Recognizing that rising gas prices may be forcing local families to rethink summer vacation plans, the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is releasing its first “free summer” list with ideas of things to do in town that are free or low-cost.
“Our area has so much to offer this summer for free. Even we were a bit surprised at how long this list is!” said Doug Neumann, executive director of the Economic Alliance, in a news release. “Rising gas prices and inflation may be forcing some families to reconsider their summer plans. We hope people will see all the local opportunities for recreation, music and events and consider spending some of their free time at our free attractions.”
The list includes recreation, music, events and other ideas for free or low-cost entertainment in the Cedar Rapids metro area. The list is not an all-inclusive list and is only meant to show that many low-cost or free options exist for families to have fun in the Cedar Rapids area this summer, according to the release.
GreenState Credit Union has sponsored the endeavor.
The list includes five categories of events, activities and free locations to visit.
FITNESS/RECREATION/NATURE:
NewBo City Market: Meet me at the Market
WHAT: Participate in free wellness events like walking trails, running, yoga, and dance fitness classes. Pre-registration is not required.
WHEN: Every Thursday through August, events start at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: The NewBo City Market
MORE INFO: https://www.newbocitymarket.org/meet-me-at-the-market
Wickiup Hill Learning Center
WHAT: An educational nature center with habitats and exhibits, interpretative trails, bird and wildlife viewing areas and more. Special programs and events are also offered.
WHEN: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Outdoor areas are open sunrise to sunset.
WHERE: 10260 Morris Hills Road, just NW of the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area near Toddville
MORE INFO: https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/1671/Wickiup-Hill-Learning-Center
Information on Linn County’s other parks, trails and amenities can be found here: https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/1670/Parks-Trails-and-Other-Areas
Explore Trails
WHAT: Explore the many trails in the area for biking, running or just taking a stroll. A downloadable trail map is available here: https://linncountytrails.org/trails/
WHEN: Anytime
WHERE: Various locations
Practice in the Prairie
WHAT: Free outdoor yoga and Pilates classes on the Amazing Space patio and lawn. Take your own yoga mat, towels, or any other yoga gear you may need.
WHEN: Tuesdays 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., now through September
WHERE: Indian Creek Nature Center, 5300 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids
MORE INFO: https://indiancreeknaturecenter.org/public-programs/practice-in-the-prairie/
Sunrise Yoga at Lowe Park
WHAT: Free outdoor yoga classes by the stage and on the grass at the Klopfenstein Amphitheater. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver that’s good for the entire summer. Take your own yoga mat or towel.
WHEN: Saturdays in August from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
WHERE: Lowe Park, 4500 10th St., Marion
Indian Creek Nature Center
WHAT: Explore the trails, visit the Nature Center, or take part in one of many activities or events, including Monarch Fest, Saturday, July 9th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. WHEN: Daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Trails open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
WHERE: 5300 Otis Road SE, Cedar Rapids
MORE INFO: on programs and events at https://indiancreeknaturecenter.org/
Climb Mount Trashmore
WHAT: Go hiking, walking or biking on the various trails at Mount Trashmore. At 950 feet above sea level, it’s a great place to view downtown Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area. Trail usage is free, but they do ask you to check in at a kiosk inside the recreation building before you hit the trails.
WHEN: Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Weekends 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.
WHERE: 2250 A Street SW, Cedar Rapids
MORE INFO: https://www.solidwasteagency.org/mount-trashmore
Riverside Skate Park
WHAT: Practice or show-off your extreme sports skills like skateboarding, inline skating and biking at this park filled with nine steel obstacles and ramps. One unique ramp grouping called “the works” is one of only two of its kind in the United States.
WHEN: All summer 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
WHERE: 1225 C St. SW, Cedar Rapids
MORE INFO: https://www.cedarrapids.org/residents/parks_and_recreation/riverside_skate_park.php
MUSIC:
Cedar Rapids Municipal Band Concerts
WHAT: The Cedar Rapids Municipal Band puts on concerts throughout the summer. All performances are family (and pet) friendly and free to attend.
WHEN: June through August, various dates
WHERE: Various locations
MORE INFO: https://www.crmuniband.org/concert-schedule/
NewBo City Market: Rock the Block
WHAT: Enjoy live, free music at this weekly free concert series featuring local and national touring bands. Weather permitting since this is an outdoor venue.
WHEN: Every Friday through August from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: The Bankers Trust Stage in the Market Yard
MORE INFO: https://www.newbocitymarket.org/rock-the-block
Marion by Moonlight
WHAT: Free outdoor concerts every Thursday in June. Take a lawn chair or blankets.
WHEN: Thursdays in June from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Lowe Park in Marion, 4500 10th St., Marion
Marion Community Band Concert
WHAT: A free band concert featuring patriotic-themed music. Take lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
WHEN: June 28, 7 p.m.
WHERE: Marion Square Park, 7th Ave & 10th St., Marion
Marion Big Band “Swingin’ at Sunset” Concerts
WHAT: Classic 30’s and 40’s Big Band Hits. Take lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
WHEN: Thursday nights in July at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Marion Square Park, 7th Ave. & 10th St., Marion
Jazz Under The Stars Concerts
WHAT: Free jazz concerts featuring a Young Artist ensemble at 6:30 p.m. and a headliner band at 7 p.m. Take a lawn chair and picnic fixings or visit one of the food vendors on site.
WHEN: Thursdays in August, performances begin at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Noelridge Park, 4900 Council St NE, Cedar Rapids
Uptown Getdown
WHAT: Live music by a different band each week. Take your own lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
WHEN: Thursday nights in August at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Marion Square Park, 7th Ave. & 10th St., Marion
INDOOR GETAWAYS:
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art Free Summer Admission
WHAT: In addition to free summer admission beginning in July, the museum will also offer a variety of free programs. Check their website for details on those programs: https://www.crma.org/
WHEN: July 1 through September 4
WHERE: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 3rd Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
The Grant Wood Studio Free Weekends
WHAT: Free weekend admission from Noon to 4 p.m. with docent guided tours on the hour and half hour.
WHEN: Weekends all summer. Noon to 4 p.m.
WHERE: The Grant Wood Studio, 5 Turner Alley, 810 Second Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
MORE INFO: https://www.crma.org/grant-wood
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
WHAT: Students of all ages receive FREE admission to all exhibits the first Saturday of every month. College students must show current school ID card.
WHEN: First Saturday of the month, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: 1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids
MORE INFO: https://ncsml.org/
The History Center Summer Special—Reduced Admission
WHAT: $2 off all admission with the code “SUMMER.” Regular admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students, and free for children four and younger, as well as members of The History Center. Open hours and days vary, so check their website for availability: https://www.historycenter.org/hours-location/
WHEN: Now through July 30
WHERE: The History Center, 800 2nd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids
OUTDOOR FREE EVENTS:
Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market
WHAT: One of the larger free, outdoor markets in the Midwest featuring live entertainment, and vendors offering food, clothing, produce, décor and other seasonal items.
WHEN: 7:30 a.m. to Noon on these Saturdays: June 18, July 2, July 16, August 6, August 20, September 17
WHERE: Downtown Cedar Rapids
MORE INFO: https://www.cedarrapids.org/events/farmers-market
Hiawatha Farmers Market
WHAT: A weekly farmers market featuring fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, honey, meat, arts and crafts, and more.
WHEN: Every Sunday through October, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m .
WHERE: 10th Avenue parking lot in Guthridge Park, Hiawatha
MORE INFO: https://www.hiawatha-iowa.com/departments/parks-recreation/farmers-market/
Uptown Market
WHAT: A monthly market with vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, Iowa wines and a wide selection of artisan items. Also featuring kids’ activities and live music.
WHEN: July 9, August 13, and September 24 from 8 a.m. to Noon
WHERE: Marion Square Park and along 7th Avenue
Five Season’s Ski Team Weekly Shows
WHAT: Weekly water ski shows on the Cedar River, performed by various members of the Five Season’s Ski Team. Bleachers are provided but fill up fast, so organizers recommend you bring lawn chairs and umbrellas for shade.
WHEN: Performances every Thursday. Times vary, so check the website for times and special performance dates.
WHERE: 2021 Ellis Blvd NW, Cedar Rapids
MORE INFO: https://5seasonswaterski.wixsite.com/5sst
CRBT Movies on the Riverbank
WHAT: Free family movies and activities for children. Gates open at 7 p.m. with kids’ activities beginning at 7. Movie starts at dusk (typically 9:30 p.m. in June, 9 p.m. in July, 8:30 p.m. in August.)
WHEN: These Saturdays: June 18, July 16, and August 13 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: McGrath Amphitheatre, 475 1st St. SW, Cedar Rapids
MORE INFO: https://crbt.bank/movies-on-the-riverbank
Summer Moonlight Movies in Marion
WHAT: Free outdoor family movies. General seating begins at 7 p.m. Movies start around 8 p.m., depending upon daylight. Attendees are encouraged to take lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
WHEN: July 9 and August 6 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Klopfenstein Amphitheater at Lowe Park, 4500 10th St., Marion
MORE INFO: https://www.cityofmarion.org/Home/Components/News/News/6649/
Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival
WHAT: A celebration of freedom at various events (many are free!) in the Cedar Rapids Metro area.
WHEN: Now through July 4
WHERE: Various locations
MORE INFO: https://www.freedomfestival.com/
Cedar Rapids Market After Dark
WHAT: One of Downtown Cedar Rapids’ largest free open-air events, featuring a variety of vendors and live entertainment with food, beer, wine in a unique festive evening atmosphere.
WHEN: Saturday, August 27, 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
WHERE: Downtown Cedar Rapids
MORE INFO: https://www.cedarrapids.org/market-after-dark
OTHER:
Murals, Murals and More Murals!
WHAT: Create your own mural tour! Cedar Rapids now is flush with many beautiful and colorful murals, including the new Fragments mural at 2nd Avenue and the 4th street bike trail.
WHEN: Anytime
WHERE: Downtown, NewBo, Czech Village, and surrounding areas
Old MacDonald’s Farm in Bever Park
WHAT: A free petting farm open to the public, featuring farm animals.
WHEN: All summer 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WHERE: Bever Park, 2700 Bever Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
