The 2026 Dates for the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market

One of the best parts of summer in Iowa, in my humble opinion, is farmers markets. There are markets of varying sizes all over the state, but the biggest one here in the Corridor is definitely the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market. Each one draws in an average of 12,000 people!

If you're looking forward to some farmers market fun this year, you can already add the 2026 dates to your calendar! Check out some of the information we know about this summer's markets in Downtown Cedar Rapids, including the annual Market After Dark!

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21st Annual Market Season Dates

The very first Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market of 2026 will take place the weekend after Memorial Day on Saturday, May 30th. The rest of the dates for this summer are:

June 6th
June 20th
July 18th
August 1st
August 15th
September 5th
September 19th

All of the regular markets take place from 7:30 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. Each one has around 200 vendors, which will be announced as we get closer to the 2026 season. For more information about this summer's Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Markets, check out the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance website HERE!

2026 Market After Dark

Separate from the regular downtown markets on Saturday mornings is the annual Market After Dark event. Described as "one of Downtown Cedar Rapids’ most popular, free, open-air events," the Market After Dark is a special nighttime market that features around 120 vendors, multiple areas with live entertainment, beer & wine, art installations, and more. Average attendance is around 35,000 people!

The 2026 Market After Dark is set for Saturday, August 29th from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Vendor registration is now open - check out the website HERE for more details.

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Going to a Show in Downtown Cedar Rapids? Here's Where to Eat

Here are all your lunch and dinner options that are within walking distance (less than 15 minutes) of Downtown Cedar Rapids' concert/event venues: the Paramount Theatre, the Alliant Energy PowerHouse, and Theatre Cedar Rapids! For restaurants on the other side of the river near the McGrath Amphitheatre, click HERE!

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

Eastern Iowans Share Their Favorite Photos of 2025

We asked listeners to share with us their absolute FAVORITE photo of 2025 and tell us the story behind it. As you'd expect, Iowans had some amazing moments this year!

Gallery Credit: Courtlin