Things to Do in Cedar Rapids (2025)

Cedar Rapids’ heritage anchor pairs smart exhibits with festivals, language workshops, and kolach-filled gatherings. Recognized as a Smithsonian Affiliate, it actively programs 2025 concerts, talks, and hands-on events celebrating Czech and Slovak culture.

Tour the 1880s Queen Anne mansion, then roam 26 acres of gardens and outbuildings. Brucemore’s guided tours and summer arts events make local history feel current, with 2025 schedules posted and special programming celebrating Grant Wood connections.

Home to the world’s largest collection of Grant Wood works, the museum balances marquee exhibitions with regional art and free Thursday evenings. It’s the best starting point for exploring Cedar Rapids’ art lineage in 2025.

Step into the airy loft where Grant Wood created American Gothic. Operated by the art museum, the studio offers free docent-led weekend tours April through December, grounding national art history in a Cedar Rapids address.

A nonprofit market and business incubator powering local food and retail. Even amid expansion updates, 2025 hours and programming continue—think cooking classes, trivia, concerts, and seasonal festivals that draw the whole neighborhood.

Brewing in Czech Village with neighborhood spirit and national cred. Its Disaster at Meux and Workman’s Compensation earned Great American Beer Festival golds, while 2025 taproom releases support local causes alongside pierogi and pub fare.

Miles of prairie, woodland, and wetland trails meet a sustainability showpiece in the Amazing Space center. Year-round programs, maple syrup days, and family-friendly walks make it an easy nature break within city limits.

An ambitious community theater staging classics and contemporary hits downtown. The 2025–2026 season features big-audience musicals, confirming TCR’s role as a cornerstone of the city’s arts ecosystem.

A short drive delivers estate wine, award-winning Iowa bourbon, Sunday brunch, and frequent live music. The family-run distillery’s 2025 event calendar and tasting room hours make it a corridor staple for afternoons into evening.

Make something memorable in the Cherry Building. This nonprofit studio runs approachable one-night workshops, multi-week classes, and youth camps in clay and warm glass, with 2025 programming posted and drop-in options on select dates.

A century-old arts space re-energized with indie concerts, touring songwriters, theater, and pop-up festivals. The 2025 calendar shows a steady run of intimate shows that put you shoulder-to-shoulder with the local scene.

Gear up in Czech Village, then rent kayaks or SUPs to paddle Cedar Lake or the river. Locally owned and active in safety education, SOKO’s 2025 rental program makes spontaneous outdoor time easy.