Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Events Newswire

1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids: CoderDojo 9/3/2025 9:00 AM - 9/3/2025 10:00 AM

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:00:21 GMT

CoderDojo is a free program for K–5 students to explore STEM-based stations like drones, circuits, Bee-Bots, and more! Our Education team is excited to share what CoderDojo is all about at 1MC, and how you can get involved.

Enjoy hands-on activities that demonstrate how we engage students and spark their curiosity.

Refreshments and coffee will be provided. Please RSVP.

Program schedule

8:45 to 9:00 – Coffee & Conversation
9:00 to 9:45 – Official Program
9:45 to 10:00 – Q&A

Networking Night 9/3/2025 5:00 PM - 9/3/2025 7:00 PM

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:44:57 GMT

Bust out those business cards and join us for a classic night of networking. We’ll kick things off at Northwestern Mutual’s downtown Cedar Rapids office where you can put your local knowledge to the test with Cedar Rapids trivia. Then, we’ll take the fun just down the street to City Walk to grab a drink, swap stories and business cards, and make a few new connections.

Doors open at 4:45 with trivia and fun kicking off at 5. We can't wait to see you there!

With ImpactCR, young professionals go beyond exchanging business cards—they come to build meaningful connections, foster personal and professional growth, and actively contribute to shaping the future of the Cedar Rapids Metro. Our mission is to empower young professionals to uncover their “why” and equip them with the tools to make a lasting, positive impact in their careers, community, and lives. We welcome individuals from all industries, skill sets, and backgrounds. ImpactCR is not just about working—it’s about living, learning, and thriving together.

Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market 9/6/2025 7:30 AM - 9/6/2025 12:00 Noon

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:50:02 GMT

The 20th annual market season features entertainment, food, and 200 amazing market vendors. Our award-winning market is THE summer event on select Saturday mornings in downtown Cedar Rapids!

Dates for 2025 includes:

June 7
June 21
July 5
July 19
August 2
August 16
September 6
September 20

CoderDojo 9/6/2025 1:00 PM - 9/6/2025 3:00 PM

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:34:03 GMT

CoderDojo is a free program for kids from kindergarten to 5th grade.

Children can freely explore any STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) themed stations, with mentors available to help them get started, allowing your child to learn and explore on their own.

Hands-On Stations:

Hour of Code: Engage in self-guided activities tailored to your coding comfort level. Activities include Scratch Block Programming, which allows you to easily build stories and games using “blocks” of code. You can also play Codecombat, an innovative live coding strategy game for beginners. Learn Python or JavaScript as you defeat ogres, solve mazes, and level up.
Turing Tumble: a logic puzzle where students work to solve problems using levers and marbles. It helps kids understand computer science concepts without computers! Create your own designs or work through the ‘challenge’ booklet for a little more structure to the play
Snap Circuits: Learn basic engineering, electronics, and circuitry concepts using Snap Circuits! Snap Circuits use easy-to-connect components to assemble electronic circuits on a simple “rows-and-columns” base grid that you build functions like the printed circuit boards in most electronic products.
Microscopes: Kids can explore biology up close with a self-guided microscope with over 200 slides.
Drones: Kids can maneuver drones (with adult supervision) around obstacle courses.

If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this event, please contact Community Programs Manager Melissa Silver at 319-214-5646 or melissa@newbo.co. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.

Business Breakfast 9/9/2025 7:30 AM - 9/9/2025 9:00 AM

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 14:13:52 GMT

The Business Breakfast Series is a gathering of area employers and industry experts for a morning of networking and in-depth discussion about the latest issues in economic development. Every event is moderated by representatives of The Gazette news division with diverse panelist perspective. Three breakfasts will take place in Cedar Rapids along with two in Iowa City.Held on September 9 from 8-9 AM. Doors will open at 7:30 AM for networking and a light breakfast.

Midwest Manufacturing & Networking: Find Your Competimate and Collaborate 9/10/2025 8:30 AM - 9/10/2025 3:00 PM

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 20:58:01 GMT

Join our annual collaborative one-day event that brings together partners in industry and government to explore the future of manufacturing. This event is designed for professionals who want to explore government contracting opportunities (both direct and indirect) and identifying opportunities for collaboration and partnership.

This event requires your engaged participation! It will include meaningful discussions and networking; but don’t worry, this isn’t your typical networking event… we will be facilitating those interactions and making them more organic (and less awkward!)

We will hear from subject matter experts on the following topics, while also exploring valuable resources for our manufacturing community.

Topics covered:

Doing Business with Government Agencies and Large Federal Primes: Gain insights into government & subcontracting opportunities.

Success Story Panel: Tales from the trenches. Learn from your peers.

Matchmaking with Manufacturers: Competimates in motion! Discover potential partners who align with your business goals and explore opportunities for collaboration and growth.

?And more!!

This is not just any event… our goal here is to create opportunities for you to learn, grow, engage with your peers and build your networks… all we need from you is to show up and participate!

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON SEPTEMBER 5.

For more event details, contact Melissa Burant at mmburant@iastate.edu or Julie Fagle at jafagle@iastate.edu.

1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids: Chrissy Hogue Bartels with Torfoot Entertainment 9/10/2025 9:00 AM - 9/10/2025 10:00 AM

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:02:55 GMT

This Week:

Join us for a conversation with Chrissy Hogue Bartels—producer, actor, and professor of communication at Clarke University—who is making bold moves in the Midwest film industry. Chrissy is currently collaborating with Emmy Award-winning casting director Ross Meyerson and filmmaker Johnathan Brownlee through Torfoot Entertainment Group, working to develop a slate of high-ROI, star-powered film and TV projects aimed at building creative infrastructure and economic opportunity across Iowa and the region.

Chrissy recently co-starred on Chicago P.D., is in production on multiple feature films, and is widely known for her critically acclaimed one-woman show The Stupid Economy, which sold out Off-Broadway and earned a Pulitzer Prize nomination. She also hosts the popular Violent Women in Film podcast, which has racked up over 100,000 views on YouTube.

Don’t miss this engaging session as Chrissy shares her entrepreneurial journey in entertainment, the power of storytelling, and what it means to bring major productions to the Midwest.

Program schedule

8:45 to 9:00 – Coffee & Conversation
9:00 to 9:45 – Official Program
9:45 to 10:00 – Q&A

1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids: TellersBridge StoryTelling 9/10/2025 9:00 AM - 9/10/2025 10:00 AM

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:52:01 GMT

This Week:

Tellersbridge partnership with the Cedar Rapids Public Library, is launching Cedar Rapids’ first multi-day storytelling festival—an event designed to celebrate the power of live, personal storytelling. The festival will bring together storytellers, listeners, educators, and community members for performances, workshops, and open-mic opportunities. This collaboration combines TellersBridge’s mission of developing storytelling as a craft with the library’s commitment to community enrichment and lifelong learning.

Program schedule
8:45 to 9:00 - Coffee & Conversation
9:00 to 9:45 - Official Program
9:45 to 10:00 - Q&A

TellersBridge Live Storytelling "Windfall" 9/11/2025 7:00 PM - 9/11/2025 9:00 PM

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:53:22 GMT

www.tellersbridge.org

Q3 Speed Networking 9/11/2025 8:30 AM - 9/11/2025 9:30 AM

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 20:24:56 GMT

Join us for our quarterly speed networking event that rotates between various EA member businesses. At these sessions, you have the opportunity to meet many individuals from a variety of industries in a fast-paced, upbeat environment. We'll bring the coffee, you bring your most energetic self and get ready to network! Join us this fall at Spare Time Entertainment.

Registration is required and spots are limited!

Contact Rebecca Sullens at rsullens@cedarrapids.org for more information.

This event is for members of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. Refer to our Membership Directory for a full list of members: https://www.cedarrapids.org/membership/directory/. If you're interested in becoming a member, reach out to Membership Growth Specialist Anne Laugen at alaugen@cedarrapids.org.

Ryan Companies US, Inc. Celebrates Open House & 35 Years in Business 9/11/2025 3:00 PM - 9/11/2025 6:00 PM

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:38:13 GMT

Join us as we celebrate a major milestone with Ryan Companies US, Inc. — 35 years in business and the opening of their new office space with a ribbon cutting and open house.

Refer to our Membership Directory for a full list of members:https://www.cedarrapids.org/membership/directory/. If you're interested in becoming a member, reach out to our Membership Development Manager Anne Laugen at alaugen@cedarrapids.org.

Dinner on the Bridge 9/11/2025 5:30 PM - 9/11/2025 10:00 PM

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 13:03:06 GMT

Cedar Rapids' most anticipated event of the year is back on September 11! Enjoy an elegant dinner by sunset on the 16th Avenue Bridge of Lions, connecting Czech Village & New Bohemia.

This annual fundraiser benefits The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia, the 501(c)3 non-profit community-building organization supporting businesses and placemaking in an Historic District. As a walkable community located in an arts & culture destination area, The District provides experiences, activities, shopping, dining, and services to both residents and visitors.

Dinner on the Bridge

TellersBridge StoryTelling | Live Storytelling "Windfall" 9/11/2025 7:00 PM - 9/11/2025 9:00 PM

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:54:10 GMT

https://tellersbridge.org/enhanced-upcoming-events

TellersBridge Live Storytelling "Windfall" 9/11/2025 7:00 PM - 9/11/2025 9:00 PM

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 09:53:28 GMT

Join us for an evening of storytelling and creativity. We host live, open-mic storytelling events twice a month. These events give storytellers a platform to share their stories in a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Each story lasts between 5 and 8 minutes, allowing for a diverse range of voices and experiences to be heard. The show starts at 7:00 and ends at 9:00 with both food and drink available. A $10 cover charge helps us support and grow our community of storytellers.

TellersBridge Live Storytelling "Windfall" 9/11/2025 7:00 PM - 9/11/2025 9:00 PM

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 09:55:40 GMT

Iowa Fall Festival 9/12/2025 10:00 AM - 9/14/2025 5:30 PM

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:33:19 GMT

The Iowa Fall Festival at Bloomsbury Farm is the best place to be during the Fall season! Come on out to enjoy acres of U-Pick pumpkins, iconic fall-themed photo ops, our 10-acre corn maze, 30+ attractions for all ages... and more! Tickets are valid for any one time use while we are open for Iowa Fall Festival.

Please visit www.BloomsburyFarm.com for a full list of attractions!

September 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
October 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
Nov 1

Fridays: 1pm-5:30pm
Saturdays: 10am-5:30pm
Sundays: 10am-5:30pm

Freedom Festival Golf Outing 9/12/2025 11:00 AM - 9/12/2025 4:00 PM

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 13:29:25 GMT

Tee off for a cause! Join us for a fun-filled day of golf in support of the Freedom Festival! All proceeds will benefit our Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation grant, helping fund events for the upcoming year.

The tournament will follow a Best Ball format with teams of four. Registration is $75 per person and includes a golf cart, lunch, and a gift bag. Mulligans will be available for $5 each, with a maximum of five per player. Additionally, don’t miss our silent auction happening throughout the day!

Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, along with $100 prizes for individual hole contests including Longest Drive, Longest Putt, and Closest to the Pin.

Entry: $75/person

Interested in being a sponsor? Email Brittany@freedomfestival.com

Check out this link for more info: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-golf-outing-fundraiser-2

Iowa Heartlanders Dash's 5th Birthday Party 9/15/2025 6:00 PM - 9/15/2025

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:15:34 GMT

Dash's Birthday is the ULTIMATE BIRTHDAY BASH for our mascot Dash, and we need you to cheer your loudest and sing your best "Happy Birthday" to let Dash know he's the best mascot in the ECHL!

6:00PM
Toledo
Xtream Arena
FloHockey

Deafinitely Dogs! Quaker Bag Stuffing Event 9/16/2025 8:30 AM - 9/16/2025 1:00 PM

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:36:39 GMT

Join us as we do a bag stuffing event at Quaker Oats. We will be filling 1000 grocery tote bags with Quaker goodies in assembly line fashion. All volunteers will get their own t-shirt for helping. The bags will then be sold at the Downtown Farmer's Market on Saturday September 20th.

IA•AI (Iowa Artificial Intelligence) - September 2025 9/16/2025 3:00 PM - 9/16/2025 5:00 PM

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 08:36:54 GMT

***This month's program***

We'll hear from Ben Dillon, CEO of Geonetric, as he shares key takeaways from the recent AI & Your Agency Summit. This session will explore how forward-thinking agencies are driving AI adoption, evaluating and prioritizing initiatives, and uncovering real-world value in their operations today. Ben will walk through how agencies are using AI to streamline workflows, enhance service delivery, and stay competitive. He’ll also showcase a real automation use case to illustrate how AI is already transforming agency work.

We'll also allot time for group conversations and 1:1 networking.

***About this group***

IA•AI (Iowa Artificial Intelligence) is a community of Eastern Iowa business professionals exploring the opportunities, challenges, and practical applications of AI. We bring together leaders, entrepreneurs, and technologists to share knowledge, test tools, and build meaningful connections around how AI is reshaping business and our local communities.

Whether you’re just curious about AI or already using it in your work, IA•AI is your local hub to learn, collaborate, and lead in this new era of technology.

United Way Fundraiser 9/16/2025 4:00 PM - 9/16/2025 6:00 PM

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:22:26 GMT

Join The Funky Zebras Tuesday night as we have a fundraising event for United Way of East Central Iowa. 20% of proceeds will to directly to Unity Way. Sips and nibbles will be provided!

AI in Action: Drive Revenue by Knowing Your Customer Presented by SCORE East Central Iowa 9/17/2025 7:30 AM - 9/17/2025 9:00 AM

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:28:48 GMT

Free Event - Doors open at 7:00 AM for coffee and networking. Session begins promptly at 7:30. The time for guessing is over. If you don’t know your customer, you can’t grow your business. This hands-on workshop will show you how to use AI

1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids: Tellerbridge 9/17/2025 9:00 AM - 9/17/2025 10:00 AM

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 13:47:01 GMT

This Week:

Program schedule
8:45 to 9:00 - Coffee & Conversation
9:00 to 9:45 - Official Program
9:45 to 10:00 - Q&A

Inclusive IOWA: Cups of Connection 9/17/2025 10:00 AM - 9/17/2025 10:30 AM

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 14:41:05 GMT

Join us for Cups of Connection, a time for us to come together to have conversations around topics of inclusion and belonging. The zoom link for the event will be sent in the confirmation email after you register. Please be sure to add this to your calendar.

An Inclusive IOWA meeting is a space to host complex, solution-focused discussion among members. The common thread we have as a coalition is the belief that diversity, equity and inclusion should be a top priority for the region, fueling benefit for our current and future workforce. We meet, explore and build on idea with a platform where all voices to be present, heard, and respected.

Edge Investment Solutions Monthly Webinar - Beyond Money Markets: Maximizing Cash 9/17/2025 5:30 PM - 9/17/2025 6:30 PM

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:07:48 GMT

Join us as we host Invesco to discuss alternatives to money market funds for your long term cash.

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2hXGJD-NQLKMFOa0YLyeIw

Iowa Fall Festival 9/19/2025 10:00 AM - 9/21/2025 5:30 PM

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:33:10 GMT

Please visit www.BloomsburyFarm.com for a full list of attractions!

September 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
October 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
Nov 1

Fridays: 1pm-5:30pm
Saturdays: 10am-5:30pm
Sundays: 10am-5:30pm

Quaker Bags at Downtown Farmer's Market 9/20/2025 7:00 AM - 9/20/2025 12:00 Noon

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:36:24 GMT

Join us as we sell the Quaker bags that were filled on Tuesday. We will begin sales at the beginning of the Market and sell until all bags are sold or it is noon. Shifts are a minimum of 2 hours and first shift starts at 6:30. This is a major fundraising event for our non-profit. All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt for volunteering.

Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market 9/20/2025 7:30 AM - 9/20/2025 12:00 Noon

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:50:16 GMT

The 20th annual market season features entertainment, food, and 200 amazing market vendors. Our award-winning market is THE summer event on select Saturday mornings in downtown Cedar Rapids!

Dates for 2025 includes:

June 7
June 21
July 5
July 19
August 2
August 16
September 6
September 20

Join us at the final market of the season!!!

World Record Attempt - Largest Cereal Breakfast 9/20/2025 8:00 AM - 9/20/2025 11:00 AM

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:33:24 GMT

Help us set the world record for Largest Cereal Breakfast! The attempt will be made on September 20 at the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market. Specifically, in Greene Square.

How it works:

Attendees must register in advance to participate in the cereal breakfast.
Participants must be 10 years old or older.
Participants should plan to check in between 8 a.m.-9 a.m. at Greene Square on Sept. 20. The attempt will formally take place at 10 a.m.
Participants will receive cereal and milk as part of this event. Please be aware of allergies, as consuming the cereal (Crunch Berries) and milk is imparative to set the record.

You will receive a confirmation email after registering, and we will send a final reminder shortly before the market on September 20.

Youth In Aviation Day Free & Open to General Public 9/20/2025 10:00 AM - 9/20/2025 2:00 PM

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 20:28:11 GMT

Free & Open to General Public * Activities for All Ages * Open House * Static Aircraft

Kirkwood CC * EAA Chapter 33 * Coe College * Iowa 99s * NASA (Iowa State) * Collins Aerospace * Signature Aviation * General Aviation Aircraft * Chinook & Lifeguard Helicopters * Eastern Iowa Women In Aviation

Diva Night at The Funky Zebras 9/24/2025 3:30 PM - 9/24/2025 6:30 PM

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:24:02 GMT

Shop, sip and nibble! 20% of proceeds will go to the Especially For You Race Against Cancer Walk. The event is hosted by Krista Barnell, a survivor. See you there!

ImpactCR: Empowering Civic Engagement 9/25/2025 8:00 AM - 9/25/2025 9:30 AM

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 14:06:14 GMT

Curious about how local government works, and how you can make a difference?

Join ImpactCR for an engaging panel discussion with leaders from Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, and Marion as we explore how our cities collaborate, what’s on the ballot this November, and how you can get more involved in shaping the future of your community.

Panelists include:

Angelica Vannatta, Senior Manager of Community Outreach & Engagement at United Way of East Central Iowa
Barbra Solberg, Public Policy Strategist at Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
Ben Fiedler, Hiawatha City Council Member
Kim Downs, Deputy City Manager for City of Marion

September BizMix Hosted by King's Material Inc. 9/25/2025 4:00 PM - 9/25/2025 6:00 PM

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:39:09 GMT

Join us for the September BizMix hosted by King's Material, Inc.

The event will run from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Meet your business peers and connect with new members of our communities.

BizMix brings together area professionals and is hosted by a different member business each month. This event provides EA members with increased opportunity for participation and connections.

If you'd like to save the event to your calendar, a calendar invite will be sent in the post-registration email. Registration is not required.

This event is for members of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and the Marion Chamber of Commerce. Refer to our Membership Directory for a full list of members:https://www.cedarrapids.org/membership/directory/. If you're interested in becoming a member, contact our Membership Development Manager, Anne Laugen at alaugen@cedarrapids.org.

DO Portugal Circus 9/26/2025 - 10/5/2025

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 11:35:50 GMT

For the FIRST TIME EVER in Cedar Rapids!

The world-famous Do Portugal Circus is coming to town — and this is one show you won’t want to miss!

Prepare to be amazed by jaw-dropping acrobatics, high-speed motorcycle stunts, hilarious comedy, and thrilling surprises — all under the big top and 100% animal-free!

Bring the whole family and experience the magic of the circus like never before!

Show Schedule:

Fri, Sep 26– 7:30PM

Sat, Sep 27– 2PM • 5PM • 8PM

Sun, Sep 28 – 2PM • 5PM

Mon, Sep 29 – 7:30PM

Wen, Oct 1 - 7:30PM

Thu, Oct 2– 7:30PM

Fri, Oct 3 – 7:30PM

Sat, Oct 4 – 2PM • 5PM • 8PM

Sun, Oct 5 – 2PM • 5PM

Buy your tickets online: Do Portugal Circus

Iowa Fall Festival 9/26/2025 10:00 AM - 9/28/2025 5:30 PM

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:33:01 GMT

Please visit www.BloomsburyFarm.com for a full list of attractions!

September 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
October 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
Nov 1

Fridays: 1pm-5:30pm
Saturdays: 10am-5:30pm
Sundays: 10am-5:30pm

The Great Pumpkin Balloon Glow 9/27/2025 6:00 PM - 9/27/2025 9:00 PM

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 11:57:23 GMT

Join us at Bloomsbury for an unforgettable fall season at our annual IOWA FALL FESTIVAL
with our special night of THE GREAT PUMPKIN BALLOON GLOW on the evening of
September 27th! Come on out to celebrate all things fall... Hot air balloon glow, fall fun
attractions, and more!

https://tickets.bloomsburyfarm.com/2025-iowa-fall-festival

Aura Independent Living Sneak Preview! 9/30/2025 3:00 PM - 9/30/2025 5:00 PM

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 07:56:30 GMT

JOIN US FOR A SNEAK PREVIEW OF CEDAR RAPIDS' NEWEST SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY!

Step inside, explore the progress, and picture the lifestyle ahead.

Pardon our dust as you enjoy this exclusive first look.