Thousands Support Local Nonprofits Through Market After Dark
October 17, 2025 | Community Development
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance celebrated a milestone year for its tenth annual Market After Dark, presented by ImOn Communications. The event not only drew a record-breaking 35,200 attendees to downtown Cedar Rapids on the evening of August 23 but also delivered the largest nonprofit giveback in the event’s history.
Ten local nonprofits, including Retrieving Freedom, YPN, Waypoint Services, Cedar Valley Humane Society, Dupaco, Willis Dady Homeless Services, Cedar Rapids Chorale, The Arc of East Central Iowa, Cedar Rapids Raptors, and the Linn County I Club, each benefitted from this annual event. Event tips collected, totaling $6,815 in funds supported nonprofit partners’ missions, the highest amount raised to date.
For participating nonprofits, this experience and exposure compares to nothing else throughout the year. Each organization can connect directly with thousands of community members, raise awareness for their cause, and engage supporters in a setting that celebrates what makes Cedar Rapids special: generosity, collaboration, and community pride.
“This model of giving back makes Market After Dark a celebration and more so a partnership with organizations that make a difference in our community every day,” said Juliet Abdel, President and CEO of the Economic Alliance. “Residents and Visitors alike enjoyed an evening in our downtown, and their generosity directly poured into the nonprofit sector with positive impacts across our region.”
Market After Dark’s volunteer-driven beverage tents have become one of the event’s most impactful traditions. Over the years, local nonprofits have received thousands of dollars to support their programs and services. The result is an event that doesn’t just draw a crowd; it channels that energy into lasting regional impact.
Since its launch in 2015, Market After Dark has grown into one of Eastern Iowa’s signature summer events, blending nightlife energy with the welcoming spirit of a farmers market. With dozens of vendors, live entertainment, and a festive downtown atmosphere, the event continues to strengthen connections between community members, local businesses, and nonprofits while showcasing the vibrancy of downtown Cedar Rapids.
The Economic Alliance thanks its presenting and supporting sponsors, the hundreds of volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making the tenth Market After Dark a record-setting celebration for Cedar Rapids.
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 Window Depot
Presenting Media Sponsor: The Gazette
Safety Sponsor: Realty87
Media sponsors: iHeartMedia, KZIA-FM Z102.9 and Lamar Advertising.