A crowd dances to live music by the High & Mighty on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, during Market After Dark in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A sea of humanity flooded downtown Cedar Rapids on Saturday, Aug. 26, during the popular Market After Dark.

In its eighth year, the nighttime farmers market, hosted by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, could possibly set another attendance record, after its record-setting year in 2019, with more than 50,000 guests.

In addition to the 120 vendors, 20 entertainment options, adult beverage tents and special lighted attractions, this year’s market included DJ dance parties, with one of the largest footprints in the history of the event.

One T-shirt vendor said she was having her best sales out of any of the markets she attends in Cedar Rapids and Marion.

Rain, and lightning, put a damper on the event last year.

See photos from the 2022 Market After Dark.

After a heat wave the week leading up to this year’s event, cooler weather offered a reprieve, with temperatures in the 70s.

Entertainment included the Cedar Rapids Community Orchestra, performing in a lighted alleyway, and Kevin Moore and the High & Mighty, both performing on the main stage.

See more from the Market After Dark, below.