Get ready, Council Bluffs—Summerfest 2026 is back and bigger than ever! Join us on June 5 from 6 - 10 PM at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park for an unforgettable evening packed with live entertainment, interactive fun, and a spectacular drone show to light up the night.
This free, family-friendly event brings together thousands of attendees and community partners to celebrate the start of summer in a big way. Whether you're coming for the music, activities, or just to soak up the atmosphere, Summerfest is a can’t-miss tradition in Council Bluffs.
A Sky Full of Lights: The Drone Show
As the sun sets, get ready for the highlight of the night! Around 9:30 PM, Fantasy Drone Shows will launch a 300-drone, 20-minute show that will dazzle the sky in a way you’ve never seen before.
- Pro tip: Grab a spot near the amphitheater stairs for the best view!
Activities for All Ages
There’s something for everyone at Summerfest—kids, adults, and everyone in between. Enjoy a foam party and giant bubbles with the Council Bluffs Public Library, explore live art experiences with Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE), and jump into recreation activities like baseball, soccer, football, and yard games hosted by Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation and the Charles E. Lakin YMCA.
Guests can also check out a mobile exhibit from the Kiewit Luminarium, shop the Summerfest Pop-Up Market hosted by the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce featuring local vendors, and catch the excitement of a NEW pop-up 3v3 soccer tournament with the CB Captains. Live music and food trucks will round out the evening—stay tuned for lineup announcements!
Plan Your Perfect Summerfest Night
Make the most of your evening at the park:
- Bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, and water bottles
- Dogs are welcome (just keep them leashed and cleaned up after)
- Bike to the event to skip traffic—bike parking will be available
Parking:
- 700 spots available in the parking garage at 4250 River’s Edge Parkway
- Additional street parking nearby
- Expect delays—this is one of the biggest events of the summer!
Free Community Fun
Admission to Summerfest is completely free, thanks to amazing community partners including the City of Council Bluffs, Iowa West Foundation, Back to the River, and many more who make this event possible. If weather doesn’t cooperate, Summerfest will move to Saturday, June 6—so you can still enjoy all the fun!
Kick Off Summer in CB
Summer starts here—and there’s no better place to celebrate than at Summerfest! Gather your friends, bring the family, and get ready for a night full of energy, connection, and unforgettable moments along the riverfront. From the first note of music to the final glow of the drone show, this is your chance to experience the very best of Council Bluffs in one incredible evening. We’ll see you there!
