If you are looking for Cedar Rapids family events in September, we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a round-up of this month’s need-to-know weekend events! If you’re looking for events taking place during the weekdays, be sure to visit our Events Calendar! Do you know of an event we should add? Email us at info(at)cedarrapidsmomsblog.com! Scroll to the bottom for a list of quick links to our orchard & pumpkin patch guide, favorite parks, and more!
Mom’s Guide to Cedar Rapids Family Events in September
August 31st-September 2nd
Friday, August 31: Game of Thrones Night at the Kernels | 6:35-9:35 p.m. @ Veterans Memorial Stadium
Winter is coming! The Kernels wrap up the 2018 regular season with Game of Thrones Night at the stadium on Friday, August 31st. Come dressed as your favorite character from the series! The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a FREE Game of Thrones-themed Stein as part of Game of Thrones theme night. COSTUME CONTEST for 1st and 2nd place winners of the best George RR Martin and the best Game of Thrones-themed outfits or character look-alikes.
Friday-Sunday, August 31-September 2: Free Summer at CRMA | 12:00-4:00 p.m. (opens at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday) @ Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
We are pleased to announce our 9th year of Free Summer Admission! You can see all of our fabulous exhibitions for FREE as many times as you would like from July 1 to September 2 thanks to our generous sponsors: Cedar Rapids Band & Trust, Transamerica, TrueNorth and UFG. Last weekend to enjoy these free admissions!
Saturday, September 1: 2018 Newbo Women’s Music Festival | 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. @ Newbo City Market
Join us on Saturday, September 1st as we celebrate women in music! Lexi Parr & The Rubyblonde Band, Alisabeth Von Presley, Awful Purdies, Boot Jack Duo, Naomi Hulteng, Oceana Band, The Tanya English Band, Alicia Monee, and many more talented female musicians in Eastern Iowa will be gracing multiple stages in the Market Yard from 11am to 10pm.
Saturday, September 1: CoderDojo | 1:00-3:00 p.m. @ NewBo Co K-12 Education
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!
Saturday, September 1: Rockin’ Ellis Park | 5:00-9:00 p.m. @ Ellis Park band shell
Includes four bands, food trucks, and lots of fun!
Saturday, September 1: Tinkergarten | 10:30-11:45 a.m. @ Boyson Trail
Recurring outdoor classes for children 18 months – 8 years. Cost is $140 per child for 8 sessions. Tinkergarten is on a mission to elevate childhood. We’re growing a technology-enabled network of leaders that bring families together in a natural place in their community for classes where kids learn through play. We help kids develop a host of important capabilities, including empathy, collaboration, creativity, persistence and problem solving. Our expert-designed classes and activities help kids develop core life skills while enjoying healthy, fun, engaging experiences in the physical freedom of local green spaces.
Saturday-Monday, September 1-3: Honeycrisp Weekend | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. @ Wilson’s Orchard
Celebrate Labor Day weekend at Wilson’s Orchard with the beginning of Honeycrisp season! Honeycrisp — an apple that was once a reject variety has become a crowd favorite and the orchard is full of them! Hop on our trailer ride or take a stroll through the orchard to pick some of your very own. Trailer rides cost $5.00 per person and are redeemable for the same amount of apples! In the barn we’re also serving hot apple turnovers, maybe with a scoop of ice cream? Also, apple cider donuts, and apple cider slushies. And have yourself a pretty picnic while you’re here, we’ll have lunch for sale each day!
September 7th-9th
Saturdays, September 8-29: Barnyard Yoga | 9:00-10:00 a.m. @ Old MacDonald’s Farm
Let go, have fun and interact with smart and social goats, chickens and rabbits in this unusual and fun yoga class. Fun and laughter are the foundation of this mind, body and animal class! Bring your own mats or rent them for $2 each. For ages 12 and older. Admission: $9 ($8 for residents).
Saturday & Sunday, September 8-9: Grandparents Weekend | 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday @ The Play Station
Join us for Grandparents Weekend at The Play Station! All kids will get free admission to The Play Station if they bring their grandparents with them! Grandparents will get a free Salad Bar! Must have grandparent with you at time of check-in at admissions counter for FREE Admission!
Saturdays, September 8-November 3: Tinkergarten | 10:30-11:45 a.m. @ Boyson Trail
Recurring outdoor classes for children 18 months – 8 years. Cost is $140 per child for 8 sessions. Tinkergarten is on a mission to elevate childhood. We’re growing a technology-enabled network of leaders that bring families together in a natural place in their community for classes where kids learn through play. We help kids develop a host of important capabilities, including empathy, collaboration, creativity, persistence and problem solving. Our expert-designed classes and activities help kids develop core life skills while enjoying healthy, fun, engaging experiences in the physical freedom of local green spaces.
Saturday, September 8: Music on the Move | 9:15-10:00 a.m. or 10:15-11:00 a.m. @ Baby Time
Join us for Music on the Move Family Class at 9:15 or 10:15 am. Please RESERVE your seat online. Sing, play, listen, laugh, move, learn and bond with your little one (baby – preschooler). We will have fun each week tickling our senses while playing with (learning!) music, language, motor, and pre-academic skills. Lisa is a board-certified music therapist – all children are welcome!
Saturday, September 8: Kid N Canvas | 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. @ Hy-Vee (Collins Rd)
Kid N Canvas classes are for kids 8 to 16. Join us at Hy-Vee (279 Collins Rd NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402) cafe on Saturday Morning 10 am. $20 per painting, please only 1 painter per ticket. 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.
Saturday, September 8: Cocoa Mugs | 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. @ Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio
This is a great way for kids and parents alike who are interested in creating in the studio. Create a mug using slab techniques. Add your own personal decorations to the handle and mug. Cost is $18. Minimum age is 9 years old. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Saturday, September 8: Summer Family Art Workshop: Beaded Bugs | 1:00-2:30 p.m. @ The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
As we’re preparing to say good-by to our exhibit, Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence, we’re also finishing up our Summer Family Art Workshops. For this class we will go back to the lessons that the exhibit co-creator, Beverly Gibson, taught us and make beaded bug brooches. Cost is $5 per child, must be accompanied by a paying adult. Registration required.
Sunday, September 9: Sunday Fun Day | 12:30-2:30 p.m. @ Noelridge Park Variety Stay Inclusive Playground
Join us on Sunday, Sept 9th for our annual Sunday Fun Day! Stop out to play, enjoy Kona Ice of Cedar Rapids & Iowa City, get a balloon from Living Characters, race cars with FastTrac Slots and more! This fun event for friends and family of The Arc of East Central Iowa is sponsored by UICCU & The Arc of East Central Iowa. If you plant to attend please RSVP to Lexi by Sept. 4th at LCoberly@arceci.org or calling 319-365-0487 ext. 1024.
Sunday, September 9: Meet Vesta the Fox | 1:00-2:00 p.m. @ Indian Creek Nature Center
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. Free, but registration is required.
September 14th-16th
Saturday, September 15: 13th Annual Lincoln Highway Arts Festival| 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. @ Uptown Mount Vernon (1st Street & Iowa 1)
This free event features more than 50 artists and entertainers who will join the event to celebrate art, music, and creativity. Activities include: artist booths and demonstrations, activities for kids, live music and more!
Saturday, September 15: Apfelfest (Applefest) | 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. @ Amana Colonies
It’s the autumn of the year and that’s apple time and on this Saturday we will celebrate all things apple (and somethings that aren’t). Here is a chance to experience the Amana Colonies at a wonderful time of year. The leaves are turning and there is a slight crispness in the air. Kind of like that crisp caramel apple. Stop by one of our restaurants for a little Apfelstrudel and enjoy the special events throughout our seven villages. Activities include: apple sales by Allen’s Orchard, sampling stroll, kids crafts, live theater, special foods and more!
Saturday, September 15: Kids Build Workshop | 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. @ Cedar Rapids Carpenters Training Center
Kids Build events are free, two-hour workshops for children ages 5-12. At these workshops, kids will have the opportunity to make wood projects, as well as build their skills and confidence. The workshops are limited to 30 kids each month in each area, who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters staff and members are on hand to help children make their projects and learn new skills. Tools are supplied and there are no fees to participate. Children are able take their projects home to enjoy, along with a certificate of project completion.
Saturdays, September 15-November 3: Tinkergarten | 10:30-11:45 a.m. @ Boyson Trail
Recurring outdoor classes for children 18 months – 8 years. Cost is $140 per child for 8 sessions. Tinkergarten is on a mission to elevate childhood. We’re growing a technology-enabled network of leaders that bring families together in a natural place in their community for classes where kids learn through play. We help kids develop a host of important capabilities, including empathy, collaboration, creativity, persistence and problem solving. Our expert-designed classes and activities help kids develop core life skills while enjoying healthy, fun, engaging experiences in the physical freedom of local green spaces.
Saturday, September 15: Clay Leaf Bowls and Glass Bugs | 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. @ Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio
This is a great way for kids and parents alike who are interested in creating in the studio. Participants will develop two separate skill sets in our studio during the extended workshop time. Plan to arrive a few minutes early so you can get settled. Six sign-ups are necessary for the program to run, so get everyone together and make a day of it. Cost is $35. Minimum age is 9 years old. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Saturday, September 8: Immigrant Foodways: Strudel | 1:00-2:30 p.m. @ The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Learn more about the traditions surrounding food, how to make certain recipes and sometimes even taste some great food in this series of workshops. September is German American Heritage month and, not only is Germany neighbors of Czechia and have shared many cultural aspects, but there are many descendants of Germans in Iowa. We will be celebrating our German friends by learning how to make strudel. Cost is $5 per child. Open to all ages, but 12 years and younger must be accompanied by a paying adult. Registration required.
Saturday, September 15: Charlotte’s Web | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. @ The Old Creamery Theater Company
Dramatized by Joseph Robinette from the story by E.B. White. After eight-year-old Fern rescues Wilbur, the runt of the litter, Wilbur knows he must be some pig! At the Zuckerman barn, Wilbur meets Charlotte, a spider with a talent for spinning webs and spelling words. E.B. White’s award winning story reminds us that even though time moves on, true friendship is forever. Admission: $10, reservations recommended.
Saturday, September 15: CoderDojo | 1:00-3:00 p.m. @ NewBo Co K-12 Education
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!
Sunday, September 16: Festival Latino | 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. @ McGrath Amphitheatre
Come celebrate and experience the richness and diversity of the Latin American culture! Bring your family and friends to enjoy the live music performances, the different types of food from various countries, and the many activities for kids! We hope to see you at the McGrath Amphitheatre for the fun!!
September 21st-23rd
Saturday-Sunday , September 22-23: Fall Festival | 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. @ Bass Farms LLC
Join us for our opening Fall Festival Weekend at Bass Farms! Open 10-6 Saturday and Sunday!! Bring your family to pick out your pumpkins, shop our country store, and have some family fun! Activities include hay rack rides, sling shots, 18 hole mini-golf, bounce houses, GIANT tic tac toe and checker board tables, photo booth, teeter totters, LIFE size connect four, GIANT Jenga, photo ops, music wall, witch hat ring toss and much much more!! Admission $7 per person, 2 and under are FREE!! Children must be supervised by an adult.
Saturday, September 22: Music on the Move | 9:15-10:00 a.m. or 10:15-11:00 a.m. @ Baby Time
Join us for Music on the Move Family Class at 9:15 or 10:15 am. Please RESERVE your seat online. Sing, play, listen, laugh, move, learn and bond with your little one (baby – preschooler). We will have fun each week tickling our senses while playing with (learning!) music, language, motor, and pre-academic skills. Lisa is a board-certified music therapist – all children are welcome!
Saturday, September 22: Look What’s Sprouting Up! | 9:30-11:00 a.m. @ Old MacDonald’s Farm
The Linn County Master Gardeners have partnered with Old MacDonald’s Farm and would like to invite you to the new Growing Classroom at Old MacDonald’s Farm!These hands-on workshops are for all ages. Bring your kids and learn everything you need to know about gardening at home, no matter how little space you may have. Snacks from the garden will also be part of the classes. Admission: $2 for individuals, $5 for families, children age 2 and under are free.
Saturday, September 22: Charlotte’s Web | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. @ The Old Creamery Theater Company
Dramatized by Joseph Robinette from the story by E.B. White. After eight-year-old Fern rescues Wilbur, the runt of the litter, Wilbur knows he must be some pig! At the Zuckerman barn, Wilbur meets Charlotte, a spider with a talent for spinning webs and spelling words. E.B. White’s award winning story reminds us that even though time moves on, true friendship is forever. Admission: $10, reservations recommended.
Saturday, September 22: Journey to Freedom | 12:00-4:30 p.m. @ Wickiup Hill Learning Center
The African American Museum of Iowa will be hosting Journey To Freedom – An interactive simulation of the escape from slavery. Guests will travel back in time to the 1850’s and become a runaway slave traveling on Iowa’s Underground Railroad. On the journey, costumed actors will act as abolitionists, slave catchers, farmers and overseers. They will lead guests through various stations and activities that reflect the struggle and triumph of the escape from slavery. Ages 8+. cost is free, but registration is required.
Saturday, September 22: Glass Coaster Workshop | 2:00-3:30 p.m. @ Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio
This is a great way for kids and parents alike who are interested in creating in the studio. Create one glass coaster using fusing techniques. Cost is $20. Minimum age is 9 years old. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Saturday, September 22: An Evening of Hocus Pocus | 5:00-8:30 p.m. @ Bloomsbury Farm
Join us for another Movie Night on the Farm! We’ll be showing Hocus Pocus (rated PG) on Saturday, September 22nd! It’s the first day of Fall and the Farm will open at 5 PM for Farm activities, movie starts at 7 PM. This event will take place outside, with the movie projected onto our barn, so please remember to dress for the weather. We will have bonfires and other witchy-fun! Be sure to wear your favorite witch costume for this event! Movie Admission: $9.95 +tax per person age 3 and older, under age 3 are free. Ticket includes admission to the movie and Farm activities, available online – or at the door. Food and beverages can be purchased on site. Please bring your own chairs / blankets to sit on to enjoy the movie!
Saturday, September 22: P&N Flight School 1st Annual Balloon Glow | 6:30-9:00 p.m. @ Marion Airport
Admissions: $3 for one person, $5 for two people. Hot dogs, Brats, Burgers, Live Music provided by New Horizons Band, and more! All ages are welcome! Please come out and join us! It will be a great time!
Sunday , September 23: Czech Fest 2018 | 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. @ Czech Village
Join us for CzechFest 2018! The Avenue will be packed with fun family activities:live music, pumpkin decorating, hayrack rides, scarecrow contest, 50/50 Raffle, Broom Hockey Shoot-Out, Bubble Pond, and more. Free Admission! It’s going to be a great day!
Sunday , September 23: Family Quidditch Day! | 2:00-4:00 p.m. @ Usher’s Ferry Historic Village
This Harry Potter-inspired sport has now been brought into the muggle realm with college clubs and tournaments, and is enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. Learn the basics of the game and play a round or two. Find out how you can take Quidditch home with you to play in your own backyard. For ages 9 and up. Admission: $20/$16 for 9-14 year-olds, $25/$21 for 15 and older.
September 28th-30th
Saturday, September 29: Touch A Truck Event | 10:00 a.m. – Noon @ Trinity Lutheran School
Join Cedar Rapids Moms Blog and Collins Community Credit Union for our Touch a Truck event with Trinity Lutheran School on Saturday, September 29th from 10:00-Noon! This event will feature an opportunity to interact with community heroes and their vehicles, lots of fun activities, food, and fun!! Tickets: $6.50/child ages 1 and up (includes fees). Must be purchased in advance here. Adults and infants are free, but must register in advance.
Friday & Saturday, September 28 & 29: Ely Fall Fest | time varies @ City of Ely (various locations)
This annual event gets bigger and better every year! Events include: fun run, fishing tournament, kickball tournament, car show, kids zone with inflatables and games, food vendors, pumpkin decorating, live music, fireworks and more!
Friday-Sunday, September 28-30: Swamp Fox Festival | time varies @ City of Marion (various locations)
Join in the celebration of Marion’s heritage at the annual Swamp Fox Festival the last weekend in September. A variety of events will take place in and around City Square Park including the Fall Marion Market, Swamp Fox 5K, a pancake breakfast, and the ever-popular Swamp Fox Parade. The fun moves to Lowe Park on Saturday evening for live music at the amphitheater, food, BINGO, kids activities and a grand fireworks finale.
Friday-Sunday, September 28-30: Sweetgrass Flute & Nature Festival | time varies @ Prairiewoods
Sweetgrass Flute & Nature Festival is the culmination of a passion for the soothing sounds of the Native American-style flute and the spiritual connection to nature, mind, body and spirit. Artists specializing in music produced from the Native American flute, world flutes, dulcimer, handpan, didgeridoo and many other exotic instruments perform live on stage throughout the weekend. Activities: live music, kids’ crafts, music lessons, yoga, meditation, nature walks and more!
Saturday, September 29: Charlotte’s Web | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. @ The Old Creamery Theater Company
Dramatized by Joseph Robinette from the story by E.B. White. After eight-year-old Fern rescues Wilbur, the runt of the litter, Wilbur knows he must be some pig! At the Zuckerman barn, Wilbur meets Charlotte, a spider with a talent for spinning webs and spelling words. E.B. White’s award winning story reminds us that even though time moves on, true friendship is forever. Admission: $10, reservations recommended.
Saturday, September 29: Kid’s Zone @ The Lord’s Acre Sale | 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. @ Shueyville United Methodist Church
Join us for a day of community celebration and fellowship! A $5 wristband covers unlimited access to games, contests, a 60 ft obstacle course bounce house, dunk tank, and more! And for the adults we have kolaches, a country lunch, country store, and auction!
Sunday, September 30: Fall Family Fest | 1:00-4:00 p.m. @ Usher’s Ferry Historic Village
Fun for the whole family! Enjoy an old-fashioned afternoon on the town with historic demonstrations in the
buildings, crafts, hayrack rides, games and more! Come hungry and eat lunch. Food will be available for purchase. (No picnics please.) Advance registration is not required. Admission: $9.50 for adults, $6.25 for 3-14 year-olds, free admission for children under age 2.
Sunday, September 30: NICU Babies are Superheroes! | 2:00-4:00 p.m. @ St. Luke’s All Things Kids
Each fall, former NICU families and staff come together to celebrate the milestones that have been achieved since “graduating” from the NICU at St. Luke’s. Join us for this fun event! This year’s theme is Super Heroes and families can dress the kids in their favorite Super Hero costume (but it is not required).
Cedar Rapids Fall Family Fun Quick Links:
Guide to Cedar Rapids Area Apple Orchards and Pumpkin Patches
A Guide to Our Favorite Cedar Rapids Parks with Trails
When and Where Kids Eat Free or Cheap in Cedar Rapids
Guide to Indoor Play Areas for Kids in Cedar Rapids
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