March 9, 2026 – The third annual Maker Fest at the Cedar Rapids Public Library will celebrate space with an afternoon of programming at the Downtown Library on Saturday, March 28, from 1-3 pm.
Families will be able to enjoy a wide range of crafts and activities that feature outer space, the stars, and maker technology.
Collins Aerospace and the University of Iowa's Astronomy Lab and Observatory staff will provide fun, space-related crafts and information about the work they do in the community. People can view an exhibit from the Collins Aerospace Museum in the Skywalk Gallery, exploring items the company worked on for the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions.
The University of Iowa’s School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability will bring meteorites and other space-related rocks to view, and the American Society of Civil Engineers will hand out STEM kits.
The Cedar Amateur Astronomer's will have solar telescopes on the LivingLearning Roof, weather permitting, to look at solar activity, as well as a cut-away telescope to demonstrate how that technology works. They will also be showing NASA's "Artemis 1" documentary series throughout the event.
“Cedar Amateur Astronomers is very excited to offer the opportunity to learn about the Artemis Space Missions to the Moon and to give everyone a chance to use telescopes and see the cosmos for themselves,” said Cedar Amateur Astronomers vice-president Gordon Baustian.
The Star Lab Planetarium from the Curiosity Path will have 20-minute movies and demonstrations on a variety of space topics. The dome can fit up to 30 people at a time. Wristbands are required for this activity and will be handed out 15 minutes before the event starts.
Throughout the library, patrons will be able to get first-hand experience with the library’s maker tools, whether that is crafting a space themed button, creating a planet with a Doodle pen, or building a laser-cut wooden astronaut.
“Maker tools help to make space exploration possible, and it’s fun to use the library’s tools to celebrate the Cedar Rapids community’s work exploring the stars.” Programming Librarian Jen Eilers-Visser said.
Maker Fest is generously supported by Presenting Sponsor Bankers Trust and Innovator Sponsors Sunrise Builders & Alliant Energy.