Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Lifeline Ministries Church will host its annual turkey giveaway on Saturday, Nov.

22 at 1101 Oakland Road NE in Cedar Rapids—community members may line up before noon to receive one of 200 turkeys starting at 12 p.m.—and the event will support local families ahead of Thanksgiving as supplies last.

Cedar Rapids will host its 29th annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec 6 at Green Square, with guests arriving at 4:30 p.m. and the lighting beginning at 5:30 p.m. led by Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell and council members, while a 25-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by the Craft family will be part of the celebration — marking an important community event.

Sinclair and Iowa’s News Now are partnering with Feeding America to support HACAP Food Reservoir and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank as more eastern Iowa families need assistance during the holiday season — donations accepted until Saturday, Nov.

29 will provide up to ten meals per dollar, easing food insecurity.

Adams Multimedia—a family-owned Minnesota company—announced this morning it will purchase The Cedar Rapids Gazette along with 11 other Iowa newspapers, and the deal will be final on December 1 including papers from Mount Pleasant, Fairfield, Washington, Marengo, Williamsburg, New London and three shopper-style publications.

Weird Al Yankovic will perform his Bigger and Weirder Tour in Cedar Rapids next summer at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse—tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday—and he will feature Puddles Pity Party on stage.

Country singer Chris Young will perform on his 'It Must Be Christmas' acoustic tour at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Paramount Theatre (123 3rd Ave. SE in Cedar Rapids), where he will deliver holiday songs from his 2016 release along with two new tracks.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded more than 23 million dollars to restore Brucemore mansion on Tuesday, November 18th in Cedar Rapids.

The funds will repair three early 1900s buildings including the Servants’ Duplex, Lord and Burnham Greenhouse and Bookbindery.

Iowa’s corn and soybean harvest was nearly finished as just 3% of corn and 1% of soybeans were left unharvested.

Farmers benefited from warm, dry weather during November 10—16 even as officials noted growing drought concerns in parts of the state.

The Cedar Rapids Community School District reorganized its board on November 18th—three new members were sworn in, with Jennifer Neumann becoming president and Scott Drzycimski as vice president.

The University of Dubuque is launching its new LIFE HyFlex model for adult learners in spring 2026 that lets students choose in-person classes, live online sessions, or recorded lessons while using classrooms in both Dubuque and Cedar Rapids.

The flexible program will offer lower tuition and support services like childcare to help students complete degrees in fields such as business, criminal justice, and healthcare.

Iowa Natural Resource Commission members are frustrated with cuts in wildlife spending and want to raise hunting, fishing, and trapping license fees that have not increased since 2019— they will need proof of public support from outdoor groups by December 15 before moving forward.

Some outdoor groups and state officials said any fee hike will require approval from the governor’s office.

Hockey Match: Muskegon Lumberjacks vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Roughriders Hockey Club — Check local listings for ticket prices — Watch an exciting junior hockey face-off between two competitive teams.

Thanksgiving Eve Dueling Pianos

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Olympic South Side Theater — $25 — Experience a night of musical requests from classic hits to today's favorites.

Waterloo Black Hawks vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

7:05-8:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Cost info not specified — Catch the action as local hockey teams face off in an exciting match.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7:30-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a dazzling fusion of circus artistry and holiday music in a magical winter wonderland.

Veterans Holiday Meal

4-6 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Building — Free — Enjoy a traditional holiday meal with fellow veterans and active military members.

Cultivate Hope Holiday Craft Fair

9 AM – 2 PM — Groundswell Cafe — Supports local youth programs — Discover local crafts, baked goods, and live music this holiday season.

Madison Capitols vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

4:05-5:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Stream available — Catch the action as the Madison Capitols face the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in this exciting hockey showdown.

Photos with Santa at PCI Pediatrics

9-11 a.m. — PCI Medical Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy cookies and crafts while capturing a magical moment with Santa.

We The Kingdom Christmas Concert

6:00-8:00 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticketed event — Celebrate the season with festive music and fan-favorites from We The Kingdom.