Looking for a fun way to kick off Independence Day weekend? Council Bluffs Celebrates America 250 takes over the Historic 100 Block on July 3 with live music, family activities, community organizations, local food, and a spectacular drone show finale. As communities across the country prepare to commemorate America's 250th birthday, Council Bluffs is getting the party started a day early with a free community celebration that brings together neighbors, visitors, and families for an unforgettable summer evening.
A Full Evening of Family Fun
The celebration begins at 3 PM with a dedicated Kid Zone hosted by the American Legion.
Families can enjoy soccer, basketball, sidewalk chalk, yard games, face painting, balloon art, and more throughout the Kid Zone. DJ JPEG will keep the energy high with family-friendly music, while the Council Bluffs Fire Department's Hydrant Party from 4-7 PM offers a fun way to cool off on a summer afternoon.
Just west of the main event area, the Family Zone will feature activities and opportunities to connect with local organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE), the Pottawattamie County Veterans Service Office, and the Council Bluffs Public Library.
Looking for something a little more extreme? Be sure to catch motocross stunt rider Scotty "Scrub" Miller performing throughout the evening.
Live Music Takes Over the Historic 100 Block
As the afternoon transitions into evening, the east end of the Historic 100 Block becomes the perfect outdoor concert venue. Classic rock fans can kick things off with Now & Forever from 5-6 PM, setting the stage for a night of live entertainment.
At 6:30 PM, The Yachties take over the main stage. Known for their crowd-pleasing blend of yacht rock favorites, they'll deliver the soundtrack for a summer evening downtown with hits that span generations. Whether you're singing along, dancing in the street, or relaxing in a lawn chair with friends, this is the kind of live music experience that makes summer memorable.
The Yachties will perform two sets, carrying the celebration all the way to the night's grand finale.
Food, Drinks & Downtown Favorites
No street festival is complete without great food. Visitors can enjoy offerings from a variety of Iowa-based vendors, including lemonade, dirty sodas, barbecue, funnel cakes, shaved ice, hot dogs, burgers, and more.
Featured vendors include Fancy Sips, Turner's Tube Steaks, Boxer BBQ, Spirit of The Faire, Frankie's Funnel Cakes & Shaved Ice, Maggie's Twist and Swirls, Bailey & Coopers, and outdoor grilling stations from Barley's Bar & Grill. You'll also be just steps away from some of the Historic 100 Block's most popular restaurants, including Barley's, Glory Days Sports Bar & Grill, Napoli's Italian Restaurant, Pizza Counter, and more.
Don't Miss the Drone Show
As the sun sets and the music winds down, all eyes will turn skyward. At 9:45 PM, the evening concludes with a 15-minute drone show celebrating America 250 and the Council Bluffs community. Featuring 200 drones synchronized to create illuminated images in the night sky, the show promises to be one of the most memorable moments of the evening.
Parking & Getting Around
Council Bluffs Celebrates America 250 is expected to draw large crowds to the Historic 100 Block, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early and plan parking in advance.
Free event parking will be available in the Omni Centre Business Park Parking Garage. Vehicles can access the garage from either N. 2nd Street or Kanesville Boulevard. Additional public parking is available one block north of the Historic 100 Block near Vine Street. Please note that nearby lots and street parking may fill quickly as the event approaches.
Event Timeline
3-9 PM
- Kid Zone
- DJ JPEG
- Family activities
4-7 PM
- Hydrant Party
5 PM
- Now & Forever
6:30 PM
- The Yachties
9:45 PM
- Drone Show
Helpful Tips
- Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
- No tarps or staking items into the ground.
- No tents, canopies, umbrellas, or signs.
- No fireworks or personal drones.
- No glass bottles.
- All items entering the event area are subject to inspection.
- Information Booth and First Aid will be located at 2nd Street and Broadway under a bright red tent.
- ATMs are available inside many Historic 100 Block restaurants and businesses.
- Be courteous, pick up your trash, and help make the event enjoyable for everyone.
Celebrate Together
As America approaches its 250th birthday, Council Bluffs Celebrates America 250 offers a chance to gather with friends, family, and neighbors for an evening of music, fun, and community pride.
More Ways to Honor America 250
Join us July 3 on the Historic 100 Block for live music, family activities, local food, and an unforgettable drone show. Admission is free, so bring your lawn chairs, gather your crew, and celebrate summer in downtown Council Bluffs. Explore more celebrations for America 250 by clicking the button below!
