Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Eastern Iowa welcomes a busy July with county fairs and live music shows & festivals set across many towns.

Cedar Rapids locals can enjoy concerts, sports events and community markets throughout the summer.

Iowa is rejoining the federal Sun Bucks program today to give families $40 a month per child for food purchases during summer break; about 220,000 kids in the state will benefit under new Healthy SNAP guidelines that bar candy, soda + sugary drinks.

Nearly 400 volunteers are revamping local neighborhoods during the 11th Annual Transform Week by fixing houses for low-income homeowners in the Taylor and Time Check areas.

They plan to complete more than 30 projects during the week.

Paramount Theatre in downtown Cedar Rapids unveils its Broadway 2026-27 season featuring three touring productions: A Christmas Story: The Musical starting Dec.

16, Legally Blonde on Feb. 9, and The Bodyguard on June 22 + subscriptions start at $195+ seats are reserved exclusively with a subscription.

Starting today, 29th Ave near Linn-Mar High School will close for a month for pavement patching, and drivers will follow a detour onto 10th Street (and Indian Creek Road).

Part of 34th Street Southeast will be closed for full pavement replacement and water main improvements starting Tuesday afternoon between Terry Drive and Bever Avenue — local access remains available with detours via Cottage Grove Avenue, East Post Road and Mount Vernon Road.

ImpactLife urged local donors at a blood drive outside Veterans Memorial Stadium on Monday to help keep blood supplies steady amid slow summer donations — a concern for hospitals needing blood for surgeries and treatments before the Fourth of July holiday.

The group supports over 120 hospitals and EMS partners.

AAA projects a record 5.1 million travelers will hit the road during the Independence Day holiday from June 27 through July 5, including 4.3 million drivers in the region like Iowa.

Lower gas prices and more travel choices help families plan trips (AAA advises checking vehicles for safety).

A local gallery highlights over 30 top picks from restaurants, bars, and food trucks across Eastern Iowa in May and June 2026, featuring spots like Big Grove Brewery + Lucky's on 16th.

The collection captures the flavors that marked the end of spring as summer begins.

USA vs Turkey - World Cup Viewing Party

9-11 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free entry — Watch the USA Men's Soccer team take on Turkey while enjoying a cold one in a lively atmosphere.

Putts & Pastries Event

9-11 a.m. — Mini Pines - Mini Golf — Free entry — Enjoy coffee and pastries while hitting holes at this fun mini golf outing.

2026 Cedar Rapids Women's Amateur Golf Tournament

Tournament running on July 10-11 — Twin Pines Golf Course — $60 entry fee — Compete in a stroke play format at this friendly local gathering.

Disney's Finding Nemo: Outdoor Musical Experience

6:30-7:45 p.m. — Brucemore — Family-friendly event — Enjoy a heartwarming musical adaptation of Disney's Finding Nemo under the stars.

Decoupage Painting Night at Just Jules

6-8 p.m. — Just Jules Pub & Restaurant — $20 for one tray, $35 for two trays — Enjoy a creative evening of painting with all supplies included and food/drink available.

Disney's Finding Nemo Musical

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Brucemore — Family-friendly event — Dive into an ocean adventure with Marlin and Nemo in this delightful musical.

Elvis in Person

7-8:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Tickets required — Experience a world-class tribute to Elvis Presley featuring Matt Stone and his all-star band.

World Cup 2026 Final Watch Party

2-5 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Reservations recommended — Catch the excitement of the World Cup final on the giant screen while enjoying your favorite brews.

Computer Skills Training Workshop

2:30 – 4:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free — Enhance your digital literacy and gain essential computer skills with personalized guidance in an interactive setting.

Cypress Hill Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — McGrath Amphitheatre — Ticket prices starting at $82 — Experience the iconic sounds of Cypress Hill live in Cedar Rapids.