 Entry + drink ticket
Salsa lesson followed by social dancing.
🎉 Festivals, Parties & Misc
Cedar Rapids Cruise Night
📍 Hawkeye Downs (start)
⏰ 5:00 p.m. | 💲 $10 per vehicle
Large organized cruise from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City.
#NOTJUSTFebruary $1 Day
📍 African American Museum of Iowa
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | 💲 $1
Discounted museum admission highlighting Black history.
Kentucky Derby Parties (Multiple Locations)
📍 Big Grove Brewery + others
⏰ Starting ~11:00 a.m. | 💲 Varies
Celebrate Derby Day with themed drinks, contests, and events.
Jefferson Performing Arts Gala
📍 CSPS Hall
⏰ 7:00–9:00 p.m. | 💲 $50
Fundraiser with performances, auction, and dinner.
CR Midnight Smoker 1-Year Anniversary Party
📍 CR Midnight Smoker BBQ
⏰ 5:00–8:00 p.m. | 💲 Free entry
Anniversary celebration with BBQ and live reggae.
Name That Tune (80s Music Game)
📍 WineStyles Cedar Rapids
⏰ 4:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Team-based music trivia game.
Chalk the Walk Festival (Day 1)
📍 Mount Vernon, IA
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | 💲 Free (participation $10 optional)
Large-scale chalk art festival with community participation.
Circle of Trust: Spring Regeneration
📍 Prairiewoods
⏰ 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | 💲 $50
Reflective retreat focused on personal growth and connection.
🌦️ Sunday, May 3, 2026
Forecast: Chance of showers | High: 70° | Low: 48°
🌿 Nature & Outdoor
Bird Banding at the Barn
📍 Indian Creek Nature Center
⏰ 8:00–11:00 a.m. | 💲 Free
Observe scientists band birds and learn about conservation.
🍳 Food & Community
El Kahir Shrine Omelet Breakfast
📍 El Kahir Shrine
⏰ 8:30–11:59 a.m. | 💲 $12
All-you-can-eat breakfast with made-to-order omelets.
🛍️ Markets & Shopping
Hiawatha Farmers Market
📍 Guthridge Park
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Weekly market with local food and handmade goods.
Palo Spring Collective
📍 Palo Community Center
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Curated vendor fair featuring local makers.
Lindale Mall Mini Market
📍 Lindale Mall
⏰ Mall hours | 💲 Free
Indoor pop-up market with local vendors.
Cafe Pear Pop-Up
📍 The Glittering Pear
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Shop while enjoying complimentary coffee and donuts.
🎓 Educational & Wellness
Journaling Workshop
📍 DeWolf Innovation Center
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Learn journaling techniques and build a writing habit.
Sound Meditation (Full Flower Moon)
📍 Breathing Room Yoga
⏰ 3:00–4:30 p.m. | 💲 Varies
Relaxing guided meditation using sound healing.
Drum Circle & Guided Imagery
📍 Prairiewoods
⏰ 2:00–4:00 p.m. | 💲 Suggested $15
Interactive drumming experience open to all skill levels.
⚾ Sports & Entertainment
Cedar Rapids Kernels Game (Science Day)
📍 Veterans Memorial Stadium
⏰ 1:05 p.m. | 💲 Ticketed
Family-friendly baseball with science exhibits.
Cedar Rapids Titans Football Game
📍 Alliant Energy PowerHouse
⏰ 5:00 p.m. | 💲 $14+
Indoor football game with playoff stakes.
🎉 Community & Misc
Sunday Bingo
📍 NewBo City Market
⏰ 12:00–1:30 p.m. | 💲 Free
Casual bingo with prizes.
Just for the Health of It Fundraiser
📍 Big Grove Brewery
⏰ 2:00–5:00 p.m. | 💲 Ticketed
Community fundraiser with games, auction, and music.
Chalk the Walk Festival (Day 2)
📍 Mount Vernon, IA
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | 💲 Free
Second day of the large chalk art festival.
Cedar Rapids Cards & Collectibles Expo
📍 DoubleTree Convention Complex
⏰ 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | 💲 Varies
Collectibles show featuring cards, toys, and memorabilia.
Iowa Permit to Carry Class
📍 Cedar Valley Outfitters
⏰ 3:00 p.m. | 💲 $100
Educational class covering firearm laws and safety.
May Pokémon League Challenge
📍 Coulee Cards & Gaming
⏰ 2:00 p.m. | 💲 $10
Competitive Pokémon card tournament.
Never Miss a Sunday Show (Live Music)
📍 Old Neighborhood Pub
⏰ 5:00–8:00 p.m. | 💲 $5
Live Americana/roots rock performance.
Last Home Game for the Season (Titans Alt Listing)
📍 Alliant Energy PowerHouse
⏰ 4:00 p.m. | 💲 Ticketed
Final home game push toward championship.
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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