Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Dua Pie, a new downtown pizza restaurant at 375 3rd St SE that opened last month in the former Gianna’s Italian Beef location, serves New York-style pizza, subs, pasta, calzones and more.

Alliant Energy stopped taking community color ideas and now lights its downtown tower only in company colors or for federal holidays.

The change aims to simplify operations (and sustain green practices) with planned colors for today, Independence Day and Christmas.

Iowa fairs and festivals in 2026 include events from Clear Lake’s Color the Wind Kite Festival on Feb.

21 to Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival from June 24 to July 5 featuring local attractions like a cardboard boat regatta & pancake breakfast statewide.

Cedar Rapids police and Iowa Department of Revenue will check local retailers for the I-PLEDGE program to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products from being sold to minors.

Retail clerks can certify via online training & exam to protect against fines.

The Gazette reviewed 11 popular restaurant stories from 2025 that capture Cedar Rapids’ evolving dining scene.

Included are restaurateur Jade Luter’s expanding ventures, a second Salsa Guy Cafe location, and the city’s first Asian hot pot restaurant near Lindale.

On Wednesday, Hawkeye fans gathered at Fieldhouse to watch the ReliaQuest Bowl where Iowa secured a win against Vanderbilt and reflected on a season of memorable games.

The event highlighted a strong community spirit that makes the venue a cherished local meeting place.

Gary Dolphin, the Voice of the Hawkeyes, shared his keys to the game during an interview with TV9 Sports Director Chelsie Brown, highlighting Iowa’s strong season and game strategies.

His final Fight for Iowa show airs Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. on KCRG 9.2.

KCRG TV9's Chelsie Brown & KWQC's Brianna Ballog hosted a live pregame show in Tampa before #23 Iowa faced #14 Vanderbilt at Raymond James Stadium on Dec.

31 at 11 a.m. CT, a bowl that marked the final game for seniors including quarterback Mark Gronowski and for departing coordinator Lavar Woods.

Brianna Ballog and Chelsie Brown hosted a live pregame show from Tampa before the ReliaQuest Bowl kicked off at Raymond James Stadium.

The bowl featured the Iowa Hawkeyes and Vanderbilt Commodores and began at 11 a.m. CT.

Chris Thile Concert

7:30-10 p.m. — The Englert Theatre — $30 – $68 — Experience the genre-defying musical genius of Grammy Award-winner Chris Thile in an evening of captivating performances.

Waterloo Black Hawks vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

7:05-9:05 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Check the FloHockey broadcast for all the action as the Black Hawks take on the RoughRiders in a thrilling hockey matchup.

Spanish Conversation Practice Meetup

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Vineria Wine Shop — $3 off wine and pizza — Enhance your Spanish skills and connect with fellow language enthusiasts over happy hour specials.

BIRDCHILD Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Ideal Theater & Bar — Tickets available — Experience Birdchild's lush, joyous journey through all your favorite hits.

Men's Caregiver Coffee

10 - 11:30 a.m. — The Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia — Free — A supportive group for male caregivers to share stories and network.

Moonlight Owl Walk

5-6:30 p.m. — Buffalo Creek Park — $5 per adult, $2 per child — Explore the moonlit path in search of chatty owls while learning about their adaptations.

Fireside Circle: The Spirits of Winter

6-8 p.m. — Illuminations — $30 registration — Explore the prominent spirits of winter through Scandinavian, Germanic, and Celtic mythology.

Community Writers Circle

1-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — A supportive environment for adults to hone their writing skills.

Tim's Comedy Show

1:30 p.m. — The Olympic South Side Theater — Tickets available — Experience high-energy comedy from a seasoned performer with a unique perspective on life.