More Details for the 2024 Cedar Rapids Market After Dark Revealed

The 2024 Market After Dark is coming up quick! This year's event, which typically brings in anywhere from 30,000 to 50,000 people, is set for Saturday, August 24th from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance website says that the Market After Dark is "one of Downtown Cedar Rapids’ most popular, free, open-air events." The market features around 100 vendors, plus live entertainment, art displays, fun activities, food, beer/wine, and more.

According to the map, there are seven beverage tents set up at the market, and they will accept both card and cash. Those locations include:

• 2nd Ave & 2nd St
• 2nd Ave & 5th St
• 3rd Ave & 5th St
• Greene Square Park & 5th St
• 3rd Ave & 3rd St
• 3rd Ave & 2nd St
• 4th Ave & 3rd St (Craft Brew Tent)

Before you can purchase alcoholic beverages, you will need to stop by one of the six ID checking stations to receive a wristband. All purchases will be served in a special Market After Dark cup, and the open container policy will end at 10:30 p.m. Check out a list of beer/wine that will be available at the market HERE.

As far as entertainment goes, Market After Dark will have several stages for live music and other activities throughout Downtown, including:

• Main Stage - 4th Ave & 5th St near Greene Square Park
  • Bands include Running in Place and Vandello
• Game Zone - Greene Square Park
• Rinderknecht Cozy Campfire - Greene Square Park
• CR Facepainting - 3rd Ave in front of the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
• Murals & More's Crunch Berry Booth - 2nd Ave & 5th St
• Selfie Wall - 2nd Ave in front of The Gazette
• Local Stage - 3rd Ave & 2nd St
• Salon Voche Glam Station - 2nd Ave & 2nd St
• Van Meter Light Tunnel & DJ Clife - 4th Ave & 3rd St area

The map also shows a Lyft & Uber drop-off area, which is right outside the market grounds at 2nd Ave and 1st St.

In addition to over 120 vendors, the 2024 Marker After Dark also has participating businesses that attendees are encouraged to visit. You will be able to take your beer/wine out of these establishments and into the streets of the market. The list includes:

• Bricks
• Cliff’s
• Deb’s Deli
• Hazzard County
• Need Pizza
• Pub 217
• Rock Bar
• The District CR
• Tycoon
• Fat Wally’s

Unlike the other Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Markets, no pets are permitted at the Market After Dark (aside from service animals). Other things that are prohibited include coolers, outside beverages, chairs, and smoking. You can check out more market tips online HERE.