Annual Events | Cedar Falls Tourism

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January

NWCA National Duals

January TBA, 2027

Multi-division national dual meet wrestling championships.

Iowa Boat, RV and Vacation Show

January TBA, 2027

Large show featuring boats, RVs, resorts, and fishing gear.

FEBRUARY

Ice Harvest Festival

Historical society event celebrating Cedar Falls' ice-harvesting history.

January TBA, 2027

Iowa Winter Games - Snowshoe Race & Fat Bike Race

Winter Games race events for all ages and skill levels.

January TBA, 2027

Dann Schultz Memorial Snow Disc Tournament

Annual snow disc tournament held after the Super Bowl.

January TBA, 2027

MARCH

Hawkeye Farm Show

One of the Midwest’s largest indoor ag events, the Hawkeye Farm Show brings hundreds of exhibitors, hands-on equipment displays, and the latest farming technology to the UNI-Dome.

January TBA, 2027

Maple Syrup Festival

Annual maple syrup event with pancakes and sugar shack demonstrations.

January TBA, 2027

Eastern Iowa Sports Show

Large sports show with boats, RVs, hunting, fishing, and resorts.

January TBA, 2027

FIRST Robotics Competition Iowa Regional

Regional robotics competition featuring teams from across the region.

January TBA, 2027

APRIL

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

January TBA, 2027

Fool's 5k/10k

Flat and fast 5K and 10K race kicking off the season.

January TBA, 2027

Iowa Eats Food & Drink Festival

One-day celebration of Iowa food, drink, chefs, authors, and agriculture.

January TBA, 2027

RodCon

Mini comic book convention celebrating comics, gaming, anime, sci-fi, and pop culture.

January TBA, 2027

Music & Praise Concert Series

Monthly gospel music concert series in the Cedar Valley.

January TBA, 2027

Trout Stocking Family & Kids Day

Family fishing day with trout stocking and outdoor fun.

January TBA, 2027

MAY

FREE Comic Book Day at THE CORE

Costumes, comics, and a free comic book for fans.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Spectrum JamFest

Free outdoor live music event featuring local youth and school bands.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

CVC Ride of Silence

Silent community bike ride honoring cyclists killed or injured on roadways.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

June

Cedar Falls Municipal Band

Free open-air band concerts on Tuesday evenings in summer.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Girls' Night Out

An evening of shopping, dining, and downtown fun.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Hartman Summer Showcase Tournament

Annual pickleball tournament with prize money and a growing field.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Cedar Valley Cup

Three-day soccer tournament with more than 1,600 participants.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

The Bridges Ride

National Trails Day ride celebrating bridge repair and replacement efforts.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Cedar Valley Soccer Moonlight Classic

Soccer tournament where travel teams play under the lights.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) Championships

State clay target championships for rookie, intermediate, and senior student divisions.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Fireworks Over the Dome

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of fireworks, music, and community at Fireworks Over the Dome. Held at the UNI-Dome, this annual celebration draws families and friends together for one of the area's largest fireworks shows.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Sturgis Falls Celebration

Signature community celebration with live music, parade, carnival, races, and more.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Cedar Basin Music Festival

Free annual music festival with multiple stages.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Tour de Sturgis Falls Ride

Annual bicycle ride with 25-mile and 50-mile route options.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Sturgis Falls 5k/10k

Popular race held during Sturgis Falls and part of the Triple Crown series.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

JULY

Iowa State Trap Shoot

Trap shoot drawing hundreds of competitors from multiple states.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Black Hawk County 4-H Fair

County fair with exhibits and farm animals raised by local 4-H youth.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Iowa Shrine Bowl Football Game

Prestigious football event with a week of special activities.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

The Cedar Valley Chamber Music Festival

Chamber music performances by local and visiting artists.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

Cedar Falls Bible Conference

Large Bible conference with renowned scholars, speakers, and musicians.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Back 2 Ballin Youth

AUGUST

Old Time Power Show

Weekend of steam engines, tractor pulls, demonstrations, and old-time fun.

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Downtown District Street Party

Celebrate the end summer in the heart of downtown Cedar Falls with live music, outdoor dining, local shopping, food and drinks, and a lively street festival atmosphere for all ages.

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SEPTEMBER

ARTapalooza

Lively celebration of local creativity, filling downtown Cedar Falls with art, music, and hands-on fun for all ages.

ARTapalooza

Checker's Stone Soul Picnic

Community picnic with live entertainment, food, and kids activities.

Checker's Stone Soul Picnic

Fast Track Trail Race

Challenge yourself on the scenic trails of George Wyth State Park during the Fast Track Trail Race, featuring 13K and 25K distances through fast, flowing single-track terrain.

Fast Track Trail Race

UNI Family Weekend

Celebrate Panther pride during UNI Family Weekend with campus activities, athletic events, entertainment, and opportunities for families to experience student life together.

UNI Family Weekend

George Wyth Mountain Bike Race

Annual mountain bike race presented by CVAST.

George Wyth Mountain Bike Race

Twisted Cross

Twisted Cross brings fast, fun, beginner-friendly cyclocross racing to Cedar Falls, with multiple categories and age groups for riders of all experience levels.

Twisted Cross

Pear Fair

The Pear Fair is a September indie craft fair on College Hill in Cedar Falls, featuring handmade goods, local makers, food, and a fun neighborhood atmosphere.

Pear Fair

Lost Woods Music Festival

Immerse yourself in the magic of Lost Woods Music Festival, an intimate outdoor music experience featuring live indie artists, art installations, food, and an unforgettable forest setting in Cedar Falls.

Lost Woods Music Festival

Cemetery Walk

Historic cemetery walk sharing stories of Cedar Falls residents.

Cemetery Walk

OCTOBER

UNI Homecoming Bash

Kick off UNI Homecoming weekend at the UNI Homecoming Bash with Panther spirit, campus energy, and a fun crowd ready to celebrate.

ARTapalooza

UNI Homecoming Parade

Cheer on the UNI Homecoming Parade as Panther pride rolls through Cedar Falls with marching bands, floats, spirit squads, and plenty of purple and gold.

ARTapalooza

Cedar Falls Historic Preservation Commission Architectural Tour

Annual guided architectural walking tour highlighting a local neighborhood.

ARTapalooza

Pink Ribbon Run

The Annual Pink Ribbon Run is a yearly Cedar Falls event that brings the community together to support breast cancer awareness, honor survivors, remember loved ones, and show local support through a meaningful run or walk.

ARTapalooza

Quad Con

Family-friendly pop culture event with comics, games, and cosplay.

ARTapalooza

UNI Homecoming

UNI Homecoming brings Panther pride to Cedar Falls each fall with a full week of campus traditions, alumni gatherings, student events, and community celebrations. From the parade and pep-filled activities to time with friends, family, and fellow Panthers, it’s a chance to come together and celebrate UNI.

ARTapalooza

Halloween Comic Fest at The CORE

Free comics and a costume contest for Halloween season.

ARTapalooza

Trick or Treat in the District

Downtown trick-or-treat event for preschoolers through sixth graders.

ARTapalooza

NOVEMBER

Merry Market

Kick off the Christmas season at this annual festive holiday event in November. Shop handmade goods, boutique finds, gifts, treats, and holiday favorites from local vendors, all in one place. Bring your friends or the family and enjoy a fun day of holiday shopping.

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Scott Sterrett Memorial Races

The Scott Sterrett Memorial Race Weekend brings runners to downtown Cedar Falls for a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and relay while honoring Scott Sterrett’s service and supporting local first responder scholarships.

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Iowa High School Football Playoffs

The IHSAA State Football Playoffs are held each year at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls. Iowa high school teams, students, families, and fans gather for playoff and championship games in one of the state’s most recognizable football venues.

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Downtown Ingredients

Holiday shopping and dining weekend with recipe card collecting.

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Cranksgiving

Bike-powered food drive supporting local causes.

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Festival of Trees

Beloved annual festival showcasing decorated trees, wreaths, lanterns, and special events.

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Downtown Holiday Stroll

Holiday open house night with shopping, treats, and trolley rides.

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Holiday Hoopla Kickoff

One of the most anticipated events of the holiday season!

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Small Business Saturday

Shop local this Small Business Saturday.

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DECEMBER

Reindeer Games

Help Santa and his reindeer get ready for their Christmas Eve flight during this festive Holiday Hoopla event in Cedar Falls. Stop by Saturday morning for games, activities, treats, and a special trolley surprise.

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Movie Magic

Enjoy a free showing of a family-favorite movie at the historic Oster Regent Theatre.

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Eat Drink and Be Merry

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry invites you downtown for a festive evening of seasonal sips, bites, and holiday fun. Visit participating locations, try featured menu items, and mark them off on your BINGO card for a chance to win a prize.

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Jingle & Mingle

Stroll the sidewalks, shop local, take in the holiday lights, and enjoy festive activities for kids and families throughout the evening.

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Breakfast at the North Pole

Pancake breakfast with Santa and holiday friends.

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Woodland Wonderland

Annual December event with stories, crafts, photo spots, Santa’s backup “reindeer” (goats), plus cookies and hot cocoa.

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Baby It's Cold Outside

Holiday shopping event with live ice sculpting downtown.

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