Market After Dark returns to downtown CR

CEDAR RAPIDS — One of the most popular downtown events is returning Saturday, Aug. 24 to Cedar Rapids. Market After Dark, presented by ImOn Communications, is bringing more than 100 vendors, entertainment, special lighted attractions, games, artwork and more downtown for a free, outdoor community event.

“Market After Dark is one of our community’s most anticipated events of the summer,” said Jenn Draper, events contractor for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “We are excited to bring back entertainment, and a few other surprises, to make this night a festive and fun atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.”

The ninth annual Market After Dark runs from 6:30-11 p.m. This festive event is known for its unique atmosphere where patrons 21 years and older can take part in an open-container environment within the designated market area. Beer and wine will be sold at various locations in disposable Market After Dark cups until 10:30 p.m. New this year, the market will feature a craft brew tent that will serve select beers and wine not available at the other six beer tent locations. Canned soda and water will be available as well at all beverage tents. The open container policy within the market area starts at 6:30 p.m. and ends promptly at 11 p.m. Alcohol will also be sold at participating downtown establishments.

This year’s event will have vendors located on 2nd Avenue SE, 3rd Avenue SE and 4th Avenue SE between 2nd Street SE and 5th Street SE. Entertainment also returns with two stages located throughout the venue. The band Vandello will perform on the main stage at 4th Avenue and 5th Street from 6:30-7:45 p.m. and Running in Place will continue the fun from 8:30-10:30 p.m. A variety of other entertainment will be sprinkled throughout the venue for enjoyment, including lighted ballerinas, face painting, DJ Lady J with Z102.9, yard games, a downtown community art project and a floral selfie wall, just to name a few.

“Market After Dark is a terrific opportunity to bring the community to our vibrant and fun Downtown District,” said Doug Neumann, executive director of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “We look forward to this event every year as it supports local businesses, entrepreneurs and our surrounding communities.”

More event details including how to volunteer can be found at www.cedarrapids.org/marketafterdark

Thank you to:

Presenting Sponsor: ImOn Communications

Supporting Sponsors: Nordstrom, Transamerica and Big Grove Brewery

Main Stage Sponsor: General Mills Operations, Inc.

Local Stage: Veridian Credit Union

Special Feature: Downtown Cedar Rapids

Safety Sponsor: UFG Insurance

Presenting Media Sponsor: The Gazette

Media Sponsors: KZIA-FM Z102.9 and Lamar Advertising