Events for Friday, October 16th, 2026.

Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉

It’s a chilly fall Friday, but Eastern Iowa is packed with seasonal fun, creative experiences, and live entertainment! 🍂🎃 Start the day with Geri-Fit or Find Your Center, then browse the Annual Fall Rummage Sale at Noelridge Christian Church. Looking for fall adventures? Head to Bloomsbury Farm for the Iowa Fall Festival or Scream Acres, or check out Hallowed Harvest and Circle of Ash for Halloween thrills. 👻🎃 Get creative with a glass spiderweb bowl workshop, moss wall art, or a spooky painting class. 🎨 Hear Cedar Rapids native Erica Cole share how she turned her idea for adaptive clothing into a successful business, or explore Prague’s haunted history with author Michele Patrick. 📚 Families can catch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Jefferson High School or enjoy a free outdoor screening of The Haunted Mansion at Bever Park. 🍫🎬 Tonight’s entertainment includes The Exorcist at Theatre Cedar Rapids, Dial M for Murder at Giving Tree Theater, and live music from Richrath Project REO or American Dookie with Nirvomit. 🎭🎸 Whether you’re ready for a fright, a festival, or a night on the town, there’s something for everyone!

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

Friday, October 16, 2026

🌧️ FORECAST

🌦️ Chance of showers and windy, with a high of 55° and a low of 33°. Bundle up, bring a rain jacket, and prepare for a chilly fall day!

⭐ TOP 10 HIGHLIGHTS

🛍️ Annual Fall Rummage Sale at Noelridge Christian Church
🎃 Iowa Fall Festival at Bloomsbury Farm
👖 Designed to Fit: Adaptive Clothing & Building a Business
🍫 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Jefferson High School
🎨 Glass Spiderweb Bowl Workshop
🎃 Hallowed Harvest at Linn County Fairgrounds
👻 Scream Acres at Bloomsbury Farm
📚 Haunted Prague with Author Michele Patrick
🎸 Richrath Project REO at The Olympic
🎤 American Dookie with Nirvomit at The Ideal Theater

🌿 HEALTH, WELLNESS & FITNESS

💪 Geri-Fit

🕗 8–8:45 a.m. and 1–1:45 p.m.
📍 Ely Public Library | 💲 Free

A strength and wellness program for adults 60 and older that helps improve strength, balance, flexibility, mobility, and arthritic conditions while supporting bone health.

🧘 Find Your Center

🕣 8:30–9:30 a.m.
📍 NewBo City Market | 💲 Free

Regain clarity, confidence, and focus with this interactive weekly series inspired by martial arts. Explore simple movement, breathing exercises, reflection, and practical tools for managing stress and everyday challenges. Drop in whenever it works for you.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY & KIDS

📚 Early Learning Story Time at Busse Branch

🕤 9:30–10 a.m.
📍 Busse Branch | 💲 Free

A fun-filled story time for children ages 2–5 featuring stories, songs, movement, and bubbles.

🎌 Teen Anime Club

🕞 3:30–4:30 p.m.
📍 Busse Branch | 💲 Free

Watch the beginning of Dungeon People, rated TV-14, following master thief Clay as she explores an unfamiliar dungeon and receives an unexpected job offer. Start with a craft or activity before the episode begins at 4 p.m.

🍫 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

🕔 5–6:15 p.m. and 7:30–8:45 p.m.
📍 Jefferson High School | 💲 $5

Playtime Poppy Children’s Theatre and Jefferson High School present Richard R. George’s stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved story. Follow Charlie Bucket and four other lucky children on a magical tour of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. Both performances are family-friendly, and the 5 p.m. performance is ASL-interpreted. Tickets are available at the door or online at jhscr.booktix.com.

🎃 Spooky Movie Night at the Farm: The Haunted Mansion

🕖 7–9:30 p.m.
📍 Old MacDonald’s Farm Amphitheater at Bever Park | 💲 Free; $1 per person donation appreciated

Bring the family for an outdoor screening of The Haunted Mansion. This family-friendly event is open to all ages, and donations help care for the farm and its animals.

🛍️ FESTIVALS, MARKETS & SEASONAL FUN

🛍️ Annual Fall Rummage Sale

🕗 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 Noelridge Christian Church

Browse toys, housewares, books, clothing, shoes, crafts, holiday items, and more. The sale runs October 15–17, with Saturday designated as Bag Day: fill a paper sack for $5.

🎃 Iowa Fall Festival

🕐 1–5:30 p.m.
📍 Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins

Celebrate autumn with pumpkin picking, a giant corn maze, photo opportunities, u-pick flowers, fall treats, and attractions for all ages. The festival runs through October 31. Fridays are 1–5:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays are 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Tickets and details: Bloomsbury Farm Fall Festival.

🎃 Hallowed Harvest

🕡 6:30–10 p.m.
📍 Linn County Fairgrounds, Central City | 💲 $30 per family/group of up to four; $5 per additional person

Wander through a glowing pumpkin patch and fall lights at this no-scares Halloween celebration for all ages. Perfect for families, date nights, and anyone who loves the magic of autumn. Tickets: Hallowed Harvest.

👻 Scream Acres

🕡 6:30–10 p.m.
📍 Bloomsbury Farm, near Atkins

Ready for a fright? Take on three indoor haunted attractions and a pitch-black haunted cornfield, then enjoy live music, food, and drinks in the 21-and-over beer garden. Recommended for ages 12 and up; anyone under 16 must have an adult chaperone on the grounds. October 16 is one of the scheduled dates. Tickets: Scream Acres.

🎃 Circle of Ash

🕖 7–11 p.m.
📍 Linn County Fairgrounds, Central City | 💲 $31.58 online / $35 at the gate

Eastern Iowa’s haunted attraction celebrates 25 years of scares with three experiences in one night: Frightmare Forest, The Manor, and Socko’s Fun House. Open Friday and Saturday nights through October 31. Tickets: Circle of Ash.

🎨 ARTS, CRAFTS & CREATIVE EXPERIENCES

🖼️ “European Travels” — Original Artwork by John Preston

🕙 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
📍 Gilded Pear Gallery | 💲 Free

Explore original paintings inspired by artist John Preston’s recent travels abroad. The exhibit is on display through November 14. View the artwork at Gilded Pear Gallery.

🕸️ Glass Spiderweb Bowl Workshop

🕡 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio | 💲 $60 | Pre-registration required

Create a Halloween-inspired spiderweb bowl using black fusible glass. Learn glass cutting, shaping, and kiln-forming techniques in this beginner-friendly workshop. Materials, instruction, kiln firing, and finishing are included. Your finished bowl will be ready for pickup in approximately three weeks. This is part of the studio’s Friday Night Out series for adults 21 and older; BYOB.

🎨 EichenPaint: “We All Float”

🕕 6–8 p.m.
📍 EichenPaint Studio, 1010 3rd St. SE, Suite 3, Cedar Rapids | 💲 $30 per painter

Paint a spooky, It-inspired design on a 12-by-16-inch canvas. All materials are provided, and the instructor guides you step by step. No experience is needed, and participants ages 7–97 are welcome; kids must attend with an adult.

🌿 Moss Wall Art Workshop

🕕 6–7:30 p.m.
📍 Moss: Plants, Gifts, Decor | 💲 $50 for an 8-by-8-inch wood frame; $75 for a 10.5-by-10.5-inch gold frame

Design your own framed moss artwork using preserved moss and natural materials such as bark, branches, and pods. Materials and frames are supplied, with the option to bring your own dried natural elements for a personal touch. Sign up at Moss: Plants, Gifts, Decor.

📚 LECTURES, EDUCATION & COMMUNITY LEARNING

👖 Designed to Fit: What Adaptive Clothing Taught Me About Building a Business

🕜 1:30–2:30 p.m.
📍 Kirkwood Community College, 2082 Cedar Hall | 💲 Free

Cedar Rapids native Erica Cole, founder and CEO of adaptive apparel company No Limbits, shares how a personal challenge led to a growing business featured on Shark Tank. Hear how she developed her designs, learned the business side of entrepreneurship, and built a company focused on accessibility and inclusion. A fireside chat and audience Q&A follow.

👻 Haunted Prague with Author Michele Patrick

🕕 6–7:30 p.m.
📍 National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library | 💲 Free

Take a photo-filled virtual journey through Prague’s haunted history with author Michele Patrick. Discover legends of the Headless Horseman, the Golem, and the Ghostly Organist, along with stories of Czech and Slovak folklore. The presentation includes a preview of her upcoming book, Hidden Prague, a Halloween-appropriate reading, and a book signing.

🤝 COMMUNITY & CONNECTION

☕ Encore Café — Registration Required

🕦 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 Marion Public Library

Enjoy a dietitian-reviewed meal through the award-winning Encore Café, which combines nutrition with activities and educational sessions designed to support social connection, health, and quality of life. Registration is required. Check with Heritage Area Agency on Aging for menus and additional program details.

📱 Technology Help Table

🕧 12:30–1:30 p.m.
📍 Marion Public Library | 💲 Free

Get hands-on help with phones, iPads, tablets, settings, apps, email, and other technology questions. Bring or know your passwords if you need help accessing accounts. Assistance may be limited to approximately 10 minutes per person.

🖨️ MakerSpace Open Hours

🕐 1–4 p.m.
📍 Marion Public Library

Explore creative tools such as 3D printers, Cricut machines, a sublimation printer, and heat presses. Open hours are for patrons of all ages, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

✍️ Community Writers’ Circle

🕐 1–2 p.m.
📍 Hiawatha Public Library

Note: The Community Writers’ Circle is taking a short break this fall, so this gathering may not be taking place.

🎭 THEATRE & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

🎭 The Exorcist

🕢 7:30–10 p.m.
📍 Theatre Cedar Rapids

Experience John Pielmeier’s stage adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s chilling novel, exploring faith, fear, and the battle between good and evil. The production runs October 9–November 1. Content advisory: graphic language, loud noises, simulated medical procedures, violence, and depictions of demonic possession.

🔎 Dial M for Murder

🕢 7:30–10 p.m.
📍 Giving Tree Theater

Enjoy a suspenseful new adaptation of the classic murder mystery that inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s film. When Tony suspects his wife Margot of infidelity, jealousy drives him into a dangerous web of deception and murder.

🎭 Mansion Mixer: Busts and Brushstrokes

🕕 6–9 p.m.
📍 Brucemore

Explore the symbolism and controversy of women’s breasts in Western art, from ancient sculpture to modern paintings, and discover the depictions of feminine nudity found throughout historic mansions like Brucemore. Recommended for adults only.

🏒 The Haunted Stable Halloween Bash

🕖 Game/event time listed as 7:05 p.m.
📍 The Stable, home of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

Celebrate Halloween with a costume parade at the RoughRiders’ game. Arrive early for throwback happy-hour pricing from 6–7 p.m.: $2 fountain drinks, $3 domestic draft beers, and $3 full-size hot dogs.

🎶 LIVE MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

🎸 Richrath Project REO with Jett Threatt

🕢 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.)
📍 The Olympic South Side Theater | 💲 $40.54 advance, all-in

Hear the music of REO Speedwagon and guitarist Gary Richrath performed by musicians with a direct connection to the original lineup. The bill also features Jett Threatt, a Cedar Rapids tribute to Joan Jett & the Blackhearts led by Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Karie Skogman.

🎸 American Dookie with Nirvomit

🕗 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.)
📍 The Ideal Theater & Bar, 213 16th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids | 💲 $16 plus fees | All ages

Two Iowa tribute bands bring back the sound of the ’90s. American Dookie plays Green Day favorites, while Iowa City’s Nirvomit delivers the music and energy of Nirvana.

🎤 Friday Karaoke

🕘 9 p.m.–midnight
📍 Sammy’s Lounge

Wrap up the week with Friday-night karaoke.

🎤 Adult Halloween Party featuring Klazik and Clay James

🕖 7–11 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.)
📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex, Taft A/B Rooms | 💲 General admission from $29

Celebrate Halloween with live hip-hop performances from Iowa Music Award winner Klazik and Atlanta recording artist Clay James. Costumes are welcome, with a suggested throwback style inspired by 1970s fashion. Designed with audiences 30 and older in mind.

✍️ Open Mic Poetry Night

🕕 6–8 p.m.
📍 Tree of Liminality / Heart House | 💲 $5 suggested donation

Share original poetry, short prose, or songwriting in a welcoming, supportive environment—or come simply to listen. Organizers encourage kind, respectful readings and trigger warnings for sensitive topics. Donations support Farmhouse Art Collective. Featured reader sign-up: Tree of Liminality.

🎮 GAMES & HOBBIES

🃏 Riftbound: Radiance Pre-Rift Event

🕕 6 p.m.
📍 First Turn Games

Join this pre-release-style event for Riftbound: Radiance. The event listing notes that Riftbound is moving to its own tournament software, with the live event link still to be announced.

🐴 OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS

🏇 IPtHA Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree

🕗 8 a.m.
📍 Iowa Equestrian Center at Kirkwood

Join the fun at this Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree. Additional event details were not provided in the listing.

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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