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Arts & Culture

KCRG.com

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Comedian Jim Gaffigan to make a stop in Cedar Rapids

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Comedian Jim Gaffigan is making his return to Cedar Rapids next spring. His tour will stop at the Alliant Energy Powerhouse on April 15, 2027. The last time Gaffigan was in town was September 8, 2023, with his Barely Alive Tour. He will circle back...

Cedar Rapids, IA · 22h
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travelmag.com

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10 Old-School Iowa Hobby Shops Where Trains And Kits Still Line The Shelves

Ever walked into a store looking for one small thing and ended up wanting half the shelves?. That’s exactly the trouble I have with a good hobby shop, especially when model trains and building kits are involved. I might arrive looking for a replacement part, only to spend the...

Iowa · 10d
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Iowa City Press-Citizen

partner publisher · 3.5K followers
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New Iowa City arts leader aims to connect, strengthen local groups

From live music to festivals and more, the arts make downtown Iowa City tick. For Hayley Crabb, that's why Iowa City feels like home, and she's focused on shaping the next chapter of its arts and culture scene. Crabb will serve as the first director of the Iowa City Arts Alliance, a position supported by the Iowa City Downtown District. The role is collaborative, connecting and championing the many arts organizations in Iowa City by working with arts nonprofits, for-profit arts organizations, the City of Iowa City, Think Iowa City, and other district partners. More: Nebraska Omaha prof. rejects Center for Intellectual Freedom offer Crabb currently is the Membership and Development Director at FilmScene and will transition into the new role on Feb. 1. “Like so many who find themselves in Iowa City, it’s the depth and breadth of the arts and cultural opportunities in this miraculous town that keep me rooted here,” Crabb said. “…Most importantly, the arts keep us connected. I’m honored and thrilled to focus the next chapter of my career on strengthening this incredible community of arts organizations and artists so even more of our residents and visitors connect through the arts here in Iowa City.”

Iowa City, IA · 1d

Iowa City Press-Citizen

partner publisher · 3.5K followers
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University of Iowa opens $12M dance building in former art museum

Nearly two decades after the 2008 flood severely damaged the University of Iowa Art Building, the renovated space has reopened as the new home of the Department of Dance. The $12 million renovation at 150 North Riverside Drive has been years in the making. More: Nebraska Omaha professor rejects Center for Intellectual Freedom offer The art building was one of 22 University of Iowa facilities overwhelmed by floodwaters in 2008. The university collaborated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to design the Visual Arts Building across the street along Riverside Drive, which opened in 2016. “We’re just so excited for what this building is going to do, and it’s just an amazing addition to our arts campus,” University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson said during a ribbon-cutting on Sept. 24. “This is the rebirth of dance.” Construction began in 2025 and was funded by the university's Public-Private Partnership (P3) initiative, which uses funds from the university's partnership with ENGIE for strategic campus improvements. More: How Iowa City CSD plans to make $13.8M in budget cuts by March The dance department relocated from its previous space in Halsey Hall, providing a space better suited for students by addressing inadequate space

Iowa City, IA · 1d

familyvacationsus.com

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This Small Iowa Downtown Is Home to the Only Frank Lloyd Wright Hotel Still Taking Guests

Frank Lloyd Wright drew plans for six hotels, and only one still hands out room keys at night. That last survivor sits in a small downtown in Iowa, right across from a city park. Wright sketched it in 1908, then left for Europe before the job was done. His associate,...

Mason City, IA · 3d

KIMT

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New carnival company coming to North Iowa Band Festival

MASON CITY, Iowa — The North Iowa Band Festival has chosen Midwest Rides as its new carnival provider for the 88th annual festival. The festival runs May 27-31, 2027, in Mason City. The North Iowa Band Festival Committee, made up of community members, voted to bring in Midwest Rides for the festival weekend.

Mason City, IA · 2d

b1031.com

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Veterans Day 2026 in North Iowa: Ceremonies in Mason City, Forest City and Lakota Set for Wednesday

MASON CITY, Iowa — Communities across North Iowa will honor veterans Wednesday with ceremonies in Mason City and Forest City and a drive-thru celebration in Lakota that will include free Thanksgiving meal kits. Mason City. Main Street Mason City will host a flag planting at 9:45 a.m. Wednesday at...

Mason City, IA · 20h

KIMT

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North Iowa Concert Band plays free show at NIACC Tuesday, Nov. 24

MASON CITY, Iowa — The North Iowa Concert Band will perform its fall concert Nov. 24 at the North Iowa Community Auditorium on the NIACC campus. The free concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public. Conductor Mary Kate Arians will lead the band through an...

Mason City, IA · 1d

KIMT

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KIMT News 3 says goodbye to Meteorologist Hunter Donahoe

After over two years at KIMT News 3, KIMT Storm Alert Weather 3 Meteorologist Hunter Donahoe is leaving to pursue a new chapter in his life journey.

Mason City, IA · 6d

Iowa Public Radio

partner publisher · 2.9K followers

Pianist to perform Beethoven’s complete piano concertos with Orchestra Iowa

Pianist and composer Stewart Goodyear is putting his talents to the test in a rare feat of musical endurance during a visit to Cedar Rapids. Over two nights, Goodyear will perform all five Beethoven piano concertos with Orchestra Iowa.

Cedar Rapids, IA · 4d

Cedar Rapids Gazette

partner publisher · 640 followers

Blue-collar background informs Cedar Rapids native’s fiction

CEDAR RAPIDS — Unlike a lot of authors, Keith Pilapil Lesmeister didn’t set out to become a writer from an early age. Instead, the Cedar Rapids native was well into adulthood before he realized he had a knack for storytelling. While in his late 20s and working in the admissions office at Luther College in Decorah, Lesmeister said he decided to record some of the “wild and outlandish” family stories he’d heard growing up in Cedar Rapids. He started to write down some of that family lore, while at the same time taking a few writing-related classes at Luther. It was a class on creative writing that helped light the spark for him. “It felt very liberating, in the sense that, you know, instead of airing out all of my family's dirty laundry, I could … instead just make things up and call it fiction, which was far more liberating to me,” Lesmeister said. Nearly two decades later, Lesmeister has turned that interest in fiction into a full-fledged career. He recently released his second collection of short stories, “Ask Me About the Money,” in addition to working full time as a writing and literature instructor at Northeast Iowa Community College.

Cedar Rapids, IA · 3d

radioonthego.com

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Christian concert tour coming to Hampton Nov. 14

A concert featuring two nationally recognized Christian artists is coming to Hampton next weekend. The Good News Unplugged Tour, featuring Jordan Feliz and Thunderstorm Artis, will perform at the Church of the Living Word on Nov. 14. Feliz is known for songs including “The River” and “Beloved,” along with multiple...

Hampton, IA · 4d

sun-courier.com

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Gladbrook Commercial Club, Reinbeck library host Halloween fun for the boo crew

AREA – The boo crew turned out in full force this year for the Gladbrook Commercial Club’s annual Halloween activities on Saturday, Oct. 31, and also the Reinbeck Public Library’s three days of Halloween fun that began the Thursday prior. In downtown Gladbrook Saturday evening, where the...

Reinbeck, IA · 5d

cbs2iowa.com

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Jerry Seinfeld to perform at Cedar Rapids' Paramount Theatre

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Comedian Jerry Seinfeld will return to Cedar Rapids for a performance March 25 at the Paramount Theatre. The show is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are listed starting at $67.50, with prices subject to change. Tickets go on sale to the general public...

Cedar Rapids, IA · 7d

sun-courier.com

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Call for Union Carolers bookings

LA PORTE CITY – In need of music for a holiday gathering, Christmas party, or church meeting this season? The Union Carolers are now accepting bookings for events throughout eastern Iowa. The Union Carolers are an a cappella ensemble that provide about 20 minutes of holiday music for any...

La Porte City, IA · 5d

KIMT

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Music meets magic at North Iowa auditorium on November 17

MASON CITY, Iowa — A magician who blends live music with illusions is bringing his show to North Iowa next month. Chris Funk will perform "Redefining Wonder" at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at the North Iowa Community Auditorium on the NIACC campus. First Citizens Bank and Visit Mason City are presenting the show as part of the 2026-2027 NIACC Performing Arts & Leadership Series.

Mason City, IA · 5d

iowapublicradio.org

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Documentary connects Indigenous tribes from Iowa, Hawaii and Mexico through dance

In 1883, the U.S. Department of the Interior created a Code of Indian Offenses — it made Native dancing and ceremonies illegal and gave Indian Agents authority to punish anyone who violated the code. This was part of a systematic effort to erase individual tribal cultures and to force all indigenous people to assimilate. The documentary Why We Dance takes viewers into the heart of Indigenous communities around North America in Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, Hawaii and Mexico. It's a film about heritage, connection, joy and cultural resilience.

Iowa · 8d

cbs2iowa.com

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Zach Johnson Foundation announces new executive director

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Zach Johnson Foundation says Development Director Stephanie Stulken will take over the organization's leadership after Executive Director Eric Christenson retires at the end of 2026. Stulken will become executive director effective Jan. 1, 2027. The foundation, established by professional golfer Zach Johnson, supports Cedar...

Cedar Rapids, IA · 6d

I-Rock 93.5

partner publisher · 4.5K followers

Concert Announcement: Breaking Benjamin Coming To Cedar Rapids

Breaking Benjamin brings their hard rock sound to the Alliant Energy Powerhouse in Cedar Rapids on February 16th.

Cedar Rapids, IA · 7d

familyvacationsus.com

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Inside the National Czech and Slovak Museum, Cedar Rapids Tells Its Immigrant Story Plainly

A whole museum building once moved 480 feet to higher ground. It weighed about 1,500 tons, and crews set it 11 feet above its old spot. That happened after a terrible flood in 2008. I can’t imagine watching a building that size creep across the ground. The move worked,...

Cedar Rapids, IA · 8d