“THINGS ARE ‘FALLING’ IN PLACE”-OUR GUIDE OF FALL TO DO’S IN THE 319
September 14, 2023 | Business Support, Community Development
Fall is in the air with cooler temps and smells of pumpkin lattes! The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is offering a fall guide of our favorite things to do in this area that will give you all the fall feels you want while supporting local at the same time.
“A new season is around the corner and with that brings a variety of fun activities for people of all ages to enjoy,” said Doug Neumann, executive director of the Economic Alliance. “We get asked about local things to do quite often, so we put together this list of local autumn activities and events that help support our local businesses and venues at the same time.”
Here’s the list of our favorite fall local ideas:
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library’s BrewNost Friday, September 15, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids. BrewNost is the Midwest’s premier international beer festival that supports the educational and cultural mission of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. This lively event features unlimited food and beverage from some of the area’s finest restaurants, local breweries and distilleries, along with international beers, wine, and spirits. The evening will be filled with yard games, live music and an auction to benefit the Museum & Library. Tickets are on sale and required for admission.
Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Fall Market Saturday, September 16, 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Downtown Cedar Rapids. The last farmers market of the season will feature more than 100 vendors offering produce, baked goods, fall décor, pumpkins, apples, gourds and more. Free.
The Crunch Berry Run Saturday, September 16, 9 a.m. NewBo City Market, 1100 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids. The family-friendly, colorful fun run (or walk) lets you choose how far you want to go up to a 5K. You’ll be covered in environmentally friendly colored powder as you run or walk the route. The “race” is not timed, and free Crunch Berries will be served at the end of the route. All proceeds benefit Murals & More’s mission to cultivate public art in Cedar Rapids. Registration required.
Marion Oktoberfest Saturday, September 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 7th Avenue, Marion. Enjoy a fun afternoon sampling a wide variety of beer brands and styles from 25 area breweries. Music and games, including a traditional stein holding contest. Tickets are required and sold in advance. Event is rain or shine.
Cedar Rapids Latino Festival 2023 Saturday, September 16, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. McGrath Amphitheatre, 475 1st St SW, Cedar Rapids. Celebrate the richness and diversity of the Latin American culture at the Latino Festival with live music performances, different types of food from various countries, and many activities for kids!
BLOCKtoberFest II Friday, September 22, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Downtown Cedar Rapids – intersection of 2nd Ave and 3rd St SE. An outdoor end-of-summer concert featuring bands Running in Place and The Pork Tornadoes. Open containers will be allowed in a fenced off area for this event. $5 admission with proceeds going to a local charity.
Fall Festival: Friday, September 22 to October 29 (Fri/Sat/Sun) 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Bloomsbury Farm, 3260 69th St., Atkins. Corn maze, pick pumpkins, etc. Flash sale starts 9/14! Admission charge.
Vintage Market Days of Easterm Iowa Friday, September 22 to Sunday, September 24 Hawkeye Downs Speedway and Expo Center, 4400 6th St. SW, Cedar Rapids. This upscale vintage and vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market features original art, antiques, home décor, clothing, outdoor furniture and much more from vintage vendors located across the country. Admission fee.
Asian Fest: Saturday, September 23; 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. NewBo City Market, 1100 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids. Music, food, fashion, live performances. Free.
“Bluey’s Big Play” Stage Show. Tuesday, September 26 and Wednesday, September 27; 6:30 p.m. Paramount Theater at 123 3rd Ave., SE, Cedar Rapids. Contact Box Office at 800-515-2171.
Uptown Marion Fall Market Saturday, September 30, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., 7th Avenue and Marion City Park, Marion. It’s the final market of the season in Marion. Featuring fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, Iowa wines and a variety of artisan items—all from local vendors. Free.
Art Bites Series: Wednesday, October 4 and Wednesday, November 1, 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 3rd Avenue SE. Join for an exhibition tour lead by the artist or curator. All galleries will be free for you to browse after the tour.
Chocolate Walk: Friday, October 6; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Uptown Marion at 7th Avenue. Stroll after hours, adult-only shopping. Savor a sweet treat from participating businesses.
CLUE October 12 – 29. Theater Cedar Rapids. At 102 3rd St SE. Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount movie and Hasbro board game. Tickets $25+ Tickets@theatrecr.org or call 319-366-8591.
Family Fright Night: Friday, October 13; 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. NewBo City Market. Costume contests, outdoor movie, balloons, spin art and more.
Cider Stroll: Friday, October 13th; 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Czech Village & New Bohemia, Cedar Rapids.Pick up maps at participating businesses. Lanterns will mark participating retail locations and will guide your way through The District to your samples and fall shopping destinations.
Scream Acres: October 6 to 28 (Fri/Sat) 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Bloomsbury Farm, 3260 69th St., Atkins. Three indoor haunts and haunted cornfield. Rain or shine. Flash sale starts September 25. Admission charge.
Mystery Party: October 20; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 3rd Avenue SE. For true crime and mystery fans. Participants will work together to examine clues, interrogate suspects, and figure out whodunnit. Designed for adults. Tickets are free but space is limited so call ahead.
13th Annual Wickiup Fall Fest Saturday, October 21 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 10260 Morris Hills Road, Toddville. Friendly trick or treat hike in the woods, pumpkin bowling, straw scramble, creepy critters and more. Costumes encouraged. Ages 3–10.
Halloween Yoga: Thursday, October 26 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Indian Creek Nature Center, 5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids. Adults and children are invited for a partner yoga class and enchanting story. Bring your trick or treat bags! Dressing up is encouraged, but not required! $5/adult, $10/child (age 3 and up)
Amana Octoberfest: Friday, September 29 – Sunday, October 1. Amana Colonies. Enjoy beer, live music, games, German food, and more through the Colonies during this festival weekend. $10 or $15 for two-day pass.
Rocky Horror Picture Show: Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28; 7:30pm & 10:30pm. CSPS Hall at 1103 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids. This venue hosts several art exhibitions, performing arts and cultural events throughout the year. $35 advance/$40 at door.
Full Moon Night Hike: Friday, October 27 at dusk. Indian Creek Nature Center 5300 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids. Join a small group for a guided night hike with trails lit by the light of the full moon. Dress for weather, wear bug spray and bring flashlight. Wild-life encounters will occur. $5 – $7. Free under age 12.
Take a bike ride! Cedar Rapids and Linn County Bike Trail System Autumn is perfect biking weather. Download a bike trail map at https://linncountytrails.org/trails/ Tune up your bike at Northtowne Cycling & Fitness or Hall Bicycle and hit the trails!
The History Center Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 800 2nd Ave SE. Learn all about the history of Cedar Rapids! General Public $7, Students $5, Free age 4 and younger
The Shell–Little Sports Torts Indoor Play Space: 4625 Tower Terrace Road, Cedar Rapids. Over 12,000 square feet of indoor turf for kids to play on. Jump on their small bounce houses, workout on their mini treadmill or stationary bike, or ride down a mini roller coaster. Book at https://littlesportstorts.com/
Civil Axe Throwing: Opens at 3 p.m. Thursday – Sunday. 375 3rd St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Break-out your inner lumber jack for some healthy axe throwing competition with the family! Varied costs.
Supporting locally owned businesses and helping them succeed is an important, year-round initiative of the Economic Alliance’s mission. By supporting each other through every season, it helps our economy build strength throughout the year.
The Economic Alliance encourages you to have an intentional local mindset and support local establishments and events year-round. We are thrilled to partner with GreenState Credit Union as our Buy Local message champions, both with the mindset of keeping our dollars local for all the right reasons throughout all the seasons.