Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Sixty-two new U.S. citizens from 25 countries took the oath at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library on Friday, March 20.

The naturalization ceremony celebrated newcomers who joined Cedar Rapids after meeting federal requirements.

Stuff Etc is launching a four-day give-back drive from April 8 to 11 that donates $1 per transaction to local nonprofits chosen by each of its eight Iowa stores.

In Cedar Rapids, donations will benefit Foundation 2 Crisis Services.

Czech Town Station in Cedar Rapids has launched Bloom Town Station, a pop-up with spring decor using fake flowers, pastels and bunnies to celebrate the season.

The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. with extended weekend hours, and the pop-up runs until the end of April.

Chicken Royale opened on March 19 at 2317 Mt Vernon Rd SE (the former Yen Ching restaurant) and now serves chicken tenders, sandwiches, wraps, and assorted sauces daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Early reviews praise its flavorful menu.

The Iowa DNR is tracking a small population of rare prairie chickens once common across the state and is asking locals to report sightings while out in fields, on gravel roads or along prairie edges by calling 515-230-6599 or emailing [email protected].

Traffic signals at the southbound I-380 exit at Wright Brothers Boulevard SW will be shut down Monday (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) as the city relocates a traffic signal pole in southwest Cedar Rapids.

Drivers should expect delays when the intersection operates with an all-way stop and flaggers directing traffic.

Ellis Golf Course at 1401 Zika Avenue NW will open Monday, March 30 with tee times beginning at 8 a.m. The new course completes Cedar Rapids’ seasonal rollout after Twin Pines has opened and Gardner is set for March 26.

Local golf courses are welcoming players as spring arrives; Twin Pines and Airport National in Cedar Rapids are open while Hunter’s Ridge in Marion opens today and Gardner Golf will open on March 26 (weather permitting).

Call ahead to confirm course conditions.

Monday Morning Story Time

10-10:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful morning filled with stories suitable for the whole family.

Free Volunteer Tax Assistance

12-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free service — Get help with your taxes from VITA volunteers in a friendly library environment.

Tai Chi for Well-Being

10:30-11:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Enhance your fitness and balance with a relaxing Tai Chi session.

Cedar Rapids Festival 2026

8:00 a.m. — Paramount Theatre — Sold Out — Celebrate the vibrant community spirit at this highly anticipated event in Cedar Rapids.

Livin' La Vida Lutheran

7 p.m. — Amana Performing Arts Center — $25 — Experience a comedic journey with the Looney Lutherans through music, laughter, and joy for a lively heart.

Youth Advisory Board Meeting

5-6 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Contribute your ideas and help shape the future of the library.

Almost, Maine

7:30 p.m. — Ballantyne Auditorium — Free entry for students — Experience the heartfelt comedy of love and connection in a remote town on a magical winter night.

Good Friday Prayer Breakfast 2026

6:30-8:30 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex — No cost mentioned — Enjoy a morning of prayer and breakfast with keynote speaker Kyle Hunter on this holy day.

Zeus Rebel Waters and the Ghetto Cowboys Live

8 p.m. — Moco Game Room & Hot Dog Bar — No refunds — Experience a dynamic night of music with Zeus Rebel Waters and the Ghetto Cowboys on their Gumbo Show Tour.

Community Writers Circle

1-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — A supportive space for adults to explore creative writing and storytelling.