Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Relish the Region is a new tasting event happening Thursday, Apr.

30 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Convention Complex downtown — tickets on sale now range from $80 for general to $120 for VIP with food samples, live music and a balloon drop where a winner takes $500.

Millstream Brewing Co. purchased Kismet Kombucha and will begin producing kombucha at its facility (835 48th Ave in Amana) as part of its plan to expand craft beverage production while supporting community values.

The move will offer a new flavor option in the region.

Mount Mercy University named Todd Olson as its new campus president to manage day-to-day operations at its Cedar Rapids campus after its integration with St. Ambrose (announced Tuesday by CEO Amy Novak), and he will stay in his current role until the transaction is approved by the Department of Education.

The Kirkwood Foundation launched a $15M campaign to support students and boost workforce skills in eastern Iowa (with $11M raised so far), and the initiative will provide scholarships, health care training and program upgrades across a seven-county area at Kirkwood Community College.

The Cedar Rapids School Board shared two options for student boundary changes for 2027-2028 (plans include closing five schools) at Tuesday’s meeting as the district reconfigures buildings to address enrollment and budget challenges.

Open houses will be offered at Jefferson, Kennedy, and Washington high schools for family input.

Deb Allick, a Cedar Rapids woman, won a $365,780 jackpot playing Super 7s Progressive InstaPlay at a Maverik in Clive.

She split the winnings with her three nephews after the jackpot built over nearly five months.

The Kernels will begin their 2026 season on Friday night at Veteran's Stadium (home opener) when they host the Peoria Chiefs at (6:05 p.m.).

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.

Cedar Rapids Titans vs North Michigan Muskies

7-10 p.m. — Alliant Energy Power House — Special ticket prices for students and essential workers — Catch the thrilling matchup between the Titans and Muskies.

An Evening With The Fab Four

2:30-11:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the ultimate Beatles tribute with incredible performances and costume changes that capture the essence of the Fab Four.

Scrabble Club Meeting

5:30-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Gather for an evening of wordplay and friendly competition with fellow Scrabble enthusiasts.

Battle Arena: Nerf War for Teens

6-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Gather with fellow teens to engage in an epic Nerf blaster battle.

Spring Book & Bake Sale at Hiawatha Public Library

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Discover wonderful books and delicious baked goods at this community event.

Climate Future Film Festival

12-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Experience a captivating mix of films reflecting diverse responses to climate change.