Looking for things to do in Cedar Rapids this November? Check out holiday markets, live comedy, hockey, art workshops, concerts, and more.
As a sort of in-between month, November brings a little bit of everything to the Cedar Rapids area. You can browse handmade goods at a holiday market, catch a comedy show, cheer on the RoughRiders, or get a head start on the holiday season with a festive performance. There are also a few opportunities to get creative and add something new to the usual weekend routine.
Here are some events worth adding to your November calendar.
Enjoy live entertainment on a night out
If you’re looking for an excuse to get out of the house this November, Cedar Rapids provides an abundance of reasons to do so.
Nov. 6 and Nov. 7: Cedar Rapids RoughRiders vs. Green Bay Gamblers
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Location: ImOn Ice, 1100 Rockford Road SW
Tis the season for so many sports. Football is still going on, while winter sports like basketball and hockey are kicking off. Lots to keep up with! Kick off the hockey season with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders as they face off against Green Bay Gamblers two nights in a row. If you can’t make this weekend’s games, they take on the Sioux City Musketeers later this month, too.
Nov. 6: Gary Owen – No Hard Feelings Tour
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Paramount Theatre, 123 3rd Avenue SE
Comedian Gary Owen brings his No Hard Feelings Tour to Cedar Rapids. Known for his storytelling and observational humor, Owen is a familiar face to comedy fans from his stand-up specials and television appearances.
Nov. 7: Justin Willman – One for the Ages Tour
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Paramount Theatre, 123 3rd Avenue SE
Magician and comedian Justin Willman combines comedy and illusions in his One for the Ages Tour. If you’ve seen his Netflix series “Magic for Humans” or caught him on one of his many talk show appearances, you know he enjoys making the impossible look ordinary. You can bring the kiddos, too, preferably ages 8+ so they can catch the jokes.
Nov. 12: Jon Pardi – Gamblin’ Man Tour
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Alliant Energy PowerHouse, 370 1st Avenue NE
Country music fans, unite. Catch Jon Pardi on his Gamblin’ Man Tour as he brings to the stage the boot-themed songs you can’t get out of your head.
Nov. 29: A Celtic Christmas Presented by A Taste of Ireland
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Paramount Theatre, 123 3rd Avenue SE
Kick off the holiday season (somewhat literally) with A Celtic Christmas, an Irish dance stage production presented by A Taste of Ireland.
Shop local and find something unexpected
November is a good time to get a jump on holiday shopping, and these markets offer a chance to find something you won’t see at a big-box store.
Nov. 20-21: Vintage Estate Flea Market
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Friday), 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Saturday)
Location: IBEW Hall, 1211 Wiley Boulevard SW
You never know what you’ll find at the Vintage Estate Flea Market. The market brings together vendors and vintage finds, so you can spend the day hunting for one-of-a-kind décor, collectibles, or unexpected treasures. Admission is free.
Nov. 22: It’s All About the Art Artist Market
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 Third Avenue SE
Art lovers can browse work from regional creators at the It’s All About Art Artist Market at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Meet local makers, find something unique, including handmade jewelry and prints, and support area artists. Admission is free.
Nov. 28-29: Made in Iowa Holiday Market
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Hawkeye Downs Expo Center, 4400 Sixth Street SW
The Made in Iowa Holiday Market is a one-stop shop for holiday shopping. The two-day event brings together 150 Iowa artisans, bakers, crafters, and farmers under one roof. Browse handmade gifts, pick up locally made treats, and support small businesses from around the state.
Admission is $5 for adults, and children 12 and younger get in free. The event also includes live music and a food drive benefiting Together We Achieve.
Get creative with the family
Looking for something to do with the kids? Add these hands-on options to your list.
Nov. 25: Family Art Night
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Avenue SE
Get creative with the kids at Family Art Night. Families can work on hands-on projects and crafts together. Registration is required, so check with the library for details before heading over.
Any time: Creative Cedar Rapids Scavenger Hunt
Want to explore the city in a different way? The Creative Cedar Rapids Scavenger Hunt offers a self-guided adventure, coordinated with a live, remote host, that starts at Caribou Coffee. You’ll discover local spots by walking or driving while completing challenges and solving clues along the way.
Have a sweet adventure nearby
A couple of November events just outside Cedar Rapids are worth the short drive, too.
Nov. 28: Winter Chocolate Salon
Time: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Granger House Victorian Museum, 970 10th Street, Marion
Chocolate lovers, this one’s for you. Make a quick trip to Marion for the Winter Chocolate Salon. Hosted by French Pastry by Sandrine at the Granger House Victorian Museum, the event lets you indulge in chocolate-themed treats while learning how they’re made in a historic setting.
Spend an afternoon at a museum
Cedar Rapids has several museums to check out at any time, especially if you’re looking for an indoor activity or want to learn more about the area’s history and culture. November is the perfect time to do so.
The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library explores Czech and Slovak history, culture, and immigration, with exhibits that connect those traditions to the region.
The African American Museum of Iowa offers another opportunity to explore Iowa history through exhibits and educational programming.
And art lovers can spend time at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, which features works by Grant Wood alongside rotating exhibitions.
Get outside at Indian Creek Nature Center
A little fresh air can still be welcome in November, too, especially on a mild afternoon. (After this rainy start to the month, the weather seems to be looking up!)
The Indian Creek Nature Center has trails, indoor exhibits, and opportunities to learn about local wildlife and conservation. Its grounds and trails are open year-round, even during the colder months, and admission is free. The center also hosts educational programs and seasonal events, so check its calendar before visiting.
