The crowd reacts to 10 of Soul during the 2018 Market After Dark. After skipping 2020, the popular event is scheduled to return this year to downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The last time Market After Dark was held, the after-hours event attracted a record 50,000 people to downtown Cedar Rapids.

See photos from the last Market After Dark in 2019.

Organizers announced the popular event will return this year, after a hiatus in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Market After Dark 2021 is scheduled for Sept. 25, from 6:30 to 11 p.m.

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, which hosts the event and the regular outdoor downtown farmers markets, noted that Market After Dark “brings a unique atmosphere to Downtown Cedar Rapids with food, beer, wine, art, entertainment and creative placemaking displays.”

This will mark the sixth year for the nighttime farmers market. The hugely popular event will feature a variety of different vendors, prepared food options and entertainment throughout the downtown area.

Market-goers 21 and older can receive a wristband to be served at the outdoor beverage tents and alcohol is allowed to be carried throughout the venue.

The open container policy allows beer and wine to be consumed within the market venue while patrons shop. Beverage stations on the street serve primarily local brews, and guests can step into any participating establishment to fill their official Market After Dark souvenir cups, the Economic Alliance notes.

“Market After Dark is one of our community’s favorite events and we’re so happy to see it return this year,” Ellie Evans, Market After Dark organizer for Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, stated in a press release. “We’ve had many people ask us to bring back this fun night. We look forward to creating a festive and safe atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.”

With COVID-19 cases presumed to be escalating in Iowa as they are elsewhere, the Economic Alliance noted that plans are subject to change.

Related: Iowa eliminates COVID-19 reporting data

For this event, the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market will follow mandatory health and safety guidelines to successfully execute the outdoor in-person market, the press release noted. “Modifications to a traditional market may be necessary due to the global pandemic health crisis. Plans are subject to change based on evolving health and safety protocols.”

Find details on the remaining regular Downtown Farmers Markets and other markets in Eastern Iowa on the Homegrown list.

Children play in fountains at Greene Square during Market After Dark in 2019. While children are allowed at Market After Dark, the event is geared toward adults. (photo/Cindy Hadish)