Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

The first-ever Iowa Scarecrow Festival was held at Hawkeye Downs on Saturday alongside the Made in Iowa Fall Market—more than 150 local vendors and over 50 handmade scarecrows brought community spirit, with food donations and 10% of admission proceeds benefiting Together We Achieve.

The Cedar Rapids dog shelter is asking local residents for donations of NutriSource dog food to feed its 10 dogs; the yearly food cost—about $5,000—could then be used for vet bills.

The shelter recently welcomed three new dogs from Animal Care and Control as it makes needed improvements.

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and its 43rd year as a nonprofit in 2026 with the theme Party Like It’s 1776 — the event will run from June 25 through July 4 and include parades, concerts, and fireworks to honor freedom and unity.

MODE, a women’s boutique owned by Danielle Rings, celebrated its 10th anniversary this year and continues to support local female entrepreneurs—Rings built her business by overcoming challenges like a severe derecho and franchisor bankruptcy and by hosting community fundraisers.

The Freedom Festival announced its 2026 theme 'Party Like It’s 1776' to honor America’s 250th birthday and its 43rd year as a nonprofit—its celebration will run from June 25 to July 4 with community events in Cedar Rapids.

Mary Beth Stevenson, the watersheds and source water program manager at the City of Cedar Rapids, was honored with the 2023 Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance Public Impact Award for her work restoring wetlands and securing millions in funding for clean drinking water.

Her strong partnerships with local farmers and conservation groups have improved water quality in the area — a vital step to protect community resources.

A Fareway Cooking Segment highlights five foods that help boost the immune system as colder weather challenges our health.

The segment explains that citrus fruits (rich in vitamin C) and garlic (with natural antibacterial properties) support immunity alongside yogurt, leafy greens, and green tea while also stressing the need to stay hydrated.

CR Sings: The Music of Bob Dylan

7:30-9 p.m. — Opus Concert Cafe — Ticket details vary — Experience live performances of iconic Bob Dylan songs in a cozy atmosphere.

Hawkeye Downs Dirt Kart Spooktacular

12 PM — Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling dirt kart racing with family-friendly guaranteed seating.

Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Concert

6:30-7:30 p.m. — The Olympic South Side Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons surrounded by candlelight.

Monday Morning Story Time

10:00-10:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in fun stories, music, and crafts perfect for kids and caregivers.

Iowa BIG Visit Day

8 AM – 4 PM — Cedar Rapids Downtown District — Refunds available — Learn about Iowa BIG and how it empowers students for real-world impact.

The Rocking Dead Halloween Night

8-11 p.m. — Penguin's Comedy Club — $22 — Enjoy a spine-tingling night of live music with a thrilling costume contest.

Dia de los Muertos Celebration

6 p.m. — CSPS — Free entry — Honor loved ones with traditional music, dance, and vibrant altars at this cultural event.

Home Free Vocal Band Concert

7-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the angelic harmonies of the acclaimed country a cappella group that took the world by storm.

Mercy Mistletoe Market

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids — Free entry — Explore unique, handcrafted items from nearly 40 local vendors at this holiday shopping extravaganza.

Dubuque Fighting Saints vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

7:05-8:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Stream available — Don't miss the thrilling hockey showdown as the Saints take on the RoughRiders.