CEDAR RAPIDS - Iowa Starting Line

Apr 2026 10

The 8 oldest bars in Iowa

By Tyler Francischine | LOCAL CULTURE, EVERGREEN, Tyler Francischine

Traverse a century of history at these long-standing bars in Iowa.

Iowa may have instituted statewide policies prohibiting the manufacture and sale of alcohol four years before the nationwide ban in 1920, but as soon as prohibition laws were lifted in 1933, the Hawkeye State blossomed with a new crop of taverns and lounges promising cold pints, warm meals, and even warmer hospitality.

Mar 2026 24

‘No Kings’ protests planned across Iowa. Here’s where

By Lily Jackson | THINGS TO DO, COMMUNITY, Lily Jackson

A roundup of No Kings Day protests, marches, and rallies across Iowa on March 28th.

Two No Kings protesters pose with a sign saying "Only you can prevent fascism" on Oct. 18, 2025, in Iowa City. (Zachary Oren Smith / Iowa Starting Line)

Mar 2026 13

What to know about Iowa’s only pay-it-forward café

By Britteny Dee | LOCAL BUSINESS, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

One Iowa eatery is doing more than simply serving food. Discover how the state’s only pay-it-forward cafe is creating a community—and keeping it fed.

Groundswell Cafe operates on a pay-it-forward model designed to make sure everyone in the community has access to a healthy meal, regardless of their ability to pay.

Mar 2026 6

Iowa’s top maple syrup farms to visit or buy from

By Britteny Dee | FOOD AND DRINK, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

There is nothing sweeter than maple syrup straight from the farm. Discover the best maple syrup farms in Iowa to visit and buy from.

Maple syrup is one of the first crops harvested every year in Iowa, with the season typically beginning in late February.

Mar 2026 1

11 best spring & summer festivals in Iowa in 2026

By Dorothy Scott | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Dorothy Scott

The best festivals in Iowa this spring and summer range from food-centric events to those that support marginalized voices. Here are 11 you won’t want to miss.

Feb 2026 24

Protests, rallies, and events across Iowa: Feb. 24-Mar. 3, 2026

By Amie Rivers | THINGS TO DO, NEWSLETTER, Amie Rivers

Protests, rallies, and events across Iowa for Feb. 24-Mar. 3, 2026

The US Senate is currently deciding whether to approve new funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Feb 2026 22

10 women-owned businesses to support in Cedar Rapids

By Britteny Dee | THINGS TO DO, EVERGREEN, Britteny Dee

From a French bakery to a pet spa to a plant shop, discover Cedar Rapids’ top women-owned businesses.

Cedar Rapids is home to tons of small businesses worth supporting—and several of them are owned by women.

Feb 2026 9

8 places in Iowa where you can learn about Black History

By Dorothy Scott | LOCAL HISTORY, EVERGREEN, Dorothy Scott

Black history is important for everyone to learn about. Check out these eight places in Iowa where you can learn something new, from monuments to museums.

Like most other states, Iowa has a long and complicated history with its treatment of Black Americans, but in many ways, the Hawkeye State has been ahead of the curve when it comes to human rights.

Feb 2026 9

Get to know Iowa’s winter Olympians and Paralympians

By Sam Cohen | SPORTS, COMMUNITY, Sam Cohen

Elite athletes with Iowa ties have competed in the Olympics and Paralympics for decades. Here are a few you should know.

Hometown pride is in abundance during this year’s Winter Olympic and Winter Paralympic Games in Milan Cortina.

Feb 2026 6

The Iowa industry that built families and fought racism—then vanished

By Sam Cohen | LOCAL HISTORY, EVERGREEN, Sam Cohen

Iowa’s meatpacking history is an essential part of the state’s overall story. Here’s why.

The 8 oldest bars in Iowa

‘No Kings’ protests planned across Iowa. Here’s where

What to know about Iowa’s only pay-it-forward café

Iowa’s top maple syrup farms to visit or buy from

11 best spring & summer festivals in Iowa in 2026

10 women-owned businesses to support in Cedar Rapids

8 places in Iowa where you can learn about Black History

Get to know Iowa’s winter Olympians and Paralympians

The Iowa industry that built families and fought racism—then vanished

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