Your social life in the Cedar Rapids Region could be an outdoor festival, a bicycle ride across our trails, a couple rooftop cocktails with friends, volunteering for a local organization, or all the above–all in one day. You’ll have both the time and opportunity here.
Events in the Cedar Rapids Region
There are hundreds of events throughout the year across the Cedar Rapids Region. These are some of the biggest.
Freedom Festival
A week of fun in the middle of summer with dozens of events, fireworks, and patriotic vibes.
CR PrideFest & Parade
A celebration of inclusion and togetherness, complete with booths, performances, and a parade.
Marion Arts Festival
This one-day event is ranked as one of the top art fairs in the country.
Hiawatha Fun Fest
An annual summer festival with a small-town feel that’s perfect for families.
Recreation
Get active across our parks, sports leagues, and region-wide trail system.
Wine and Dine (and Shake and Stir)
A night out in the Cedar Rapids Region could be dressed up or super casual. A James Beard-nominated restaurant or juicy burgers. A crafted cocktail at a rooftop bar or a cold beer in the corner of the coziest dive.
Cobble Hill
Upscale dining in this cozy restaurant, whose head chef has twice been nominated for the James Beard Award.
Pickle Palace
Enjoy a game of pickleball on the indoor or outdoor courts, then enjoy a cocktail or beer on the rooftop patio.
Tornado’s
Savor one of the best burgers in town at this neighborhood staple that sits on the edge of NewBo and Czech Village.
Mix
Savor hot pot, Korean BBQ, or fresh sushi in Uptown Marion.
Hip-Stir
An eclectic joint with a fusion menu and doors on the ceiling. See it to believe it.
Zoey’s
People literally line up for a delicious deep dish pie from this longtime pizzeria.
Lucky Penny
Enjoy hand-tossed pizza and craft beers at this Hiawatha mainstay.
Fun
This region is consistently ranked one of the best places to raise a family, and a big reason why is the amount of events and places that are great for kids and adults alike. Stretch the legs, stimulate the mind, and spark the imagination at hundreds of events and places through the Cedar Rapids Region. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Indian Creek Nature Center
Explore prairies, woodlands, and wetlands at this nature preserve that also offers classes and special events.
Lowe Park
The whole family will find plenty to do along the walking trails, children’s discovery garden, and art gallery.
Farmers Markets
The Cedar Rapids Downtown Market. The Marion Farmers Market. The Hiawatha Farmers Market. You can tell we love our farmers markets, and each one has its own style and offerings.