It is SO good to have the Downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers' Markets back, am I right?

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance did an incredible job last summer making a drive-through edition of the event go off safely and without a hitch, but they brought it back full blast, with masks and social distancing encouraged in 2021.

Early this fall also marks the return of a unique "adult" version of the market that they started trying several years ago. Iowa's New Now reports that "Market After Dark" is back for its sixth edition this September.

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Market After Dark is strictly for the grownups

We may have a ways to go to achieve the "Bourbon Street" atmosphere, but this comes close as patrons 21 and older can participate in an "open container" environment (as in, you can stroll around outside with a drink in hand, within the market area), in a closed-off area of downtown from 6:30 to 11 p.m on Saturday, September 25.  The event features some of the vendors of the regular market but also includes more live entertainment, food, beer, wine, art, and creative placemaking displays. The last time they did this, 50,000 people attended.

Market After Dark organizer Ellie Evans shared the exciting news.

Market After Dark is one of our community’s favorite events and we’re so happy to see it return this year. We’ve had many people ask us to bring back this fun night. We look forward to creating a festive and safe atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.

When are the downtown Farmers' Markets being held?

Market After Dark, like the daytime Downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers' Markets, will follow the latest mandatory health and safety guidelines. There is still plenty of fun and food to be enjoyed from 7:30 a.m. to noon on the following Saturdays:

  • Saturday, August 7
  • Saturday, August 21
  • Saturday, September 4
  • Saturday, September 18
  • Saturday, October 2

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