Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉
It’s a festive weekend across Eastern Iowa! 🎄 Kick off the holiday season at Festival of Trees and the Holiday Market at Ushers Ferry, browse the Friends of the Library Book Sale, or celebrate local shopping and community at Dash Coffee Roasters’ anniversary party. 🎨 Get creative with glass ornament workshops, gnome-making, and other hands-on classes. 🎭 Catch Mary Poppins, SPT Theatre’s Rock, Paper, Scissor, or the Iowa 55-Hour FilmSprint premiere. 🎶 Enjoy Orchestra Iowa’s Beethoven Masterworks, live music from Southbound, Other Brothers, and more, plus Cedar Rapids Roller Derby, family activities, games, and Sunday brunch. There’s something for everyone this weekend!
A big shoutout to our sponsors, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust for helping make Cedar Rapids Daily possible and supporting all the amazing things happening in our community.
☀️ CEDAR RAPIDS DAILY
Saturday & Sunday, November 14–15, 2026
Your guide to what’s happening around Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa — in five minutes or less!
🍂 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
🌤️ FORECAST
Mostly sunny with a high of 44° and a low of 26°.
⭐ TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS
📚 Friends of the Library November Book Sale
🎄 Festival of Trees
🏎️ Orange Track Racing
🦖 Dinosaur Rock Painting
🎨 Glass Mitten Ornament Workshop
🏆 Cedar Rapids Roller Derby Home Game
🎸 Southbound | Other Brothers
🎭 SPT Theatre: Rock, Paper, Scissor
🎹 Orchestra Iowa: Masterworks III
🎄 Holiday Market at Ushers Ferry
📚 LIBRARY, LEARNING & COMMUNITY
Friends of the Library November Book Sale
🕘 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
📍 Marion Public Library
Support the Friends of the Marion Public Library while browsing the book sale. Proceeds help fund library programs and activities in the community.
All Things Photos
🕙 10 a.m.–noon
📍 Family Search Center
Learn how to preserve photographs for future generations, label them, and decide what to do with physical pictures after they're uploaded to a computer.
English Practice Conversation Group
🕛 noon–1:30 p.m.
📍 Busse Library
Adults can practice speaking English, build confidence, and connect with others in this relaxed, welcoming conversation group.
Library Hunger Games
🕐 1–3 p.m.
📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library
Put your Hunger Games knowledge to the test with arena training stations and challenges inspired by the popular story.
Fact or Crap?
🚪 Doors open 6:30 p.m.; program at 7 p.m.
📍 The History Center
💲 $10; cash bar
Hosted by Dancin' Eric Hansen, this interactive game show challenges contestants and audience members to separate historical fact from fiction. Expect surprising stories, local history, and plenty of laughs.
👨👩👧👦 FAMILY & KIDS
Orange Track Racing
🕙 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Grace Street Church
💲 25¢ per car, up to $5 for 20 cars
Bring your Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars for a fun day of racing with family, friends, and neighbors. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.
Dinosaur Rock Painting
🕙 10–11 a.m.
📍 Ely Public Library
Drop in to paint a rock like your favorite dinosaur. All supplies are provided, and you get to take home your prehistoric creation.
Festival of Trees
🕙 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
Enjoy the festive trees and holiday displays at this annual community tradition.
Acorn Fest at Next Page Books
🕚 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 Next Page Books of Cedar Rapids
Celebrate the store's acorn logo with prize drawings, games, snacks, sips, and acorn ornament decorating for kids. Receive a free pint glass with a purchase of $25 or more.
Grand Opening Celebration
🕑 2–5 p.m.
📍 The Little Gym of Hiawatha
Celebrate the new location with in-gym games and activities, cotton candy, face painting, popcorn, door prizes, and giveaways. Opening-day special: 20% off memberships.
319 Card Show
🕙 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 2020 Scotty Dr. SW, Cedar Rapids
💲 Free card show entry; $5 per family for the Family Arena
Explore more than 100 vendor tables featuring Pokémon, sports cards, collectibles, comics, games, and more. Families can also enjoy bounce houses, mini golf, Connect 4, and other activities.
7th Annual Kids Coats Giveaway
🕙 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
📍 Frank's Tree Service, Marion
Free coats, hats, and gloves for kids, along with food, haircuts, music, and a live dance performance. Children must be present to receive a coat.
Note: The supplied event listing gives the date as November 14, 2025. Confirm the year before publishing.
Preschool Trail Trekkers: Wild Animals in Winter
🕙 10–11 a.m.
📍 Indian Creek Nature Center, Penningroth Barn
💲 $5 for preschoolers ages 3–5; free for ages 2 and under; $5 for adults
Explore how animals prepare for winter through games and outdoor activities. Designed for preschoolers accompanied by an adult; dress for outdoor activities.
🎨 ARTS, CRAFTS & WORKSHOPS
The Art of Seeing: Developing Your Photographic Vision — Day 1 of 2
🕘 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
📍 Indian Creek Nature Center
💲 $305 nonmembers; $295 members
Recommended for ages 16 and up. Award-winning photographer Donald Quintana leads this hands-on workshop exploring light, color, composition, perspective, lenses, and the development of a personal photographic style. Bring your camera, lenses, and photography equipment. Pre-registration required; registration closes Friday, November 13.
Threading the Needle: Fiber Art in Iowa
🕙 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 Grant Wood Studio
On view October 3, 2026–January 17, 2027. This juried exhibition showcases Iowa fiber artists and the creative range of textile arts, from traditional techniques to contemporary explorations of materials and themes.
The Art of Astrid Hilger Bennett: Making Her Mark
🕙 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 Grant Wood Studio
On view September 12, 2026–January 3, 2027. Explore a lifetime of fiber art by Iowa City artist Astrid Hilger Bennett, whose hand-painted and monoprinted fabrics draw inspiration from the natural world.
Glass Mitten Ornament Workshop — 10:30 a.m. Session
🕥 10:30 a.m.–noon
📍 Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio
💲 $35 per person
Create a one-of-a-kind glass mitten ornament using colorful glass pieces and decorative accents. No experience necessary; materials, instruction, and firing are included. Finished ornaments will be ready for pickup in approximately three weeks. Pre-registration required.
Glass Mitten Ornament Workshop — 1 p.m. Session
🕐 1–2:30 p.m.
📍 Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio
💲 $35 per person
A second opportunity to create the studio's annual holiday ornament. Design your own glass mitten with colorful glass and decorative accents. No experience necessary; pre-registration required.
Fall Gnome Workshop
🕐 1–2:30 p.m.
📍 Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio
💲 $20 per person
Create a fall garden gnome from clay using pinch-pot techniques and colorful accessories. For ages 5 and up. Participants ages 5–7 must be accompanied by a paying adult who is also registered. Finished projects will be ready for pickup in approximately three weeks.
Artist Forum
🕑 2–5 p.m.
📍 DKW Art Gallery and Studios
Artists of all ages, mediums, and skill levels are invited to gather, work on projects, share ideas, ask questions, and connect. No membership or registration required.
Wintertime Herbal Bath & Body Care with Astrid Selander
🕑 2–4 p.m.
📍 Tree of Liminality
Learn to make aromatic bath salts and shower steamers using botanical ingredients. Participants will take home their creations along with homemade herbal tea.
Ash Wood Splint Ornament Class
🕘 9–11 a.m.
📍 Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
Learn traditional ash wood weaving techniques with artisan Molly Kephart and create a handmade holiday ornament. All materials provided; no experience necessary.
Tinted Timber Painting Class
🕛 noon–2 p.m.
📍 EichenPaint Studio
💲 $30 per painter
Paint a 12-by-16-inch canvas with step-by-step instruction. All materials are provided, and painters of all ages and experience levels are welcome. Kids may attend with an adult.
Beginning Tarot
🕛 noon–4 p.m.
📍 ReAlive Metaphysical Shop
💲 $25, including class and materials
Learn how to read tarot for yourself and others in this beginner-friendly class.
🛍️ HOLIDAY MARKETS & SHOPPING
Holiday Market at Ushers Ferry
🕑 2–5 p.m.
📍 Ushers Ferry History Village
Browse unique gifts from local vendors in the cozy setting of Ushers Ferry Lodge.
Holiday Launch
🕙 10 a.m.
📍 HEA Book Boutique
Kick off the holiday season with holiday books, new merchandise, gifts, stocking stuffers, sales, and the return of the Book Fairy Tree. The holiday launch continues November 15.
🎭 THEATER, GAMES & ENTERTAINMENT
SPT Theatre: Rock, Paper, Scissor
🕗 8–10 p.m.
📍 CSPS Hall
Enjoy an evening of original comedy sketches created by SPT's Writers' Room, brought to life by local writers, actors, musicians, and performers with a little rock and roll mixed in.
Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids
💲 $63.95 plus taxes and fees
Enjoy dinner while trying to solve a mystery. Detectives interrogate guests and reveal clues throughout the evening before awarding the person who cracks the case.
GTT Tavern: A Night of Comedy, Chaos, and Adventure
🕖 7 p.m.
📍 Giving Tree Theater
A live improv adventure where fantasy meets comedy. Guided by a Dungeon Master, the performers create a one-of-a-kind quest shaped by dice rolls and audience choices.
SpareTime After Dark
🕙 10 p.m.–midnight
📍 Spare Time Cedar Rapids
💲 $15.99 per person
Enjoy two hours of unlimited bowling, shoe rental, music, and a light show during this late-night weekend party.
🏅 SPORTS
Cedar Rapids Roller Derby Home Game
🚪 Doors open 5 p.m.; first whistle at 6 p.m.
📍 Elevate Sports, 4655 Tower Terrace Road NE
A mashup team featuring skaters from across the Midwest takes on Cedar Rapids Roller Derby. Expect fast skating, big hits, and family-friendly excitement.
🎹 LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
All Iowa Middle School Jazz Band & Coe Jazz Band Concert
🕓 4 p.m.
📍 Sinclair Auditorium, Coe College
Enjoy a concert featuring the All Iowa Middle School Jazz Band and Coe Jazz Band. A livestream is also available.
Up N Smoke Jam Night
🕟 4:30 p.m.
📍 Up In Smoke BBQ, Czech Village
Robbie Love opens with acoustic music at 4:30 p.m. The open jam and house band Spirit Awake begin at 7 p.m. All-you-can-eat BBQ buffet runs 5–9 p.m.
Barefoot Becky Band
🕕 6–9 p.m.
📍 Elks Lodge 251
💲 $10 cover
Enjoy dinner, dancing, and live music with the Barefoot Becky Band. Everyone welcome.
Paint & Sip Girls Night
🕖 7 p.m.
📍 K.C. Cakes & Cajun
💲 $35 per ticket
Enjoy a relaxed paint-by-number evening with a dirty soda or dirty energy drink and free dessert. Appetizers are 20% off. Advance tickets required.
Unbalanced
🕖 7 p.m.
📍 Rhapsody Spirits & Provisions
Unbalanced returns to Rhapsody with special guest drummer Nic Morris.
Southbound | Other Brothers
🚪 Doors 7 p.m.; show 8 p.m.
📍 The Ideal Theater & Bar
💲 $18 plus fees; all ages
Southbound brings a six-piece Allman Brothers tribute featuring harmonized guitars and a dual-drummer setup. Des Moines blues-rock trio Other Brothers opens the show.
Tyler Richton & The High Bank Boys
🚪 Doors 7 p.m.; show 8 p.m.
📍 The Olympic South Side Theater
💲 $16 advance; $23 day of show; all ages
The Deep River, Iowa band brings its blend of traditional country, outlaw country, and Red Dirt sounds to Cedar Rapids. Luke Fox opens.
Mary Poppins
🕢 7:30 p.m.
📍 Theatre Cedar Rapids
The beloved Disney classic takes the stage with unforgettable music, spectacular dance numbers, and a little holiday magic. Running November 13–December 20.
Party Plan
🕗 8–11 p.m.
📍 North Point, Cedar Rapids
Party Plan is back for a Saturday night of music and fun.
U Down Wit OPN II?
🕗 8 p.m.
📍 Old Neighborhood Pub
A 21-and-over night of '90s hits and throwbacks.
Redemption
🕗 8 p.m.–midnight
📍 Otis' Tailgators Sports Bar
High-energy cover band playing favorites from the '70s through today.
Masterworks III — Orchestra Iowa
🕢 7:30–10 p.m.
📍 Paramount Theatre
💲 $15–$65
Pianist Stewart Goodyear returns to perform Beethoven's Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 2, and 3 on Saturday night, as part of a two-night performance of all five concertos.
☕ FOOD & DRINK
Dash Coffee Roasters 9 Year Anniversary Party
🕗 8 a.m.–noon
📍 Dash Coffee Roasters
Celebrate nine years of coffee and community in Kingston Village with Plinko prizes, a one-day drink special, breakfast enchiladas, Crunch Berry cheesecake French toast, free cake, and more.
🍁 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15
🌤️ FORECAST
Mostly sunny with a high of 48° and a low of 29°.
⭐ TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS
🎄 Festival of Trees
🎹 Orchestra Iowa: Masterworks III
🎭 Mary Poppins
📖 Grant Wood Presentation with Wanda Corn
🎬 Iowa 55-Hour FilmSprint Premiere
🎨 Art at Brucemore: Mitten Glass Ornament
🦃 Free Kids Craft: Paper Turkeys
📚 The Green Mountain Tragedy
🎸 David Wimbish & Jesse James DeConto
🎤 Soul Sunday Brunch
📚 LIBRARY, BOOKS & COMMUNITY
Sunday Bingo at NewBo City Market
🕛 noon–1:30 p.m.
📍 NewBo City Market
💲 Free
Play bingo, enjoy the market, and compete for prizes. Cards are provided.
Friends of the Library November Book Sale
🕐 1–5 p.m.
📍 Marion Public Library
Browse the book sale and support the Friends of the Marion Public Library. Proceeds help fund library programs and activities.
Friends of the Hiawatha Public Library
🕠 5:30–6:30 p.m.
📍 Hiawatha Public Library
New and existing Friends of the Library members are welcome.
The Green Mountain Tragedy
🕐 1–2:30 p.m.
📍 Marion Historical Museum / Marion Heritage Center
Author Scott Foens explores the deadliest accident in Iowa history during a presentation about his book, The Green Mountain Tragedy. A reception follows.
Author Event: Keith Pilapil Lesmeister
🕒 3–4 p.m.
📍 Big Grove Cedar Rapids Taproom
Swamp Fox Bookstore welcomes author Keith Pilapil Lesmeister. Copies of Ask Me About the Money and Could've Been Happy Here will be available for purchase.
Grant Wood Presentation and Book Signing with Wanda Corn
🕐 1 p.m.
📍 Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and Grant Wood Studio
Grant Wood scholar Wanda Corn introduces her new book, The Couple with the Pitchfork: America Gothic from Easel to Icon, exploring the history and cultural influence of one of America's most recognizable paintings.
👨👩👧👦 FAMILY & KIDS
Free Kids Craft: Paper Turkeys
🕛 noon–3 p.m.
📍 Big Grove Cedar Rapids
💲 Free
Bring the kids for a festive paper plate turkey craft. Reservations are strongly encouraged; walk-in space is limited.
Festival of Trees
🕙 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
Enjoy the holiday trees and festive displays at this annual community event.
Mary Poppins
🕝 2:30 p.m.
📍 Theatre Cedar Rapids
Enjoy the beloved Disney musical filled with memorable songs, dance, and holiday magic. Running November 13–December 20.
🎨 ARTS, CRAFTS & WORKSHOPS
Art at Brucemore: Mitten Glass Ornament
🕛 noon–1:30 p.m.
📍 Brucemore Carriage House
💲 $40 for one ornament; $60 for two
Decorate a glass mitten ornament with the Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Instructions and materials are included, and ornaments will be fired and ready for pickup in approximately three weeks.
ADVENTure Into Christmas
🕑 2–4 p.m.
📍 House of Hope
💲 $40
Create a Jesse Tree Advent Ornament Kit and receive a 25-day devotional to help families explore the story of Scripture leading up to Christmas. The kit includes 25 keepsake ornaments and a family devotional.
Terrarium Workshop
🕑 2 p.m.
📍 Moss: Plants, Gifts, Decor
💲 $55 or $75, depending on vessel
Learn how to build and care for a closed tropical terrarium.
The Mossy Manuscript
🕙 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
📍 NewBo City Market
Stop by this pop-up for books and plenty of other goodies.
🌿 HEALTH, WELLNESS & FITNESS
Sound Bath & Mimosas
🕥 10:30 a.m.–noon
📍 Sisters Books & Nooks
💲 $25 per person
Relax with a guided sound bath, followed by a mimosa and time to mingle. Bring a yoga mat, pillow, blanket, or anything else you need to get comfortable. Advance reservations encouraged.
Reiki-Infused Guided Meditation
🕔 5–6 p.m.
📍 The Studio on Third
Relax in a yoga silk cocoon while following a guided meditation designed to help release what no longer supports your goals. Space is limited to eight; reservations required.
Sound Bath Pop-up
🕔 5–6 p.m.
📍 The MAC – Midwest Athletic Club
Enjoy a restorative, water-free sound experience with crystal singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and tuning forks. Bring a guest for free; sign up through the MAC Fit app or online.
Salsa Pop-up Class: Rhythm, Feet & Fun with Gloria
🕟 4:30–5:30 p.m.
📍 Toula Yoga
💲 $20
Trade your yoga mat for the dance floor and learn salsa basics with instructor Gloria. No partner or experience needed. Wear lightweight clothing and bring socks or smooth-soled shoes.
🎭 ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & GAMES
Iowa 55-Hour FilmSprint — Premiere Screening
🚪 Doors 5:30 p.m.; screening 6 p.m.
📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library, Whipple Auditorium
💲 $10
Watch original short films created by local filmmakers during a 55-hour creative challenge. Audience members can vote for their favorite, followed by awards and a celebration. Advance tickets recommended; seating is limited to 125.
FFTCG Sealed Learn-to-Play
🕐 1 p.m.
📍 First Turn Games
💲 $40
Celebrate Leonora's birthday with a Final Fantasy Trading Card Game event. Choose a sealed event for experienced players or a learn-to-play session for newcomers.
Standard Pokémon Tournament
🕛 Sign-ups at 11 a.m.; tournament begins around 12:15 p.m.
📍 Coulee Cards & Gaming Cedar Rapids
💲 $10 entry
Bring a 60-card, sleeved, Standard-legal deck for the tournament. Prize support provided.
Riftbound Radiance Summoners Skirmish 1
🕔 5 p.m.
📍 Coulee Cards & Gaming Cedar Rapids
Join the first Summoner's Skirmish for Radiance.
Bed by 10pm Karaoke
🕠 5:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 Buchona's Sports Bar & Grill
Enjoy an early-evening karaoke night. Bring the kids, grab dinner, and take a turn at the microphone. Singers receive buy-one-get-one on their first drink.
🎹 LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE
Soul Sunday Brunch
🕚 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
📍 CityWalk Eatery
Enjoy Sunday brunch with Rahlan Kay, featuring music, singing, dancing, and a special menu that includes fried hand-battered catfish. Cover is 2 for $10 before noon and $10 per person after noon.
Masterworks III — Orchestra Iowa
🕑 2–4:30 p.m.
📍 Paramount Theatre
💲 $15–$65
Pianist Stewart Goodyear performs Beethoven's Piano Concertos Nos. 4 and 5, completing the two-night performance of all five concertos.
The Drive-Ins
🕒 3–6 p.m.
📍 Rhapsody Spirits & Provisions
Enjoy an afternoon of high-energy '50s and '60s rock and roll, featuring favorites from Elvis, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, and more.
David Wimbish & Jesse James DeConto
🕖 7–9 p.m.
📍 CSPS Hall
Two singer-songwriters share an evening of intimate storytelling, heartfelt songs, and music centered on hope, healing, and connection.
Sugar and Spice Trio
🕔 5–8 p.m.
📍 Old Neighborhood Pub
💲 $5 cover
Enjoy Sunday Funday with live music from the Sugar and Spice Trio.
Special Thanks
A big shoutout to our sponsor: Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust.
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
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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