Světlušky, which translates as “Fireflies”, is a dance group that performs with live and some recorded music. Dressed in traditional Kroje designed by Donna and Gunther Merkle. Donna and Gunther started this group in Cedar Rapids, IA and they currently have 10 members. They perform at St. Wenc. Goulash Days, Houby Days, Old World Market, Linn County Fair and some assisted living locations. They always welcome donations to keep this group going. Svetlusky is always encouraging new members to join this growing group.!

Pictures tell the story of the Cabbage Roll Challenge. Started at Houby days by Sykora Bakery. We will try to bring this back in to the Houby Day Festival of events thanks to the Rocarek Family.

Please join us for this fun event. Two people will challenge each other to roll a cabbage through obstacles with a broom. You will receive a Houby Day Collector Pin for participating in this event!

Photo is credited to Cindy Hadish

Scholarships — Czech Heritage Foundation | Cedar Rapids, IA

Established in 1998, the Czech Heritage Foundation has given out over 85 scholarships to worthy applicants. CHF understands the importance and high costs of education for youth, and therefore created a program to assist students in paying for higher education who have Czech/Slovak ancestry. Scholarships are traditionally awarded during the CHF’s annual August picnic.

The award is available to applicants who have completed a minimum of one year as a full-time, post-secondary student; have accumulated at least 24 secondary credits after high school graduation; or are a graduate student. Upon receiving a scholarship, recipients are expected to participate in a function sponsored by the Czech Heritage Foundation. To download a full list of requirements for the scholarship, click here.

Interested in applying? Click here to fill out an application!

Sign up will be at the Volunteer stand on Sunday, and just before the event. Limited number of people can participate for each age group. $2.00 for 10 and younger, $5.00 for anyone older.

3 divisions for up to 6 participants in each division.

Please stop by the Information Booth for the registration forms!

This event will be hosted by the Health Hut. Winners receive a free DQ Bizzard

Miss Czech/Slovak Talent Performance and share their heritage with our community. Please join use for this special opportunity. Please join them as we may have a new Miss Czech/Slovak Iowa representative!

Miss Czech-Slovak Iowa Pageant Application — Czech Heritage Foundation | Cedar Rapids, IA

If you are interested in learning about your heritage while traveling across the state of Iowa and earning scholarship money, this is the program for you.

pageant documents

Click on the links below to download the official rules, awards and entry form for the 2025 pageant:

• Official Rules and Regulations

• Awards, Duties and Responsibilities of Miss Czech-Slovak Iowa and Her Court

• Official Pageant Entry Checklist and Application

Please help us welcome Kimberli Maloy Music to the Houby Day Festival stage as she shares her heartfelt sound and celebrates the spirit of local talent. A Cedar Rapids–based singer‑songwriter, Kimberli is known for her eclectic acoustic style and engaging performances that have made her a familiar favorite at venues and events across eastern Iowa. She has performed and hosted songwriter showcases at CSPS Hall, brought live music to places like Millstream Brau Haus in the Amana Colonies, downtown Cedar Rapids venues, and community festivals, and continues to support local music scenes through regular live appearances and collaborations. Her Houby Day performance promises a relaxed, family‑friendly atmosphere filled with great music, making it the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy the day, and support a talented local artist right here in Czech Village.

Join in the fun with Five Seasons Chamber Music and some enjoyable entertainment, while browsing the exhibits of the museum and library. There will be some craft demonstrations as well as Kolache demonstrations during the day. Embrodiderers Guild, Sokol, CR Stamp Club, and Family Heritage Boards. Come see all the unique gifts from the Czech Republic and Slovakia in our beautiful giftshop. Kolaches are for sale- we will have a lot of them!

Karička is the Slovak diminutive of “koleso” (circle) and refers to a traditional Slovak circle dance/song, especially from eastern Slovakia.

In cultural use, Karička represents togetherness, community, and folk tradition, often performed at celebrations and festivals

.In 2010, enthusiasts of folklore, under the leadership of Anka Hrabčáková Hradská, founded the Slovak Folklore Ensemble “Karička” in San Diego, California. The main goal of our ensemble is to preserve and develop folk and cultural traditions, customs, and practices from all of Slovakia, as well as from neighboring Moravia and the Czech lands, thereby nurturing both traditional and stylized folklore.

The Karička ensemble first introduced itself to our compatriots at the first expatriate folklore festival in San Diego in 2011. This was followed by additional performances at the San Diego Fair, Oktoberfest, and a short program organized by the Czech‑Slovak House in San Diego, where the ensemble received a very positive response.

Karička is the core group of the Association of Friends of Slovak Folklore, which organizes the Expatriate Folklore Festival in San Diego. In addition, the group strengthens friendships with other national folklore groups, such as Rusyn, Polish, Serbian, Bulgarian, and Hungarian ensembles, which have had the opportunity to perform at our festival.

Koláče Demonstration by the Kolache Krew of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.

Buresh Immigration Tower Orloj- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

Donate to the Orloj Today 9:00 AM- 9:00 PM every hour

In 2024, NCSML celebrated its 50th anniversary of fulfilling its mission to “engage the global community with unique Czech, Slovak, and American stories to inspire individuals with universal themes of culture, freedom, democracy, and immigration.”

One of the focal points of the celebration relates to the renovation of the NCSML clock tower that was built in 1995. The existing clock tower is now repaired and enhanced with the addition of an orloj clock. The NCSML Orloj is modeled after the famous Prague Orloj that is attached to the Old Town Hall in Prague. It is the oldest, still functioning astronomical clock in the world dating back to the 15th century AD.

The NCSML Buresh Immigration Tower is going to be a major tourist attraction for the entire historic and cultural district of Cedar Rapids. This unique destination is just one more way NCSML can share the universal themes of culture, freedom, democracy, and immigration to all who visit it.The Structure

This renovation includes the complex astronomical and clock mechanism called an astrolabe. All astrolabe parts that are in contact with the outside environment are made of stainless steel. The astrolabe graphics, such as numbers, lines, and symbols, are gilded with 24-karat gold. The renovation also includes 12 figurines (each almost 4 feet tall) on two carousels that awaken on the hour to mesmerize viewers who can watch them rotate to the music of Czech composers Bedrich Smetana and Antonin Dvorak. The twelve figurines express the stories of immigrants, with a farmer, a coal miner, a meatpacker, and other sculptures representing those who came to the United States from Czech, Slovak, Moravian, and other lands.

🥮 Get Ready for the Kolache Baking Contest at Houby Days! 🥮

May 17th, 2026

Do you have the best kolaches in town? Think your dough is fluffier, your fillings richer, your technique unbeatable? Then it’s time to prove it at the Houby Days Kolache Baking Contest—a delicious showdown of tradition, talent, and community pride.

⭐ Bring Your Best Batch

All participants are asked to bring 3 dozen kolaches— • Some for the judges • And plenty for the community to taste and enjoy

Because what’s a kolache contest without sharing the sweetness?

👑 Compete for the Crown

Who will be named this year’s Koláčový král (Kolache King) or Královna koláče (Kolache Queen)? Only one way to find out: enter the contest and let your baking speak for itself.

🍒 Led by Local Experts

This flavorful event will be guided by:

• Bonnie Rohlena, Czech Home Economics Teacher

• Michelle Simoneau, Czech Heritage Foundation

Their passion for Czech baking and tradition will make this contest both fun and unforgettable.

🎉 Join the Fun

Whether you’re a seasoned baker, a proud beginner, or simply someone who loves kolaches, this is your moment to shine. Bring your best, share your heritage, and help fill Czech Village with the aroma of freshly baked tradition.

Let’s make May 17th the sweetest day of Houby Days. Winners announced at 3:00 PM

Bring a chair, tap your toes, and come enjoy the timeless sound of the Iowa Accordion Club of Cedar Rapids as they bring generations of traditional music to life in Czech Village. Known for lively, feel‑good favorites like “Five Foot Two,” “Barbara Polka,” and “Ain’t She Sweet,” the Iowa Accordion Club has long been a beloved part of community gatherings, carrying forward musical traditions that have entertained families for decades. You’ll often find them performing about once a month in Czech Village, where their familiar melodies create a welcoming, nostalgic atmosphere and continue a strong tradition of supporting local public events and festivals. Whether you’re a lifelong accordion fan or hearing these classics for the first time, their performances are a joyful reminder of the music, heritage, and community spirit that define Czech Village. Learn more and follow their performances on their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/414690311384186/.

Mid 1800's Czechs immigrated to Iowa. They came to Iowa to claim their own land and flee political/religious oppression by the Austrians. Most were farmers used to farming small tracts of land. They got here by ship, oxcart, covered wagon, and later train to settle in the Midwest. They began buying small tracts of land in this area to build homes. One of the first Churches for the Bohemian people was in Cedar Rapids also called St. Wenceslaus. As it grew and more settlers moved west they added another church called St. Ludmilla. Names of St. Ludmilla and Wenceslaus were revered among the Bohemians because they where historical figures that represented their self-governance.

They were brick layers, masons, tin smiths, laborers, and carpenters. Many helped build teh buildings in Cedar Rapids.

The Bohemians had large gardens and raised fowl for eggs and feathers. Geese especially were raised for down comforters. The Bohemians used geese feathers to dip into lard to brush the tops of Kolaches. (excerpt from: Our History) Painted villages of the Immigrant homelands are painted in the main worship area of the church.

Make plans to join the St. Paul Czech & Slovak Folk Dancers as they bring color, rhythm, and centuries‑old tradition to life during Houby Day Festival weekend in Czech Village, Cedar Rapids. Traveling from Minnesota, this beloved group is known for sharing authentic Czech, Moravian, and Slovak dances through energetic performances, traditional music, and beautifully detailed folk costumes that celebrate heritage and community pride. Performing both Saturday and Sunday, their shows are full of joyful movement, cultural storytelling, and audience‑favorite dances that have made them a popular attraction at festivals across the Midwest. Whether you stay for one dance or both days, their performances are a must‑see highlight that invites all ages to experience the spirit of Czech and Slovak culture up close and cheer them on as they celebrate tradition in motion.

Mid 1800's Czechs immigrated to Iowa. They came to Iowa to claim their own land and flee political/religious oppression by the Austrians. The Catholic Mass was celebrated at that time in Latin. We invite you to join us for a traditional Latin mass. Most were farmers used to farming small tracts of land. They got here by ship, oxcart, covered wagon, and later train to settle in the Midwest. They began buying small tracts of land in this area to build homes. One of the first Churches for the Bohemian people was in Cedar Rapids also called St. Wenceslaus. As it grew and more settlers moved west they added another church called St. Ludmilla. Names of St. Ludmilla and Wenceslaus were revered among the Bohemians because they where historical figures that represented their self-governance.

They were brick layers, masons, tin smiths, laborers, and carpenters. Many helped build teh buildings in Cedar Rapids.

The Bohemians had large gardens and raised fowl for eggs and feathers. Geese especially were raised for down comforters. The Bohemians used geese feathers to dip into lard to brush the tops of Kolaches. (excerpt from: Our History) Painted villages of the Immigrant homelands are painted in the main worship area of the church.

Musicians eat for free!

$30 buffet all you can eat!

Hwy 151 Band are from the Eastern Iowa area.  We are a group of musicians who have played in numerous bands throughout the area including Stormwatch, Top Side, Westwinds, and The Naked Gypsies.  Our three part harmonies are a highlight of our musical sound.  Our instrumentations include acoustic bass guitar, guitar,  mandolin, keyboard and percussion.  We cover several decades of music; songs like "Groovin" by The Young Rascals, Van Morrison's "Moon Dance", "Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash, and the classic "At Last" by the great Etta James.  We also play our originals like "Got to Be Kind" and "I've Got the Change" both written by Dan Hanlon, and "Back Home Again" written by Craig Campbell.

Hwy 151 Band is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  We are Craig and Sheryl Campbell, and Dan Hanlon.  We choose music that spans generations from  Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" to Megan Trainers "I'm Gonna Love You".  We play rock as well as country and styles in between.  We are currently playing in the Eastern Iowa area, but are open to expanding our area. 

Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen

Mix a cup of German, Czech & Slovenian style polkas and waltzes, a cup of country,
two steps, foxtrots and big band, a dash of latin and line dances, and party favorites
to taste. Once it’s to your liking, you’ve got a recipe for a band that’s really cookin’!
That’s what you get when you see a live performance featuring Barefoot Becky & the
Ivanhoe Dutchmen, a group based out of Mt Vernon, Iowa.

The band, featuring Becky Livermore on accordion and vocals, has been performing
throughout the United States since 1988. People remember the band best by two
things: Becky’s bare feet! She started playing barefoot simply because it was more
comfortable than playing with shoes on. People seemed to think it was pretty funny
and have really come to expect it. Now the ‘barefoot’ motif is on almost everything
they have, like their music stands, posters, and custom made mugs and towels. In
addition to performing in ballrooms throughout the US, Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe
Dutchmen perform in a wide range of venues including: house parties, nightclubs, in
tents, for town festivals, RV conventions, and parades. In 1996, they performed for the
Smithsonian Institution’s Festival of American Folklife in Washington, D.C.

They have thirteen recordings available, with the latest on CD entitled ‘Merry Christmas
From Our House to Yours.’ The group always has a supply of their recordings available at
their performances. It’s really easy to take a little piece of the band home with you,
but you’ll have to supply your own bare feet!

Make plans to join the St. Paul Czech & Slovak Folk Dancers as they bring color, rhythm, and centuries‑old tradition to life during Houby Day Festival weekend in Czech Village, Cedar Rapids. Traveling from Minnesota, this beloved group is known for sharing authentic Czech, Moravian, and Slovak dances through energetic performances, traditional music, and beautifully detailed folk costumes that celebrate heritage and community pride. Performing both Saturday and Sunday, their shows are full of joyful movement, cultural storytelling, and audience‑favorite dances that have made them a popular attraction at festivals across the Midwest. Whether you stay for one dance or both days, their performances are a must‑see highlight that invites all ages to experience the spirit of Czech and Slovak culture up close and cheer them on as they celebrate tradition in motion.

Join us during Houby Days for the annual Morel Mushroom contest! This year, morel mushroom master, Kimberli Maloy will be the judge as well as Preston Moore!
Registration will be at the CVA Houby Days information table. The categories are....

-Most Unique
-Smallest
-Largest
-Most Creative Display

Judging will happen at the Lion Bridge beer garden at 2 PM!!!

You are welcome to drop off your morels ahead of the competition but you are in charge of bringing it out during the judging part.

(Registration fee will go to the Czech Village Association), prizes are sponsored by @Lion Bridge Brewing Company.

🎶 Live Jazz + Houby Days Vibes 🍸
Don’t miss the Go Benesh Quartet during Houby Days! Led by a standout talent who currently holds 1st chair in Jazz Band One at the University of Northern Iowa, this quartet brings top‑tier jazz energy to Czech Village. Comprised of talented Kirkwood jazz musicians, they’ll be setting the tone with smooth, swinging sounds during cocktail hour.

✨ Enjoy free live music, sip on your favorite cocktails, and soak in the warm ambiance that makes Houby Days so special. Whether you’re a jazz fan or just looking for a great place to relax and celebrate, this is the perfect soundtrack to your evening. Come early, stay awhile, and let the music move you!

🎷🍹 See you at Houby Days!

Koláče Demonstration by the Kolache Krew of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.

Mid 1800's Czechs immigrated to Iowa. They came to Iowa to claim their own land and flee political/religious oppression by the Austrians. Most were farmers used to farming small tracts of land. They got here by ship, oxcart, covered wagon, and later train to settle in the Midwest. They began buying small tracts of land in this area to build homes. One of the first Churches for the Bohemian people was in Cedar Rapids also called St. Wenceslaus. As it grew and more settlers moved west they added another church called St. Ludmilla. Names of St. Ludmilla and Wenceslaus were revered among the Bohemians because they where historical figures that represented their self-governance.

They were brick layers, masons, tin smiths, laborers, and carpenters. Many helped build teh buildings in Cedar Rapids.

The Bohemians had large gardens and raised fowl for eggs and feathers. Geese especially were raised for down comforters. The Bohemians used geese feathers to dip into lard to brush the tops of Kolaches. (excerpt from: Our History) Painted villages of the Immigrant homelands are painted in the main worship area of the church.

Step into a swirl of wonder and laughter and join the bubble fun during Houby Days in Czech Village! Down by the iconic National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and the Buresh Immigration Tower Orloj, the air will sparkle with bubbles of every size—floating, shimmering, and delighting kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect place to pause, play, and soak in the joy of Houby Days as bubbles dance in the sunshine and smiles fill the streets. Bring the family, grab your cameras, and let yourselves be surrounded by simple, magical fun right in the heart of Czech Village—because nothing brings people together quite like bubbles, community, and a little festival magic! Donated by Nikki and Liliana Flores