Happy weekend, Waterloo! In today’s happening-today edition: Crossroads mall demolition, a bumblebee expedition, and a cold cups and coffee syrups workshop + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Student-led health initiative: Cedar Falls teens launched a radon program this week, with demonstrations at Waverly Health Center’s Shell Rock Clinic and free test kits to lower cancer risk in Cedar Valley -- see the radon program details.
A vibrant local showcase: Waterloo’s second annual Chroma 63 festival drew over 1,000 people despite rain, featuring over 35 artist vendors, skateboarding demos, local food, and a free evening concert celebrating community spirit -- see the festival highlights.
New plans take shape: Demolition is underway at Waterloo’s Crossroads Mall, clearing the building and parking lot. A traffic study could change Crossroads Boulevard as phase one readies space for new restaurants and retail -- get the full project details.
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Go touch some green: This week, trade your errands for a slow loop through Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. The themed beds are a nice reset, the kid-friendly corners buy you some quiet, and you’ll leave with that smug “I touched grass” glow even if you mostly benched it.
Camp close to home: George Wyth State Park Campground is your low-effort nature fix right in town, with shady sites, easy trail access, and lakes for quick swims or lazy casts. Book a spot, toss the cooler in the trunk, then enjoy a mini-escape that doesn’t eat your whole weekend.
Swing, putt, and zoom: When you need an easy win this week, Palmer's Family Fun has the antidote to cabin fever right here in Waterloo. Warm up on the driving range, then unleash the rivalry on mini golf, go karts, batting cages, and laser or archery tag...kids sleep, adults grin.
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04 — Our recommendations
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🥕 Waterloo Urban Farmers Market @ RiverLoop Expo Plaza | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – Saturday mornings downtown hit the sweet spot between errands and hanging out, with fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts that feel handmade. Always free and family friendly, with kids activities, they take cash, cards, and SNAP, plus theme days like Sweet Corn Day.
🚲 Bike Checks @ Cedar Falls Farmers Market | Saturday (6/20) at 8:30 AM – Free bike checks at the Cedar Falls Farmers Market, because your knees may squeak, but your chain shouldn't. They will tune brakes, shifters, tire pressure, chain lube, and helmet fittings, so everyone rides safe all summer, plus kids helmets and coloring books, free.
🍔 Grill Out With Dad! @ Hy-Vee | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Whether Dad’s a pitmaster or just excels at "supervising," the Hy-Vee Kids Club grill-out at your local store lets the littles celebrate dads, grandpas, and father figures, with burgers, simple fun, and zero cleanup. You show up, they sizzle, everyone wins.
☕ Cold Cups & Coffee Syrups Workshop @ Midwest Blessed Boutique | Saturday (6/20) at 10:30 AM – Finally, a craft you’ll actually use. At Midwest Blessed Boutique, design a 16 oz glass cold cup with your pick of vinyl decals, then make and label two bottled syrups, vanilla and sugar cookie. Not just for coffee, think cocktails, ice cream, or Saturday pancakes.
🌿 Garden Tours @ Grout Museum District | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Whether your hostas are showboats or survivors, this annual garden tour lets you legally snoop through Cedar Valley’s prettiest yards, all to benefit the Rensselaer Russell House Museum and Snowden House. It’s $15, children 12 and under are free, and there’s no weeding required.
🐝 Bee Expedition @ Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens | Sunday (6/21) at 1:30 PM – Trade your lawn chores for a Sunday stroll at the Arboretum, a one-family bumblebee expedition where you watch gentle capture and release, learn the science, and ask every last question. Registration required, unhurried pace, and yes, it ends when your curiosity does.
🎬 Free Family Movie Night @ First Free Methodist Church | Sunday (6/21) at 6:00 PM – Free Family Movie Night in town means big-screen vibes without the sticky floors. They’re screening “David,” so expect wholesome, neighborly cinema, the occasional whisper, and plenty of shared snacks. Potluck treats, comfy camp chairs, and your favorite low-maintenance crew are all welcome. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Waterloo report Weather forecastToday — High: 79°F — Low: 58°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 79. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers between 1am and 4am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. Low around 58, with temperatures rising to around 61 overnight. East northeast wind 2 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 70°F — Low: 54°F — Precip: 74%
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70. East northeast wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 54. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. This house is wildThis well-kept 4-bedroom, 1¾-bath ranch sits on a quiet cul-de-sac and brings plenty of space to the table. A roomy family room addition adds extra hangout potential, while fresh floor coverings keep everything feeling crisp and updated. Outside, the fenced backyard and 2-stall detached garage round out this move-in-ready package, with a new roof and water heater in 2025.
Take a peek inside → |
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