Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

AARP announced that Eastern Iowa communities will receive a combined $162,557 through the 2026 Community Challenge grant program.

In Cedar Rapids, one grant will fund a housing design contest & pickleball court while Solon and other areas use funds to boost safety and livability.

The Linn County Fair in Central City began on June 24 and runs until Sunday, June 28 with Grandstand events, carnival rides, and live music in the Beer Pavilion.

Admission is $11.40 per day with discounts for military and free entry for kids under 10 (parking is free).

On Wednesday, Eastern Iowa Airport unveiled a new aerospace cluster strategy aimed at boosting workforce training and attracting aerospace companies.

The plan includes partnerships with local colleges and high school training programs to better align education with job needs.

The City of Cedar Rapids announced the Weekend Rehearsal concert series in July at Greene Square.

Free events will run Thursdays from (5 to 8 p.m.) featuring local bands and nonprofit partners, with Fastball, Winterland, Fool House, The Boys of Shade of Blue and Katie and the Honky Tonks headlining.

Iowa State Fair has announced its new butter cow companion piece, 'Meet Me At The Pepsi Clock,' which will celebrate local landmarks and America's 250th during the fair from Aug.

13–23.

Iowa inspectors found hundreds of food-safety issues across restaurants, including Cedar Rapids' Adelitas Mexican Grill, which closed on June 9 for hygiene violations and reopened on June 11 after making corrections.

Residents near the planned natural gas plant questioned local public health + county officials during a meeting called by Linn County supervisors, and Alliant Energy will field more questions at a public comment event at IBEW Hall on July 30.

UnityPoint Health St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids is now offering NanoKnife Irreversible Electroporation for prostate cancer using electrical pulses (delivered through thin needles) to target tumors while protecting nerves and blood vessels.

Doctors say the minimally invasive treatment may reduce side effects and shorten recovery times.

More than 1,500 of the nation’s top youth wrestlers will begin arriving tomorrow for the Kids Freestyle and Greco-Roman National Championships at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse downtown, with athletes in 8U-14U categories from nearly 40 states competing in this prestigious USA Wrestling Triple Crown event.

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.