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ANNUAL EVENTS

Plan your trip around the biggest events of the year

Live to 9

Fri, Aug 7

Enjoy free live music, local food, and a lively summer atmosphere during Live to 9, Cedar Falls' popular Friday evening concert series in Downtown Cedar Falls.

Music & Praise Concert Series

Wed, Aug 19

Monthly gospel music concert series in the Cedar Valley.

Live to 9

Fri, Aug 21

Enjoy free live music, local food, and a lively summer atmosphere during Live to 9, Cedar Falls' popular Friday evening concert series in Downtown Cedar Falls.

Old Time Power Show

Aug 22-23

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

Midwest Muscle Fest

Sat, Aug 29

Midwest Muscle Fest is an annual natural bodybuilding competition featuring dedicated athletes, fitness fans, and supporters of the wellness community.

Downtown District Street Party

Sat, Aug 29

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.

Music & Praise Concert Series

Fri, Sep 11

Monthly gospel music concert series in the Cedar Valley.

ARTapalooza

Sun, Sep 13

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

Checker's Stone Soul Picnic

Sun, Sep 13

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

UNI Family Weekend

Sep 25-27

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

Lost Woods Music Festival

Sep 25-26

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.

Twisted Cross

Sep 26-27

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

Pear Fair

Sat, Sep 26

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.

Fast Track Trail Race

Sep 27-26

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.

Cemetery Walk

Sun, Sep 27

Historic cemetery walk sharing stories of Cedar Falls residents.

Girls' Night Out

Thu, Oct 1

An evening of shopping, dining, and downtown fun.

Pink Ribbon Run

Sat, Oct 3

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.

Bands of America Iowa Regional Championship

Sat, Oct 3

Watch outstanding high school marching bands compete at the UNI-Dome in one of the Midwest's premier music competitions.

UNI Homecoming

Oct 6-10

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.

Music & Praise Concert Series

Wed, Oct 7

Monthly gospel music concert series in the Cedar Valley.

UNI Homecoming Bash

Fri, Oct 9

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

UNI Homecoming Parade

Sat, Oct 10

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.

Trick or Treat in the District

Fri, Oct 30

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

Scott Sterrett Memorial Races

Sat, Nov 7

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.

Iowa High School Football Playoffs

Nov 11-20

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.

Iowa Thespian Festival

Nov 13-14

Celebrate theatre, creativity, and student talent at Iowa's premier high school theatre festival in Cedar Falls.

Merry Market

Nov 13-14

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.

Cranksgiving

Nov 15-14

Bike-powered food drive supporting local causes.

Festival of Trees

Nov 18-22

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

Downtown Holiday Stroll

Thu, Nov 19

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

Holiday Hoopla Kickoff

Nov 27-28

One of the most anticipated events of the holiday season!

Small Business Saturday

Sat, Nov 28

Shop local this Small Business Saturday.

Jingle & Mingle

Thu, Dec 3

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

Breakfast at the North Pole

Sat, Dec 5

Pancake breakfast with Santa and holiday friends.

Eat Drink and Be Merry

Dec 10-12

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.

Movie Magic

Sat, Dec 12

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

Baby It's Cold Outside

Thu, Dec 17

Holiday shopping event with live ice sculpting downtown.

Reindeer Games

Sat, Dec 19

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.

Iowa State Trap Shoot

July 14-19, 2026

Trap shoot drawing hundreds of competitors from multiple states.

AAU State Volleyball

March (TBD)

Watch talented youth volleyball teams compete for state titles in one of Iowa's premier volleyball tournaments.

Psychic & Paranormal Expo

March (TBD)

Explore the mysterious through psychic readings, paranormal exhibits, speakers, and unique vendors in Cedar Falls.

Volley in the Valley

February (TBD)

Youth volleyball competition featuring talented teams from across the Midwest in Cedar Falls.

Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) Championships

June (TBD)

Watch thousands of student athletes compete in one of the nation's largest scholastic shooting sports championships.

Iowa Boat, RV and Vacation Show

In January (TBD)

Explore boats, RVs, camping gear, and vacation ideas at one of Iowa's largest outdoor recreation shows.

Iowa Winter Games - Snowshoe Race & Fat Bike Race

February TBA, 2027

Winter Games race events for all ages and skill levels.

Maple Syrup Festival

March TBA, 2027

Annual maple syrup event with pancakes and sugar shack demonstrations.

NWCA National Duals

Jan 8-9, 2027

See elite collegiate wrestling teams compete at the UNI-Dome in one of the nation's premier dual meet tournaments.

UNI Overseas Teaching Fair

Jan 29-30, 2027

Meet international schools and explore teaching careers around the world at this nationally recognized education fair.

Mizuno UNI Dome Challenge

Jan 30-31, 2027

Watch top club volleyball teams compete at the UNI-Dome in one of the Midwest's premier volleyball tournaments.

IASI Age Group Championships

Feb 19-21, 2027

Watch Iowa's top young swimmers compete for championship titles at the Cedar Falls Community Natatorium.

Dann Schultz Memorial Snow Disc Tournament

Sat, Feb 20, 2027

Annual snow disc tournament held after the Super Bowl.

Cedar Falls Comic Con

Feb 27-28, 2027

Celebrate comics, movies, gaming, and pop culture at the Cedar Falls Comic Con Pop Culture Expo. Guest appearances, panels, vendors, cosplay, and a full weekend of fan-friendly fun in Cedar Falls.

Hawkeye Farm Show

Mar 2-4, 2027

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.

FIRST Robotics Competition Iowa Regional

Mar 25-27, 2027

Regional robotics competition featuring teams from across the region.

Iowa High School State Speech (Individual All-State)

Mon, Mar 29, 2027

Watch Iowa's top student performers showcase excellence in speech, theatre, and public speaking.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football High School

Apr 17-18, 2027

Top high school football teams compete in a fast-paced passing tournament at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.

MidAmerica 7v7 Football Youth

May 1-2, 2027

Watch young athletes showcase football skills during an exciting youth 7-on-7 tournament in Cedar Falls.

IGHSAU State Golf

May 27-28, 2027

Watch Iowa's best high school golfers compete for state championships at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course.

Hartman Summer Showcase

Jun 4-6, 2027

Enjoy competitive pickleball featuring players from across the Midwest at Cedar Falls' premier outdoor courts.

CVSC Moonlight Classic

Jun 5-6, 2027

Youth soccer teams from across the region compete at the Cedar Valley Soccer Complex in Cedar Falls.

BLST Summer Sizzler

Jul 8-11, 2027

Watch competitive swimmers from across the Midwest race at one of Cedar Falls' premier summer swim meets.

Ice Harvest Festival

Scheduled to return in 2028

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

GameOne Bowl

Held in December (TBD)

Watch talented high school football players compete in an exciting all-star showcase at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.

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