Cedar Rapids  Tourism Office

Summer Festivals 2023

As the city heats up, so does the fun!

Checkout this year’s line up of can’t-miss festivals in and around the Cedar Rapids area. We’ll see you there!

 

JUNE

June 10th
CR Pride Parade
The Parade is back! The second annual Pride Parade will be held in The District: Czech Village & New Bohemia. Make sure to bring the family down to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community and allies!

June 10-17
Juneteenth
Join the African American Museum of Iowa for a full week of events celebrating the end of slavery in America and remembers the day of June 19, 1865 when the last enslaved people in America were finally freed upon receiving news of the Emancipation Proclamation.

June 14 – July 4
Freedom Festival
Join the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival annually from mid-June to July 4th for fun events that embody the spirit of patriotism and a sense of community and family.

June 17
Benz BeerFest
Grab your ticket for a frothy good time at the 19th Annual Benz BeerFest. Beer lovers unite for this unique tasting experience. Rain or shine, the BeerFest goes on!

June 17
Amana Colonies Wurst Festival 2023
Visit the Amana Colonies for the annual Wurst Festival! The German tradition of making sausages is alive and well in the Colonies and you don’t want to miss iout on this celebration of everything sausage. While you’re there also enjoy the Wurst Games and Dachshund Derby.

June 24
Root Beer Festival
The History Center's Root Beer Festival is back for the third year! Enjoy root beer floats, music by Dogs on Skis, food trucks, bounce house, tour the museum and a performance by the Bucknell Marionettes at 1:30 PM. 

June 24
Summer Solstice Metaphysical Fair
Boho River Productions presents the 2023 Summer Solstice Metaphysical Fair at the Lindale Mall celebrating readers, healers, crafters, crystals and more!

June 23-24
Fairfax USA Days 2023
Venture over to Fairfax for street dance, live music, movie in the park, street market, parade, big wheel races, kids carnival and more!

June 28 – July 2
Linn County Fair
Join the festivities during this six-day extravaganza of entertainment, competition and exhibits. Experience the fun of a great county fair and become part of its rich history. Niko Moon and Adam Doleac plus Jo Dee Messna with Drew Parker highlight the musical acts Thursday and Friday nights.


JULY

July 4
Lincoln Highway Nitty Gritty
The annual Lincoln Highway Nitty Gritty (formerly known as the 4th of July Antiques Extravaganza) is an open-air show located in “Uptown” Mount Vernon, Iowa each July 4.  In addition to the vendor booths, antique shops, specialty shops, and cafes along First Street remain open for the event.

July 8
CR Pride Festival
Show your true colors with CR Pride for the annual CR Pride Festival. The family-friendly event features performances, art, food and entertainment!

July 21 - August 13
Wine & Flower Festival, Bloomsbury Farm
Acre of Zinnias, Wine Slushes and live music! Bloomsbury Farm has it all for their summer seasons. Brighten your day flower-themed photo ops and their full of array of fun activities.

July 21-22
Solon Beef Days
Since its start in 1971 we've been growing and going strong ever since! Beef Days is held every year beginning on the 3rd Friday in July and includes events like the hay bale toss, bags tournaments, community fun run, kickball, live music and more!


AUGUST

August 11-13
Sweet Corn Festival
Since the festival’s founding in 1976, St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival has been a top carnival in Cedar Rapids year after year offering guests of all ages the chance to enjoy entertainment, music and food in a safe and fun-filled environment.

August 26
Market After Dark, Cedar Rapids
Celebrate with thousands in downtown Cedar Rapids for food, beer, wine, art, and entertainment. Shop a variety of vendors mixed with lively stage and street entertainment, creating a unique nightlife opportunity for downtown Cedar Rapids.

Three photos (L to R): young kids play in splashing water at a splash pad, a cow looks through the gate of a pen, and people draw a massive art installation in an intersection using sidewalk chalk.

Also featured in the Blog