Events for Friday, May 8th, 2026.
Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
Friday is packed with live music, local markets, and community events across Eastern Iowa. Browse vintage finds at Hawkeye Downs Expo Center, catch live music at NewBo City Market and Cedar Ridge Distillery, or enjoy performances like Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Theatre Cedar Rapids. The night also features racing at Hawkeye Downs Speedway, gaming events, speed dating, bowling, art openings, and plenty of nightlife around Cedar Rapids.
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 8, 2026
Forecast: Slight chance of showers with a high of 68° and a low of 47°.
🧘 Health & Wellness
GERIFIT
📍 Ely Public Library
⏰ 8–8:45 a.m. & 1–1:45 p.m.
💲 Free
A fitness class for adults 60+ focused on improving strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility.
Tai Chi for Older Adults
📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library
⏰ 10–11 a.m.
💲 Free
Practice gentle Tai Chi movements in this 12-week wellness series.
Seated Chair Yoqi
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
⏰ 10–11 a.m.
💲 Free
A relaxing combination of yoga and Qi Gong that ends with guided meditation.
Meet Me at the Market
📍 NewBo City Market
⏰ 5:30–7:15 p.m.
💲 Free
Community fitness night featuring walking, biking, yoga, dance fitness, and more.
👨👩👧 Family & Community
Teacher Appreciation Day Cards
📍 Ely Public Library
⏰ 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
💲 Free
Create handmade thank-you cards for teachers using provided craft supplies.
Baby & Toddler Story Time
📍 Ladd Library
⏰ 9:30–10:30 a.m.
💲 Free
Stories, songs, and playtime for babies, toddlers, and caregivers.
Encore Café
📍 Marion Public Library
⏰ 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
💲 Registration Required
Enjoy a healthy meal along with educational and social activities for older adults.
Dungeons & Dragons for Teens & Tweens
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
⏰ 6–7:30 p.m.
💲 Free
Join a fun fantasy role-playing adventure with fellow young gamers.
Freebie Friday at ImOn Ice
📍 ImOn Ice Arena
⏰ 2:30–8:30 p.m.
💲 Public skate admission
Enjoy free skate rentals during Friday public skating sessions.
Cedar Rapids Lifestyle & Home Expo
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
⏰ 4–9 p.m.
💲 Free Admission
Browse home improvement ideas, remodeling inspiration, and local vendors.
El Kahir Basket Night
📍 El Kahir Shrine
⏰ 5:30–7:30 p.m.
💲 $10
Choose from burgers or tenderloins served with fries and enjoy a casual dinner night.
Bloom & Bowl – Girls Night Out
📍 Spare Time Cedar Rapids
⏰ 7–9:30 p.m.
💲 Free
A fun night of bowling, music, lights, and socializing with friends.
21–35 Speed Dating
📍 Hilton Garden Inn Cedar Rapids
⏰ 7–9:30 p.m.
💲 $35
Meet new people in a face-to-face speed dating experience for singles ages 21–35.
🎨 Arts, Theater & Culture
Vintage Market Days: “The Vintage Passport”
📍 Hawkeye Downs Expo Center
⏰ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
💲 $10 Fri/Sat | $5 Sun
Shop antiques, handmade goods, boutique clothing, furniture, and more from 85+ vendors.
Gallery Talk: Grant Wood’s Memorial Window
📍 Veterans Memorial Building
⏰ 11–11:30 a.m.
💲 Free
Learn about Grant Wood’s iconic stained-glass masterpiece in downtown Cedar Rapids.
Art Den Open Studio (18+)
📍 Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
⏰ 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
💲 $5
Bring your own art project or use available supplies in this relaxed creative space.
Cork N Canvas Iowa
📍 350 First Restaurant
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
💲 $35
Enjoy a guided painting class while dining and socializing downtown.
Vol De Fleurs Gallery Opening
📍 CSPS Hall
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
💲 Free
Celebrate spring with a floral-inspired local artist exhibition opening.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
📍 Theatre Cedar Rapids
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
💲 Ticketed
Dive under the sea with Ariel and friends in this beloved musical production.
Seussical Jr.
📍 Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy
⏰ 7 p.m.
💲 $5
Students perform a whimsical musical featuring favorite Dr. Seuss characters.
🎶 Live Music & Nightlife
Johnson-Hines Duo
📍 CR Midnight Smoker BBQ
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
💲 Free
Live blues music paired with barbecue favorites.
Rock the Block 2026
📍 NewBo City Market
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
💲 Free
Enjoy live outdoor music from Dogs on Skis in the Market Yard.
Friday Night Music – Surf Zombies
📍 Cedar Ridge Distillery
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
💲 Free
Retro surf-rock favorites from Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
Mark Erelli
📍 CSPS Hall
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
💲 Ticketed
Folk and roots singer-songwriter Mark Erelli performs live.
Party Plan!
📍 Kickstand
⏰ 7 p.m.
💲 Free
A local power trio performs rock hits spanning the 90s through today.
Afro RnB with King Kanja
📍 The Ideal Theater & Bar
⏰ 8–11 p.m.
💲 $25
An energetic blend of Afrobeat rhythms and R&B grooves.
Rolling with Jen Live
📍 The Pines Pizza and Pub
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
💲 Free
Live local music in a fun and casual setting.
Last Call Party Band
📍 Otis' Tailgators Sports Bar
⏰ 9 p.m.
💲 Free
Dance the night away to party favorites and crowd-pleasing hits.
Pre-Mother’s Day Stepper Bash
📍 Fireside Tavern
⏰ 9 p.m.–2 a.m.
💲 Varies
Late-night dancing, DJs, bingo, giveaways, and Mother’s Day weekend vibes.
The Weakest Twink Returns
📍 Basix
⏰ 10 p.m.
💲 Varies
A weekly competition show featuring performances, prizes, and entertainment.
Jockstrap: Glee, The Worst Directions
📍 Basix
⏰ 10:30 p.m.
💲 Varies
A themed late-night dance party inspired by Glee music.
🏎️ Sports & Outdoor Events
NASCAR Local Racing Series
📍 Hawkeye Downs Speedway
⏰ 7–10 p.m.
💲 Adults $15 | Youth/Seniors/Veterans $10
Enjoy high-speed local racing action plus the return of the family-favorite Candy Dash.
Linn County Master Gardener Plant Sale
📍 Lowe Park Arts & Environment Center
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
💲 Free Admission
Shop flowers, vegetables, native plants, and more while getting gardening advice from local experts.
🎲 Gaming & Hobby Events
Lorcana – Wilds Unknown PreRelease
📍 First Turn Games
⏰ 6 p.m.
💲 Varies
Be among the first to play Disney Lorcana’s newest expansion set.
Lorcana Wilds Unknown PreRelease
📍 RePlay Gaming
⏰ 6:30 p.m.
💲 Varies
Join fellow players for prerelease gameplay and trading card battles.
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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