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Summer Arts & Entertainment in Council Bluffs

From our award-winning cultural center, impressive public art collection, live performances, and unique nightlife opportunities, there is so much art and entertainment to uncover in Council Bluffs!

Use our interactive trip planner tool to help you plan your unforgettable getaway in Council Bluffs! 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! 

Get Inspired at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center!

Woman walking in the Anne & John P. Nelson Gallery at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center
Photo of the Anne & John P. Nelson Gallery courtesy of PACE

Gallery Hours: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Fridays, 12:00 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturdays
Cost: Free to visit the gallery
Tickets/Admission: Reserve your gallery tickets, Chanticleer Community Theatre tickets, and art classes admission online.

The Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center is a hub for all things creative in Council Bluffs! Visitors can visit the Anne & John P. Nelson Gallery on the fourth floor to see exciting exhibits that change throughout the year. The gallery is also the permanent home of the Corn Room Murals, created by the world-renowned artist Grant Wood. Admission is free, and you can register online to visit.

In addition to the gallery, the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center also hosts live performances by the Chanticleer Community Theatre, open studio hours on Friday evenings where you can meet the talented resident artists, art classes, and so much more! Visit PACE's website for more information.

Explore the Iowa West Public Art Collection

Child standing next to the Looking Up statue in Council Bluffs, Iowa
                      @davidlanceres

Hours: Open 24 hours 
Cost: Free
Tickets/Admission: Free/ Self-Guided 

In 2004, the Iowa West Foundation, a foundation that works to improve the lives and strengthen the Council Bluffs community,  funded a community-wide public art master planning process that resulted in the Iowa West Public Art initiative. Because of this unique initiative, Council Bluffs is now home to an impressive collection of 12 pieces of public art created by artists known worldwide.

Take a self-guided tour of the collection using the Otocast Public Art app! This interactive app serves as your tour guide by giving you directions to each piece and allows you to hear directly from the artists as they speak about their work. This fun and engaging app can be downloaded on both Android and iOS. To learn more, click here!

 

Unleash the Beat! Stir Concert Cove Concert Series

A view of the stage at Harrah's Stir Concert Cove in Council Bluffs, Iowa

Hours: See specific concert details for the concert times in our blog
Cost: See specific concert details for the ticket prices in our blog
Tickets/Admission: Tickets may be purchased online

With summer brings the promise of rockin' concerts at Stir Concert Cove! The outdoor venue has hosted top-notch performers like Eric Church, The Avett Brothers, ZZ Top, Diana Ross, Train, Kesha, and more. Anticipation has built up, waiting for announcements of who will be rocking Council Bluffs this summer. Check out the lineup in our blog!

The live music doesn't stop there! Local establishments like Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard, Maloney's Irish Pub, and Full Fledged Brewing Company host reoccurring local live music performances. Check out any upcoming live music events in our blog!

Drag Yourself to Brunch!

Two women standing with the Drag Yourself to Brunch cast at Caddy's Kitchen & Cocktails
@ninatucker

Hours: Third Saturday of each month
Cost: No cover charge
Tickets/Admission: Call (712) 256-0070 to make a reservation

A weekend isn't complete without a delicious brunch, right? Well, Caddy's Kitchen and Cocktails, located on the Historic 100 Block, hosts a reoccurring Drag Yourself to Brunch event on the third Saturday of each month. Their cast of drag performers entertain you with song and dance while you enjoy creative cocktails and delicious brunch items during the event. These events are highly entertaining and very popular! Be sure to call and reserve a table.

Street performer playing the guitar in the Old Market in Omaha, Nebraska.
                                         Photo courtesy of Visit Omaha

Shopping and Gallery Hopping in the Old Market

Hours: Individual business hours vary 
Cost: Free to walk around the Old Market - gallery costs vary
Tickets/Admission: N/A

The Old Market in Omaha is a lively historic district located just minutes away from Council Bluffs. Street musicians will greet you as you wander through the different boutiques and art galleries. The Old Market is also home to several local restaurants, pubs, cafes, and clubs. The cobblestone streets and beautiful brick buildings make this district a must-see for all visitors!

Check out the blog from our friends at Visit Omaha for things to do in the Old Market!

Find Something Unexpected in South Omaha

Bright and colorful mural in South Omaha, Nebraska
Photo courtesy of Visit Omaha

Hours: Individual business hours vary 
Cost: Free
Tickets/Admission: N/A

South Omaha is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that includes cultures from around the world! Experience Polish, Czech, German, and Mexican history, flavors, and art as you walk South 24th Street. With the historic buildings, beautiful public art, festivals, and live music, this area of Omaha is worth a visit.

Check out this blog from our friends at Visit Omaha for places to eat and visit in South Omaha.

The Fun Doesn't Stop There!

Hidden gems and long-standing favorites abound in Council Bluffs, whether you want to unplug or amp up. Of if you're looking to unveil the nightlife or create your own still life. Discover the fantastic food scene, or take in the unbelievable scenery. You don't have to search far for your new favorite place in Council Bluffs! Check out our recent blogs to get the insider's scoop on all things CB.

For a complete list of attractions, view our play page!

For a complete list of places to eat, view our eat page!

Don't forget to book your hotel stay with one of our properties by using our Book Direct tool!

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509 23rd Ave.
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
844-271-6909 | 712-256-2577
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