Annual Events
January 2014
Iowa Boat and Vacation Show Iowa's largest boat show, featuring cabin cruisers to fishing boats from over 25 Iowa dealers, plus motor homes, resorts and fishing tackle.
January 24-26, 2014. UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls. (319) 232-0218.
Wedding Extravaganza
28th Annual Wedding Extravaganza is a merchant sponsored show and is known as "Iowa's Ultimate Bridal Show. Doors open as noon, style show is at 2 pm. January TBD. Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, Waterloo.
February 2014
Premiere home and garden show with landscaped gardens, home remodelers, new home contractors, plus an extensive seminar schedule. February 7-9, 2014. Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, Waterloo. (319) 232-0218
E/xpo in the UNI Dome-Indoor Electric R/C Fun-Fly
This is an AMA sanctioned event, limited to the first 150 registered pilots. Events include non-competitive flying for all aircraft types and pilot skill levels; Open flying with special times for specific types of aircraft (i.e. slow flyers, scale, helicopter, combat and 3-D). The flying field is 120 yards long with a 158 foot ceiling over the entire flying arae. Flight line is 100 yards long. All models must have a flying weight of less than 20 oz. Manufacturer demonstration flying; vendors; lunch on-site. Registration fee, spectator fee.
February TBD. UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls.
March 2014
Maple Syrup Festival
This annual event includes a pancake breakfast and a visit to the sugar shack to learn how to make real maple syrup; from collecting the sap to boiling it down into syrup. Always the first Saturday and Sunday in March.
March 1-2, 2014. Hartman Reserve Nature Center, Cedar Falls, (319) 277-2187.
Beers to You
The Friends of the Gallagher-Bluedorn will host the fourth annual “Beers to You and Gourmet Too” gourmet food and beer tasting event. Sample more than 40 import, crafts, and specialty beers paired with gourmet small-plate offerings from the area’s finest food purveyors. Guests will have a chance to meet and hear from a special brew master and learn more about the fine art of brewing. Event proceeds help fund general programming and the Kaleidoscope Series.
March TBD. Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, Waterloo/ (319) 233-7560.
Hawkeye Farm Show Nearly 200 companies display over 500 lines of products and services which is attended by agricultural producers from a tri-state area. There are daily seminars by leading agricultural experts.
March 4-6, 2014. UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls.
e-mail:
fsusa@farmshowsusa.com. (507) 437-4577.
Eastern Iowa Sports Show Iowa's largest sport show features extensive displays of recreational vehicles, boats, hunting, fishing tackle, resorts, fishing camps and other summer activities. Seminars and Jungle Safari entertain and educate the family.
March 14-16, 2014. UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls. (319) 232-0218.
Enjoy great family fun in downtown Waterloo! Kids and their families can experience five full days of hands-on discovery and learning at a variety of attractions and museums for just $1 per person per attraction. March TBA. Locations in downtown Waterloo. (319) 291-4490.
Bunny Brunch
Join this local farming family for a horse-drawn wagon ride to a cabin in the woods for brunch with the Easter Bunny. Other activities include an egg hunt and pony rides. Reservations required. March TBD. Heritage Farm, 7731 Zaneta Road, Hudson, (319) 988-3734.
April 2013
Waverly Horse Sale
Visitors world wide attend this semi-annual sale at the Waverly Sale Barn. Hundreds of horses and all types of equipment are sold. Waverly, Iowa. April 2-5, 2013 and October 1-4, 2013. (319) 352-2804.
USA Wrestling National Tournament
Kids and Cadets Folkstyle Wrestling Tournament, UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls. Youth from all over the country. April 5-7, 2013. 319-268-4266
WOW Weekend
Enjoy a weekend getaway to shop, dine, drink, enjoy and STAY on Main Street. Twenty-eight participating merchants are sponsoring this year’s event. Throughout the weekend there will be special classes, and major discounts for registered guests. Registered guests will pick up their VIP card and goodie bag at a special merchant reception on Friday evening from 5–7pm. April 26-27, 2013. Main Street, Cedar Falls. (319) 277-0213.
May 2013
Cinco de Mayo
Celebrate Mexico’s rich culture with music, food and fun all with Mexican flair. May 4, 2013. RiverLoop EXPO Plaza, Waterloo, (319) 291-232-1909.
Cinco de Mayo
The Annual Cedar Falls Cinco de Mayo Celebration will be held in Seerley Park (West Seerley Boulevard and Iowa Street) on May 5, 2013 from 5pm to 9pm, (319) 850-8536. This event is co-sponsored by the College Hill Partnership and the Hearst Center for the Arts celebration for the Neighborhood. It has been a fun transition from the end of a busy school year to the start of summer!
KOKZ-COOL 105.7 4th Street Cruise
The 28th annual “cruisin’ the strip” event showcases cars cruising through downtown Waterloo from noon to 4 pm. Also a Shine ‘em Up—Show ‘em Off event the evening of Friday, May 25 on the National Cattle Congress grounds and Saturday evening sock hop at Electric Park Ballroom. May 25, 2013. Downtown 4th Street, Waterloo, (319) 234-2200.
My Waterloo Days Festival
A spectacular festival with fun for all ages! MWD presents a parade, fireworks show, top notch musical entertainment, 5K Fun Run, Dragon Boats, carnival rides, dozens of children’s activities and more. All events free! May 30 - June 2, 2013. Downtown Waterloo, (319) 233-8431
June
Cedar Falls Municipal Band
Free open-air concerts on the bandshell at Overman Park. Every Tuesday in June & July, 7:30 p.m. Overman Park, 2nd & Franklin St., Cedar Falls.
Cedar Valley Soccer Moonlight Classic
The Moonlight Classic Tournament is a unique tournament offered by the CVYSA. Designed for travel/competitive teams, the Moonlight Classic provides an opportunity for teams to enjoy playing under the lights! Playing under the lights, on some of the best soccer fields in the State, is a great memory for all the players and their fans. June 7-9, 2013. Cedar Valley Soccer Complex, Waterloo.
Solar Splash
The World Championship of Intercollegiate Solar Boating! Hosted by the University of Northern Iowa and the City of Cedar Falls at Wyth Lake in beautiful George Wyth Memorial State Park. June 12-16, 2013. George Wyth State Park, Waterloo.
College Hill Arts Festival
Juried arts festival showcasing over 75 Midwest artists presenting original works in various media. Performing arts events are presented in a traditional, open-air campus setting to enliven the festival. June 14-15, 2013. University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. (319) 277-4972.
Sturgis Falls Celebrations & The Cedar Basin Jazz Festival
The sound of over 20 bands playing jazz, country, rock-n-roll and blues music fills the air in three city parks. Other features include a parade, street fair, carnival, talent contest and continuous entertainment. ALWAYS THE LAST FULL WEEKEND of June. June 27, 28, 29, 30, 2013. Overman Park, Sturgis Park, Tourist Park, Gateway Park, Cedar Falls.
(319) 277-0996 or (800) 845-1955.
July
Rooftop Jazz & Blues
Celebrate the 4th of July with live music, food, and beverages aside the river atop the Waterloo Center for the Arts. TBA, 2013. Waterloo Center for the Arts, Waterloo. (319) 291-4490,
Cedar Valley Jaycees Fireworks Festival
This annual festival commemorates the freedoms we all enjoy with wonderful food, amazing fireworks and great live music in to the night. Admission is free. July 5 - 6, 2013. National Cattle Congress Grounds, Waterloo (319) 226-4836.
Two-Cylinder Tractor Expo XIX
Over 600 antique and vintage tractors will be on display at the historic John Deere inspired event. Events include a swap meet, memorabilia displays and an auction. A treat for all John Deere enthusiasts as well as those inspired by the area’s rich agricultural history. July 11-13, 2013. National Cattle Congress Grounds, Waterloo, (888) 782-2582.
Praisefest 2013 (Formerly Singin' In the Cedar Valley)
Enjoy a week of great gospel music. Nightly concerts feature the best in Midwest gospel groups. Special concerts feature popular nationally known groups. July 15-20, 2013. Riverview Conference Center, Cedar Falls. (319) 268-0787.
Cedar Falls Garden Tour
Enjoy an afternoon of spectacular scenery as you stroll through beautiful and enriching gardens. Local historic figure, Peter Melendy referred to Cedar Falls as the Garden City of Iowa and that tradition still holds true today. July 17, 2013. (319) 266-5149.
Waterloo Jaycees Greater Waterloo Open
Iowa’s oldest and largest golf tournament draws over 150 professionals and 200 amateurs each year. Hundreds of spectators and golfers gather to watch, participate and hope for the chance to meet some of the greats. July 18-21, 2013. Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course at Byrnes Park, Waterloo. (319) 291-4370.
Promise Keepers
Men of faith gather for inspirational speakers, music and reflection. July 19-20, 2013. McLeod Center, Cedar Falls. (833) 776-6473.
BBQ’LOO & Blues Too
2012 brings the 9th Annual BBQ Rib competition cook-off. The Kansas City Barbeque Society has sanctioned this as a qualifying event. Additional features include a chili cook-off and live rockin’ blues. Event open to the public. Free activities and entertainment. July 19-20, 2013. Lincoln Park, Waterloo. (319) 291-2038.
The Cedar Valley Chamber Music Festival
Enjoy chamber music performed by local and visiting artists in a variety of different settings throughout the Cedar Valley. See website for performence times and locations. July 19, 20, 24 & 28, 2013. Various locations. (319) 481-8590.
Iowa State Trap Shoot
Over 500 gun enthusiasts from 15 states compete for money and prizes at this event hosted by the Cedar Falls Gun Club. July 24-28, 2013. (319) 268-4266.
Iowa Shrine Bowl Football Game
A week of special events surrounding this prestigious event culminates with a parade and championship game. July 27, 2013. UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls. (319) 493-5371.
Cedar Falls Bible Conference 
One of America's largest Bible Conferences, this event presents a tremendous program with nationally renowned biblical scholars, speakers, and well-known religious musicians. Last Sunday of July through the first Sunday of August; July 27 - August 4, 2013. Riverview Conference Center, Cedar Falls. (319) 268-0787
August
Iowa Irish Fest
The Cedar Valley Irish Cultural Association is holding the 4th Annual Iowa Irish Fest in an around the Lincoln Park area and East 4th and Mulberry Streets in downtown Waterloo. Iowa’s only large-scale Celtic festival boasts three stages of music and entertainment, Celtic gifts, food and highland games. Everyone is Irish during this fabulous weekend! August 2-4, 2013. Lincoln Park, Waterloo, (319) 233-8350 or (800) 728-8431,
Cedar Trails Festival
A celebration that includes bike rides, music, a fun-run and much more! Featuring a beautiful candlelit night ride. Family entertainment for all ages. Second weekend in August- August 9-11, 2013. Cedar Falls metro Area Trails. (319) 268-4266 or (800) 845-1955
Stem & Stein
Join the fun at the 2nd Annual Stem & Stein Food, Beer and Wine Fest. The festival will feature samples of fine gourmet food, beer and wine, with an emphasis on the extremely talented Cedar Valley chefs and superior food and beverage products made in Iowa. August 16, 2013. Riverloop Amphitheatre, Waterloo. (319) 291-4490.
Old Time Power Show
Step back to a time of steam engines, threshing, and old time fun. Live demonstrations, museum, tractor pulls, Parade of Power, huge flea market, and lots of food! Daily Admission charged; 12 & under FREE. August 16-18, 2013. Antique Acres, 7620 Waverly Road, Cedar Falls. (319) 987-2380
DIRECTIONS: Located 4 1/2 miles north of Cedar Falls on OLD Highway 218 OR take NEW Highway 218 (Avenue of the Saints) North of Cedar Falls 4 1/2 miles and then C-57 1 mile west and then go 1/2 mile south on Waverly Road.
September
ARTapalooza
Fantastic juried art show held on our Great American Main Street, downtown Cedar Falls. September 7, 2013. (319) 277-0213.
Park to Park Half Marathon
The Park to Park half marathon and 5K are two of the area’s premier races. The courses are set up on paved recreation trails, primarily winding through scenic woods, along the Cedar River, and through four different parks. The courses are USATF certified, mainly flat and offer great opportunity for runners to achieve excellent times and set course records. The atmosphere surrounding the races is second to-none and offers runners and spectators an unrivaled experience. September 7, 2013. George Wyth State Park, Waterloo.
102nd Annual National Cattle Congress
This historic Waterloo fair has a deep tradition of bringing entertainment and agriculture together! Carnival rides, livestock shows, exhibits, family entertainment, live music and PRCA Rodeo make this the event for all! Gates open daily at 9:30am. September 11-15, 2013. NCC Grounds, Waterloo, (319) 234-7515.
Fall Harvest Festival & Scarecrow Contest
Activities for the entire family! Corn maze, nature crafts, shoppers village, entertainment, scarecrow auction. Relive prairie days in the Prairie Village! September 15, 2013. Always the third Sunday in September. 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 1927 E. Orange Road, Waterloo. (319) 226-4966.
3rd Annual Cedar Valley Oktoberfest
Enjoy Bavarian and local bands, food vendors and kid's activities. Participants can also take part in the Keg Toss, Stein Hoist, Hammerschlagen and more. September 20-21, 2013 (Tentatve). Gateway Park, Cedar Falls. (319) 277-1918.
October
Waverly Horse Sale
Visitors world wide attend this semi-annual sale at the Waverly Sale Barn. Hundreds of horses and all types of equipment are sold. Waverly, Iowa. October 1-4, 2013. (319) 352-2804.
Halloween Hikes
Guests enjoy a Halloween hike through the woods with non-scary characters in a fun performance. Hikes begin at 6 pm and leave every 15 minutes. Designed for the whole family, Halloween Hikes are complete with lighted trails and nature-related stories. Following the hikes warm up with hot cocoa, cider and treats while you vote for your favorite pumpkin in the annual contest. Costumes are welcome Register early, sells out fast. October 9-11, 2013. Hartman Reserve nature Center, Cedar Falls. (319) 277-2187.
Strolling with the Spirits
Historic cedar Valley characters come to life among the eerie gravestones of the Waterloo cemeteries. Come out and meet them…if you dare! October TBA, 2013. Waterloo Cemeteries, (319) 234-6357.
Cedar Falls Historical Society Cemetery Walk
Each year the Historical Society selects a different Cedar Falls Historical Cemetery for their annual walk, visiting ancestors of the community, some who have eerily come to life! October 20, 2013. Cedar Falls Historical Society, Cedar Falls, (319) 266-5149.
Annual Arts & Crafts Show
One of the largest arts & crafts shows in the state. Furniture, pottery, wood, jewelry, clothing and much more. Admission charge. 9-5 Saturday and 9-4 Sunday. October 26-27, 2013. UNI-Dome, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls. (563) 652-4529 or (319) 273-DOME.
Northeast Iowa Steel Guitar
The 18th Annual Show will showcase the steel guitar in several musical genres including country, swing, blues, jazz, gospel and pop. 30 artists from more than six Midwestern states will perform and many more will be making grooves on the dance floor! October 25-27, 2013. Electric Park Ballroom, Waterloo, (563) 422-3293.
Halloween on Main
Downtown merchants open their doors for trick or treators, preschoolers through sixth graders are welcome. October 31, 2013. Downtown Cedar Falls. (319) 277-0213.
November
Iowa High School Football Playoffs
Iowa high school football teams battle it out to be the best in the state. First 3 weeks in November. UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls.
(319) 268-4266.
8TH Annual Five Sullivan Brothers 10K & 5K Run
USATF Certified 5K and 10K races take place downtown Waterloo and serve as a memorial to the Five Sullivan Brothers and to all veterans serving or who have served in the armed forces. The races also feature a “Military Challenge” pitting branches of the armed forces against one another in friendly competition. November 2, 2013. River Plaza 10 W. 4th St., Waterloo, (319) 233-8350 or 800-728-8431.
Holiday and Fine Arts and Crafts Sale
Find the perfect, one-of-a-kind holiday gift or feature for your home at this juried fine arts and crafts sale featuring works from over 60 Midwestern artists. Other activities include holiday entertainment, demonstrations, live music, and delicious food. November 9 & 10, 2013. Waterloo Center for the Arts, Waterloo,. (319) 291-4490.
Holiday Hoopla
Join the merchants in downtown Cedar Falls as the Grand Holiday Hoopla gets underway, kicking off a month of hoopla downtown! Santa’s Workshop on the corner of 4th and Main officially opens. Santa will arrive on Main in some dramatic fashion, kicking off the Hoopla! Enjoy live music, lighting of the tree, seasonal characters, plenty of fun for the entire family! November 29, 2013. Downtown Main Street, CedarFalls. (319) 277-0213.
December
Christmas Walk
The Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum and the George Wyth House Museum will be open and beautifully decorated for the holidays! Free and open to the public, refreshments will be served and a variety of special entertainment offered at both sites. The lighting of the Sturgis Falls Christmas Tree in Overman Park will take place during this event as well as other holiday activities. December 1, 2013. Cedar Falls Historical Society, 308 West Third Street, Cedar Falls.
(319) 266-5149
Holiday Hoopla Continues with "Magical Lights, Magical Nights
The Hoopla continues with Jingle and Mingle on Main merchant Open Houses, Carolers, Trolley Rides on December 5th; Breakfast with Santa on December 7th; Holiday Cheers, Trolley rRdes and more on December 12th; Santa's Snow Shuffle 5 K Run on December 14th; Baby It's Cold Outside Santa Beard Contest, Ice Carving, and Trolley Rides on December 19th; and Movie Magic at the Oster Regent Theatre on the 21st. December 5,12,14,19,21, 2013. Downtown Main Street, Cedar Falls. (319) 277-0213.
Breakfast with Santa
Experience the magic of winter as you take a horse-drawn sleigh ride to a cabin in the woods for breakfast with Santa and his helpers. Ride ponies and meet baby animals in the historic heated barn. Reservations required. December 7, 14, 21, 2013. Heritage Farm, Hudson, (319) 988-3734.
Winter Wonderloo
Brighten your holidays with Santa’s Workshop. Elve’s shopping spree gives little ones the chance to pick out affordable gifts for friends and family. Additional events include crafts, entertainment, free hay rack rides and fireworks over the Cedar River between 4th and 5th Street at 6:15pm. Call for location details. December 14, 2013. Downtown Waterloo, (319) 291-2038.
On Going Events
Bingo
Pepsi Pavilion, National Cattle Congress Grounds 
, Waterloo. Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays.
(319) 234-7515
Senior Singers
Waterloo Center for the Arts, Waterloo. (319) 291-4490. Tuesdays 1 - 3 p.m. Join this free informal chorus. No dues or registration required, just drop in. Newcomers always welcome.
Farmers Markets
Vendors offer fresh produce, plants, baked goods and crafts - all locally grown or produced. For more information visit: Farmers Market Information
Downtown Cedar Falls Farmers Market Between Franklin and Clay Street on Third Street,
Cedar Falls
Saturday mornings, 8:30 a.m. - noon, May - October. (319) 266-8189
Downtown Waterloo Farmers Market Riverloop Expo Plaza, 460 Jefferson St., Waterloo
Saturday mornings, 8 a.m. - noon, May 15 - October. (319) 291-2038
Thursdays, 4-7 pm, May 15 - October. (319) 291-2038
Kimball Ridge Family Market NE Corner of Kimball & Ridgeway Ave., Waterloo.
Saturday Mornings 8 am - Noon, May thru October. (319) 478-8624
Cedar Valley at Kimball Ridge Farmers Market Corner of Kimball and Ridgeway in Waterloo, behind the Cancer Treatment Center & KFC
Tuesdays from 3:30 - 6:30 p.m., May - October. (319) 822-2464
Evansdale Farmers Market 3520 Lafayette Street, Evansdale
Wednesdays from 3 - 6 p.m., May - October. (319) 291-6109
College Hill Farmers Market Parking lot at 2205 College St, Cedar Falls
Thursdays,4-6 p.m., June - October (319) 273-7883
La Porte City Farmers Market La Porte City Park, La Porte City
Fridays, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. June 27 - October. (319) 342-2476