Baseball fans, the 2026 NCAA Men’s College World Series returns June 12–22 at Charles Schwab Field in downtown Omaha—and Council Bluffs is your perfect home base just minutes away.
Stay close to the action with 20+ hotels offering easy access, modern amenities, and free parking, plus dining and entertainment right here in CB. Book your stay in Council Bluffs today and plan your College World Series getaway.
Youth Baseball Takes Over the Metro
Baseball season isn’t just about the pros, June brings one of the biggest youth sporting events in the country right to the Omaha–Council Bluffs metro. Slumpbuster welcomes more than 700 teams and 8,400 players from 37 states, creating nonstop action across the metro. Triple Crown SlumpBuster runs across three sessions in June 2026:
- Session #1: June 10 – 14
- Session #2: June 15 – 17
- Session #3: June 17 – 21
Older players can take part in the Pathway Omaha College Baseball Experience (ages 15–18), running June 18–22, designed to give athletes a taste of the college-level game. It’s a unique opportunity that connects players to the excitement of championship baseball happening all around them.
Explore Beyond the Ballpark
Take a walk across the iconic Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and enjoy skyline views as you cross the Missouri River. On the other side, explore Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park with its trails, art, and green space, perfect for grabbing photos or simply taking a breather from the ballpark.
During the College World Series Opening Ceremony on June 11, the park is also one of the best places to watch the fireworks finale on the Riverfront over the Omaha skyline.
From there, continue exploring nearby attractions like casinos, museums, outdoor parks, and entertainment just minutes away.
Catch a movie at AMC Star Council Bluffs, try your luck at Ameristar Casino, Harrah’s Casino, or Horseshoe Casino, or explore local favorites like the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, Hitchcock Nature Center, Lake Manawa State Park, Joe's Indoor Karting, and The Hub Trampoline Park.
Events Happening During the CWS
Council Bluffs is just minutes away from the ballpark with even more happening across the city.
- Whisky Bizness Live: June 12 at 9 PM | Whiskey Roadhouse
- SwitchBak: June 13 at 9 PM | Whiskey Roadhouse
- Sunset Social: June 16 at 5 PM | Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard
- Bikes on the 100 Block: June 18 at 5 PM | Historic 100 Block of West Broadway
- Pop (art) Acrylic painting: June 19 at 6 PM | Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center
- One2Go: June 19 at 9 PM | Whiskey Roadhouse
- Sip & Swirl - Watercolor: June 20 at 9 AM | Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard
- Summer Vintage Market & Sidewalk Sale: June 20 at 10 AM | The Backyard Event Room
- Whiskey River: June 20 at 9 PM | Whiskey Roadhouse
Places to Eat
When you’re not at the stadium, grab a bite at some of Council Bluffs’ most popular local restaurants—all just a short drive from the action.
- Mercy Thai (1.5 miles away)
- Big Kel’s Pizza & Wings (4 miles away)
- Tish’s Restaurant (2.9 miles away)
- Doozies (6.9 miles away)
- Quaker Steak (3.9 miles away)
- Guy Fieri's Kitchen + Bar at Harrah's Casino (2.9 miles away)
- Boxer Barbeque (5 miles away)
Where Fans Gather
Want to keep the game-day energy going after the final pitch? These local sports bars are packed with big screens, cold drinks, and fellow fans.
- Glory Days Sports Bar & Grill (5.3 miles away)
- The Salty Dog Bar & Grill (4.2 miles away)
- Barley's (5.3 miles away)
- Full Fledged Brewing Co. (4.2 miles away)
- The Porch (5.2 miles away)
- The Sportsbook Restaurant & Bar - Ameristar Casino (3.8 miles away)
Game Day Starts Here
There’s always something happening in Council Bluffs! From family-friendly activities to community events and more, you’re sure to find something that’s a catch! For a full list of events happening in CB, click here.
Council Bluffs isn’t just a stop on the way to the College World Series, it’s a vibrant destination filled with incredible food, entertainment, and welcoming places to unwind. Cheer on your team, explore the city, stay in Council Bluffs, and soak up all the excitement this community has to offer. For more information about the College World Series, check out Visit Omaha’s website!
