Join us for Summerfest 2025! This free, family-friendly event takes place on Friday, June 6, 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.
New this year: a longer, more dynamic drone show and a rain date on Saturday, June 7, so the fun doesn’t stop! With thousands of attendees, community partners, and plenty of entertainment, Summerfest is a can’t-miss event to kick off summer in Council Bluffs.
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 712 Initiative, and Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE).
🎇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!
🥤 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.