The Mid-America Center continues to be a hub for energy, entertainment, and community gatherings in Council Bluffs. From national dance competitions and championship sports to expos, banquets, and high-energy live events, the Arena & Convention Center is packed with reasons to plan a visit. Here’s a look at what’s coming up from January through March — and why it’s a great time to Unleash CB. After a day of excitement, Council Bluffs is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Be sure to explore our hotels for a relaxing place to recharge after an amazing experience!
January Highlights
Deep South Spirit Cheer & Dance
January 16–18
Deep South Spirit is packed with high-energy routines, powerful performances, and nonstop excitement. From jaw-dropping stunts to electrifying choreography, this milestone event brings together talented teams and spirited fans for an unforgettable celebration of passion, precision, and pride.
February Highlights
ACT 1 Talent Competition
February 6–8
A fresh new take on dance competitions. Their mission is to provide dancers of all levels with a fair and positive venue to showcase their talents. These weekends should be about so much more than a trophy; it’s about an experience where feedback and growth are just as important as a score.
MCDA Cheer & Dance
February 7–8
The MCDA Cheer & Dance Championships bring the energy with a full weekend of exciting cheer and dance competition! Watch talented teams take the floor with powerful routines, impressive skills, and high-spirited performances that keep the crowd cheering all day long. From dynamic choreography to unforgettable moments, it’s an action-packed event for fans, families, and supporters of cheer and dance.
Carden International Circus
February 19–22
For more than 60 years, the legendary Carden family has delivered an astonishing, awe-inspiring spectacle loved by audiences nationwide. Experience thrilling aerial acrobatics, incredible feats of athleticism, and a dazzling cast of magnificent elephants, beautiful camels, horses, and more. This unforgettable, family-friendly show is packed with wonder, excitement, and nonstop entertainment for all ages.
Ovation Dance
February 20–22
Ovation Dance Challenge is a competitive experience like none other, with a state-of-the-art sound system that provides professional-quality audio. Innovative set designs provide a one-of-a-kind backdrop for every performance venue—a multi-level competition experience for all dancers. We understand the specific needs of dance consumers and believe in providing outstanding service with integrity.
Rainbow Dance Competition
February 26 – March 1
Rainbow is dedicated to producing a high-quality dance event that creates rewarding experiences for dancers, teachers, and parents. Thousands of people of different ages, talents, and abilities share our stages. They seek to provide each of these performers with the opportunity to shine in a positive, rewarding, and exhilarating competition setting.
Jennie Edmundson Dance to the Beat
February 27
Get ready for an unforgettable night at Jennie Edmundson Foundation's Dance to the Beat! This annual celebration combines music, fun, and community spirit to raise funds for uninsured and underinsured cardiac patients in southwest and western Iowa. Every ticket helps provide vital treatment, medication, rehabilitation, transportation, and even everyday living expenses for those in need.The evening will feature live music by The Personics, a silent auction, delicious appetizers, a cash bar, and much more!
March Highlights
PRCA Championship Rodeo
March 20–21
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as a thrilling Wild West Show rolls into Council Bluffs, Iowa! With deep roots in cowboy history, this spectacular event showcases the rich traditions of the American West through daring rodeo performances, breathtaking stunts, and vibrant pageantry. Round up your family and friends for an evening filled with excitement, laughter, and awe-inspiring entertainment that captures the spirit of the frontier. Prepare to be transported to a time of cowboys, outlaws, and adventure at the Council Bluffs PRCA Rodeo!
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
March 27–29
The tour that lit up last year returns bigger and hotter than ever — with even more flames, more glow, and more high-octane action. Fans can expect the same edge-of-your-seat thrills they love, now supercharged with enhanced pyro effects, dazzling lighting, and jaw-dropping stunts. Get ready to cheer on your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks — Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and Skelesaurus™ — plus the all-new Rhinomite™, making its live debut this season! That’s not all: the epic transforming robot is back to wow the crowd, and the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team will once again deliver gravity-defying action.
Plan Your Trip to Council Bluffs
With so many events drawing visitors from across the Midwest and beyond, the Mid-America Center is the perfect anchor for a weekend getaway or extended stay. Pair your event experience with local dining, entertainment, shopping, and attractions throughout Council Bluffs. Be sure to view dining options near the Mid-America Center in our blog to find the perfect spot to eat before or after your event. Whether you’re here to cheer, compete, learn, or be entertained, there’s always something happening. Begin planning your CB getaway by using our trip planner tool and book your hotel room today through our website!
