Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Hiawatha will enforce strict no parking rules from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Saturday ahead of the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival Parade scheduled for 10:00 a.m.; residents along the parade route should move their vehicles to private driveways or side streets.

Tour the Laura Ingalls Wilder Park + Museum at the original Masters Hotel in Burr Oak today, where the Ingalls family once worked from 1876 to 1877.

The site will host Laura Days from today until June 28 and feature pioneer games, live music and special guest Alison Arngrim.

Iowa fell to 27th in national education rankings after a report compared current figures to pre-pandemic levels.

Parent advocates urge lawmakers to increase funding as reading and math scores drop and graduation rates suffer (public schools serve over 92% of Iowa kids).

A Linn County family urged officials to require more air quality tests before Alliant Energy’s Morgan Valley Energy Center moved ahead near Highway 30 as they raised concerns about pollution trapping in valleys.

Alliant said the project remains in early review (with no air quality permit application submitted) amid ongoing debate.

Cedar Rapids officials remind residents that fireworks are allowed only during set hours around July 4 and New Year's Eve on private property, urging everyone to plan ahead & follow safety rules to avoid injuries and fires.

The Disaster PrepWise program is offering emergency planning help for older adults in Linn County.

Iowa Public Health AmeriCorps, along with county health agencies, will run the initiative through the remainder of 2026.

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.