Cedar Rapids Market After Dark Returns for its Tenth Season
August 5, 2025 | Community Development, Downtown Cedar Rapids
One of the most popular downtown events is returning Saturday, August 23rd, to Cedar Rapids for its milestone 10th year. Market After Dark, presented by ImOn Communications, brings more than 100 vendors, entertainment, special lighted attractions, games, artwork, and more downtown for a free, outdoor, community event.
“Market After Dark has become a summer tradition in Cedar Rapids, and we’re turning up the excitement for its 10th year,” said Jenn Draper, events contractor for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “We’re bringing back live entertainment, adding new surprises, and creating an unforgettable night downtown that celebrates a decade of fun, community, and summertime magic.”
The 10 th annual Market After Dark runs from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. This festive event is known for its unique atmosphere where patrons 21 years and older can take part in an open-container environment within the designated market area. Beer and wine will be sold at various locations in disposable Market After Dark cups until 10:30 p.m.
New for this year, market beer tents will all be cashless. Canned soda and water will be available at all beverage tents as well. The open container policy within the market area starts at 6:30 p.m. and ends promptly at 11 p.m. Participating downtown establishments will also be issuing wristbands and serving alcohol for distribution within the venue, provided it is only beer or wine, and is served in an approved Market After Dark cup.
This year’s event will have vendors located on 2nd Avenue SE, 3rd Avenue SE and 4th Avenue SE between 2nd Street SE and 5th Street SE. Entertainment also returns with two stages located throughout the venue. The band Surf Zombies will perform on the main stage at 4th Avenue and 5th Street from 6:30-8:00pm and Crazy Delicious will continue the fun from 8:30-10:30pm. A variety of other entertainment will be sprinkled throughout the venue for enjoyment, including lighted ballerinas, face painting, light tunnel, yard games, a floral selfie wall, and other elements of surprise and delight.
More event details including how to volunteer can be found at: https://www.cedarrapids.org/marketafterdark
Thank you to:
Presenting Sponsor: ImOn Communications
Supporting Sponsors: Big Grove Brewery, Nordstrom , and Transamerica
Main Stage Sponsor: Veridian Credit Union
Local Stage: Downtown Cedar Rapids
Special Feature: Community Savings Bank, Rinderknecht, Van Meter, and Windows Depot
Presenting Media Sponsor: The Gazette
Safety Sponsor: Realty87
Media sponsors: iHeartMedia, KZIA-FM Z102.9 and Lamar Advertising.