Description

Join us for Summerfest 2026! This free, family-friendly event takes place on Friday, June 5, from 6-10 p.m. at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, featuring an epic drone show, live music, interactive activities, and fun for all ages. With thousands of attendees, community partners, and plenty of entertainment, Summerfest is a can’t-miss event to kick off summer in Council Bluffs. 

🎇The Drone Show: At dark (around 9:30 p.m.), Fantasy Drone Shows will light up the sky with 300 drones for a 20-minute display unlike anything you've seen before! The best place to view the show is around the amphitheater stairs. 

🫧Thanks to the Council Bluffs Public Library, Summerfest will have a foam party with three foam cannons and giant bubbles. 

🎨PACE is setting up a live art area where folks at Summerfest can express their creativity. 

⚽Parks and Recreation and The Lakin YMCA are working together to provide plenty of recreation opportunities, including baseball, football, soccer, yard games, and more! 

🧪The Kiewit Luminarium is bringing a mobile exhibit. 

🛍️The CB Chamber and 712 Initiative is hosting the Farmers Market Council Bluffs Summerfest Pop-Up, a summer market with 20 local vendors. 

🤑 Admission to Summerfest is free! 

🌭 Food trucks list coming soon! 

🥤 You are welcome to bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, water bottles, snacks, etc. 

🐶 Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed, cleaned up after, and well-behaved. 

🚗 700 Parking spots are available in the parking garage at 4250 River's Edge Parkway, plus on-street in the surrounding neighborhoods. Please expect traffic delays (because Summerfest is super fun, and everyone wants to come!). 

🚵🏻Want to avoid traffic and parking? Ride your bike! We will have bike parking available. Bring your own lock. 

Summerfest is a free event thanks to many community partners including the City of Council Bluffs, the Iowa West Foundation, Back to the River, The Council Bluffs Public Library, Kiewit Luminarium, Charles E Lakin YMCA, The Council Bluffs Chamber, and Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE). 

If you are interested in being a food vendor, you can apply online at: https://www.councilbluffs-ia.gov/2378/Permits-and-Licenses 

Weather note: In case of inclement weather, we will move Summerfest to Saturday, June 6.