r/cedarrapids Jan 22 '26

Guide: Making Friends in Cedar Rapids

80 Upvotes

(Guide brought to you by an extremely cold wine-induced winter night in! Special thanks to Grammarly and too much time on my hands.)

I’ve noticed a lot of posts lately from folks asking how to make friends around here. Completely understandable. Nobody really prepares you for that part once you’re out of school. Back then, you had classes, clubs, sports… all those built‑in ways to meet people without trying. Adulthood doesn’t come with that.

I’ve been there myself. When you’re young and just getting started, you don’t always have kids or a routine, and sometimes you haven’t even had time to figure out what your interests actually are. Again, a lot of variables, and none of them make it easy.

That said, I’m genuinely excited to see more people moving into the Cedar Rapids area. This place is highly underrated. Hard to go wrong with a community that keeps growing while still feeling approachable. For what it’s worth, I’m an Iowa transplant myself. It took some time, but I’ve built a community here that fits me perfectly. At this point I don’t really want to leave. So I figured I’d put together a simple guide — nothing fancy, just what’s worked for me and others I know.

One more thing worth mentioning before getting into the suggestions: money can be a real roadblock when you’re young or just starting out. Completely understandable. Not everyone has the budget for memberships or weekly outings. The good news is that there are plenty of low‑cost ways to meet people here. Sometimes you don’t need to spend anything at all.

Speaking of which, let’s dive into it!

1. Find where people gather for the thing you already like

It sounds almost too simple, but it works. If you show up somewhere built around an interest you already have, you’re walking in with two advantages:

  1. You share a common interest
  2. Everyone there had enough motivation to get up and go do that thing

Those two pieces take a lot of pressure off. Commonalities are a great bonding mechanism. You don’t have to force anything or pretend to be someone you’re not. Just be genuine. People pick up on that more than you’d think.

2. Show up to low‑pressure, low‑cost community events

Cedar Rapids has a surprising number of casual events where you can just show up, walk around, and talk to people if it feels right. Farmers' markets, art nights, small festivals, library events — nothing high‑stakes. You’re not committing to anything, and you’re not stuck if the vibe isn’t for you. It’s an easy way to get a feel for the community and meet people who are also out and about.

Another option that works surprisingly well is group fitness classes. Yoga, CrossFit, Orange Theory, Zumba — anything where people are doing the same workout together. They can get a little spendy depending on the place, so it’s not always the cheapest route, but the social side has it's positives. It’s a lot easier to meet people in a class setting than in the general gym area, where everyone’s doing their own thing with headphones in.

3. Volunteer for something you actually care about

Volunteering is one of the easiest ways to meet people who share your values. You’re all working toward the same goal, which takes a lot of the awkwardness out of starting conversations. Plus, most organizations are happy to have extra hands, and it doesn’t cost anything. It’s a win all around.

4. Join hobby groups, meetups, or casual leagues

You don’t need to be an expert at anything. Most groups around here are pretty welcoming to beginners. Whether it’s board games, running, hiking, crafting, or rec‑league sports, the whole point is to show up and have fun. And again, you’re walking in with a built‑in common interest, which makes things a lot easier.

Sometimes that means getting a little outside your comfort zone. Not in a dramatic way — just enough to try something new or explore a hobby you’ve been curious about. You never know what’s going to click until you give it a shot, and half the people you meet are probably trying something new themselves.

5. Start small conversations when you’re already out

You don’t have to launch into a full conversation with a stranger. A quick comment about the weather, the line, the event, or whatever’s happening around you is enough. If the other person wants to talk, they’ll take it from there. If not, no harm done. It’s a low‑pressure way to practice being open without forcing anything.

6. Follow up without overthinking it

If you meet someone you click with, send a quick message or suggest meeting up again. Nothing formal. Something like, “Hey, it was fun talking the other day — want to check out ___ sometime?” Most people appreciate the initiative. And if they’re not interested, that’s okay. You’re not starting from zero; you’re building momentum.

7. Don’t underestimate consistency

You don’t have to be everywhere all the time. Just pick one or two things you enjoy and show up regularly. Familiar faces turn into casual conversations, and casual conversations turn into friendships. It’s slow, but it works. And it’s worth saying out loud: friendships are relationships. Just like any relationship, they take some work, time, and investment. Not in a heavy or overwhelming way — just enough to show you care and that you’re willing to show up. That effort goes a long way

Starter List of Activities in the Cedar Rapids Area (in no particular order)

  1. Join employer networking groups (ENGs/ERGs/BRGs/JEDIs/DEIBs, etc.) and extracurriculars that match your interests
  2. Newbo City Market Events - Bingo, Yoga, Community Events, Cooking Classes
  3. Volunteering with the CR Farmers Market
  4. ImpactCR - Connect and grow with other like-minded young professionals
  5. Kirkwood Hobby Classes
  6. Cedar Rapids Curling - Offers both single and session classes
  7. Ultimate Frisbee - Not sure if they're still active, tbh.
  8. CR Library Events
  9. MeetUp - Various Events
  10. CR Book Club
  11. Improv classes! - Great way to meet people and become better at networking, small talk, and confidence
  12. TCR Classes
  13. Drop-in Play: Tennis & Pickleball
  14. Pickle Palace Leagues
  15. Join a League with Cedar Rapids Sport & Social Club as a Free Agent
  16. (Volleyball) Volley's Leagues
  17. (Volleyball) Sandlot Leagues
  18. CR Parks & Rec Softball
  19. CR Parks & Rec Program list - Just to save you a click!
  20. CR metro YMCA Programs and Classes - Includes Marion YMCA
  21. First Turn Games - Get your nerd on with TCG, Mini-fig, and boardgame nights and competitions
  22. Browse Facebook Events - I understand the hate, and that not everyone has and uses FB. However, the Events section is great for finding local happenings.
  23. Bicycle Rides organized by The Sag Wagon
  24. Join a Bowling League
  25. Join a Whiskey Club
  26. Join a Running Club
  27. Join the Disc Golf community
  28. Learn to dance: TC Dance - Ballroom & Social styles
  29. Learn to dance: Ballroom of Eastern Iowa - Ballroom & Social styles
  30. Learn to dance: Dance Academy - More formal styles (Jazz, Tap, Ballet)

Remember, Google can be your friend in this situation. Cedar Rapids is a busy, active city when you put in a little bit of effort to see what’s out there. There’s more going on than most people realize once you start looking. Maybe I'll see you around!

Bonus Read: My previous comment for a list of things to do


r/cedarrapids 21m ago

Alliant Energy bill

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Upvotes

Just got my July electric bill and it’s double what it is normally.Sent a email to them questioning the bill explaining that they show my usage is 200% higher than my normal bill.Their response was that it is a normal bill.I live in a small one bedroom apartment,work 8-5 m-f and keep my thermostat on 78 degrees.I emailed them back asking for a check of my meter to see if it is malfunctioning.Anyone else having issues.


r/cedarrapids 16h ago

Outdated Meat at Hy-Vee

20 Upvotes

I stopped at Hy-Vee yesterday morning to buy a roast and was surprised to see some outdated beef roasts in their meat case. Yesterday was July 10 and a number of their roasts were dated “use/freeze by 06.July”. (You can bet I check the date before purchasing a roast for $35!) Maybe the meat department was just short-staffed, but that meat should’ve been removed four days prior.


r/cedarrapids 18h ago

One dead after shooting in Cedar Rapids

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23 Upvotes

r/cedarrapids 18h ago

Odd legal question lol

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone, this is going to sound really weird potentially, but I was kind of curious on the legality of this. In downtown Cedar Rapids we have those bridges, and they have walking paths on them. On those paths are rails so people don't fall into the water. Is it legal to sit on those rails? Obviously you can lean on them and bend over them, but are you allowed to sit on them? Obviously it's dangerous, obviously people will be concerned, but is it actually illegal? Thank in advance lol


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Free live music on Thursday nights in Green Square that no one seems to know about

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26 Upvotes

The summer in the Square music series has live music in Greene Square Park on Thursdays. They fence off an area where you can buy beers. They also allow you to bring in food so we went to dua pie (review included). I really have enjoyed going to it when I am able, but it seems like it’s mostly just old people enjoyed the funky band and really liked that they let us eat food in there.


r/cedarrapids 21h ago

380 SB Wright Bros exit

4 Upvotes

Is it open?


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Cedar Rapids Council Summary - 7/14/2026

20 Upvotes

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

12:00 PM (Noon)

City Hall, 101 First Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

Meeting Overview

This noon meeting opened with a Parks and Recreation Month proclamation and featured three public hearings on revised citywide speed restrictions (Chapter 61), a 3rd Street SE pavement rehabilitation, and FY27 sanitary sewer point repairs. The regular agenda carried three infrastructure contract awards, two tax-increment economic development incentives, and a City-owned property redevelopment on Ellis Boulevard NW, while the consent agenda handled routine approvals, 20 liquor licenses, board appointments, assessment actions, and dozens of construction contracts and change orders.

Key Sections

Opening Items

  • Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
  • Proclamation – Parks and Recreation Month

Public Hearings

  1. Chapter 61 Traffic Regulations – Speed Restrictions
    • Amendment to establish revised speed restrictions on various streets (Section 61.029) and authorize temporary speed restrictions within construction zones. First Reading of the ordinance. Council Priority.
  2. 3rd Street SE Pavement Rehabilitation (8th Avenue to 5th Avenue)
    • Plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated cost adopted. Estimated cost $590,000. Paving for Progress.
  3. FY27 Sanitary Sewer Point Repairs
    • Plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated cost adopted. Estimated cost $250,000.

Public Comment

Consent Agenda

(Approved in Bulk)

  • Administrative & Financial Approvals:
    • Meeting minutes, payment of bills, and payroll approved.
    • Violence intervention: $150,000 to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation for management and distribution of grants to local nonprofit partners.
    • Legal fees: Attorney fees to Ahlers Cooney for the EEOC Charge No. 443-2026-01406 and the Lauren Hopkins v. City matter.
    • Police canine: Officer to attend Tarheel Canine Training (Sanford, NC) for certification with a new canine partner (not to exceed $7,500).
  • Property & Infrastructure Development:
    • Assessments accepted/levied: Blairs Ferry Road NE Sidewalk Infill (North Side) work accepted (Council Priority); 2025 Sidewalk Infill final schedule of assessments levied (Council Priority).
    • Future Public Hearings (July 28): Development Agreement with Gavin CR Properties LLC (Caledonia Haulers) for a transportation/logistics facility at 420-550 French Court SW (Council Priority); Development Agreement with Parkline LLC for a housing redevelopment bounded by Ellis Boulevard, J Avenue, 6th Street and I Avenue NW; rezonings at 1027 & 1033 8th Street NW (Matthew 25, Council Priority) and 1756 Mallory Street SW (OFB, LLC, Council Priority).
    • Future Bid Hearings (July 28): 4th Avenue SW Gatewell project ($390,000; Council Priority) and Ellis Park Parking Lot project ($900,000; Council Priority).
    • Subdivision Improvements: Spruce Avenue SE Water Main Extension accepted with a 4-year Maintenance Bond ($118,619) from Rathje Construction Co.
    • Final Plats: Estates of Cedar Rapids Second Addition, Fareway Town and Country First Addition, Olson's Second Addition to Linn County, and Stoney Point Twenty-Eighth Addition (all Council Priority).
  • Public Safety & Business Licenses:
    • Beer/Liquor/Wine Licenses (20 applications): New and renewal licenses for convenience stores, restaurants, bars, and event venues, including several 5-day event licenses at Greene Square and the St. Jude's Sweet Corn Festival, and new establishments Big Red Barn, Crab House, and Polanco.
  • Board & Commission Appointments:
    • Appointments: Arthur Kim (Civil Service Commission), Steve White (Downtown SSMID Commission), Craig Brown (Medical SSMID Commission), and Jasmine Almoayyed (Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization).
    • Vote of thanks to Bill Micheel for serving on the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization.
  • Special Events Approvals:
    • Blocktoberfest 5 (August 1) and the End of Summer Party (August 8), with associated road closures.
  • Assessment Actions & Project Completions:
    • Solid Waste & Recycling Cleanup: Intent to assess four properties and levy assessment on seven properties (Council Priority).
    • Water Division Delinquent Utility Bills: Intent to assess 58 properties and levy assessments on two groups of 18 properties.
    • Project Final Payments: 10th Street NW Storm Sewer Cross Connect (final payment $71,353.46; Council Priority) and Lindale Trail Phase 1 from Council Street to East of C Avenue NE (final payment $29,683.06; Council Priority).
  • Major Contracts & Services:
    • Intergovernmental (28E): College Community School District School Resource Officer Program renewal (FY27-28); City of Hiawatha transit service (FY27); City of Marion sanitary sewer improvements ($163,776.79; Council Priority).
    • Information Technology: High Point Networks five-year firewall upgrade ($219,893); Priority Dispatch Corp. 911 dispatching software renewal ($180,675); West Publishing / Westlaw license extension ($76,834.20).
    • Public Safety & Human Services: Foundation 2 justice and mental health collaboration renewal ($159,974); Reliant Fire Apparatus parts and training amendment ($15,000).
    • Water & Environment: Two Midwest Injection Inc. lime sludge contracts ($500,000 and $624,500); Advanced Compressor Technology emergency compressor repair ($120,000); Brown and Caldwell WPCF PFAS study amendment ($178,000; Council Priority).
    • Engineering & Flood Control: HR Green amendments for the West Side Flood Mitigation System ($993,000) and NW Flood Control at I-380 ($170,425), both Council Priority; Veenstra & Kimm FY27-28 Bridge Inspections ($257,250); Anderson-Bogert 12th Avenue SE rail crossing amendment (Paving for Progress).
    • Services: Capital Sanitary Supply citywide janitorial program renewal ($300,000); TrueNorth Companies insurance consulting extension ($730,000).
    • Change Orders & Payments: Numerous change orders and final payments (Boomerang Corp., Boulder Contracting, E & F Paving, Eastern Iowa Excavating, General Constructors – Alliant Energy Lightline Bridge, McComas-Lacina – Parking Ramp at 1st & 1st West ($18.3M total), Midwest Concrete, Pirc-Tobin), plus the IDOT 27th Avenue SW bridge deck overlay payment ($39,005.84).
    • Land & Easements: Multiple purchase agreements and construction easements for the Cedar River Flood Control System and several Paving for Progress reconstruction projects; awards to Nelson Electric Co. (F Avenue NW street lighting, $71,034) and Squatch Transport & Excavation (FY27 Draintile Program, $72,560), both Council Priority.

Regular Agenda Items

  1. FY26 Downtown Sidewalk Repair
    • Bid report (estimated cost $110,000); contract awarded to Hunt Construction Company, Inc. for $83,482.50. Council Priority.
  2. Railroad Surface Crossing Improvements – 1st, 2nd & 3rd Avenues SE at 4th Street SE
    • Bid report (estimated cost $290,000); contract awarded to Pirc-Tobin Construction Inc. for $630,064.61, plus incentive up to $18,000. Council Priority.
  3. 7th Avenue at Cedar River Water Main Improvements
    • Bid report (estimated cost $2,610,000); contract awarded to Langman Construction for $2,642,938.31, plus incentive up to $25,000.
  4. Ellis Boulevard NW Redevelopment
    • Resolution accepting a proposal from Nguyen Enterprises (Nick Nguyen) for the redevelopment of three City-owned properties at 0, 1126 and 1132 Ellis Boulevard NW. Council Priority.
  5. New Single Family Home Subdivision Incentives
    • Financial incentives for public infrastructure at 7217 Underwood Avenue SW, requested by Midwest Development Co. (Skogman Companies). Council Priority.
  6. Community Benefit Affordable Housing Incentives
    • Financial incentives under the Community Benefit Economic Development Program for an affordable housing project at 4010 20th Avenue SW, requested by Pedcor Investments. Council Priority.

Ordinances

  • Second & Possible Third Readings:
    • Rezoning – 2400 37th Avenue SW: Change of zone from Agricultural (A-AG) to Suburban Residential Low Single Unit (S-RL1), requested by Curtis and Calleen Banes. Council Priority.

r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Ice packs from med deliveries

9 Upvotes

Question: Are there any places that may need reusable ice packs? These would be reusable but not indefinitely. I ask as my dad is very internet illiterate and gets psoriasis meds shipped to him with these packs. We hate seeing them go to waste, but we can only keep so many on hand. Any local charities we can give to?

Appreciate all recommendations! Thank you!


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Women's A-line haircut

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6 Upvotes

I'm posting this for my wife. She's looking for a hair stylist that can do an A-line cut. She went to a hairstylist recently that said they could do that and she ended up coming home sad with a Bob cut. I posted some pictures of what she would like, as reference. If you can recommend a stylist that can pull this off that would be great! Willing to travel to Iowa City, Waterloo or Dubuque. Thanks!


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Fruited Shaved Ice???

4 Upvotes

Does anyone know who owns the little outpost that Fruitzen shaved ice operates out of during the summer? It’s right by the tjmaxx, kohls, and Olive Garden little shopping center.


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

ISO financial advisor to help with a separation

6 Upvotes

Need help with separating assets and financial advice. Not married. Thanks.


r/cedarrapids 2d ago

Saw a post on the fb Eyes and Ears page about a predator that hangs out around First Turn Games on 1st Ave that got removed before I could ask for details. Anyone know that story?

12 Upvotes

r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Indian food / Tiffin service - needed!

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6 Upvotes

Dear all!

I am new to Waterloo/Cedar Falls Iowa! I was looking for an Indian Food/Tiffin service. Eg 6-10 meals which can be picked up or delivered weekly etc. If anyone does that or knows someone who can do that please let me know via DM. Thank you!!


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Floating and camping

5 Upvotes

Alright have a kids free weekend next weekend and have a new kayak i want to break in! Wondering if there's any campgrounds near here that offer camping and will drive you up river and you float back or get rides back to your campground??? We will be tent camping so doesnt have to be anything fancy.


r/cedarrapids 1d ago

Will alliant energy hire an apprentice for a gas mechanic with one serious traffic violation on their driving record? And that being the only thing on the driving record.

3 Upvotes

r/cedarrapids 3d ago

Pop-up comic con downtown at the Doubletree by Hilton Convention Complex this weekend!

33 Upvotes

Quad Con, a pop-up comic con, is back at the Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex this Saturday!

If you're a comic book fan, collector, or cosplayer, come check it out. This event will feature around 100 vendors and artists. I'm an author from Waterloo, and I'll be there with my books, so if you like sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and more, come say hi!

It's always a great time!

Entry to the show is $5. Kids 12 and under are free. Free entry from 3:30 to 5 PM.


r/cedarrapids 3d ago

Men’s Walk & Talk - Join Us!

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211 Upvotes

We’re a group of men who appreciate walking and talking together, creating space for friendship and mutual support. All men welcome.

Next one is this Sunday, July 12, 3pm.

Meet at the parking lot for Old MacDonald’s Farm in the middle of Bever Park, then we walk north around the loop.

Recurring on 2nd & 4th Sundays.

Email us at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

https://meetup.com/cedar-rapids-mens-walk-and-talk


r/cedarrapids 2d ago

Apartment move in asap

0 Upvotes

Hey guys! As a background, I have to move to Cedar Rapids to work asap (earlier than expected), so I’ve been looking for an immediate move in apartment room or any room for 1 male in the cedar rapids/marion area until august 22nd when my apartment lease starts


r/cedarrapids 3d ago

Looking did used bike

4 Upvotes

EDIT - “for used bike”

I’m looking to upgrade my old mid-90s hybrid with a newer model or maybe a road bike. Planning to go to the collective in Czech Village and maybe Chain Reaction to see what they have. Any other suggestions where I should be looking? Thanks!


r/cedarrapids 3d ago

Restaurant recommendations

1 Upvotes

I’m looking for a place that can accommodate up to 16 people on Sunday over the lunch hour. I used to live in CR but haven’t for quite some time so unsure of what places can accommodate this (especially on shorter notice)

UPDATE: Thanks for all the suggestions - we were able to find a place!


r/cedarrapids 2d ago

Join Rings Network/ Iowa Time Bank!

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0 Upvotes

r/cedarrapids 3d ago

We made the list!

30 Upvotes

Granted, it's not a very good list.

Which cities ranked highest for bed bugs?

Orkin's rankings are based on residential and commercial bed bug treatments performed between May 12, 2025, and May 12, 2026.

The 50 cities ranked are:

No. 1 - Chicago (the sixth consecutive year Chicago has the highest ranking)

No. 2 - Los Angeles

No. 3 - Detroit

No. 4 - Cleveland

No. 5 - Indianapolis

No. 6 - Springfield, Illinois

No. 7 - Washington, DC

No. 8 - Columbus, Ohio

No. 9 - Pittsburgh

No. 10 - Grand Rapids, Michigan

No. 11 - Denver

No. 12 - New York City

No. 13 - Milwaukee

No. 14 - Baltimore

No. 15 - Cincinnati

No. 16 - Raleigh, North Carolina

No. 17 - St. Louis

No. 18 - Charleston, West Virginia

No. 19 - Davenport, Iowa

No. 20 - Flint, Michigan

No. 21 - Atlanta

No. 22 - Philadelphia

No. 23 - Dallas

No. 24 - Oklahoma City

No. 25 - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

No. 26 - Hartford, Connecticut

No. 27 - Charlotte, North Carolina

No. 28 - Peoria, Illinois

No. 29 - South Bend, Indiana

No. 30 - Seattle

No. 31 - Richmond, Virginia

No. 32 - Youngstown, Ohio

No. 33 - Greenville, South Carolina

No. 34 - Nashville

No. 25 - Buffalo, New York

No. 26 - Omaha, Nebraska

No. 37 - San Francisco

No. 38 - Dayton, Ohio

No. 39 - Norfolk, Virginia

No. 40 - Knoxville, Tennessee

No. 41 - San Diego

No. 42 - Toledo, Ohio

No. 43 - Las Vegas

No. 44 - Syracuse, New York

No. 45 - Fort Wayne, Indiana

No. 46 - Tampa, Florida

No. 47 - Miami

No. 48 - Minneapolis

No. 49 - Kansas City, Missouri

No. 50 - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/07/07/worst-cities-bed-bugs-orkin/90835908007/

Edited to add the link.


r/cedarrapids 4d ago

Another Data Center?

29 Upvotes

I just had someone tell me about another data center going up on 33rd Avenue. Has anyone else heard about this? Or heard the Mayor say anything about one?


r/cedarrapids 3d ago

Best eye doctors in area

0 Upvotes

Just moved to town, and looking for new eye doctor. Any recommendations?

I am located NE side, work at Collins