CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mushrooms will take center stage during the Houby Days festival in Czech Village.
The 48th annual festival, set for May 16-17, 2026, in the historic business district along 16th Avenue SW, celebrates houby, the Czech word for mushrooms.
In years past, the morel contest was one of the highlights of the festival, with the sponge-like delicacies — which appear in Iowa in the spring — becoming the centerpiece of elaborate displays. Trophies were also awarded for smallest, largest and most unusual morels.
Though it waned over the years, the morel contest is back on the schedule for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 16, on the patio of Lion Bridge Brewing, 59 16th Ave. SW.
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Nancy Schmuecker, owner of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, sells morel mushrooms for the Czech Village Association during a previous Houby Days. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
“I’m glad they’re bringing it back,” said Nancy Schmuecker, owner of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio, 81 16th Ave. SW. “It puts a smile on everyone’s face.”
The Czech Village Association will also be selling morel mushrooms — from local areas, and, as needed, from out of state — in front of Schmuecker’s shop, starting at 9 a.m. Saturday until they’re sold out.
This year, Friday night events, called “Pre-Houby Days Fun” include a performance by the Czech Plus Band from 5-7 p.m. at the Kosek Bandstand, and Matthew Kane & The Band Greenbrier at NewBo City Market, from 6-8 p.m. across the river at 1100 Third St. SE.
Houby Days, hosted by the Czech Village Association, officially kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 16, with opening ceremonies by the Czech Plus Band at Kosek Bandstand and a flag-raising.
Street vendors are open that day starting at 9 a.m., with one of the main attractions, the Houby Days Parade, set for 10 a.m. Saturday.
This year’s parade marshal is Pam Lewis, the granddaughter of Czech immigrants, and co-owner with her husband, Ken, of Czech Village Antiques, 82 16th Ave. SW. The couple closed the shop last year after 35 years in business.
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Pam Lewis stands in front of Czech Village Antiques during Houby Days in 2015. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Other Saturday highlights include Houby Days Chalkfest, beginning at 9 a.m. on A Avenue SW; craft demonstrations in the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; introductions of the Czech Heritage Foundation Royal Court at 10:45 a.m. at the Kosek Bandstand, and the California folk ensemble, Karička, also at the bandstand, at 11:15 a.m.
The Vintage Market stage, 95 16th Ave. SW, also will host musical performances, including the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, at 6 p.m. Saturday. Barefoot Becky performs from 4-7 p.m. at the Kosek Bandstand.
Tours of St. Wenceslaus Church, across the Cedar River at 1224 Fifth St. SE, will be noon to 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
Kolaches, a beloved Czech pastry, will be featured Sunday during a baking contest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Novak Plaza, with winners announced at 3 p.m. The fruit-filled pastries also are sold at the Health Hut, 83 16th Ave. SW, Sweet Mercantile, 98 16th Ave. SW, and elsewhere during the festival.
The St. Paul Czech and Slovak Folk Dancers perform at the Kosek Bandstand at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, with the Iowa Accordion Club at 11 a.m.
See the full schedule at: www.czechvillagecedarrapids.com
Houby Days closes at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Find photos of last year’s festival at: Houby Days 2025
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