Events for Saturday, October 17th, and Sunday, October 18th, 2026.

Hey there, Cedar Rapids! 🎉

It’s a beautiful fall weekend ahead in Eastern Iowa, with sunny skies, autumn festivals, local art, family fun, and plenty of live entertainment! 🍂🎃 Shop local at Chroma Art Mart or the Made in Iowa Fall Market, explore the Iowa Renaissance Festival, or visit Bloomsbury Farm for pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and fall festivities. Families can enjoy trunk-or-treat events, Youth in Aviation Day, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Safe Halloween at Ushers Ferry. 🧡 Looking for something creative? Try a glass or ceramics workshop, make Halloween art, or explore the Greater Cedar Rapids Fall Parade of Homes. 🏡 Music lovers can catch the SouthSide Bluesfest, Orchestra Iowa’s Masterworks II, or The Black Jacket Symphony performing Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet. 🎶 And if spooky season is your thing, Scream Acres, Circle of Ash, and other Halloween experiences are ready to deliver thrills! 👻 From the Mrs. Roper Romp in Czech Village to farmers markets, yoga, live theater, and family skating, 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

Weekend Guide | Saturday, October 17 & Sunday, October 18, 2026

Your guide to what’s happening around Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa this weekend — in five minutes or less!

🌤️ WEEKEND FORECAST

Saturday, October 17: Morning frost, then sunny, with a high of 57° and a low of 41°.

Sunday, October 18: Sunny, with a high of 64° and a low of 44°.

⭐ TOP 10 WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS

🎨 Chroma Art Mart
🎃 Iowa Fall Festival at Bloomsbury Farm
🏰 Iowa Renaissance Festival
🐾 Halloween Event & Trunk or Treat at Marion Hy-Vee
🎶 SouthSide Bluesfest
👗 Mrs. Roper Romp in Czech Village
🎼 Orchestra Iowa: Masterworks II
🏠 Greater Cedar Rapids Fall Parade of Homes
🧡 Safe Halloween at Ushers Ferry
🎸 The Black Jacket Symphony: Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet

📅 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17

🌿 HEALTH, WELLNESS & FITNESS

2026 YMCA CommUNITY Run

🕗 8 a.m. | 📍 Marion YMCA

Choose the 5K or 10K and enjoy a community-focused run or walk through the scenic trails near Lowe Park. Proceeds support YMCA community scholarships and facility improvements. Register at crmetroymca.org.

Women in Nature

🕗 8 a.m.–3 p.m. | 📍 Indian Creek Nature Center | 💲 $75

Spend a day connecting with nature and other women through talks, guided hikes, creative activities, yoga, meditation and wellness practices. A light breakfast, boxed lunch, door prizes and women-owned business vendors are included.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY & KIDS

Cats & Kittens Story Time

🕤 9:30–10 a.m. | 📍 Busse Library

Enjoy cat-themed stories, songs and movement. Geared toward ages 2–5, but all ages are welcome. Stick around afterward to meet adoptable cats.

Meet Adoptable Cats

🕙 10 a.m.–noon | 📍 Busse Branch

Meet kittens and cats looking for homes, make a cat craft or button, and browse cat books. Presented with SAINT Rescue & Adoption Center and Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control.

Halloween Event & Trunk or Treat

🕙 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | 📍 Marion Hy-Vee | 💲 Free

Bring the family in costume for trick-or-treating, face painting, a trunk-or-treat event featuring local businesses and more Halloween fun.

Youth in Aviation Day at CID

🕙 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | 📍 The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) | 💲 Free

Explore aviation with activities, an open house and a static aircraft display. A free event for all ages.

Ellis House Toddler Rave: Halloween Edition

🕙 Morning session: 10–11 a.m.
🕑 Afternoon session: 2–3 p.m.
📍 Ellis House | 💲 $10–$20

A Halloween-themed dance party for little ones ages 1–6, featuring a DJ, kid-friendly music, bubbles, festive lighting and space for parents to join the fun. Tickets are required; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

🕚 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. | 📍 Jefferson High School | 💲 $5

Playtime Poppy Children’s Theatre and Jefferson High School present the beloved story of Charlie Bucket and his unforgettable adventure through Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The 11 a.m. performance is ASL-interpreted.

Cedar Rapids Children’s Opera: Papagayo

🕒 3–4 p.m. | 📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library

Enjoy a family-friendly touring opera featuring music and puppetry. Follow rainforest animals as they work together to stop the mischievous Moon Dog from eating the moon.

🎃 FALL FESTIVALS & SEASONAL FUN

Annual Fall Rummage Sale — Bag Day

🕗 8 a.m.–noon | 📍 Noelridge Christian Church

Shop for toys, clothing, books, housewares, shoes, crafts, holiday items and more. Saturday is bag day: fill a paper sack for $5.

Fall Festival at Bass Family Farms

🕙 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | 📍 Bass Family Farms

Pick pumpkins, enjoy weekend hayrack rides, shop specialty foods and browse mums, gourds and seasonal decorations. No admission is required to pick pumpkins or browse the store.

Iowa Fall Festival

🕙 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | 📍 Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins

Enjoy pumpkin picking, a giant corn maze, flower picking, fall treats, photo opportunities and attractions for all ages. Tickets and details are available at tickets.bloomsburyfarm.com/iowa-fall-festival-2026.

33rd Annual Iowa Renaissance Festival

🕙 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | 📍 Middle Amana Community Park

Step into a Renaissance village with comedy, swordplay, music, magic, horseback jousting, unique marketplace vendors and food.

Made in Iowa Fall Market

🕙 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | 📍 Hawkeye Downs Expo Center | 💲 $5; children 12 and under free

Shop Iowa-made products and discover local vendors during this two-day market running Saturday and Sunday.

Mrs. Roper Romp

🕓 4–9 p.m. | 📍 Czech Village

Break out the colorful caftans, chunky jewelry and red wigs for an evening of 1970s-inspired fun. Explore local shops and restaurants beginning at 4 p.m., gather for a group photo on the Bridge of Lions at 5 p.m., then dance to 70s music from 6–9 p.m.

Scream Acres

🕡 6:30–10 p.m. | 📍 Bloomsbury Farm

Take on three indoor haunts and a pitch-black haunted cornfield, then enjoy food, live music and the beer garden. Recommended for ages 12 and up; anyone under 16 needs an adult chaperone on the grounds.

Circle of Ash

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

Experience three haunted attractions in one night: Frightmare Forest, The Manor and Socko’s Fun House.

🛍️ COMMUNITY, FUNDRAISERS & MARKETS

Bazaar and Soup Luncheon

🕗 8 a.m.–2 p.m. | 📍 Buffalo United Methodist Church

Browse the bake sale, homemade noodles and White Elephant items, and enjoy a soup luncheon served from 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Lunch includes chili or chicken noodle soup, a ham sandwich, dessert and a beverage. Adults: $8.50; children ages 6–12: $3.50; ages 5 and under: free.

Chroma Art Mart

🕙 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 📍 Eastern Iowa Arts Academy at Arthur Elementary School | 💲 Free

Shop local artists, makers and small businesses, enjoy kids’ activities and grab a bite from local food trucks. The event will move indoors if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Donation Day

🕙 10 a.m.–noon | 📍 Hiawatha Public Library

Donate gently used books and magazines.

Dogs Forever 6th Annual Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser

🕚 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | 📍 Wendler Building, 415 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids | 💲 $5 suggested entry donation

Sample homemade chili, vote for your favorite, browse a silent auction and shop baked goods. Chili cooks can enter for a $35 donation, with prizes for judges’ winners and the People’s Choice winner. No pets, please.

College Football at The Yard

🕚 11 a.m. | 📍 Kingston Yard

Catch college football games on the ImOn Stage screen while enjoying food and drinks from Kingston Yard restaurants.

🗳️ CIVIC & COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Short-Term Satellite Voting

🕙 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | 📍 Cedar Rapids Downtown Library, Mezzanine

In-person absentee voting is available at the Downtown Library. Bring an accepted form of voter identification. Ballots must be cast at the satellite location and cannot be taken home.

🎨 ARTS, CRAFTS & WORKSHOPS

Beyond Round: The Altered Teapot with Kevin Corotis

🕘 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | 📍 Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio | 💲 $75

An immersive ceramics workshop combining wheel throwing and handbuilding to create a sculptural altered square teapot. Previous wheel-throwing experience is required; ages 18 and older. Clay and firing are not included. Preregistration required.

Clay: Rainsticks

🕘 9 a.m.–noon | 📍 Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio | 💲 $55

Learn basic slab and assembly techniques while creating a 12–14-inch rainstick. Finished projects will be ready for pickup in approximately three weeks. Preregistration required.

Halloween Painting

🕙 10–11 a.m. | 📍 Ely Public Library

Paint Halloween- and autumn-themed wooden pictures with laser-etched designs. Ages 10 and up; RSVP required. Space is limited to 25 participants.

Indigo Dye Workshop with Astrid Hilger Bennett

🕙 10 a.m.–noon or 1–3 p.m. | 📍 Grant Wood Studio, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art | 💲 $35

Learn how indigo produces its distinctive deep-blue dye and create several hand-dyed textile pieces. Registration is required, and the supplied information lists an October 9 registration deadline.

Glass Fall Landscape

🕙 10 a.m.–noon | 📍 Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio | 💲 $60

Create a colorful fused-glass autumn landscape. No experience is needed; materials, instruction and kiln firing are included. Preregistration required.

Jack-O-Lantern Ceramic Workshop

🕐 1–2:30 p.m. | 📍 Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio | 💲 $20

Make a unique ceramic pumpkin using pinch-pot techniques and add texture and color. Ages 5 and up; participants ages 5–7 must be accompanied by a paying adult who is also registered.

Artist Forum

🕑 2–5 p.m. | 📍 DKW Art Gallery and Studios

Artists of all ages, mediums and experience levels are invited to meet, work on projects, share ideas, request feedback or enjoy some creative company.

Free Watercolor Demo with Artist John Preston

🕑 2–4 p.m. | 📍 Gilded Pear Gallery | 💲 Free

Watch John Preston create an original watercolor painting while his European Travels exhibition is on view. Refreshments will be served. RSVP encouraged but not required.

📚 LIBRARIES & LEARNING

AI for Small Business Marketing

🕘 9 a.m.–1 p.m. | 📍 Kirkwood Center for Lifelong Learning

Entrepreneurs and small business owners can learn how to use AI for customer personas, social media, email marketing and full-funnel campaigns. Registration is required through Kirkwood.

MakerSpace Open Hours

🕤 9:30 a.m.–noon | 📍 Marion Public Library

Explore the library’s MakerSpace, including 3D printers, Cricut machines, heat presses and other creative technology. All ages are welcome; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Young Adult Book Discussion: Scar by J. Albert Mann

🕚 11 a.m.–noon | 📍 Marion Public Library

Join a welcoming conversation about Scar, part of The Big Marion Read community-wide reading program.

Haunted Prague with Author Michele Patrick

🕐 1–2:30 p.m. | 📍 National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library | 💲 Free

Discover Prague’s supernatural legends, from the Headless Horseman to the Golem, with author Michele Patrick. A book signing follows the presentation.

Whalefall by Daniel Kraus

🕧 12:30 p.m. | 📍 Roasters NewBo

Discuss this suspenseful novel about a scuba diver swallowed by a sperm whale who has only an hour of oxygen left to escape. The supplied listing notes an updated date and location.

🏠 HOME & DESIGN

Greater Cedar Rapids Fall 2026 Parade of Homes

🕛 Noon–5 p.m. | 📍 Various homes throughout Cedar Rapids | 💲 $10; children 12 and under free

Tour new and remodeled homes, explore design trends, and find inspiration for building or renovating. Tickets are available at participating homes or online through the Greater Cedar Rapids Housing & Building Association.

🎶 LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

Johnny Cash and Elvis Tribute Show with Cliff Wright

🕖 7 p.m. performance; doors open at 5:30 p.m. | 📍 Elks Lodge No. 251 | 💲 $30

Enjoy award-winning performer Cliff Wright from Nashville paying tribute to Johnny Cash and Elvis. Call Connie at 319-431-6010 for tickets.

3rd Annual SouthSide Bluesfest

🕠 Event begins at 5:30 p.m.; performances begin at 6 p.m. | 📍 Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Enjoy live blues from Jeni Grouws, Dr. Duke Tumatoe, and Kat Blue & The True Believers. Tickets are required; a VIP Lounge option includes artist meet-and-greets and pre-show snacks.

Masterworks II — Orchestra Iowa

🕢 7:30–10 p.m. | 📍 Paramount Theatre

Orchestra Iowa presents Jessie Montgomery’s Banner, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto featuring concertmaster Julia Sakharova, and Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 3.

Cedar Amateur Astronomers Public Night

🕢 7:30–10 p.m. | 📍 Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center

Enjoy astronomy presentations and, weather permitting, guided stargazing through telescopes. Explore interactive educational displays inside the learning center.

SPT Theater Presents: Honky Tonk Highway

🕢 7:30 p.m. | 📍 SPT Theatre

This award-winning country-western musical follows songwriter Clint Colby through the songs he wrote and made famous. Expect laughter, tears, surprises and romance.

Encore Legends

🕘 9 p.m.–1 a.m. | 📍 Otis’ Tailgators | 💲 Free

Dance to a high-energy party band mixing classic rock, modern hits and crowd favorites.

🔎 GAMES & SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

Murder in Pumpkin Hollow — Murder Mystery

🕕 6 a.m.–8 p.m. | 📍 The Granger House Victorian Museum

Reserve a character and solve the mystery as clues are revealed. The experience invites participants to dress the part and play along; character links are available through the event website or Facebook page.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

📍 DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids | 💲 $63.95 plus taxes and fees

Enjoy dinner while detectives investigate a murder mystery unfolding around the room. Guests can follow clues, question suspects and compete to solve the case.

You Can Learn How to Drive a Zamboni!

🕛 Noon–3 p.m. | 📍 ImOn Ice Arena | 💲 $90

Get a behind-the-scenes tour, learn about ice-making and try driving a Zamboni. Participants must be 18 or older and have a valid driver’s license. Registration includes a T-shirt and certificate.

Spare Time 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 bowling experience.

📅 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18

🌿 HEALTH, WELLNESS & FITNESS

Sunday Morning Hatha Yoga at Prairiewoods

🕘 9–10 a.m. | 📍 Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center

Start Sunday with gentle yoga focused on breath, mobility and mindful movement. All levels are welcome. Registration is preferred but not required.

2026 Hiawatha Farmers Market

🕙 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | 📍 Guthridge Park

Shop farm-fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted items and ready-to-eat favorites from local vendors.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILY & KIDS

Safe Halloween at Ushers Ferry

🕐 1–4 p.m. | 📍 Ushers Ferry Historic Village | 💲 $5 per person

Celebrate Halloween with a family-friendly event for all ages. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Family Skate at ImOn Ice

🕜 1:30–3:30 p.m. | 📍 ImOn Ice Arena | 💲 $45 per family group

Enjoy a family skating session with public skate admission and skate rental included at a flat rate per group. Skate sizes are limited and available first-come, first-served.

Trunk or Treat at Brewed Imagination

🕑 2–5 p.m. | 📍 Brewed Imagination parking lot

A community Halloween event planned with local businesses, decorated trunks and treats for kids. Local businesses can sign up to participate.

Circle of Ash: Light Fright

🕠 5:30–7 p.m. | 📍 Linn County Fairgrounds, Central City | 💲 $25 per family of up to four

A no-scare Halloween experience designed for young children and anyone who prefers friendly characters, free candy and family fun without the fright.

🎃 FALL FESTIVALS & SEASONAL FUN

Fall Festival at Bass Family Farms

🕙 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | 📍 Bass Family Farms

Pick pumpkins, enjoy weekend hayrack rides, browse seasonal decorations and shop specialty foods. No admission is required to pick pumpkins or browse the store.

Iowa Fall Festival

🕙 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | 📍 Bloomsbury Farm, Atkins

Enjoy pumpkin picking, the corn maze, flower picking, fall treats and attractions for all ages.

33rd Annual Iowa Renaissance Festival

📍 Middle Amana Community Park

The supplied listing includes this festival on Sunday as well as Saturday. The provided hours specifically list October 17, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; confirm Sunday’s schedule before attending.

🏠 HOME & DESIGN

Greater Cedar Rapids Fall 2026 Parade of Homes

🕛 Noon–5 p.m. | 📍 Various homes throughout Cedar Rapids | 💲 $10; children 12 and under free

Explore new and remodeled homes, the latest design trends and ideas for your next home project.

🎨 ARTS, CRAFTS & WORKSHOPS

Watercoloring: Turkey Feather Wreath

🕐 1–3 p.m. | 📍 Indian Creek Nature Center | 💲 $40 with supplies / $32 with your own supplies

Create a fall-themed wreath with turkey feathers, eucalyptus, grasses and berries. This beginner-friendly workshop provides a template and welcomes ages 8–100. Preregistration is strongly recommended.

Terrarium Bar

🕑 2–3 p.m. | 📍 Moss: Plants, Gifts, Decor | 💲 $55 for a shop vessel / $30 registration for your own vessel

Build a closed tropical terrarium with guidance on plant selection and care. Bring your own lidded glass vessel or choose one of the shop’s options. Additional material costs may apply.

Solar Lights Halloween — Cork N Canvas Iowa

🕑 2–4 p.m. | 📍 Mercury Diner | 💲 $35

Make two spooky solar lights in this Halloween-themed craft session. Supplies are included; food and drinks are available for purchase. Adults 18 and older only.

📚 LIBRARIES, VOTING & COMMUNITY

Sunday Bingo at NewBo City Market

🕛 Noon–1:30 p.m. | 📍 NewBo City Market | 💲 Free

Play bingo, enjoy the market atmosphere and compete for prizes. Bingo cards are provided.

Short-Term Satellite Voting

🕜 1:30–4:30 p.m. | 📍 Cedar Rapids Downtown Library, Mezzanine

In-person absentee voting is available at the Downtown Library. Bring an accepted form of voter identification. Ballots must be cast at the satellite location and cannot be taken home.

The Peacekeepers

🕑 2–4:30 p.m. | 📍 Cedar Rapids Public Library

Watch the 2005 documentary following the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo between 2002 and 2004.

Friends of the Hiawatha Public Library

🕠 5:30–6:30 p.m. | 📍 Hiawatha Public Library

New and existing Friends of the Library are welcome.

🎶 MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

Raúl Prieto Ramírez Organ Concert

🕒 3–4:30 p.m. | 📍 FaithLife Lutheran Church | 💲 Free

Hear San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez perform on the restored 1928 E. M. Skinner pipe organ. The concert is open to the public, with a reception afterward.

Sound Meditation with Natalie Brown & Jonny Lipford

🕒 3–4 p.m. | 📍 Horizons Sounds

Enjoy an immersive sound meditation featuring Native flute, violin, handpan, singing bowls and other instruments.

The Black Jacket Symphony Presents Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet

🕓 4–7 p.m. | 📍 Paramount Theatre

Experience Bon Jovi’s iconic album performed live in its entirety, note for note, followed by a set of the band’s greatest hits.

SPT Theater Presents: Honky Tonk Highway

🕢 7:30 p.m. | 📍 SPT Theatre

Enjoy this country-western musical about songwriter Clint Colby and the songs that made him famous.

🎭 THEATRE

The Exorcist

📍 Theatre Cedar Rapids

Experience the stage adaptation of William Peter Blatty’s horror novel. The production runs October 9–November 1. Content advisory: graphic language, loud noises, simulated medical procedures, violence and depictions of demonic possession. Confirm Sunday performance time and ticket availability.

Dial M for Murder

🕑 2 p.m. | 📍 Giving Tree Theater

This suspenseful adaptation of the classic murder mystery follows Tony as jealousy and deception lead to danger, suspicion and murder.

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

Upload Media Group and its partners are not responsible for any issues, errors, or misunderstandings that may arise from the use of AI - assisted content.