Entertainment announced for Market After Dark in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Event organizers announced the entertainment lineup and other details for Market After Dark, set for Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021.

Dubbed “Lighting the Night with Alliant Energy,” the nighttime farmers market will feature more than 100 vendors, plus entertainment, special lighted attractions, games and more in downtown Cedar Rapids.

The sixth annual Market After Dark will be 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. in an expanded area to allow for more social distancing among market guests and vendors. Admission is free.

Related: Market After Dark set to return to downtown Cedar Rapids

The last time Market After Dark was held, the after-hours event attracted a record 50,000 people to downtown Cedar Rapids. Organizers announced earlier this summer that the popular event will return this year, after a hiatus in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, which hosts the event as well as the seasonal twice-monthly Downtown Farmers Markets, the nighttime market will feature three outdoor entertainment venues to encourage market revelers to spread out while enjoying live music and entertainment.

Gina Owens will perform country music on stage at Third Street SE between Third and Fourth Avenues; Tom’s Top 8, a pop-punk group, will entertain at Second Street SE, between Second and Third Avenues and Clife DJ Company will spin and mix songs as well as host a social photo-booth in Greene Square.

With the Lighting the Night theme, guests wandering through the market will see light-up ballerinas at Fifth Street and Third Avenue SE, and various street artists. More than 100 vendors will offer a unique variety of prepared food, baked goods, produce and material goods that differ from the usual morning market fare.

Those attending will be encouraged to walk in a one-way directional loop. A special seating area will be available at the corner of Third Street and Third Avenue SE.

Read more from the Metro Economic Alliance:

This festive event is known for its unique atmosphere where patrons 21 years and older can take part in an open-container environment within the designated market area.

Those wishing to purchase alcoholic beverages must pay a $1 cup fee when presenting proof of age at special identification tents. Beer and wine will be sold at various locations for $5 in disposable Market After Dark cups until 10:30 p.m. Soda and water will be available for $2.

The open container policy within the market area starts at 6:30 p.m. and ends promptly at 11 p.m. Alcohol will also be sold at participating downtown establishments.

Parking will be available on streets outside the market for free, or in nearby parking ramps for $5. Parking spots are secure until the next morning at 10 a.m. If needed, patrons can leave cars overnight and find safe alternative transportation home.

Those using rideshares like Uber, Lyft, or taxis are encouraged to meet their rides near the corner of Second Avenue and Second Street SE.

“Market After Dark is a terrific opportunity to introduce and showcase our vibrant and fun Downtown District,” said Doug Neumann, executive director of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “We’re proud to host this free open-air event that supports local businesses, entrepreneurs and our surrounding communities.”

More event details can be found at: https://web.cedarrapids.org/events/Market-After-Dark-7885/details

See photos from the last Market After Dark in 2019.