Tickets Are On Sale Now For a New Tasting Event in Cedar Rapids

A new event is coming up in April that allows you to try delicious food and drinks from local restaurants, and then cast your vote for your favorites! Here are all the details on Relish the Region in Cedar Rapids:

What is Relish the Region?

Relish the Region is a new event put on by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance that has taken the place of the organization's annual Fork & Knife Feast, which typically kicks off Cedar Rapids Restaurant Week in late February. The event description reads:

"Relish the Region brings together incredible restaurants from across our area for an unforgettable evening of crave-worthy bites, signature sips, and friendly competition. As you sample your way through the event, enjoy music and the lively atmosphere of a room full of food lovers."

Attendees will get to sample creations from participating restaurants (the list has yet to be announced) and then cast their vote for 'Best Bite' and 'Best Cocktail.' There will also be a balloon drop at the end of the night that could win you some cash. You'll have the opportunity to purchase balloon for $20, with one grand prize winner taking home $500!

When/Where is It?

Relish the Region will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Convention Complex in Downtown Cedar Rapids on Thursday, April 30th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. VIP ticketholders will get early access to the event at 5 p.m.

How Much Are Tickets?

General admission tickets for Relish the Region are $80 each, with only a total of 300 available. VIP tickets are $120 each and are limited to 100 tickets. The VIP option will get you in the door an hour early, plus a drink ticket for a free signature cocktail, TWO bites or sips from each restaurant, TWO votes for 'Best Bite' and 'Best Cocktail,'
and a commemorative gift. To purchase tickets for Relish the Region, visit the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance website HERE.

Get our free mobile app

Where to Go for Delicious Pasta in Eastern Iowa (UPDATED 2/6/26)

There are some awesome Italian restaurants across Eastern Iowa. Some of them are fancy, and others... not so much! Here are the ones with a 4.5-star rating or higher on Google Reviews (chains like Olive Garden and Biaggi's are not included):

*All pizza places on the list also offer pasta dishes*

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

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