Events for Friday, May 22nd, 2026.
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
Friday features live music, community events, wellness activities, and nightlife across Eastern Iowa. Highlights include Rock the Block at NewBo City Market, The Pork Tornadoes concert in North Liberty, NASCAR racing at Hawkeye Downs, and comedian Royce Bell returning to Cedar Rapids. Families can enjoy Stay & Play, Dungeons & Dragons for Teens, and public skating at ImOn Ice, while the evening includes local live music, karaoke, ghost stories at the Granger House, and late-night entertainment 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.
Cedar Rapids Daily – Friday Events Newsletter
Forecast: Chance of showers late with a high of 64 degrees and a low of 53.
🌅 Morning & Daytime Events
Gerifit
Time: 8:00–8:45 a.m. & 1:00–1:45 p.m.
Location: Ely Public Library
Cost: Free
A fitness class for adults 60+ focused on improving strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility.
Day of Self Renewal
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Location: Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
Cost: $115 ($100 without guest room)
Spend the day relaxing with meditation, wellness services, lunch, and restorative activities.
Habitat House Build
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Location: 1415 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
Cost: Free to volunteer
Help Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity build a future home during the 2026 Faith Build.
Stay & Play
Time: 9:00–10:30 a.m.
Location: FaithLife Church
Cost: Free
Parents and young children can connect, play, and enjoy coffee and pastries together.
Art Den – Open Studio (18+)
Time: 10:00 a.m.–Noon
Location: Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
Cost: $5
Bring your own art project or experiment with provided supplies in a relaxed creative space.
Freedom Festival Golf Outing Fundraiser
Time: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: Airport National Golf Course
Cost: $75 per person
Enjoy a best-ball golf tournament benefiting future Freedom Festival events and community programming.
Gallery Talk: Grant Wood’s Memorial Window
Time: 11:00–11:30 a.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Building
Cost: Free
Learn about Grant Wood’s famous stained glass “Memorial Window” during this seasonal downtown gallery talk.
Blood Drive
Time: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Location: Hiawatha Public Library
Cost: Free
Donate blood and help save lives during this community blood drive event.
Encore Café – Registration Required
Time: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: Marion Public Library
Cost: Free
Enjoy a healthy meal and wellness-focused social experience designed for older adults.
Healing Sound Bath & Yogic Sleep
Time: 1:45–2:30 p.m.
Location: Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
Cost: $12
Relax with singing bowls, guided meditation, and yoga nidra for mind and body restoration.
Makerspace Open Hours
Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Location: Marion Public Library
Cost: Free
Explore creative technology like 3D printers, Cricut machines, and heat presses during open studio hours.
Art in the Moment Tour
Time: 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Location: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
Cost: Free
A dementia-friendly museum tour designed for people living with dementia and their care partners.
Freebie Friday at ImOn Ice
Time: 2:30–8:30 p.m.
Location: ImOn Ice Arena
Cost: Admission varies; skate rental is free
Public skate sessions with complimentary skate rentals while supplies last.
Good Makers Market Spring 2026
Time: Starts at 3:00 p.m.
Location: Cedar County Fairgrounds, Tipton
Cost: $10 admission (kids 14 and under free)
Shop handmade goods, vintage finds, boutiques, food trucks, and live music at this popular Midwest market.
🎨 Arts, Crafts & Creative Events
Beaded Choker Workshop
Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Location: Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
Cost: Registration required
Create your own handmade beaded choker while learning beginner jewelry-making techniques.
Bumblebee Lotus Grand Opening Celebration
Time: 4:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: NewBo City Market
Cost: Free
Celebrate the official grand opening with giveaways, snacks, music nearby, and free trolls for kids.
👨👩👧 Family & Youth Activities
Dungeons & Dragons for Teens and Tweens
Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Location: Hiawatha Public Library
Cost: Free
Teens and tweens can join a fun tabletop roleplaying adventure with fellow players.
🎵 Live Music & Entertainment
Soul Sacrifice
Time: Doors at 5:30 p.m. | Music at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Campbell Steele Gallery & Venue
Cost: Subscription/reservation details online
Enjoy live music alongside charcuterie, wine, and desserts in an intimate gallery setting.
Rock the Block 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: NewBo City Market
Cost: Free
This week’s free outdoor concert features Surf Zombies on the Bankers Trust Stage.
Live Music with Danny Whitson
Time: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Location: The Pines Pizza and Pub
Cost: Free
Enjoy an evening of live local music while dining at The Pines.
The Pork Tornadoes
Time: 6:00–9:30 p.m.
Location: Hy-Vee Amphitheater, North Liberty
Cost: Free admission
Kick off Memorial Day weekend with a high-energy concert from one of the Midwest’s favorite party bands.
Toxic Blonde
Time: 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Location: Sag Wagon
Cost: Free
Celebrate drummer Terry McDowell’s birthday with live rock music and local fun.
Road to Summer Jam
Time: 7:00–11:00 p.m.
Location: North Point – Cedar Rapids
Cost: Free
Celebrate the start of summer with an outdoor kickoff party and live entertainment.
Retro Rockets
Time: 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Location: The Shack Tavern
Cost: Free
Catch the Retro Rockets performing live to launch a weekend full of music.
Traveling Pillsburys
Time: 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Location: Rumors Bar and Grill
Cost: Free
Dance and sing along to favorite tunes during this lively local performance.
Beer & Brass
Time: 7:30–10:00 p.m.
Location: Opus Concert Cafe
Cost: Ticketed event
Listen to brass renditions of classic rock hits while enjoying Iowa craft beer.
Comedian Royce Bell: Night 1
Time: 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Location: The Olympic South Side Theater
Cost: $29.58
Cedar Rapids native Royce Bell returns home for a night of stand-up, impressions, and music-infused comedy.
Friday Night Karaoke
Time: Starts at 9:00 p.m.
Location: 1st Ave Tap
Cost: Free
Grab the mic and sing along during this weekly karaoke night.
The Weakest Twink Returns
Time: 10:00 p.m.
Location: Basix
Cost: Free
A high-energy weekly competition featuring comedy, performances, and big prizes.
🏁 Sports & Recreation
NASCAR Local Racing Series at Hawkeye Downs Speedway
Time: 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Location: Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center
Cost: $15 adults
Enjoy live local racing action plus superhero meet-and-greets during Super Hero Night at the Races.
👻 Unique & Community Events
Ghost Story Share
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: The Granger House Victorian Museum
Cost: Donation suggested
Share spooky stories and paranormal experiences in a welcoming community gathering.
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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