Free For All: Linn County Arts & Culture Week

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Experience Something New October 19-25, 2026

The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is expanding its popular Free Admission Days into Free for All: Linn County Arts & Culture Week, a weeklong celebration inviting residents and visitors to explore the places, people, and experiences that make our community vibrant.

Fifteen participating nonprofit organizations are offering their own free experience, program, or activity during the week. Enjoy a variety of activities including songwriting, dance lessons, the opera, a concert band, pottery, the orchestra, history, and so much more!

Visit a favorite. Discover a new one. Bring the family. Invite a friend.

PRINTABLE SCHEDULE

Schedule of Events, Locations, and Details

Preview Event – Saturday, October 17

10 a.m. (Doors open at 9:30 a.m.)
Dress Rehearsal for Masterworks II Concert
Orchestra Iowa
Paramount Theatre, 119 Third Ave SE, Cedar Rapids (Use the Orchestra Iowa building entrance)
Join us for our dress rehearsal of the Masterworks II concert, including works by Montgomery, Mendelssohn, and Rachmaninov. Masterworks Concerts showcase the best symphonic music through timeless classics and groundbreaking modern compositions. With world class artists and conductors paired with the finest orchestral repertoire, this concert offers a rich, unique, and immersive experience. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

Monday, October 19

Tuesday, October 20

Wednesday, October 21

Thursday, October 22

12 – 4 p.m.
Free Admission
African American Museum of Iowa
55 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
Explore the museum’s galleries and discover the rich history, culture, and experiences of African Americans in Iowa.

1 – 4 p.m.
Free Admission
Marion Heritage Center
590 10th St, Marion
Explore the exhibits including the Model Railroad exhibit, Francis Marion information, and many artifacts depicting the history of Marion.

4 – 8 p.m.
Free Admission
The History Center
800 2nd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Explore the museum galleries and discover the stories, people, and events that have shaped Linn County.

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. (Doors open at 4:30 p.m.)
Wind Down at the Museum with Sound Meditation
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids
Relax to the calming sounds of the singing bowls, chimes, and gongs during a sound meditation class by Sacred Sounds with Janelle. This free event is preceded by an exclusive free entry to the Museum. Pre-registration is required. (Registration details are coming soon).

6 – 7 p.m.
Special Guided Tours
Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
Peruse the artwork on view in the galleries or get a tour of the CRMA’s historic Carnegie Library building. Tours are free of charge, but space is limited to the first 15 people who check in per group. All ages are welcome!

6:30 p.m.
Concert at the Library
New Horizons Band of Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids Public Library (Downtown), Whipple Auditorium, 450 5th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
Enjoy a fun concert by this senior adult concert band featuring patriotic marches, nostalgic show tunes, and original band compositions.

Friday, October 23

8 – 10 a.m.
Seeing History Through Arts & Crafts Open House
Coggon Historical Society
Clemons House & Historical Hall, 126 & 123 E. Main St, Coggon
View displays that represent various eras of Coggon’s history including paintings, quilts, needlework, and hair wreaths.

12 – 4 p.m.
Free Admission
African American Museum of Iowa
55 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
Explore the museum’s galleries and discover the rich history, culture, and experiences of African Americans in Iowa.

12 – 4 p.m.
Free Admission
The History Center
800 2nd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Explore the museum galleries and discover the stories, people, and events that have shaped Linn County.

1 – 4 p.m.
Free Admission
Marion Heritage Center
590 10th St, Marion
Explore the exhibits including the Model Railroad exhibit, Francis Marion information, and many artifacts depicting the history of Marion.

2 – 4 p.m.
Hunt & History: Free Admission
The Granger House Victorian Museum
970 10th Street, Marion
Step into history with a free special tour featuring a fun scavenger hunt for all ages. Follow the clues, uncover hidden stories, and enjoy a playful twist on your museum visit. Attendees will receive a commemorative sticker.

6 – 7 p.m.
Adult Dance Lessons – Ballet Folklorico
Fuerzas Culturales Ballet Folklorico de Cedar Rapids
Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, 2630 B Ave NE, Cedar Rapids
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for a fun introduction to traditional Mexican folk dancing! Designed for adults ages 18 and older, this engaging experience will introduce participants to the lively skirt work, rhythmic footwork, and colorful traditions of Mexican folk dance. No previous dance experience is required—just come ready to learn, move, and have fun!

Saturday, October 24

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Playtime Poppy’s Children’s Theatre’s 75^th Birthday Celebration
Playtime Poppy Children’s Theatre
Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, 2630 B Ave NE, Cedar Rapids
Celebrate Playtime Poppy’s 75^th Birthday! Meet Playtime Poppy in her birthday glow up and enjoy theater games, arts and crafts, historical fun, and delicious Poppy treats!

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Free K-12 Open Studio Day
Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
2630 B Ave NE, Cedar Rapids
Kids K-12 are invited to explore art supplies, try musical instruments, and learn alongside local artists and musicians during this free open studio day. Come ready to discover, play, and create!

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Free Admission
African American Museum of Iowa
55 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
Explore the museum’s galleries and discover the rich history, culture, and experiences of African Americans in Iowa.

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Free Family Day at the Museum
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids
Grab some chalk and get creative on the circle drive in front of the Museum! Then, come inside to explore the exhibits, watch a movie featuring the beloved Little Mole (Krtek), or make something fun in our classroom. Plus, enjoy special discounts in the Museum Store.

12 – 4 p.m.
Free Admission
The History Center
800 2nd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Explore the museum galleries and discover the stories, people, and events that have shaped Linn County.

1 – 4 p.m.
Hunt & History: Free Admission
The Granger House Victorian Museum
970 10th Street, Marion
Step into history with a free special tour featuring a fun scavenger hunt for all ages. Follow the clues, uncover hidden stories, and enjoy a playful twist on your museum visit. Attendees will receive a commemorative sticker.

1 – 4 p.m.
Free Admission
Marion Heritage Center
590 10th St, Marion
Explore the exhibits including the Model Railroad exhibit, Francis Marion information, and many artifacts depicting the history of Marion.

1-5 p.m.
Intermediate Songwriting Class
Brucemore
Carriage House, 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids
Have you ever had an idea you wanted to turn into a song? Join Brucemore for a free songwriting workshop to explore your creativity, find inspiration in the experiences around you, and connect with others through music. Capacity is limited and pre-registration is required. (Registration details are coming soon).

Sunday, October 25

1-5 p.m.
Beginning Songwriting Class
Brucemore
Carriage House, 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids
Have you ever had an idea you wanted to turn into a song? Join Brucemore for a free songwriting workshop to explore your creativity, find inspiration in the experiences around you, and connect with others through music. Capacity is limited and pre-registration is required. (Registration details are coming soon).

2 p.m.
Stories of Sondheim Performance at the Library
Cedar Rapids Opera
Cedar Rapids Public Library (Downtown), Whipple Auditorium, 450 5th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids
Inspired by Daniel Okrent’s Stephen Sondheim: Art Isn’t Easy, this free program explores the life and musical works of Stephen Sondheim beyond Sweeney Todd.

3 – 5 p.m.
Hunt & History: Free Admission
The Granger House Victorian Museum
970 10th Street, Marion
Step into history with a free special tour featuring a fun scavenger hunt for all ages. Follow the clues, uncover hidden stories, and enjoy a playful twist on your museum visit. Attendees will receive a commemorative sticker.

PRINTABLE SCHEDULE

No Admission. No Cost. Join Us for Seven Days of Free Experiences.

Free for All is designed to make it easier for everyone to experience the incredible diversity of Linn County’s arts and cultural community — and maybe find a new favorite along the way. It is funded by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation as part of its commitment to a vibrant and inclusive Linn County where all people thrive. As a funder, the Community Foundation helps strengthen the community and create inclusive opportunities.