Upcoming Dates Summer 2025
Kosek Bandstand every other Friday, 7-8:30.
Here are the concert dates;
May 16 Houby Days 5:30 Start TBA CHF
May, 30
June 13, 27
July 11, 25
August 8
Our finale is Sunday, May 10, 3:30-5:00
7:00 -8:30 Cimbál Music by Valášek and Šafrán (Czech Republic) in Rozek Grand Hall, National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML) A wonderful youth lead Cimbal Band will be a wonderful family event to kick off a personal experience culturally and sharing our heritage. Please come share photos and story opportunities with students from the Czech Republic.
Czech Village Association presents the 47th Annual Houby Days. This weekend is filled with many activities and lasts Friday through Saturday
NCSML will be hosting several cultural activities during the Houby Days celebration in Czech Village, Cedar Rapids: Zabíjačka film world premiere, kolach baking, kroj demonstration, Czech and Slovak history presentation, and genealogy session.
Lots of vendors: Food, antiques, baked goods including Kolaches, clothes, products, woodworkers, music and mushrooms!
9:00- 10:00 Opening Ceremonies at Kosek Bandstand
Czech Plus Band, Flag Raising
The Houby Days Festival draws thousands of on lookers and artists, who have the ability to participate in the large community Czech the Chalk on the Patio
The festival is celebrating its 47th year (after canceling in 2020 due to the pandemic). This form of public art was originally done by street artists hoping to collect coins from passersby.
Art teachers will be judges and it will be on the patio side next to the old Hospoda Restaurant.
Join in the fun with Five Seasons Chamber Music with 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. 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!
Register for the parade: PARADE REGISTRATION 2025 Saturday 10:00 AM Click the link for information.
Line up will take place on the North side of the bridge by Kickstand & Masaryk Park The Parade will go across the bridge through 16th Ave SW to C Street and that is where it ends. All entries should be registered. This is hosted by Czech Heritage Foundation Cedar Rapids
Please join us by entering your vehicle in the parade. PARADE REGISTRATION 2025 Saturday 10:00 AM After the parade turn right on C Street, then take another right on 15th and turn into the grass area on the South Lawn of the NCSML just lie we did last year.
If there are heavy rains leading up to Houby Days we will not be able to have it on the grass area.
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.
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!
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.
Koláče Demonstration by the Kolache Krew & Dr. Cecilia Rokusek the President of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.
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!
Impact Statement from an award recipient. 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!
2 p.m. World Premiere of Zabíječka Film (Subject matter may not be appropriate for all viewers. Discretion is advised.), Hemphill TheaterZabíjačka is a communal tradition in the Czech and Slovak tradition. It is where communities would come together in the cooler temperatures, and they would prepare a hog for slaughter. Nothing was ever wasted, and it was an important way to survive. Although this is not allowed in public anymore, several different dishes are prepared. Dr. Cecilia Rokusek will explain and review the importance of this important tradition from a documentary perspective. Parental guidance strongly suggested.
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.
Cedar County Cobras arrive with an upright bass, foot drum, and several guitars to play American Roots & Blues music from the last century. The music takes on an “old time” blues feel that would most likely be found in a juke-joint down a gravel road in rural Iowa. They have played hundreds of shows from the local winery to international festival stages. In 2023, the duo released their debut album "Homesick Blues" which has been charting worldwide and placed in the top acoustic blues records of 2023 and 2024. They are the current winners of the solo/duo category for the Iowa Blues Challenge and placed as semi-finalists at the 2025 International Blues Festival in Memphis.
Songwriter, Tom Spielbauer, is known for rich baritone vocals and slide guitar. He is behind the boot-stompin' blues sound produced by the duo and has over twenty years of playing blues and rock across Iowa and the Midwest. The authentic sound of his music comes from a career of pouring concrete and working construction. In 2005, Tom was diagnosed with advanced macular degeneration at a young age and declared legally blind. Following in the footsteps of blind blues musicians such as Blind Willie McTell & Alan Wilson, he eventually traded his concrete tools for a guitar and a foot drum to play the blues full time. In his solo career he was the winner of the Iowa Blues Challenge and placed as a semi-finalist at the 2023 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Also an Iowa native, his music partner April Dirks started playing mandolin with the Cedar County Cobras in 2014. Before working with Tom, she often performed as a bluegrass musician with a unique “gypsy” sound that she brought to any performance or music jam. Early in the project, April discovered she had a talent for playing the upright bass and the duo naturally gravitated to playing American Roots and Delta Blues Music. April now plays the doghouse bass that gives the duo the boot-stompin' boogie sound that makes the music really move.
Over time, the Cobras have played hundreds of shows across the Midwest and have performed in Italy. They bring a contagious energy to any live performance and cover different genres of music so that every member of the audience is sure to be satisfied. Audience members will find themselves tapping to the beat of the foot drum and upright bass or getting up to dance with the crowd. They have played over 700 shows at venues from the small-town dive bar to the large classic theatre or festival stage. Cobras have played the main stage at Codfish Hollow, the Iowa State Fair, the Iowa Arts Festival and have played the Englert Theatre opening up for big name acts such as Marty Stuart, and Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. The band has also shared the stage and festival line-ups with notable acts such as Joe & Vicki Price, Bob Dorr, Avey Grouws Band, Kent Burnside, Matt Woods, Will Whitmore, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, Them Coulee Boys, Split Lip Rayfield, Legendary Shack Shakers, Ben Miller Band, Fruition, Old Salt Union, Blackberry Bushes, Mountain Sprout, Sam Bush, and even the amazing Travelin’ McCourys.
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.
Lots of vendors: Food, antiques, baked goods including Kolaches, clothes, products, woodworkers, music and mushrooms!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Click on the links below to download the official rules, awards and entry form for the 2025 pageant:
Browse the exhibits of the museum and library. There will be some craft demonstrations as well as Kolache demonstrations during the day. 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!
Koláče Demonstration by the Kolache Krew & Dr. Cecilia Rokusek the President of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.
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.
2 p.m. World Premiere of Zabíječka Film (Subject matter may not be appropriate for all viewers. Discretion is advised.), Hemphill TheaterZabíjačka is a communal tradition in the Czech and Slovak tradition. It is where communities would come together in the cooler temperatures, and they would prepare a hog for slaughter. Nothing was ever wasted, and it was an important way to survive. Although this is not allowed in public anymore, several different dishes are prepared. Dr. Cecilia Rokusek will explain and review the importance of this important tradition from a documentary perspective. Parental guidance strongly suggested.
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.!
Upcoming Dates Summer 2025
We begin our kick-off concert on the Friday night of Houby Days, May 16 on the Kosek Bandstand. The Czech Heritage Foundation.will sponsor this event. Our schedule then, is every other Friday, 7-8:30.
Here are the concert dates;
May 16, 30
June 13, 27
July 11, 25
August 8
Our finale is Sunday, May 10, 3:30-5:00
Upcoming Dates Summer 2025
Kosek Bandstand every other Friday, 7-8:30.
Here are the concert dates;
May 16, 30
June 13, 27
July 11, 25
August 8
Our finale is Sunday, May 10, 3:30-5:00
Upcoming Dates Summer 2025
We begin our kick-off concert on the Friday night of Houby Days, May 16 on the Kosek Bandstand. The Czech Heritage Foundation.will sponsor this event. Our schedule then, is every other Friday, 7-8:30.
Here are the concert dates;
May 16, 30
June 13, 27
July 11, 25
August 8
Our finale is Sunday, May 10, 3:30-5:00
Upcoming Dates Summer 2025
Kosek Bandstand every other Friday, 7-8:30.
Here are the concert dates;
May 16, 30
June 13, 27
July 11, 25
August 8
Our finale is Sunday, May 10, 3:30-5:00
Upcoming Dates Summer 2025
We begin our kick-off concert on the Friday night of Houby Days, May 16 on the Kosek Bandstand. The Czech Heritage Foundation.will sponsor this event. Our schedule then, is every other Friday, 7-8:30.
Here are the concert dates;
May 16, 30
June 13, 27
July 11, 25
August 8
Our finale is Sunday, May 10, 3:30-5:00
Upcoming Dates Summer 2025
We begin our kick-off concert on the Friday night of Houby Days, May 16 on the Kosek Bandstand. The Czech Heritage Foundation.will sponsor this event. Our schedule then, is every other Friday, 7-8:30.
Here are the concert dates;
May 16, 30
June 13, 27
July 11, 25
August 8
Our finale is Sunday, May 10, 3:30-5:00
SAVE THE DATE FOR DINNER ON THE BRIDGE - SEPTEMBER 12, 2024
Picture This: A beautiful September night, welcome drinks, tasty appetizers, festive candlelit dinner tables spanning the 16th Ave Bridge of Lions, a great local meal accompanied by local beverages, lots of music and a silent auction of great items from Czech Village and New Bohemia. District Event Dinner on the Bridge 2023 Tickets, Thu, Sep 7, 2023 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite
All that's missing is YOU and your friends!
Upcoming Dates Summer 2024
May 17; 31
June 14; 28
July 12; 26
August 9,
and Sunday, August 11, 3:30-5:00
ABOUT THE ARTIST
With interpretations described as “full of life, flexibility, gripping rhythms and a richness of dynamic shadings” (Milan Bátor, Czech Radio) and a skill at engaging audiences in the musical dialogue, Katelyn Bouska is a frequent solo and collaborative musician. Her unique programming combining rarely-heard Czech and American music with compositions written specifically for her by rising composers has found an audience throughout America and on the international concert stage. Katelyn is currently based in Philadelphia where she serves on the Music Studies Faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
With interpretations described as “full of life, flexibility, gripping rhythms and a richness of dynamic shadings” (Milan Bátor, Czech Radio) and a skill at engaging audiences in the musical dialogue, Katelyn Bouska is a frequent solo and collaborative musician. Her unique programming combining rarely-heard Czech and American music with compositions written specifically for her by rising composers has found an audience throughout America and on the international concert stage. Katelyn is currently based in Philadelphia where she serves on the Music Studies Faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music.
Join in the fun of Sidewalk Sales in the District and pick up some bargains! The retail shops in Newbo + Czech Village are clearing out their backrooms and shelves. One of a kind items, display props, racks + fixtures...you never know what you will find. So come on down, cruise the District and score some amazing finds!
Upcoming Dates Summer 2024
May 17; 31
June 14; 28
July 12; 26
August 9,
and Sunday, August 11, 3:30-5:00
ABOUT THE ARTIST
With interpretations described as “full of life, flexibility, gripping rhythms and a richness of dynamic shadings” (Milan Bátor, Czech Radio) and a skill at engaging audiences in the musical dialogue, Katelyn Bouska is a frequent solo and collaborative musician. Her unique programming combining rarely-heard Czech and American music with compositions written specifically for her by rising composers has found an audience throughout America and on the international concert stage. Katelyn is currently based in Philadelphia where she serves on the Music Studies Faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music.
A few spots left for our FIRST 4th of JULY indoor flea market. Only $30.00 for a 10 by 10 space in airconditioned building. July 4th 9 to 5. at 76-- 16th Ave. SW. CZECH VILLAGE!!! Call 319-210-5794.
Upcoming Dates Summer 2024
May 17; 31
June 14; 28
July 12; 26
August 9,
and Sunday, August 11, 3:30-5:00
Join us for COWBOY NIGHT at Lion Bridge on Friday, June 28th.
There will be live music performed by legendary Americana performer Severio Mancieri from 6 to 8. As well as dancing and specials
This is sure to be a boot scootin’ good time!
So bring your cowboy boots, hats, and blue jeans, and let's get this party started!
Please reserve a table by calling the Taproom at 319-200-4460 or send an email to bri@lionbridgebrewing.com
World War II historian Jiří Klůc, a doctoral student at Charles University in Prague, is traveling from the Czech Republic to capture first-hand oral histories of remaining WWII veterans in Iowa. His presentation, “Stories of Czech-Americans in WWII,” will take place from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27, in the theater of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, and will include stories of veterans gathered during his research. The event, sponsored by the Czech Heritage Foundation, is free and open to the public.
Join Curator Stefanie Kohn for a guided tour of Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau, where you’ll learn about the history, stories, and significance behind the 75 works in the exhibit, including rare original lithographs and proofs, paintings, drawings, posters, books, and portfolios from the Dhawan Collection, one of the finest private collections of Mucha’s works in the U.S. Tours will be offered each month during the exhibition.
Cost: General $15 • Members $7.50
Each tour is limited to 15 people. Preregistration is required.
Other events to attend can be found by clicking on the link: NCSML Events | National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Join us for a unique learning experience in which you will learn how to make your very own kroj (Czech and Slovak National Costume). In this weeklong course, you will use a pattern to sew the various components of a kroj under the guidance of master folk artist Brenda Lesan. Specialty supplies imported from Slovakia are included in the tuition price and the remaining items can be purchased at local craft and hobby stores. When you sign up for the class, you will receive a required supplies list.
Please note that this is not a beginner class–you need to have experience with making items such as skirts and blouses as several advanced sewing techniques will be used to complete the course.
Register early, since the class size is limited to twelve participants!
Classes are Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with hour long break from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Cost: Members and Volunteers $195 and Non-members $325.
RSVP required. Seating is limited
Turns out....our little BBQ joint got voted best wings in Cedar Rapids! If you haven't had the wings at Up In Smoke BBQ, it's about time you did. Our plump wings are hickory smoked to perfection, and then fried crispy. We have our whole line of sauces that you know and love. But sometimes we like to do something a little different.
Today's experimental wing sauce isn't a sauce. Today we have a dry Indian style curry wing. If you love curry, you're going to love these wings! (20+) up in smoke - Search Results | Facebook
It’s not too late to start some seeds! Basil is a great herb that loves the warm weather. If it’s flowers you’re looking for, Love-Lies-Bleeding and Hyacinth are perfect in the summer months. Looking for a new addition to your veggie garden? Peppers and Cucumbers are great additions!
The late Mary Kay McGrath’s vision has become reality…a beautiful garden right here in the village. We were on hand this morning for the Dedication of Novak Plaza and Mary Kay’s Garden. It’s a wonderful space to relax, reflect, and gather.
Upcoming Dates Summer 2024
June 14; 28
July 12; 26
August 9,
and Sunday, August 11, 3:30-5:00
This is a District Event in collaboration with Czech Village & New Bohemia
Upcoming Dates Summer 2024
May 17; 31
June 14; 28
July 12; 26
August 9,
and Sunday, August 11, 3:30-5:00
Upcoming Dates Summer 2024
May 17; 31
June 14; 28
July 12; 26
August 9,
and Sunday, August 11, 3:30-5:00
Friday, May 17
Ø 5:00 HOUBY DAYS OPENS
Ø 5:00 to 9:00 Venders open.
Ø 5:00- 7:00 Near Misses – Main Stage
Ø 5:00 -7:00 Czech Plus Band -Kosek Bandstand
Ø 7:30 -9:30 Deep Dish Divas-Main Stage
Saturday, May 18
Ø 9:00 Opening Ceremonies at Kosek Bandstand
Ø Czech Plus Band, Flag Raising
Ø 9:00- 9:00 Venders open.
Ø 10:00-11:00 Parade
Ø 10:00-2:00 St. Wenc Tours
Ø 10:30 to 1:00 Car Show South Museum Lawn
Ø 11: 00 – 12:00 Royal Court Kosek Bandstand
Ø 12:00-1:00 Czech Plus Band Kosek Bandstand
Ø 1:00 – 1:30 St. Paul Czech and Slovak Folk Dancers Kosek Park
Ø 2:00-3:00 Kolache Eating Contest – Main Stage
Ø 3:00- 3:30 St. Paul Czech and Slovak Folk Dancers- Main Stage
Ø 3:00 – 5:00 Lawn Tournament and Games Beer Garden
Ø 4:00–5:30 Matej Cip Concert and Scholarly Presentation on Cimbal
Museum Ballroom sponsored by Jeanne Trachta and Sharon Curtis
Ø 3:30-4:30 School of Rock Main Stage
Ø 4:00 Mass St. Wenc
Ø 4:30- 5:30 Spirit Awake Main Stage
Ø 6:00 Balloon Glow, South Museum Lawn weather permitting Estimate 8:30 PM
Ø 6:00-8:00 Glass Leaf Company – Main Stage
Ø 8:00-9:00 Kyjov Cimbal Band Ballroom Museum
Ø 8:30-10.00 Stay Outside - Main Stage
Sunday, May 19
Ø 8:00 Latin Mass St. Wenc
Ø 9:00 – 4:00 Venders Open
Ø 11:30 to 1:00 Hwy 151 Main Stage
Ø 12:00-2:00 Tours at St. Wens
Ø 12:00- 2:00 Lawn Tournament and Games, Beer Garden
Ø 1:00-2:00 Iowa Accordion Club- Kosek Bandstand
Ø 1:30 – 2:30 Kyjov Cimbal Band Main Stage
In partnership with Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International (CGSI), a day-long Symposium of cultural, history, and genealogical presentations will occur on Sunday, April 21. The theme of this years Symposium is “Forgotten Czech, Slovak, & Carpatho-Rusyn Heroes” to showcase how ordinary men and women rose to meet the extraordinary challenges of their times, and to provide a framework of discussion, reflection and further research.
Saturday, April 20 Register click here 2024 CGSI Symposium (regfox.com)
Extended museum hours until 5:30 p.m. Pre-event networking & cash bar A Night at the Museum with the Czech Plus Band at 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 21
A full day of presentations is planned from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with a Czech-style lunch from Dostal Catering, located in the heart of Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village.
Dr. Martin Javor, director of the Kasigarda Museum of Emigration from Slovakia to North America in Pavlovce nad Ulom, Slovakia will deliver a keynote address for a series of seven talks that will highlight the courage, sacrifice and fortitude of military, diplomatic and religious leaders in the Czech, Slovak and Carpatho-Rusyn homelands in the 20th century. Speakers include distinguished scholars and genealogy researchers from the United Kingdom and Eastern and Midwestern United States.
A key part of the day will be hearing several stories from CGSI members who will share how they discovered their heritage and roots and the transformative impact these genealogical journeys had for them.
Guests will also learn how to develop a family genealogy search strategy and hear about new and ongoing CGSI endeavors such as a nationwide cemetery mapping project.
For the most up-to-date schedule visit CGSI’s website.
Sign up for the Trashmore Challenge for an opportunity to climb our local treasure and earn coupons and prizes along the way! Climbing the mountain 140 times is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest ~ ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE? REGISTER FOR THE CHALLENGE AT TRASHMORECHALLENGE.COM
The DISTRICT is teaming up with the Solid Waste Agency to promote wellness in our community and bring some foot traffic to shops & restaurants, and museums & cultural organizations in Czech Village & New Bohemia.
Signup for 2024 is scheduled to begin April 1. Climb tracking for the 2024 season will formally begin April 20, 2024 (Ecofest day!). Past users counts will reset and new users will be able to signup then. Plus we’ll have new prizes and other fun as this popular program continues!
More information will appear at this address by April 1, 2024. Please come back then.
Questions? Want to be a Sponsor? Please contact:
Zac Hornung, Recreation Coordinator, Solid Waste Agency
Our favorite Sunday of the month!!! Join us at Lucky's today for a traditional Czech dinner. You will not want to miss it!
EVERY first Sunday of the month come down to Lucky's in the heart of Czech Village and enjoy an authentic Czech dinner!
You won't want to miss out on an amazing dinner that is made with original Czech recipes!
Dinner will run from 4pm-7pm!! But don't wait until last minute because we will run out!
NO RESERVATIONS OR CALL AHEADS! DINE IN ONLY!
The menu:
Czech Goulash
Dumplings
Sauerkraut
Sunday, April 7
4pm-7pm
St. Joseph’s Day Dance
Sponsored by the Czech Heritage Foundation
Music by Becky & The Ivanhoe Dutchmen
Sunday, March 24, 2024
1 pm – 5 pm
DanceMor
77 2nd St SE, Swisher, IA 52338
Tickets are $10 per person and available at the door
21 and under FREE
50/50 Raffle | Bake Sale
All profits go to support the many educational projects and programs of
The Czech Heritage Foundation of Iowa
