Special Events on Make Music Day
Kazoo Parade at Coe College
Join a sea of kazoo players at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA for a journey through your favorite songs played together by a sea of kazoo players.
Sponsored by the Coe College Music Department and West Music, the first 125 participants to arrive will receive a free kazoo.
Join us at Coe’s Marquis Hall and outdoor quad space in the middle of the campus from 3-4 pm to join in the fun.
Conduct Us with the
Cedar Rapids Municipal Band
Step up to the podium and try your hand at conducting the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band during their 7:30 PM concert at Bever Park in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Anyone, no experience needed, can pick up the baton and try their hand at leading the band in this fun, interactive Make Music Day activity.
Join us at Bever Park at 7:30PM and be part of the music.
About Make Music Day in Cedar Rapids
Make Music Cedar Rapids is a new citywide celebration of live music held each year on June 21 as part of the global Make Music Day movement, which takes place in more than 1,000 cities worldwide. Musicians and non-musicians of all ages and experience levels are invited to perform in parks, on porches, inside local businesses, and throughout downtown and neighborhood districts.
All performances are free and open to the public. Coordinated by the City of Cedar Rapids in partnership with the City Music Task Force and local organizations, the event lowers barriers to participation, supports local musicians, and makes live music visible and accessible across the community.
Weekly Host & Performer Spotlight
Every week we will be spotlighting the musicians and hosts bringing Make Music Cedar Rapids to life on June 21.
Explore who’s participating and get inspired to join.
Host
Cedar Rapids Public Library
Public Library
450 5th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids
The Cedar Rapids Public Library is a welcoming community hub in the heart of downtown, offering flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for learning, creativity, and connection. As a Make Music Day host, the Library provides an accessible setting for performances that engage visitors of all ages.
Performer
Cedar Rapids Municipal Band
Classical Band
From classic marches and patriotic favorites to contemporary selections, the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band delivers performances rooted in musical excellence and broad community appeal. Through its longstanding presence in public spaces, the band continues to bring live music directly into parks and neighborhoods, creating accessible, recurring opportunities for residents to gather and connect.
If you are participating in Make Music Day Cedar Rapids and would like to be on a spotlight, reach out to n.zeker@cedar-rapids.org.
Participate
Make Music Cedar Rapids is built on participation. Whether you want to perform, host, or help activate your neighborhood, there is a place for you.
Perform
Musicians of all ages, genres, and experience levels are invited to sign up and be part of the day. Solo artists, bands, ensembles, students, hobbyists, and first-time performers are all welcome.
Host a Location
Businesses, restaurants, parks, community spaces, and neighborhood groups can serve as host locations. Hosting is simple: provide a space and a welcoming environment for live music. The matchmaking site will allow hosts to browse performer profiles and connect directly.
Support or Volunteer
Community members can help promote performances, assist with logistics, or serve as neighborhood connectors. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to n.zeker@cedar-rapids.org.
On June 21, the entire city becomes a stage. Participation is free, open, and encouraged at every level.
If you are looking to host or perform, sign-ups will open in March. If you have organized an event and would like it added to the map, reach out to Noah Zeker at n.zeker@cedar-rapids.org.
Who else is taking part?
Over 19 artists, including:
- Ben Schmidt and Wes Shirley --
- AJ Cerniglia --
- Abby and Friends --
- Abigail Rae --
- Ava Madison --
- Avery Kepros --
- Bovine Invasion --
- Cedar Rapids Municipal Band --
- Eastern Iowa Arts Academy --
- Guitars 4 Vets --
- Kazoo Parade --
- Layton White --
- Linn county Ukulele Club --
- Music on the Move --
- Raina Genaw --
- SUN POT --
- The Poor Poor Rich --
- Wren & The Crow’s Feet --
- Yoder Grove Music
Over 13 venues, including:
- Abby's Front Porch --
- Bever Park --
- Big Grove Brewery & Taproom --
- Cedar Rapids Public Library --
- Coe College --
- Fia's Finds --
- Greene Square (Summer in the Square) --
- Kanz Courtyard --
- Kingston Yard --
- May's Island --
- RAYGUN --
- Vernon Heights Neighborhood --
- Wired Production Group
Listings
Contact
Get in touch with us by emailing n.zeker@cedar-rapids.org or by joining the contact list here.