Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

In November, Eastern Iowa will host many events that bring together food festivals, concerts & family-friendly activities for residents to celebrate the holiday season.

Cedar Rapids will see a new antique mall opening, live orchestra shows, hockey games, and craft markets while other areas offer cook-offs, flea markets, and light tours for community enjoyment.

The Iowa DNR warned drivers that animal-related crashes are rising as harvest season ends and pheasant numbers hit a 20-year high—deer and other wildlife are moving closer to urban areas due to habitat loss, so drivers should slow down and avoid swerving to maintain control.

They advised using controlled braking if a collision seems imminent and noted that a salvage tag can be issued if a deer is struck.

Amid a government shutdown that entered another week, SNAP benefit delays have put 40% of Iowa recipients, mostly children and families, at risk of missing holiday meals.

Local food banks and groups like Save the Children Action Network have urged lawmakers to provide emergency funding—hoping to ease the strain on vulnerable households.

Today, the Iowa Department of Public Safety urges residents to drop off unused or expired medications at safe collection sites set up by local law enforcement—Cedar Rapids and Iowa City—from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The effort aims to prevent misuse and environmental harm.

An Iowa man set a new state record on October 12th when he caught a giant blue catfish in the Missouri River in Pottawattamie County+ his record fish weighed 105 pounds, measured 60 inches, was kept alive for DNR certification, and was later released back into the river.

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.

Orchestra Iowa: Masterworks III

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience powerful musical drama with guest conductor Damon Gupton leading orchestra classics from Walker, Mozart, and Beethoven.

Cranksgiving Cedar Rapids 2025

11 AM – 5 PM — NewBo City Market — $20-$40 recommended donation — Participate in a bicycle scavenger hunt to collect food for those in need.