Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

On Tuesday at 9:00 a.m., Cedar Rapids hosted a recognition event for its America in Bloom/CN Railway grant that funded the planting of 26 new trees on Mays Island and unveiled a new downtown sign—installed on an ADA accessible platform.

The ceremony celebrated the city’s efforts to restore its urban forestry and revitalize its civic gathering space.

Today the Linn County Fair opens in Central City with free Sneak Peek Day admission, free parking, and shuttle service, while visitors ages 11 and older pay $10 for single-day entry or $30 for a week pass on later days.

Grandstand events, carnival rides, and live music in the beer pavilion are scheduled from June 26th to June 29th with free entry on Youth Day and Military Appreciation Day (exact hours vary by day).

Iowa native astronaut Peggy Whitson launched early Tuesday at 1:31 a.m. as commander of Axiom Space’s record-setting mission with crewmates from India, Hungary, and Poland.

The mission — delayed by bad weather and mechanical issues — spent two weeks at the International Space Station to conduct 60 experiments, and Whitson now holds the longest cumulative time in space by an American.

Cedar Rapids artist Clint Henik carved a wooden statue of basketball star Caitlin Clark from a tree stump left by the 2020 derecho, and the tribute now draws local attention off Edgewood Road SW (please be respectful when visiting).

The Iowa Department of Transportation announced that the I-380 southbound ramp to Penn Street will close on July 1 for a three-month reconstruction, and southbound traffic will be detoured — directed northbound at Forevergreen Road.

Iowa Falls nurse Diane Tegtmeyer, who had been ordered to complete ethics training three times for failing to assess or report a patient’s condition, now faces a fourth round of disciplinary action from the Iowa Board of Nursing—her hearing is set for July 17.

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.

2025 USA Wrestling Kids Nationals

9 AM – 12 PM — Alliant Energy Power House — Cost Info Not Provided — Compete in exciting wrestling events at this national tournament for kids.

Freedom Festival Car Show

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Downtown District — Free entry — Explore unique cars and motorcycles while enjoying the festive July 4th atmosphere.

Caster Volor Concert

6-10 p.m. — Kingston Yard — Free entry — Rock out with a Minneapolis-based band covering the biggest hits of the hard rock and heavy metal eras.

Blues Traveler Concert

6-8 p.m. — McGrath Amphitheatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic sounds of Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms at this lively summer concert.

Italian Cocktails & Light Bites Culinary Class

6-7:30 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Ticketed event — Learn to craft classic Italian cocktails and enjoy delicious bruschetta in a fun culinary class.

Friday Night Music – Airwaves

6-9 p.m. — Cedar Ridge Distillery — Free entry — Enjoy classic rock hits performed by Eastern Iowa’s Premiere Cover Band, Airwaves.

Summer Sound Meditation

3-4 p.m. — Breathing Room Yoga — Ticket required — Experience a soothing sound meditation session with Black Dog Sound Healing Arts.

The Shark Is Broken

Jul 17- Aug 3, 7:30 PM — Mirrorbox Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the behind-the-scenes drama of the iconic film Jaws with this engaging production.