This summer, we’re exploring Council Bluffs through firsthand adventures — one local gem at a time. Follow along as Emily Newby, an intern with the Council Bluffs CVB, shares authentic experiences from trails to treats, and everything in between.
Food, Fun, and First-Time Surprises
Even though this was the 5th annual Summerfest, this was my first time going—and now I’m wondering why I waited so long. I arrived right when it started, and Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park was already full of energy: kids laughing, music playing, and families spreading blankets like they were settling in for the best summer day.
Organized by the City of Council Bluffs, Summerfest really does have something for everyone. I wandered from the live local music stage to the chalk art area, where kids (and a few adults) were getting creative on the sidewalks. I drew a variety of summer fruits like oranges, bananas, and watermelons. Nearby, the Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment (PACE) booth offered bracelet-making—a fun throwback to childhood camp days. It was a joy to watch as colorful creations took shape in the hands of excited kids. The foam pit sponsored by the Council Bluffs Public Library was one of the liveliest spots in the park. I didn’t go in, but watching kids leap into the bubbles with total delight was entertainment in itself.
The food trucks wrapped around the park entrance, and the smells were impossible to ignore—barbecue, sweet waffle cones, and fresh coffee drifting on the breeze. I ended up getting a hand-scooped strawberry cheesecake cone from the Ice Cream Trunk, which was exactly what I needed to beat the heat.
As the sun started to set, families set up camp with lawn chairs and coolers, all waiting for the big drone show finale. Pro tip: If you want a clear view, stake out your spot early. I didn’t—and ended up shifting around quite a bit to catch glimpses. Still, the show was worth it. Eighteen minutes of glowing summer-themed images in the sky—kites, surfers, popsicles, and more—all made from 400 synchronized drones (See the featured image for this blog). It was mesmerizing.
What stood out most was how many familiar faces I saw—from neighbors to local business owners. Summerfest isn’t just an event—it’s a community celebration that brings people together and offers visitors a chance to see what makes Council Bluffs unlike anywhere else. Whether you’re new like I was, or it’s part of your yearly tradition, there’s always something new to discover here along the riverfront.
