Events in Cedar Falls today

An outdoor RC construction setup comes to the Antique Acres show grounds, where a few bucket loads of dirt from a skid loader create a working site outfitted with conveyors, a trommel, a bridge, and dump pits. A tent and tables are planned over the work area to provide shade and cover if it rains, and since everything takes place outside, the weather can affect the day. Attendees can bring items to operate, and equipment can be provided if needed. An enclosed trailer on site is used for daily load in and locked storage overnight, and breakfast is available on the grounds. In addition to the RC activity, the larger show features tractor pulls, live music, a flea market, wood carving, threshing, blacksmithing, and a wide range of antique tractors and steam engines on display. There is no fee from the RC host to participate, but general admission to the show is separate, and donations toward tent costs are accepted.

Take a guided stroll through the gardens with an expert who will spotlight what is flourishing this season, highlight the plant collections with an emphasis on native species, and share insights into the Arboretum's history. Admission is free for members, and paid admission applies for others. No advance registration is required, but please arrive on time.

This event marks the first cookie pop-up at a new location, with convenient pickup for customers who placed pre-orders and the chance to purchase additional treats. Offerings include last-minute Back-To-School cookies, miscellaneous cookie selections, and chocolate chip drop cookies. Payments are accepted in cash, with a request to avoid large bills, or by credit card.

Friday Loo closes out the season at Lincoln Park in Downtown Waterloo with a high-energy set from The Fabulous TruTones, a veteran trio bringing blues and roots rock with intensity, passion, and joy. The performance blends roots-driven originals with distinctive covers, reflecting a journey from local pub stages in Cedar Falls and Waterloo to festival favorites across the Cedar Valley. Expect live music, cold drinks, food vendors, and dancing in the streets for a final summer celebration. The band released Comin’ Back Live, a collection of original blues, rock, and roots music written by Tim Wagoner, and that spirit fuels this finale.

Joe Demerath takes the stage at Bootleggers Kitchen & Bar for a live performance featuring a mix of rock and country favorites.

Live to 9 brings summer evenings of live music to River Place Plaza in downtown Cedar Falls. The community series continues under the leadership of the River Place Neighborhood Association, carrying on a local tradition of live entertainment in the heart of town. It is a relaxed setting to settle in with a lawn chair, meet up with friends, and enjoy performances with food, drinks, shopping, and local businesses close by. The lineup features bands such as Tumblin' Dice, Sideshow Bob, Deja Blue, Jason Christensen Band, The Ice Breakers, and Milk & Honey, creating a season filled with music and neighborhood energy.

Hosted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley, this 10th annual color fun run brings families and friends together for a glow-themed evening that supports local youth. Wear bright neon and take part in a colorful celebration that benefits the organization, including continued improvements to its playground and youth programs. Festivities include a pre-run party with more details to be announced, event registration, and a burst of color to launch the course. Participants can run or walk, and the experience is open to all ages. Awards and prizes will honor the first adult and youth to finish, along with the most colorfully dressed adult and child. Early registration secures an event shirt, and a limited supply may be available after the deadline.

Six Pack Jack returns for SACS Bike Night with an outdoor, high energy set packed with classic and current rock and pop plus a touch of country at SACS Neighborhood Pub. Expect favorites from Journey, Van Halen, Big & Rich, Poison, Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga, Metallica, Shania Twain, Abba, Joan Jett, Steve Earl, Black Crows, Ozzy Osborne, Guns N' Roses, B-52s, Night Ranger, Billy Joel, Kelly Clarkson, 3 Doors Down, Skid Row, AC/DC, ZZ Top, KISS, The Cranberrys, The Killers, The Romantics, Great White, Bryan Adams, BLINK 182, Blonde, Prince, Jimmy Eats World, Chappel Roan, 4 Non-Blondes, Luke Bryan, and Luke Combs, along with many others.

At Local Bar Hop, Fridays feature karaoke with The Honey Pot, a prize bucket that adds a playful twist. After each song, performers pull a random reward. Prizes range from a simple high five to a complimentary drink or shot, with a few surprises mixed in to keep things interesting. Singers celebrate every performance with a little extra excitement.

The annual golf outing takes place at Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course, bringing golfers together on the fairways and greens.

Spend a round at Brookwood Park for BYOP best shot doubles sponsored by Innova, where the competition also serves as a USDGC Doubles Qualifier. Top finishers in eligible amateur divisions earn invitations to the USDGC Doubles Main Event that opens Championship Week in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offering a chance to take on the celebrated Winthrop Arena Course in full tournament pageantry. Only players with amateur status can claim USDGC Doubles invites. Qualifying divisions are MA1, FA1, MA2, FA2, MA40, and FA40. The number of teams advancing from this qualifier depends on field size. For men, 1 to 5 teams send 1 team, 6 to 10 send 2, and 11 or more send 3. For women, 1 to 3 teams send 1 team, 4 to 7 send 2, and 8 or more send 3. Entry for amateur teams is $60 per team, which includes $4 in pass through fees to cover park rental, $36 toward player packs valued at $66, $2 to CTPS with cash and special prizes, and $18 to payouts. Pros follow a different structure with a $6 pass through fee, $2 to CTPS, and $52 directed to payouts. The top 40 percent of each division receives payouts. Pros are paid in cash, while amateurs receive vouchers to Great Lakes Disc. Player packs feature an event-stamped Innova disc and a chalky mini.

This farmers market brings together vendors offering goods, crafts, flowers, and vegetables. A hot food service provides breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches on Texas toast, all-beef hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and walking tacos, along with beverages and chips. Homemade baked items are featured, and special orders are accepted.

This women and girls only camp invites moms, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, and girlfriends to learn the game of football directly from coaches and players. Participants will meet in the weight room for instruction. Men are not eligible to participate.

Learn how to shape your home garden into a calming refuge focused on well being. This class highlights the key features of restorative and therapeutic outdoor spaces and shows practical ways to weave color, texture, fragrance, sound, and other sensory elements into a peaceful retreat, whether your space is large or small. The experience includes time spent exploring parts of the Arboretum to see examples in place. Attendees receive resources on plant selection and garden design to support continued planning. There is no additional fee beyond garden admission. Advance registration is required, and participation is limited to 15 people.

The ride is dedicated to Jason Drahos, and an additional family will be named later.

Celebrate mini golf and community spirit at the inaugural Main Street Putt Putt Classic. All ages and abilities are welcome, from seasoned putt putt pros to first time golfers looking for a great time. Play for a cause, with participation supporting Main Street Waterloo, a nonprofit focused on strengthening and revitalizing the historic downtown. Its efforts include supporting local businesses, organizing community events, preserving the area’s character, and helping make downtown a destination for residents and visitors. Teams may consist of 2 or 4 players, making this a fitting outing for families, friends, coworkers, and community groups. Whether aiming for a win or simply enjoying the course, everyone has a place on the green.

Explore distinctive residences across Waterloo and Cedar Falls during the 2026 Tour of Classic Homes, presented by Friends of the Grout Historic Houses. Admission is $15, with proceeds supporting the Rensselaer Russell House Museum and the Snowden House. Tickets are available in advance at the Museum or online, or can be purchased at any participating house on the day of the tour. Featured stops include the UNI President's House along with homes associated with Barb Paxson, Kelly Stapella, Ben and Angela Schwartz, Patterson Designs, and HomeLab by Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity.

A decade in the making, this free contest features a progression of divisions, beginning with beginner, followed by intermediate and 30+, then advanced, and concluding with a best trick round called No Safety. The format spans multiple skill levels and builds toward a finale.

Stone Age Queens, a tribute to Queens of the Stone Age, teams up with Nirvomit, a Nirvana tribute, at The Loft Waterloo. The performance opens with Nirvomit and then continues with Stone Age Queens in a back to back tribute showcase.

Weekend fun arrives every Saturday with karaoke hosted by Ultimate Entertainement.

Take part in a hands-on bumblebee expedition that explores the science behind these pollinators and the day-to-day work of a bumblebee field scientist. Participants observe gentle capture methods and the steps taken before bees are released safely. The outing is short and easygoing, with an unhurried pace and plenty of time for questions. Attendance is limited to a single family or group to keep the experience personal, and advance registration is required.

Enjoy live music on the patio featuring a performance by Mya Jean.

Madison Kolbet performs original country music shaped by small town roots and close family connections. Hailing from Iowa, she found her spark early and has continued to deepen her craft, co-writing many songs with collaborators from around the country. Her music reflects where she comes from and the relationships that matter most.

A free, themed water ski show inspired by Wii Sports Resort brings ski season to Eagle Lake in Evansdale. The program includes pyramids, barefoot skiing, jumps, swivel skiing, and performances on straps, and it begins with a pre show followed by the main event. Admission and parking are free, concessions are available, and seating is provided on bleachers or with personal lawn chairs or blankets.

Experience a calming meditation practice in the gardens, led by certified yoga and meditation instructor Ashley Kay Andy. The session blends gentle breathwork, grounding visualization, and mindful attention to soothe the nervous system, relax the body, and bring clarity to the mind. Surrounded by trees and blooms and the soft sounds of the Arboretum, you can reconnect with a steady sense of presence. All experience levels are welcome. Bring a blanket, water, and comfortable layers. This donation based class requires no registration.

Explore belly dance this summer at Cota Studio with welcoming weekly classes for all experience levels. Sessions support fitness, coordination, and strength while offering a refreshing mental break. No prior dance background is needed. Choose a summer pass for $100 that covers the full season, with one or two skipped weeks announced in advance for a total of 12 to 13 classes, or drop in for $12 per class.

This community-powered cash mob gathers at Newton's Paradise Cafe. A cash mob brings people together at a locally owned business to shop and sip at the same time, giving a shared boost to the downtown economy, similar to a flash mob that centers on making purchases. This Breakfast Edition offers a morning opportunity to support the cafe and connect with the community over a meal.

Open horseback riding is available at the Pullin-Simonsen Arena through the National Cattle Congress. Riders must bring their own horses, as none are provided. The fee is $5 per horse. For current availability, check the National Cattle Congress website calendar and call 319-234-7515 with any questions.

Explore the world of bumblebees during a guided expedition at the arboretum. This hands-on walk delves into the science of bumblebees and highlights what a bumblebee field scientist does. Observe careful, temporary captures and the steps involved before the bees are released unharmed. The experience is low impact, short in distance, unhurried, and allows time for questions. Attendance is limited to 12 people. Free with admission or membership to the gardens.

Enjoy a free Tai Chi session at River Place Plaza. It is presented by Cedar Falls Rec in partnership with River Place Plaza.

Hands-on farm fun awaits with the NCC Junior Ambassadors Club from the National Cattle Congress. The Hippodrome becomes a bi-weekly hub of agricultural exploration for children ages 3 to 13, featuring a rotating mix of interactive stations like visits with animals at the Sunrise Petting Zoo, shaking cream into butter, and learning about honeybees and poultry. There is also a kids contest with prizes. Admission is $5 per child, and adults or chaperones are admitted at no charge. Lunch is provided at no cost for participating children, and adults or chaperones can purchase lunch for $5. Activities are held indoors so weather is not an issue, and there is free parking for buses, vans, and cars. Pre-registration is encouraged. The club shares appreciation for support from community partners and sponsors.

The Wellness Center Keto Support Group offers a supportive setting for anyone pursuing a ketogenic lifestyle. Sessions include conversations on keto, take-home materials, snacks, stress management support, recipe ideas, and additional resources. Attend once or return whenever it fits your needs. The fee is $15 per session.

Guiding Star Cedar Valley, in partnership with Zenith Birth Services, presents a childbirth education class designed to help you prepare for a birth experience that aligns with your values and preferences. Led by Sarah Oldre, a certified birth doula who has supported families in the Cedar Valley since 2013, the session explores what happens during labor, practical comfort techniques to ease the process, and ways to make informed decisions at every step. Participants are welcome to bring questions, with the aim of leaving more knowledgeable and confident for the journey into motherhood.

Hula Hoop 101 offers a welcoming introduction to hooping with Brandi at Cedar Valley SportsPlex in the Fitness Studio. The class blends upbeat movement and skill building in a friendly group atmosphere, delivering an energizing workout that can spark a long-term hobby. Beginners are welcome. Hoops are supplied and instruction is provided, so no prior experience or personal equipment is needed. Access is included with a SportsPlex membership. Non-members can attend with a $10 day pass. Participants should be ready to be active, learn new skills, and have fun.

An open mic happens every Tuesday, hosted by a rotating roster of Cedar Valley musicians. Performers can take the stage to share their talents, while those who prefer to listen can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and live performances.

Enjoy a free yoga session at River Place Plaza, hosted by Cedar Falls Rec in partnership with River Place Plaza.

Settle into the second floor co-lab for a relaxed creative session where you can work on your own art projects. Bring whatever you are making, and enjoy provided food and drinks, including options labeled GF and V.

Compete in a weekly Jeopardy league with Geeks Who Drink at Bootleggers Kitchen & Bar. Participants can test their knowledge, challenge friends, and enjoy a friendly league-style experience.

The Loft Waterloo hosts a monthly comedy open mic that lands on the final Wednesday of each month. Performers who would like more stage time can request a longer set by contacting the Local Noise page.

Behar Bar hosts a customer appreciation karaoke night where guests can sing karaoke.

Enjoy karaoke at Pump Haus Pub & Grill.