Market After Dark returns for 9th year

CEDAR RAPIDS — Market After Dark, one of downtown Cedar Rapids’ most popular open-air events, drawing tens of thousands of attendees, is back this month with a variety of vendors and live entertainment.

This year’s free, open container event, set for 6:30 to 11 p.m. Aug. 24, will offer more than 100 vendors, special lighted attractions, games, artwork and more.

“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.”

Beer and wine will be sold in disposable, branded cups at various locations throughout the outdoor venue until 10:30 p.m. This year, the market will feature a new craft brew tent to serve select beers and wines not available at other stations.

Vendors will be located on Second, Third and Fourth Avenue SE between Second and Fifth Street SE.

Entertainment will be spread across two stages located throughout the venue. The band Vandello will perform on the main stage at Fourth Avenue and Fifth Street SE from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Running in Place will be on stage from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

A variety of other entertainment will be sprinkled throughout the venue, including lighted ballerinas, face painting, DJ Lady J with Z102.9, yard games, a downtown community art project and a floral selfie wall.

For more information, go to cedarrapids.org.

The Gazette is a media sponsor of Market After Dark.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.