Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market kicked off its 20th season on Saturday, drawing thousands downtown where more than 200 vendors sold fresh produce + handmade crafts and hosted live music and dance performances.

The event featured Residents Appreciation Day and a CR School Bond booth, and organizers announced seven more Saturday markets through September 20 plus a Market After Dark event on August 23.

Marion Public Library will expand its bookmobile service for summer by adding stops on Monday and Friday starting Monday.

The bookmobile will visit Lowe Park (Monday morning) and Taube Park (Monday afternoon) on Monday and Marion Pool in Willowood Park and Azure Apartments on Friday to offer books and library card registration.

Linn County Conservation will open two new log cabins and a campground at Pinicon Ridge Park on June 12—each cabin costs $250 a night, sleeps up to 12 people, and already has 30 reservations, with winter rentals planned to boost park investments.

On Saturday, June 7, visitors at NewBo City Market learned the traditional Japanese art of paper marbling from artist Matthew Willie Garcia during a free Suminagashi workshop.

The session was part of a collaborative community art project by NewBo City Market, CR Pride, METRO High School, and Eastern Iowa Arts Academy that will lead into this year’s Pridefest.

The Iowa Women's Festival returned to Newbo City Market on Saturday, June 7th—featuring over 90 vendors from women-led businesses, local artisans, and live performances by musicians such as Denise La Grassa and Alysha Brilla.

A group called (Believe in CR Schools) is collecting over 5,000 signatures from local school district taxpayers to add a $117 million bond issue to November’s ballot.

The campaign launched Saturday at the summer farmers market with volunteers handing out school color balloons to boost support for necessary renovations.

Today in Cedar Rapids, a KCRG Fareway Cooking segment shares a dense quinoa salad recipe that mixes quinoa, chickpeas, edamame, cucumber, tomato, red onion, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes with Italian dressing while noting that the salad improves as it soaks in the dressing.

The recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free — an option that fits busy summer food prep routines.

Rock the Block: Alicia Monee

6-8 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Free entry — Enjoy live music from local and national bands during this summer concert series.

Car Show with a Cause 2025

10 AM - 2 PM — Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center — Free entry — Celebrate car culture with food, games, and stunning vehicles while supporting a great cause.

Amadeus by Peter Shaffer

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Theatre Cedar Rapids — Ticket discounts available — Experience the rivalry between Salieri and Mozart in this acclaimed drama filled with music and obsession.

Story Time in the Park

9-11 a.m. — Noelridge Park — Free entry — Enjoy a morning of storytelling and fun activities for all ages.

Play Fore Parks Golf Tournament

9 AM – 2 PM — Ellis Golf Course — $100 individual / $400 for foursome — Enjoy a round of golf while supporting Cedar Rapids’ innovative parks.

Big Rove Ride

8 AM – 4 PM — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $100 — Experience a fun-filled bicycle event from the creators of BACOON RIDE & PIGTAILS.

Mikayla Oz Magic Show

3:30-4:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free entry — Experience a delightful magic show that's interactive and filled with family-friendly comedy.

Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival

All day — Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors — Low or no-cost events — Celebrate 42 years of community joy and unity in Iowa's biggest festival.

Real Estate Today Show Breakfast

8:30-10 a.m. — Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite — $25 for no-show — Discuss broker pain points with guest speaker Barry Frink for valuable insights.

Breakthrough Basketball Essential Skills Camp

Over 3 days — Elevate Sports — $97 for observing coaches — Improve basketball skills through high-intensity drills and character building.