Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Feed Iowa First is launching Global Graze, a new fundraiser that will connect local chefs with emerging farmers and support sustainable agriculture on Sept.

12 at the downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library’s LivingLearning Rooftop. Eight Linn County restaurants will be featured, including Big Grove Brewery, The Map Room, The Hangry Lady, Saatvik Swaad, and The Hip-Stir (tickets cost $49.87 and spots are limited to 200).

Bread and Buttered Bakery opened its new location at NewBo City Market on July 16 — now serving sourdough breads, cinnamon rolls, sticky pecan buns and chocolate chip cookies along with organic gluten friendly granola treats like maple bourbon pecan and honey oat; founders Nikki and Amber Lynn moved their business from home into the stall previously held by Anh's Bread Therapy, which left in May for a full-service spot in Czech Village.

Daniel Doyen, accused of attacking several people in northwest Cedar Rapids, struck a jail deputy at 9:50 a.m. on Monday when the deputy opened his cell, leaving him with a broken nose and injuries to his lip, mouth and right hand—Doyen now faces charges of assault on persons in certain occupations and interference with official acts resulting in serious injury.

Fox River Mills, an Iowa-based manufacturer in Osage, will close on October 10 and affect 105 employees + no further details have been provided.

Professor Shawn Datchuk from UI is introducing the free CLIFTER tool this week at the Cedar Rapids Science of Reading Summit to help teachers improve cursive handwriting instruction—studies show many elementary educators have little training in this area and the tool offers on-demand lessons, video models, and customizable worksheets.

Canadian wildfire smoke impacted air quality in Eastern Iowa Thursday as the Air Quality Index hit unhealthy levels, the EPA said (the National Weather Service reported the smoke spread across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes).

Four child care and preschool programs in eastern Iowa received nearly $400,000 in state grants from the Continuum of Care program after more than 120 applications were submitted; another round of these grants will be announced this fall for the 2026-27 school year.

Bluesmore Festival 2025

4-10 p.m. — Brucemore — Enjoy a delightful evening of family fun and live music presented by the Linn County Blues Society.

B-29 Superfortress Ride Experience

9 AM — Cedar Rapids Municipal Airport — Ticketed event — Experience a ride on the iconic B-29 Superfortress, the world's most famous flying bomber, in a variety of unique seats.

Rock 101 Camp

9 AM – 3 PM — School of Rock — $479 — A nurturing camp for beginners aged 7-12 to explore instruments and perform in a concert.

Puzzle Exchange at the Library

9-10 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Swap gently used puzzles for something new in a community-focused exchange.

Atkins Watermelon Days 5k Walk/Run 2025

12:30-2:30 p.m. — Atkins City Park Pavilion — Registration details available — Participate in a community-focused 5k race while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Watermelon Days.

K9Splash! Dog Swimming Event

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Bever Park Pool — $15 per dog — Enjoy a splash-filled day of fun for your furry friends at Cedar Rapids' dog-friendly pool event.

Jazz Under The Stars

6-9 p.m. — Noelridge Park — Free entry — Celebrate KCCK’s 50th anniversary with live jazz from local talent under the stars.

Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers' Market

7:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Cedar Rapids Downtown District — Free entry — Explore an award-winning market with entertainment, food, and 200 vendors.

Qi Gong at the Park

10-10:45 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Breathe deeply, move gently, and connect with nature through the practice of Qi Gong.

The Crafty Bunch

6-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Bring your craft project and connect with fellow craft enthusiasts in a fun social setting.