CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mother Nature smiled on this year’s EcoFest, with sunshine and mild temperatures.
The annual celebration of Earth Day enjoyed picture-perfect weather on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at NewBo City Market, 1100 Third St. SE, after past EcoFest celebrations endured a range of bitter cold to balmy summer-like temperatures.
Visitors enjoyed live music, food, appearances by Trees Forever’s Oakley mascot and Yardy from the city of Cedar Rapids; a visit from alpacas and RARE (Raptor Advocacy Rehabilitation & Education) with birds of prey; and farm animals in Barnyard Discoveries.
Events at the nearby Cherry Building, 329 10th Ave. SE, included a Pots, Plants, and Prints Artist Market; Collaborative Community Sculpture; Sustainable Makers: Artists Talks and Pottery Wheel Demonstrations, along with a book sale by Friends of the Cedar Rapids Public Library.
Digital artist MeLeah Grubb of Cynpod Studies shares a laugh inside the Cherry Building during EcoFest 2026 in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Live music featured the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy; Jessica Mar & Dad Duo and Cedar County Cobras.
Interactive educational activities, eco-products, and eco-practice demonstrations were also included, showcasing how to reduce consumption of resources and fun ways to reduce and reuse household items.
The event began in 2010 with two groups providing separate Earth Day events: an art-centered festival in the New Bohemia area and an environmental based program in southwest Cedar Rapids. The two events combined in 2011 to create EcoFest.
See photos from last year’s EcoFest and more from the 2026 celebration:
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