This list will be continuously updated until November 19, 2023
Fall is right around the corner, and to celebrate, we’ve made a list of all the upcoming events and activities in Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County! Grab your favorite pumpkin spice treat, and let’s get celebrating.
Make a whole weekend out of your visit by staying overnight in a Council Bluffs hotel! Use our Book Direct tool to browse and book today, and use our interactive trip planner tool to help you plan your unforgettable getaway! As you browse the website, look for the pin icon to save things to do, places to eat, events to attend, blogs, and more. Once you've curated your list, you can send it to yourself, share it with friends or family, and easily access it at any time!
Event details are subject to change. Please contact the event coordinator to confirm details as needed.
Get Ready for the Annual Solar Eclipse
Council Bluffs Public Library
October 2 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Loess Hills Prairie Seed Harvest
Hitchcock Nature Center
October 3 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fairview Cemetery Guided Walking Tour
Fairview Cemetery
October 6 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fall Fest
Full Fledged Brewing Co.
October 7 | 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Savory Soups & Bread Dipping Class
Deja-Vu Bakery & Boutique
October 12 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Flashlight Tours 2023
Historic Squirrel Cage Jail
October 13 | 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
18th Annual HawkWatch 5K Walk/Run
Hitchcock Nature Center
October 14 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Council Bluffs Community Trunk or Treat!
1-168 Iowa Army National Guard Armory
October 14 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
All Hallows Eve Festival
Botna Bend Park
October 14 | 2:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Arrowhead Park Chili Fest
Arrowhead Park
October 14 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Callahan Promotions Fall Arts & Craft Fair
Mid-America Center
October 14 - 15
Halloween Green Screen Photos
Council Bluffs Public Library
October 16 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
October Hitch Hike
Mt. Crescent Ski Area
October 17 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Why Leaves Change Color | A Land Ethic Workshop
Hitchcock Nature Center
October 21 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Loess Hills Prairie Seed Harvest
Hitchcock Nature Center
October 23 | 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Halloween Green Screen Photos
Council Bluffs Public Library
October 25 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Mystical Magic Halloween Party @ the Boutiques
Deja-Vu Bakery & Boutique
October 26 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Flashlight Tours 2023
Historic Squirrel Cage Jail
October 26 | 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Fairview Cemetery Guided Walking Tour
Fairview Cemetery
October 27 | 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Flashlight Tours 2023
Historic Squirrel Cage Jail
October 27 | 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Hitchcock Haunted Hollow
Hitchcock Nature Center
October 28 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Trick or Treat Event
Emanuel Lutheran Church
October 28 | 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
4th Annual Halloween Witchy Woods Walk
Hitchcock Nature Center
October 28 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Halloween Candlelight Tours
Historic General Dodge House
October 28 | 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Flashlight Tours 2023
Historic Squirrel Cage Jail
October 28 | 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Slime Ball 2023
Maloney's Live
October 28 | 7:00 p.m.
Hitchcock Haunted Hollow
Hitchcock Nature Center
October 29 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Fairview Cemetery Guided Walking Tour
Fairview Cemetery
October 31 | 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
3rd Annual Bison Fest
Botna Bend Park
November 4 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Palace Event Center Fall Craft Show
Palace Event Center
November 5 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Southwest Iowa Fall Chorale Concert
The Arts Center at Iowa Western
November 5 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Iowa Western Community Band Concert
The Arts Center at Iowa Western
November 5 | 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Nature's Recyclers | A Land Ethic Workshop
Hitchcock Nature Center
November 11 | 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Mid-America Center
November 15 | 7:00 p.m.
Autumn's End Hike with Dustin Clayton
Hitchcock Nature Center
November 18 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The Cryptic Room is a live-action, team-based escape room game that is perfect for the Halloween season. Once you are inside the themed room, the clock starts ticking, and you have limited time to work together, find and use clues, solve the puzzles, and "break out." You must hurry, though — it is all over once the clock hits zero!
Town legend has it that the Historic Squirrel Cage Jail has been haunted since the jail’s opening. A former jail tour guide claimed the ghost is J.M. Carter, the man who oversaw the construction of the building. Visit their website for information on booking a paranormal investigation!
Located at Pioneer Trail Orchard & Pumpkin Patch, Madness Haunted House is sure to give you all the scares you need this season! These haunt enthusiasts shake things up every year to give you an unforgettable and unique experience. Please note that Madness Haunted House is rated PG-13 and may not be suitable for those under the age of 13.
Explore the Loess Hills on horseback or on a scenic hayrack ride at Shady Lane Ranch! Saddle up and enjoy hourly guided rides with your friends or family out on the trails. To make a reservation, call 712-323-1932. Hayrack rides are perfect for larger groups and you can even enjoy a private campfire afterward!
Fall wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a local family-owned pumpkin patch and orchard. Lucky for you, the area has several unforgettable patches and orchards that are sure to give you the best fall vibes! Visit our Pumpkin Patches & Orchards blog for a list of places to visit, admission information, and more.
There are so many other activities, events, and attractions to visit in Pottawattamie County! Learn more about the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, our exciting outdoor fall activities, and The Arts Center at Iowa Western's 2023-2024 National Performance Season to unleash the perfect getaway.
For a complete list of attractions, visit our play page!
For a complete list of places to eat, browse our restaurant listings!
Don't forget to book your hotel stay with one of our properties by using our Book Direct tool!
