If you are looking for Cedar Rapids family events in the Summer, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a round-up of this season’s need-to-know events! Bookmark this page, as we will be updating it throughout the summer. Looking for more events? Check out our Events Calendar!

Do you know of an event we should add? Email us at info(at)cedarrapidsmomsblog.com!

Cedar Rapids Area Summer Events Calendar

Music on the Move (2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month, 9:15-10am & 10:15-11am; Wednesdays in June and July 9:15-10am) Sing, play, listen, laugh, move, learn and bond with your baby through 4-year-old.  Come and join us for 45 minutes of weekly music and play while we explore songs, instruments, games, rhythms, chants, movement, sign language, and a variety of musical styles. Children learn through play- especially play with YOU!  We will have fun tickling our senses while playing with (learning!) music, language, motor, social, and pre-academic skills.  Lisa’s expertise as a board-certified music therapist ensures that all children are welcome, regardless of developmental limitation. Please register so you have a space reserved for you! Unity Center of Cedar Rapids. Cost: $12.50/class

Story Time at Brucemore (Wednesdays, June 5-July 31, 10:00-10:45am) Brucemore will be hosting a weekly story time on Wednesdays in June and July. With connections dating back to the families who called Brucemore home, this program offers an opportunity to engage young learners. Bring a blanket or chair to enjoy a 30-minute story. Guests are welcome to explore the grounds, check out the Visitor Center exhibits, or buy tickets for a mansion tour after the story. Cost: free, mansion admission extra. 

Cedar Rapids Kernels (June-August, various times) Come support Cedar Rapids’s Minor League Baseball team. Veterans Memorial Stadium. Tickets: $8-13, various promotions available

Family Nature (June 2 & 10, July 21, August 4 & 11, 1:00-2:00pm) During this program your whole family will participate in a hands-on activity under the guidance of a summer naturalist, like pond dipping, sweep netting for insects, a fossil dig, or a nature hike. Come dressed for the weather, as you’ll have fun outdoors no matter the conditions! This family-friendly program for all ages. Sturdy shoes recommended. Indian Creek Nature Center. Cost: $3/person, free/kids under 3

STEM Family Free Night (Last Friday of the month, 5:00-8:00pm) Help solve a unique Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math challenge in the STEM Studio focused on problem-based learning. Iowa Children’s Museum. Free

Free First Saturdays for Students (First Saturday of the month, 9:30am-4:00pm) Students of all ages (preschool through college) are invited to visit the NCSML’s exhibits for free on the first Saturday of each month. Visitors will also be able to take part in different themed activities and celebrations. College students must bring a current school ID card. March 2 we will be celebrating Women’s Month by learning about the Suffragette movement in Czechoslovakia through a scavenger hunt in the museum. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Free. 

Kids Dream: Summer Film Series (Sunday, Monday and Wednesdays, June 16-August 14 @ 10:00am) View your favorite family flicks. Titles include:  The Lego Movie 2, The Lorax, A dog’s Way Home, Smallfoot, Hotel Transylvannia 3, Despicable Me, Wonder Park, Dr. Seuss The Grinch and How to Train Your Dragon 3. Grab the family and head to your nearest participating Marcus Theatres® location! Cost: $3 (popcorn and drink special sizes for $2.75 each)

Freedom Festival (June 20-July 4) Each year, hundreds of thousands of people attend the two week festival hosted in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to celebrate our nation’s birthday. The community of Cedar Rapids is showcased throughout the Freedom Festival with over 70 events taking place leading up to the grand finale on the 4th of July: the largest fireworks show in Iowa! The Freedom Festival is a privately and publicly funded nonprofit organization that is able to provide all of the events at an affordable price thanks to the very generous support of local organizations, individuals and government. Freedom Festival events and activities provide a broad array of entertainment and educational opportunities geared towards families living in and around the greater Cedar Rapids metropolitan area. Cost: $5 Freedom Festival Button

Fabulous Fun Facts Fur Festival! (June 1, 10:00am-2:00pm) Join us for the 6th Annual Fabulous, Fun, Facts, Fur, Festival! Many activities including: adoptable dogs, minimal cost microchipping, K9 demonstrations, doggie washes ($15), Papa Ballon and more! Pets are welcome at this event, but please ensure they are both leashed/restrained and vaccinated. Mt Vernon Rd Hy-Vee. Free

Marion BBQ Rendezvous (June 1, 11:00am-9:00pm) Planning for the 2019 Marion BBQ Rendezvous is well underway! Save the date for this year’s event and be sure to check back for more details on the food, bands and more! Live Band! Lowe Park

Iowa Renaissance Festival (June 1-2, 10:00am-6:00pm)) Bring your family and have a reunion as a Celtic Clan! The Iowa Renaissance Festival celebrates 28 years of family fun! Come experience two weekends of live entertainment featuring comedy, swordplay, music, magic, and even horseback jousting. Explore a marketplace full of unique merchandise from around the land. Enjoy tasty treats and drinks in the royal food court (including adult libations like honey mead). The village awaits your visit! Middle Amana. Tickets: $12/adult, $6/children (6-13), free/children (0-5)

Cedar Rapids River Kings (June 1 & 8, 7:05pm) Come support Cedar Rapids’s Indoor Football League team. US Cellular Center. Tickets: $7-55

Family Nature Experience (June 2, 1:00-2:00pm) During this program your whole family will participate in a hands-on activity under the guidance of a summer naturalist, like pond dipping, sweep netting for insects, a fossil dig, or a nature hike. Come dressed for the weather, as you’ll have fun outdoors no matter the conditions! This family-friendly program for all ages. Sturdy shoes recommended. Indian Creek Nature Center. Cost: $3/person, children under 3 are free

Summer Dare Kickoff! (June 2, 2:00-4:00pm) Kick off the Summer Dare with us! Join us for interactive games, activities, snacks, and fun for all ages – plus, be the first to register for the 2019 Summer Dare! Bounce in our bouncy house, play games, sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and enjoy a snack. We dare you to come! Cedar Rapids Library, Ladd. Free

PJ Masks Live! Save The Day (June 3, 6:00-8:00pm) Based on eOne’s top-rated animated series, airing daily on Disney Junior, the new show features preschoolers’ favorite pre-school superheroes and familiar songs from the popular show along with brand new music and a whole new adventure. Catboy, Owlette, Gekko will delight fans of all ages with live performances featuring world-class production, toe-tapping tunes and a whole lot of super fun as they go into the night to save the day from the Villains along with PJ Robot who is new to the show for 2019! Paramount Theatre. Tickets: $35-75. VIP upgrade available

Robin’s Roundup Festival (June 7-9) This annual event includes a Twilight 5K, Kids Color Run, Family Bike Ride, Parade, Kid’s Play Zone, Concessions, and more! East Knoll Park, Main Street and South Troy Park.

St Ludmila’s Kolach Festival (June 7-9) St Ludmila’s Kolach Festival is a celebration of all things delicious. Fruit filled pastries are the highlight of the three day festival along with games, carnival rides, music and food. Held the second weekend in June, it’s a family pleaser for everybody.  St Ludmila Catholic Church.

Workshop: Fairy Homes & Gnome Huts (June 8, 10:30am-12:0opm & 2:00-3:30pm) A fantastical workshop for everyone—-create little homes that will live in your garden. Or add a light and turn it into a create night light! Kids ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Cost: $18

Summer Kick-Off Block Party (June 8, 12:00-4:00pm) Join us as we kick off the summer with our Block Party! We’ll be in the 1st Avenue parking lot and will have something for everyone including: Running In Place performing live from 12-2pm, Z102.9 broadcasting live from 1-4pm, Army Recruiting Cedar Rapids, IA obstacle course, Face painting, Trackless train rides, Food Trucks/Vendors, More to come! Lindale Mall. Free

Prima’s Picks Kickoff Party (June 8, 1:00-3:00pm) Join us on Saturday, June 8 for the official kick-off of our summer reading program for kids and adults, Prima’s Picks. We’ll have activities and giveaways plus our reading logs for all ages will be available. M and M Books. 

Summer Art Workshop: Hubert’s Ice Cream & Paint Workshop (June 8, 1:00-3:00pm) Enjoy an ice cream and toppings bar while painting your own Hubert the Hedgehog, our NCSML mascot. Registration is required and space is limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Cost: $6

Summer Freedom Party! (June 8, 1:00-4:00pm) Schools Out and Summer is HERE! Come celebrate with Kids First for their 7th Anniversary and Customer Appreciation Party! Balloon Animals, Face Painting, Inflatables, Sparkles the Clown, Zipline, Trampolines, Indoor Playground, LOTS OF GIVEAWAYS including a lifetime free membership to Kids First, Free Birthday Parties, and more! Waiver must be signed to participate. Kids First Gymnastics. Free

Hotel Transylvania 3 – Kid’s Movie Night (June 8, 4:30-9:00pm) Join us at Bloomsbury Farm for a fun Saturday Summer night watching “Hotel Transylvania 3” projected onto our big, white barn! The Farm will open at 4:30pm to enjoy activities before the movie starts! Your Ticket Includes: Hayrack Rides, Jumping Pillow, Corn Palace, Barrel Train Rides, Giant Slides, Barnyard Buddies, Western Town, Tire Mountain, Game Time / Yard Games, Barnyard Ball Zone, Duck Races, Lil’ Tikes Track, and Straw Jump.The movie will start once it gets dark enough. Guests are welcome to bring their own chairs, blankets, wagons, etc. to enjoy the movie! Outside food and drink will not be allowed – we will have the Pumpkin Grill & Cafe open with lots of delicious options, as well as pizza packages / popcorn and drink packages offered! Bloomsbury Farm. Tickets: $8.95/Child (3 and older) or Adult, $19.95/Pizza & Pop Package for 4, $2.50/Popcorn & Pop

Field of Dreams Movie Night (June 8, 7:00-10:00pm) Watch this iconic movie on the biggest TV in Cedar Rapids, at the Kernels! Fans are encouraged to bring them blankets and watch the game from the field. Sorry no lawn chairs allowed. The Kernels concessions will be open so outside food and beverage and coolers will not be permitted. Gates open at 6:00 PM movie starts at 7:00 PM. Cedar Rapids Kernels. Free

Little Adventures with Tom and Huck (June 10-11, 9:00am-12:00pm) Get up to some good, old-fashioned mischief just like Tom and Huck did! Explore the woods and look for buried treasure, play hookie from school, enjoy games and make mischief while avoiding Aunt Polly’s long list of chores. Ages 6-8 years. Ushers Ferry Historic Village. Cost: $26 for Cedar Rapids residents, $33 for non-residents.

Kernels Youth Baseball Clinic (June 15, 9:00am-12:00pm) Registration is now open for the Kernels Youth Baseball Clinic on Saturday, June 15th. Learn from the Kernels players and coaches and get a chance to play on Perfect Game Field. Kids ages 5-12. Cedar Rapids Kernels. Cost: $20 advance, $25 day of the clinic

Cedar Rapids Keeping Kids Safe Project (June 15, 10:00am-3:00pm) Free Family Safety Event featuring Digital Fingerprinting, in Cedar Rapids, IA! FREE Family safety event featuring digital fingerprint and photo program for all of the children that attend! There is no age limit. No Data Basing: No records of the visit are maintained. The only record of the visit will go home directly with parents for safekeeping. The Keeping Kids Safe Project will not take any personal information from the children. All Tune and Lube Total Car Care. Free

Juneteenth – Outdoor Celebration (June 15, 11:00am-4:00pm) Our largest free program is returning this June! Join us on Saturday, June 15 as we take part in this nation-wide celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This outdoor celebration will include local performers, family-friendly activities, and vendors providing delicious food and awesome retail items. Viola Gibson Park.

CRFD 150th Anniversary Open House (June 15, 11:00am-2:00pm) The Cedar Rapids Fire Department is hosting an OPEN HOUSE Saturday June 15 to celebrate its 150 years of service to the Cedar Rapids community.  The event will be held on a Farmers’ Market Day so plan to join the celebration before or after the market.  Tours, safety information and family friendly activities will be available. Cedar Rapids Fire Department. Free

Train-Up in the Park (June 15, 1:00-4:00pm) Join us at Green Square Park for Pokemon GO Battle Arena, Raid Meet-Ups and a Trading Station. Come inside the library to explore our created region; find the new Pokemon and create your own! The day’s events will involve live-action Pokemon GO activities in Green Square Park. There, you will be able to enter the Battle Arena in Player versus Player (PvP) mode, find your new teammates in Raid Battle Meet-Ups and stop-by to make trades with your fellow trainers. Come inside the library to get the lay of the land and to experience the newest region, Ada Island, right here under the Cedar Rapids Public Library’s roof. There will be new Pokemon to find and the opportunity to profile your own new Pokemon. Come dressed for the day, either for comfort or cosplay, and expect the events to move indoors in the case of rain. Cedar Rapids Library, Downtown. Free

Daddy Daughter Date Night (June 15, 5:30-9:30pm) Register now to attend the private pre-game cupcake party with Little Princess Parties princesses Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine and making her first appearance at the Kernels, Tinkerbell. The whole family can attend this special event from 5:30-6:30 PM and your registration include a club ticket, entrance into the private cupcake party, punch and a homemade cupcake from the Wright Touch Bake Shoppe. Space is limited and we usually sell out! The registration deadline is May 30, 2019. Cedar Rapids Kernels. Cost: $16 w/ pre-game party, $11 without. 

Family Nature Experience: Father’s Day Fun (June 16, 1:00-2:00pm) Children, bring your father, grandfather, uncle or brother and the rest of the family for some family fun outdoors! During this program your whole family will participate in a hands-on activity under the guidance of a summer naturalist, like pond dipping, sweep netting for insects, a fossil dig, or a nature hike. Come dressed for the weather, as you’ll have fun outdoors no matter the conditions! This is a family-friendly program for all ages. Sturdy shoes recommended. Indian Creek Nature Center. Cost: $3/person, children under 3 are free

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”  (June 18-29, various showings) Elephant and Piggie are the best, best, “bestus” friends in the whole world! Based on the award-winning books by Mo Willems, this irresistible look at friendship will have audiences doing the “Flippy Floppy Floory” dance all night long! Old Creamery Theater. Cost: $10.50

Fairfax USA Days 2019 (June 21-22) USA Days is coming again June 21 and 22, 2019. Keep checking the Official Facebook page for complete details and schedules. Fairfax

Movie Night at the Ballpark (June 21, 7:00-10:00pm) Grab your blankets and enjoy a movie under the stars at the Veterans Memorial Stadium! This year the movie will Despicable Me 3! Start your weekend off with a family movie night on the lawn of the Kernels stadium! Gates open at 6:00pm. No lawn chairs, outside food or beverage. Veterans Memorial Stadium. Admission: $5 (Freedom Festival button), children 8 and under do not require a button

Kid N Canvas (June 22, 10:00am-12:00pm) Kid N Canvas classes are for kids 8 to 16. All supplies (canvas, paints, brushes and apron) are provided for you, but please on clothes that are ok to get paint on. Class lasts about 1.5 to 2 hrs. Hy-Vee is providing a $10 gift card (per ticket) to shop with while your kids are painting. Check in at 9:45 am, painting starts at 10 am. Collins Rd Hy-Vee. Cost: $20

Strawberry Fest (June 22-23 @ 10:00am) Join us for our first ever Strawberry Fest at the farm! This is a family friendly event. Pick out delicious strawberries for eating, jam making, smoothies or for snacking on the way home! Shop our farm store for strawberry jams! Activities at the festival will include: Saturday and Sunday kids and adults games, 18 hole mini golf, face cut outs, Face Painting, Kids Water Tables, Kids Sensory Stations, Kickball, Bags Tournament, Vendor Show Sunday 12-4, Live Music on Sunday with Birdchild from 2-4 pm. More details to follow, don’t miss out on this fun event for the whole family! . Bass Farms.

Patriotic Picnic (June 22, 11:00am-3:00pm) Patriotic Picnic is back for a second year in Marion! We will be taking a step back in time as we enjoy old fashioned games and activities. We will also have inflatables and a chance to ride on the famous Freedom Festival train. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy or purchase food from local vendors. This day will be sure to be packed with fun for the whole family! Part of Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival events. Marion Square Park. Free 

9th Annual Cleaning Up Cancer Carnival (June 22, 11:00am-4:00pm) Come one, come all! Our 9th Annual Cleaning Up Cancer Carnival is right around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited! Follow along to learn about all the awesome things that we are going to have for you this year!! Salem United Methodist Church. 

Workshop: Clay Peace Bells (June 22, 2:00-3:30pm) Using the pinch pot technique, create unique chimes to hang in your window or outside. Kids ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Cost: $18

Meet Vesta the Fox (June 23, 1:00-2:00pm) A little over a year ago a baby fox with a second chance at life was rescued by Linn County wildlife rehabilitator Amber Oldfield. Vesta and Amber will join us for an open-house style program. Learn about one-year-old Vesta’s story, as well as other animals native to Iowa, and about being a wildlife rehabilitator. This is a walk-in event. Indian Creek Nature Center. Free

ExploreU 2019 (June 24-29, 8:30am-3:30pm) ExploreU is an annual one-week STEM summer program for middle school girls completing 6th, 7th and 8th grade.
The program is designed to help young girls learn math and computer science skills while having fun. Thanks in part to generous donations from partner organizations, our 6 full-day course engages students — opening their eyes to math and science, and new ideas and skills, and igniting their interest in learning. We are pleased to offer Transamerica scholarships for low income students. Mount Mercy University. Cost: $60 (includes lunch)

Freedom Fest Balloon Glow (June 25, 5:00-10:00pm) The Balloon Glow is back, at a new location! Easy walk in and shuttle options available. Join us for an evening of fun, music by Alisabeth Von Presley, and beautiful balloons! Glow at dusk (approx 7:45p). Glow is weather dependent; raindate is 6/27/2019. Be sure to check out schedule, parking and more information about the glow on the official Freedom Festival Website. The Cedar Rapids Country Club. Admission: $5 (Freedom Festival button), children 8 and under do not require a button

Linn County Fair (June 26-30) Welcome to The Linn County Fair where our mission is to provide 4-Her’s, FFA members and the youth of Linn County opportunities to showcase their accomplishments and talents in a safe family atmosphere! The Linn County Fair also provides cost-effective entertainment & educational activities for the guests of Linn County. Central City

KIDZ BOP World Tour 2019 (June 28 @ 7:00pm) McGrath Ampitheatre. Admission: $22-76

Imagination! Square & Building Block Extravaganza (June 29, 9:00am-2:00pm) Bring your kids down for a day filled with activities, games, and FUN! Stop down before or after our Parade to enjoy interactive booths, mini Firefighter Combat Challenge, sidewalk chalk, a ride on the Freedom Festival train, face painting and much, much more! Stage entertainment: Volta Youth Music Festival at the NewBo Market will be rocking the stage ALL. DAY. LONG! Part of Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival. Newbo City Market. Free

Freedom Festival Parade (June 29, 10:00am-12:00pm) Join us for our annual Parade! This year the theme will be “Red, White and Blue”. Enjoy the diverse entries of floats, vehicles, music, dancing groups, businesses and other local organizations. Also, featuring the “Freedom Festival Express” track-less train!  Don’t miss this fun, unique parade with over 100 entries each year! Pets not allowed at his event. Newbo/Czech Village Area. Free

What are amphibians and reptiles? (July 1, 2:00-3:00pm) Join our special guest Indian Creek Nature Center to learn more about Amphibians and Reptiles. You’ll get to see real ones, and find out how they’re different and the same. Ely Public Library. Free

Acro Yoga (July 1, 6:00-8:00pm) Family Friendly Event. Anyone up for some acro yoga? Come learn beginner moves and acro etiquette. Please bring yoga mats if you have them, otherwise bring something to lay on the ground under you. Riverside Skatepark

Fireworks & Fireflies (July 3, 6:00-11:00pm)Be part of a new Independence Day fireworks celebration in Marion planned on the eve of the holiday. Enjoy live music by The Bamboozlers, food trucks on site and a variety of family-friendly activities. The professional fireworks display will launch at dusk. Bring your own lawn chairs, blanket, food/drink. Leave sparklers, fireworks at home. Please, no dogs or pets. Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park. Free

Kid Fishing Derby (July 4, 12:00-2:00pm) Thursday, July 4, following the Parade until 2 p.m. at City Park, Central City. Celebrate the 4th with the Central City Sons of Am Vets Post 37 and Linn County Conservation at this holiday fishing event along the Wapsipinicon River. Fishing poles provided for those who need them. This free annual event sponsored by AmVets. No registration required. Wapsipinicon River.

CRPrideFest 2019 (July 6, 11:00am-4:00pm) Join in the celebration of your local LGBTQIA+ community with a day full of live music, great food and local vendors! NewBo City Market. Free

ExploreU 2019: Session 2 (July 8-13, 8:30am-3:30pm) ExploreU is an annual one-week STEM summer program for middle school girls completing 6th, 7th and 8th grade. The program is designed to help young girls learn math and computer science skills while having fun. Thanks in part to generous donations from partner organizations, our 6 full-day course engages students — opening their eyes to math and science, and new ideas and skills, and igniting their interest in learning. We are pleased to offer Transamerica scholarships for low income students. Mount Mercy University. Cost: $60 (includes lunch)

Heritage Days Festival 2019 (July 11-13) The 32nd Annual Heritage Days Festival, Mount Vernon’s biggest summer festival, will take place in and around Uptown Mount Vernon. This year’s festivities will include fireworks, carnival rides, old-fashioned carnival games, live performances, bingo, a beer tent, and a “mini-Olympics for kids.” Uptown Mount Vernon. Free

St Pius X SummerFest Family Festival (July 12-14) Inaugural summer festival with: Carnival, Bands (Crankshaft, Funk Daddies, The Sensations), Food booths, Bingo, Silent auctions, Marketplace and Beer garden. St Pius X Catholic Church

EAA Young Eagles (July 13, 8:00-11:00am) We are lucky to have a very active Experimental Aircraft Association – EAA Chapter 33. The chapter is holding an always popular Young Eagles event on Sat., July 13!! The EAA Young Eagles program has dedicated nearly 25 years to giving youth ages 8–17 their first FREE ride in an airplane. It’s the only program of its kind, with the sole mission to introduce and inspire kids in the world of aviation. The Eastern Iowa Airport (3435 Beech Way SW) Free

Kid N Canvas (July 13, 10:00-11:30am) Kid N Canvas classes are for kids 8 to 16. All supplies (canvas, paints, brushes and apron) are provided for you, but please on clothes that are ok to get paint on. Hy-Vee is providing a $10 gift card (per ticket) to shop with while your kids are painting. Check in at 9:45 am, painting starts at 10 am. Classes are limited in size, Payment is required in advanced. Your email is your ticket, keep it handy. Collins Rd Hy-Vee. Cost: $20 per painting/painter

Monarch Festival (July 13, 10:00am-1:00pm) Join Indian Creek Nature center for our fourth annual Monarch Fest, July 13 2019. Enjoy a fun-filled day of games, activities and learning at this family-friendly festival. Celebrate the journey these extraordinary butterflies make every year and why they are so important to our planet. Come for a short while, or stay the whole day! Indian Creek Nature Center. Free

Workshop: Glass Fish (July 13, 10:30am-12:00pm) Using warm glass techniques create a fish from glass. Hand it on your wall, in your window or use it as a trivet! Kids ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Cost: $20

Christmas in July (July 13, 12:00-2:00pm) Join us for this free KidX event! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be taking a break from their summer vacation to swing by and say hi to the kids and take “Selfies with Santa”. We’ll also have cookie decorating, beach ornament making, face painting, and a balloon artist! Ho Ho Ho…we’ll see you at the beach! Lindale Mall

Summer Family Art Workshop: Rockstar Wall Art (July 13, 1:00-3:00pm) Do your walls look a little bare? Or maybe you need to update your art? Look no further! In this workshop, you could design a wooden guitar art piece to amp up your décor! Registration is required and space is limited. An adult must accompany children. For each paid child admission, one adult may attend free. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Cost: $6/child

Meet Vesta the Fox (July 14, 1:00-2:00pm) A little over a year ago a baby fox with a second chance at life was rescued by Linn County wildlife rehabilitator Amber Oldfield. Vesta and Amber will join us for an open-house style program. Learn about one-year-old Vesta’s story, as well as other animals native to Iowa, and about being a wildlife rehabilitator. This is a walk-in event. Indian Creek Nature Center. Free

Cedar Rapids Build Like a Girl (July 18, 8:00am-1:00pm) Miron Construction is excited to take Build Like a Girl on the road this summer to Cedar Rapids, Iowa! The event will be held on THURSDAY, JULY 18 and is open to 7th-10th grade girls interested in learning more about construction. The day will feature hands-on activities, tour of an active project site, and the chance to talk with female construction professionals about career opportunities in the industry. Registration required. Miron Construction (335 French Ct SW) Free

Princess Party Breakfast (July 20, 9:00-11:00am) Whether you are young or young at heart, we are all a prince or princess~join us for a perfect princess party! Special appearances by Repunzel and Ariel for fun photo opportunities and sing-a-longs. Coloring activities available as well. Collins Road Hy-vee. Cost: $8.99/adult, $4.99/kids 12 and under

Warbirds Over Iowa (July 20, 9:00am-4:00pm) Warbirds Over Iowa is an event that brings large radio controlled scale military aircraft from Iowa and surrounding States to Cedar Rapids. Aircraft types include Biplanes, Jets, Fighters, and Bombers that have exceptional scale detail and can drop simulated “bombs” in the interest of realism as they compete for awards like Best Flight, Best Scale Appearance, and Pilot’s Choice. This is also a fundraiser for Eastern Iowa Honor Flight. Cedar Rapids Skyhawks Field. Cost: $10 Landing Fee for pilots

Kinderfest (July 20, 10:00am-6:00pm) Kinderfest is dedicated to children and families.  It’s all about the kids and the whole family having fun.  There will be games and special events for children of all ages.  This is a great family event in the Amana Colonies.

6th Annual AsianFest 2019 (July 20, 12:00-8:00pm) Join us for this year’s Annual AsianFest, presented by Collins Aerospace! AsianFest celebrates and recognizes culture and heritage from all over Asia. Dine, dance, and develop an appreciation of the Asian communities in the area. Schedule to be finalized, but you can expect the return of: Local food vendors, Cultural Villages, Kid Zone (including a bouncy house and face painting), Live Performances, Interactive Displays, and Annual fashion show. McGrath Amphitheatre. Free

The Muppet Movie 40th Anniversary (July 25 & 30, 12:30pm or 7:00pm) They’re irresistible! They’re irrepressible! They’re The Muppets and their first full-length movie is coming back to the big screen in celebration of its 40th anniversary! After a fateful meeting with a big-time talent agent in a southern swamp, Kermit heads for Hollywood to be a star. Along the way, a cast of lovable Muppet characters, including the dazzling Miss Piggy, the hilarious Fozzie Bear and Gonzo the Great, join him to become movie stars, too! Together they rub elbows with some of the biggest names on the silver screen! When the evil Doc Hopper tries to turn Kermit into the spokesfrog for his chain of fast food frog’s legs restaurants, the Muppets must sing, dance and karate chop their way to Hollywood! Filled with memorable music, including that timeless classic “Rainbow Connection,” this critically acclaimed comedy is a Muppet adventure your whole family will love. Marcus Wehrenberg Cedar Rapids Cinema

Summer Circus Party (July 27, 10:00am-12:00pm) Join us as we celebrate the end of our summer reading program under the big top. Watch and be wowed with circus games, face painters, acrobats, a dunk tank and much, much more! All are welcome. Cedar Rapids Library Downtown. Free.

County Fair (July 27, 10:00am-1:00pm) Come to the farm and experience a fair setting with hayrack rides, booths, scavenger hunt, pie contest, fair foods and more. Old MacDonald’s Farm. Free, $1 donation recommended

Workshop: Mythical Creatures (July 27, 2:00-3:30pm) A popular workshop—create something only from your imagination. Kids ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Cost: $18

Bowl with the Kernels (July 29, 6:30-9:30pm) You have a chance to bowl with your favorite Kernels players at May City Bowl. Cost is $10 per person with four people on a lane plus one Kernels player or coach. The price includes two games of bowling, shoe rental and 16 oz. fountain soda! You can also pre-order Pizza Ranch Pizza for $10 per pizza! The proceeds of this event benefit the Kernels Summer Reading Program! The deadline to register is Thursday, July 25th! May City Bowl. Cost: $10/person

Brucemore Outdoor Children’s Theater (July 31-August 3, 5:30pm and 7:30pm) Join us for an interactive evening of theater and family fun in the Peggy Boyle Whitworth Amphitheater with our friends, Playtime Poppy Children’s Theatre! This year’s title is Charlotte’s Web! Brucemore. Tickets: $5

Hiawatha Fun Fest (August 2-3) Event includes: 5k run, pancake breakfast, parade, face painting, inflatables, kid’s attractions, concessions, music and fireworks. Guthridge Park. Free

Touch a Truck (August 2, 4:00-6:00pm) Learn about and explore trucks, construction vehicles, and public safety equipment that they know and love! Kids of all ages will climb, run around, sit in and even honk horns of many types of trucks and vehicles! Event is free but please bring a non perishable food donation to help support HACAP Food Resivior! 10th Ave Parking Lot of Guthridge Park. Free

RHCR Theatre Presents: “Disney’s® FROZEN JR.” (August 2-4 & 9-11, various showtimes) The enchanting modern classic from Disney Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production. RHCR Theatre Company. Cost: $15

17th Annual Fish-O-Rama (August 3-4) Make plans to join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cedar Rapids at Robbins Lake on the corner of Edgewood Road and Ellis Boulevard NW in Cedar Rapids! We’ll stock Robbins Lake with tagged catfish and at 6am Saturday morning we’ll open the gates to over 1200 participants. As tagged fish are caught, participants win prizes! Stay tuned as we continue to plan for the 17th Annual Fish-O-Rama! Robbins Lake.

Story Time with the Animals (August 3, 10:00-11:00am) Come enjoy story time with the Cedar Rapids Library at Old MacDonald’s Farm. Listen to a story read inside one of the farm animal pens and learn more about the surrounding animals. Meet us in front of the big red barn at 10 am. Old MacDonald’s Farm at Bever Park. 

Kid N Canvas (August 3, 10:00-11:30am) Draw-sting Backpack 14×13 inches – Kid N Canvas classes are for kids 8 to 16. All supplies (canvas, paints, brushes and apron) are provided for you, but please on clothes that are ok to get paint on. Class lasts about 1.5 to 2 hrs. Hy-Vee is providing a $10 gift card (per ticket) to shop with while your kids are painting. Hy-Vee Collins Rd. Cost: $20/painting

Back 2 School Bash (August 3, 11:00am-1:00pm) Get a variety of school supplies and a snack. Enjoy games, facepainting, bounce houses, food and more.  McGrath Ampitheatre. Cost: $5/child 18 & under

Cultural Fest (August 3, 1:00-6:00pm) Music, Food, entertainment. NewBo City Market. Free

Back-to-School Party (August 3, 2:00-4:00pm) The school year is coming up fast, so let’s celebrate with a Back-to-School Party! We’ll have face painting, a balloon artist, inflatable obstacle course, inflatable soccer field with Little Sports Torts, and more! We will also have haircuts for kids with a school supply donation. (All spots are currently filled. They will be taking walk-ins IF time permits, but they are not guaranteed.) Lindale Mall. Free

Family Nature Experience (August 4, 1:00-2:00pm) During these programs your whole family will participate in a hands-on activity under the guidance of a summer naturalist, like pond dipping, sweep netting for insects, a fossil dig, or a nature hike. Come dressed for the weather, as you’ll have fun outdoors no matter the conditions! Sturdy shoes recommended. Registration required. Indian Creek Nature Center. Fee: $3/person, children under 3 are free

Back to School Social (August 10, 10:00am-2:00pm) Join the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation for a Back to School Social on Saturday, August 10, from 10 am to Noon. Get registered for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, play games and make crafts, and go for a school bus ride! Get the little ones in your life excited for school by taking part in this great event. Cedar Rapids Public Library Downtown. Free

Workshop: Lidded Boxes (August 10, 10:30am-12:00pm) Using slab techniques create a box with a lid for all of your secret treasures. Kids ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio. Cost: $18

Explore A TRUCK (August 10, 11:00am-2:00pm) Join us for our 2nd annual Explore a Truck event benefiting Camp Courageous. Come EXPLORE and LEARN about BIG TRUCKS! Featuring: Dump Truck, Hy-Vee Semi-Truck, Firetruck, Ambulance, Police Car, Garbage Truck, Monster Truck, School Bus, Concrete Mixer and more! This event will be HORN free from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Fun activities for kids including a construction zone, games and more. Hy-Vee Collins Rd. Free

319 Fest (August 10, 10:00am-10:00pm) Three One Nine is a one day, multi-stage, collaborative, multi-genre, music and art festival celebrating emerging talent from Iowa and beyond. Founded in 2011 by local bands and artists. Featuring: 5 Stages of Live Music, Over 40 Live Bands & Artists Performing, Large Vendor & Artists Area, Food Vendors, Fashion Show, Giant Art Wall. NewBo District. Free

Meet Vesta the Fox (August 11, 1:00-2:00pm) A little over a year ago a baby fox with a second chance at life was rescued by Linn County wildlife rehabilitator Amber Oldfield. Vesta and Amber will join us for an open-house style program. Learn about one-year-old Vesta’s story, as well as other animals native to Iowa, and about being a wildlife rehabilitator. This is a walk-in event. Indian Creek Nature Center. Free

Palo Fun Days 2019 (August 16-17) Palo Fun Days Schedule of Events to be announced. Zeller Park

CoderDojo (August 17, 1:00-3:00pm) CoderDojo is a free K-5 STEAM program by NewBoCo K-12 Education that encourages creativity, fosters entrepreneurship, and helps kids learn to code. Attendees are welcomed at 1 pm and everyone is given the details on what stations are available that day. This is an opportunity for kids to explore technology, coding, critical thinking at various entry levels. You can always expect several computer science options that range from Code.org’s Hour of Code to database development, web development, or custom projects to help kids learn a new skill. Stations may include a varitey of robotics, VR, app development, HTML, intro to coding, circuitry, engineering challenges and more! Parents, feel free to stay and learn along side your child! NewBoCo K-12 Education. Free

Immigrant Foodways: Feeling Hungary? (August 17, 1:30-3:00pm) Today we will be making our own Hungarian-Czech/Slovak fusion dishes with Tomáš Slepička. When folks immigrate between countries, they bring their culture, including their food, to their new homes. Many central European countries have influenced each other’s cuisine in countless ways. Learn more about the traditions surrounding food, how to make certain recipes and sometimes even taste some great food in this series of workshops. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Cost: $20/person

Vinton’s 150th Celebration (August 17-24) While small, subtle nods to the milestone will occur throughout 2019, mark your calendars for August 17-24, 2019! The Walldogs are scheduled to return to Vinton during this week to give our mural history a fresh coat of paint and add new murals as well. Other activities will include a parade, musical performances – both small and large, a tasty reminder of Sweet Corn Days and several other events you won’t want to miss.

Art NewBo: Kids Outdoor Art Studio (August 18, 11:00am-2:00pm) NewBo City Market will be turned into an artistic playground for a day, and it’s FREE to attend! Interact with area arts organizations, nonprofits, and more for a day of arts, crafts, music, and fun. This event is free for kids of all ages! NewBo City Market. Free

Movie Night at the Farm (August 23 @ 8:00pm) Bring the whole family to the farm’s amphitheater for a movie beginning at sunset. Feel free to come early and play with all the cute farm animals. Popcorn and drinks will be available. Old MacDonald’s Farm. Free

Mount Vernon Creates First Annual Music Festival (August 24, 11:30am-9:00pm) All day free music festival…music, fun and food (to purchase). Mount Vernon Creates. Free

JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour (August 25 @ 7:00pm) Nickelodeon star and YouTube sensation JoJo Siwa is embarking on her first multi-city, live concert tour. US Cellular Center. Tickets: $39.95-69.50, VIP packages available at an extra cost

2019 NewBo Women’s Music Festival (August 30-31) Join us for the second annual Festival where we’re giving you tons of FREE live music by local female artists, including an expanded Rock the Block on Friday, August 30th with Alisabeth Von Presley, and music all day (on two stages) Saturday, August 31st! Saturday will also include a local, women-led vendor marketplace along with women-created art installations and educational workshops. Additional details to come! NewBo City Market. Free