For over 50 years, Celebrate CB has brought the Council Bluffs community together to honor what makes our city a one-of-a-kind place to call home. From May 5–11, 2025, the celebration continues with this year’s theme: “CB Eras!”
Get ready to take a journey through time as we celebrate the rich history and vibrant future of Council Bluffs. Whether you’re rocking retro vibes or repping the modern era, this theme invites you to embrace your favorite time period and show it off in style!
Events will be happening all across the city and feature activities for all ages that highlight CB's spirit, creativity, and community pride.
Whether you're reliving memories or making brand-new ones, come celebrate the timeless charm of Council Bluffs with us!
Celebrate CB is proudly presented by Centris Federal Credit Union. Gold Sponsors include All Care Health Center, the City of Council Bluffs, and the Iowa West Foundation.
2025 Celebrate CB Schedule:
Monday, May 5 Activities:
- Mayor Walsh's Proclamation - 3:45 p.m.
- At 3:45 p.m., Mayor Matt Walsh will declare May 5-11, 2025, as Celebrate CB week, promoting the vibrant community of Council Bluffs. Instilling everlasting pride in our thriving city.
- At 3:45 p.m., Mayor Matt Walsh will declare May 5-11, 2025, as Celebrate CB week, promoting the vibrant community of Council Bluffs. Instilling everlasting pride in our thriving city.
- Celebrate CB Eras Scavenger Hunt
- Kick off a week-long adventure through time with the Celebrate CB “Eras” Scavenger Hunt! Explore Council Bluffs’ iconic spots, take on fun challenges, and discover fascinating local history—all at your own pace. Snap photos or videos at each stop, post on Facebook or Instagram using #CBEras and tag Celebrate CB, and you’ll be entered to win awesome prizes! Every post counts, and completing all stops earns you a shot at the grand prize. Plus, all participants get free passes to the UP Railroad Museum, Rails West Railroad Museum, and the Historic Squirrel Cage Jail just for joining the fun! The 712 Initiative & the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce are the organizers and sponsors of this scavenger hunt, with generous support from partners Alter Metal Recycling and Balance Autism. See the rules for participation in the hunt.
Tuesday, May 6 Activities:
- Clean Sweep from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Clean Sweep is a collective volunteer effort to clean up the community. Volunteers can register and choose sections of the community for a Council Bluffs-wide spring cleaning! Since 2012, this event has resulted in more than 25,500 pounds of trash cleaned up. There will be gift card drawings and prizes awarded for categories like Best Team Participation, Most Spirited Team, Most Litter Collected, and even Most Unique Item Found.
- Clean Sweep is a collective volunteer effort to clean up the community. Volunteers can register and choose sections of the community for a Council Bluffs-wide spring cleaning! Since 2012, this event has resulted in more than 25,500 pounds of trash cleaned up. There will be gift card drawings and prizes awarded for categories like Best Team Participation, Most Spirited Team, Most Litter Collected, and even Most Unique Item Found.
- Celebrate CB Eras Scavenger Hunt
- Still time to travel through the eras—hit the scavenger hunt stops, snap your pics, and you could win big! See the rules for participation.
Wednesday, May 7 Activities:
- Celebrate CB Eras Scavenger Hunt
- History buffs and selfie pros unite—explore CB, show off your favorite era, and earn cool prizes while you're at it! This free community experience is made possible thanks in part to generous support from Alter Metal Recycling and Balance Autism. See the rules for participation.
Thursday, May 8 Activities:
- Council Bluffs Farmers Market
- Shop at the Council Bluffs Farmers Market on the south side of Bayliss Park from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.! Enjoy a mix of fresh seasonal favorites and weekly vendors, plus wellness activities and lively entertainment the whole family will love!
- Shop at the Council Bluffs Farmers Market on the south side of Bayliss Park from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.! Enjoy a mix of fresh seasonal favorites and weekly vendors, plus wellness activities and lively entertainment the whole family will love!
- Celebrate CB Eras Scavenger Hunt
- Each stop you visit and post gets you closer to winning—what are you waiting for, time traveler? See the rules for participation.
Friday, May 9 Activities:
- Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee Cookout at Bayliss Park from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Enjoy hamburgers ($10), steak sandwiches ($15), chips, and a drink with the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee! All proceeds go towards college scholarships for area students pursuing careers in agriculture.
- Enjoy hamburgers ($10), steak sandwiches ($15), chips, and a drink with the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee! All proceeds go towards college scholarships for area students pursuing careers in agriculture.
- Celebrate CB Eras Scavenger Hunt
- From vintage vibes to modern marvels, uncover Council Bluffs' charm one scavenger hunt challenge at a time! See the rules for participation.
Saturday, May 10 Activities:
- Pancakes in the Park with The 712 Initiative & the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce from 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
- Start your Saturday morning with a flippin’ fun breakfast from the one and only Pancake Man—serving up his famous flapjacks hot off the griddle! For just $5 a plate (and free for kids 12 and under), you’ll enjoy pancakes, sausage, and bottled water, with coffee and other tasty drinks available from local food trucks. Grab a seat at a table or throw down a blanket and make it a pancake picnic in the park—either way, it’s the perfect way to fuel up for a day of fun!
- Start your Saturday morning with a flippin’ fun breakfast from the one and only Pancake Man—serving up his famous flapjacks hot off the griddle! For just $5 a plate (and free for kids 12 and under), you’ll enjoy pancakes, sausage, and bottled water, with coffee and other tasty drinks available from local food trucks. Grab a seat at a table or throw down a blanket and make it a pancake picnic in the park—either way, it’s the perfect way to fuel up for a day of fun!
- Celebrate CB Parade at 10:30 a.m.
- The parade, a key feature of Celebrate CB—Council Bluffs' longest-standing community event—will begin at 10:30 a.m. and wind its way through the downtown streets. With over 100 entries, it’s a highlight of the celebration that brings the community together each year. Peggie Sweet from Bluffs Country will emcee the event, and Dick Miller will serve as the parade's Grand Marshal. This free community experience is made possible thanks to the generous support of First Interstate Bank, Tibbz Towing, and Woodmen Life.
- The parade, a key feature of Celebrate CB—Council Bluffs' longest-standing community event—will begin at 10:30 a.m. and wind its way through the downtown streets. With over 100 entries, it’s a highlight of the celebration that brings the community together each year. Peggie Sweet from Bluffs Country will emcee the event, and Dick Miller will serve as the parade's Grand Marshal. This free community experience is made possible thanks to the generous support of First Interstate Bank, Tibbz Towing, and Woodmen Life.
- Free Activities at Bayliss Park from 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Enjoy hands-on activities with Recreation on the Move from the Council Bluffs Public Library, be wowed by the mind-blowing magic of Joe Cole, and unleash your creativity with PACE’s Community Art Project. Feel the rhythm with live performances by the Kanesville Symphony Orchestra, then roll into the action at Skatefest—a high-energy celebration on wheels! And don’t forget to grab some tasty eats from a lineup of food trucks at Bayliss Park. There’s something for everyone! These free community experiences are made possible thanks to the generous support from Methodist Jennie Edmundson and the partner organizations bringing the fun.
- UP Railroad Museum Activities
- Make-your-own ice cream station and a Morse Code bracelet station on the front lawn (corner by Willow, across from Bayliss). Inside the museum, participants can explore the Eras of Railroading with a scavenger hunt throughout the museum and experience modern railroading technology with UP's Tech Team.
- Make-your-own ice cream station and a Morse Code bracelet station on the front lawn (corner by Willow, across from Bayliss). Inside the museum, participants can explore the Eras of Railroading with a scavenger hunt throughout the museum and experience modern railroading technology with UP's Tech Team.
- Belonging in the Bluffs Bracelet Making Pop-Up
- Step into the spirit of “CB Eras” and connect across generations with a colorful, creative twist—friendship bracelet making! The Belonging in the Bluffs Bracelet Pop-Ups are popping up with free materials for all ages and abilities, so you can craft a bracelet that reflects your favorite era or symbolizes a special bond with friends and neighbors. It’s a hands-on way to celebrate community, creativity, and belonging—one bead at a time! This free community experience is made possible thanks to generous support from the Iowa West Foundation.
- Step into the spirit of “CB Eras” and connect across generations with a colorful, creative twist—friendship bracelet making! The Belonging in the Bluffs Bracelet Pop-Ups are popping up with free materials for all ages and abilities, so you can craft a bracelet that reflects your favorite era or symbolizes a special bond with friends and neighbors. It’s a hands-on way to celebrate community, creativity, and belonging—one bead at a time! This free community experience is made possible thanks to generous support from the Iowa West Foundation.
- Enjoy hands-on activities with Recreation on the Move from the Council Bluffs Public Library, be wowed by the mind-blowing magic of Joe Cole, and unleash your creativity with PACE’s Community Art Project. Feel the rhythm with live performances by the Kanesville Symphony Orchestra, then roll into the action at Skatefest—a high-energy celebration on wheels! And don’t forget to grab some tasty eats from a lineup of food trucks at Bayliss Park. There’s something for everyone! These free community experiences are made possible thanks to the generous support from Methodist Jennie Edmundson and the partner organizations bringing the fun.
- Celebrate CB Eras Scavenger Hunt
- Your adventure through CB’s past and present isn’t over yet—grab your crew and hunt your way to prizes! See the rules for participation.
Sunday, May 11 Activities:
- Celebrate CB Eras Scavenger Hunt
- It's the final day to explore, post, and win. Let’s make some memories and celebrate CB in every era! See the rules for participation.
Visit the712Initiative.org to learn more about the vast impact the 712 Initiative and the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce are making on our community.
Other Events Happening in the Community:
- Taco Ride | May 8: Celebrate the return of warmer weather and participate in one of our area's most popular weekly events!
- Cheers for CB Schools | May 9: Celebrate the impact of the Council Bluffs Community School District with live music, raffles, and more!
- Corgi Races | May 10: Celebrate good vibes and cute pets in one fun and fast adventure at Tom Hanafan Rivers Edge Park!
- Iowa Western Choir's Spring Concert | May 10: Celebrate our community college and support local talent at the Arts Center at Iowa Western!
