The City of Council Bluffs is hosting the fifth annual Summerfest at River’s Edge on Friday, June 6, from 6 – 10 p.m. The event, at Tom Hanafan River's Edge Park, is free thanks to many community partners including the City of Council Bluffs, the Iowa West Foundation, Back to the River, The Council Bluffs Public Library, Kiewit Luminarium, Charles E Lakin YMCA, The 712 Initiative, and Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE).
The main event at Summerfest at River’s Edge is a lighted drone show. At dark, around 9:30 p.m., Fantasy Drone Shows will light up the sky with 300 drones to display brightly moving, dynamic images and simulated fireworks choreographed to music.
“We’re thrilled to bring the drone show back for a third year—now with even more drones and an extended performance,” said Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh. “This has become a summertime favorite in our community. Not only is it a stunning visual experience, but it’s also a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to fireworks.”
Thanks to the Council Bluffs Public Library, Summerfest will have a foam party with three foam cannons and giant bubbles. PACE is setting up a live art area where folks at Summerfest can express their creativity. Parks and Recreation and The Lakin YMCA are working together to provide plenty of recreation opportunities, including baseball, football, soccer, yard games, and more! The Kiewit Luminarium is bringing a mobile exhibit. And, the CB Chamber and 712 Initiative is hosting the Farmers Market Council Bluffs Summerfest Pop-Up, a summer market with 20 local vendors.
A food truck food court will be set up near the River’s Edge Pavilion with more than 10 different local options for food, drinks, and snacks including tacos, BBQ, hamburgers, hot dogs, Thai, Chinese, snow cones, bubble tea, coffee, and more!
Additional activities and entertainment include live music with Matt Cox, the Imagination Playground (big blue blocks), photo ops, face painting, balloon animals, characters, street performers, and chalk art.
“Summerfest is one of our favorite nights of the year,” said Ashley Kruse, Communications and Events Manager for the City of Council Bluffs. “It’s wonderful to see families enjoying the park and activities throughout the evening, then coming together to watch the drone show as a shared experience. We’re proud to work with so many incredible partners to offer a free event that reflects the energy and creativity of our community.”
Summerfest attendees are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs, picnic blankets, drinks, and snacks. Parking is available in the parking garage at 4250 River's Edge Parkway and on-street in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Due to the popularity of Summerfest, traffic and parking may be congested. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, carpool when possible, or ride a bike—bike parking is available on site. Most attendees stay through the end of the drone show, which can lead to traffic congestion as everyone exits the park at once. The Council Bluffs Police Department will be on site to help direct traffic after the show.
“Summerfest at River’s Edge continues to showcase the strong community spirit of Council Bluffs,” said Mayor Matt Walsh. “It’s a night where families and friends come together for free, unforgettable fun. We’re grateful to our partners and sponsors for helping us bring this event to life once again.”
For more event information, visit CouncilBluffs-IA.gov, and for regular updates, find Summerfest at River’s Edge on Facebook @CityofCB.
