Live music in Waterloo, IA

Music Together offers a research-grounded music and movement experience for children from birth through kindergarten and the adults who care for them. The curriculum supports emerging language, cognitive development, fine and gross motor skills, and social-emotional growth, while nurturing creativity, self-expression, and confidence. Classes are developmentally appropriate and focus on building basic music competence, helping little ones learn to sing in tune and move with accurate rhythm in a relaxed, playful setting. It is a family music class, with caregivers modeling joyful music-making as children participate in ways that suit them. Sessions feature award-winning songs, including selections from a variety of cultures, and explore a wide range of tonalities, genres, and meters, even asymmetric patterns, inviting plenty of singing, dancing, twirling, and jamming. Class size is limited to 12 enrolled children.

Friday Loo features 90’s Kid, a high-energy pop punk quartet from Cedar Rapids that transforms favorite hits from the 1990s and 2000s into big, shout-along anthems. Expect reimagined takes on songs made famous by artists like Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, Avril Lavigne, and Smash Mouth, delivered with crunchy guitars and plenty of onstage personality. The set is built for nostalgia and nonstop energy from the first chord to the last. Cold drinks and food vendors add to the festive summer atmosphere for a lively night out.

The 90s Kids Band is performing at the fourth Friday Loo summer concert. It's free to attend, plus there's food, sips, and the best kind of downtown energy. Beyond this one, there's one last performance by The Fabulous Trutones on August 21st.

Paulee Budde performs personal renditions of favorite songs and unveils brand new originals, combining familiar tunes with fresh material in one set.

Live to 9 is a community concert series happening in downtown Cedar Falls at River Place Plaza. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy live music, along with the local food and drink options nearby, all during summer evenings. The page lists The Ice Breakers as the featured band for this date.

Now in its fourth summer, the Gallagher Bluedorn Block Party Series takes a portable stage to neighborhoods across the Cedar Valley, offering eight free outdoor concerts that feature local artists, complete with sound and lighting. Support from the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, the UNI Sesquicentennial Celebration, GreenState Credit Union, People's Savings Bank, and the Village Cooperative of Cedar Falls makes the series possible. Their partnership helps deliver free live music, build community connections, and provide accessible arts experiences in neighborhoods across the Cedar Valley all summer.

Karaoke takes center stage at Local Bar Hop with The Honey Pot, a prize bucket that singers draw from after each song. Rewards can be as simple as a friendly high five or as enticing as a complimentary drink or shot, with playful twists added to keep the energy high. It is a lively way to kick off the weekend.

Celebrate hip hop with a high energy night at The Loft.

A playful mix of familiar songs gets a fresh makeover, presented in unexpected ways. Drummer Jimmy Berg delivers tight, driving rhythms that keep heads nodding and feet moving.

Celebrate the weekend with karaoke every Saturday, hosted by Ultimate Entertainement.

The talented duo Beauty and the Beat performs live on the patio, bringing music to an outdoor setting.

Learn the basics of the ukulele with Library Assistants Seth and Anderson. You’ll practice new chords and strumming patterns, and work through exercises to build your skills. If you need help tuning or have questions about getting started, you can stop by for assistance before class. Bring your own ukulele if you have one, or check one out from the library ahead of time. A limited number of instruments will be available during the sessions on a first-come, first-served basis.

A weekly open mic takes place on Tuesdays, hosted by a rotating lineup of musicians from the Cedar Valley. Performers can share their talent, and listeners are welcome to relax and enjoy a range of acts.

Don Fisher performs live on the patio. Settle in for an outdoor show and take in the music.

Take the mic and sing your favorites at a karaoke night. Complimentary Busch Light cans and well mixed drinks are offered during the first hour.

Pump Haus hosts karaoke every Wednesday for a fun midweek outing.

Sideshow Bob, a local band featuring Chaplain Q, performs rock from the 80s, the 90s, and more recent years. This show is part of a free summer series pairing outdoor concerts with a farmers market. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs, and food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Starbeck's Smokehouse hosts a Thursday evening of family friendly entertainment. The show starts with music bingo, where players can compete for prizes, then the mic opens for karaoke to carry the fun through the rest of the night.

Each Thursday, King Bucks serves up lively music, delicious food, chilled drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere.

New Song Thursday at Iron Horse Saloon brings karaoke with a new theme each night to spark ideas and inspire picks you might not have chosen before. Trying an unfamiliar song is encouraged but not mandatory, so favorite standbys are welcome. The focus is simple, a relaxed night of music and fun.