Summerfest 2026 returns to River’s Edge with drone show

The City of Council Bluffs invites the community to kick off summer at Summerfest on Friday, June 5, from 6-10 p.m. at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park. This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, a drone show, food trucks, local vendors, and lots of activities.

Summerfest has become one of the city's signature summer events, drawing thousands of attendees to the Council Bluffs riverfront each year.

“At Summerfest, you can truly feel the energy and excitement of our community,” said Ashley Kruse, communications and events manager for the City of Council Bluffs. “This event brings people together to enjoy music, recreation, art, local businesses, and one incredible evening at River’s Edge. We are so grateful to the many partners, volunteers, and city staff who help make Summerfest possible each year.”

The evening’s highlight will take place at dark, around 9:40 p.m., when Fantasy Drone Shows will launch a 20-minute drone show featuring 400 drones lighting up the night sky. The best viewing area is near the amphitheater stairs.

Summerfest activities

Summerfest activities include:

• A foam party and giant bubbles hosted by the Council Bluffs Public Library
• A live art and creativity zone hosted by Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment
• Recreation activities including baseball, football, soccer, yard games, and more provided by the Parks and Recreation Department and the Charles E. Lakin YMCA
• A mobile exhibit from the Kiewit Luminarium
• A Summerfest Pop-Up Market featuring more than 20 local vendors hosted by the CB Chamber
• More than 20 food trucks
• Free skateboarding activities with Skatefest Omaha
• Disc golf activities hosted by Nebraska Disc Golf
• A live music lineup featuring:
  • Little Rooms | 6-6:45 p.m.
  • Matt Cox | 7:15-7:45 p.m.
  • Hector Anchondo Band | 8:15-9:30 p.m.

What to bring

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, water bottles, and snacks. Dogs are welcome as long as they remain leashed, cleaned up after, and well behaved.

Parking and transportation

More than 700 parking spaces are available in the parking garage at 4250 River’s Edge Parkway. An additional 1,000+ spaces are available in the lot near Stir Cove and Dodge Riverside Golf Club at Harrah’s Boulevard and River Edge Service Road. Attendees can also walk or bike to Summerfest using the local trail system or Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. Bicycle parking will be available on site. Limited street parking is also available in nearby neighborhoods. Please expect traffic delays due to large crowds.

Community partners and support

Summerfest is free thanks to the support of many community partners including the City of Council Bluffs, the Iowa West Foundation, Back to the River, the Council Bluffs Public Library, Kiewit Luminarium, Charles E. Lakin YMCA, the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce, and Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE).

The City would also like to thank the Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation Department, the Council Bluffs Police Department, Council Bluffs Fire Department, Public Works Department, food vendors, market vendors, performers, and volunteers for helping bring Summerfest to life.

In the event of inclement weather, Summerfest will move to Saturday, June 6.