WEEKENDER BLOG

It’s time for the 47th annual Sturgis Falls Celebration and the 2023 Cedar Basin Music Festival. Both events are June 22-25, 2023.
 

Sturgis Falls Celebration: It's "For Kids of All Ages!"

The Sturgis Falls Celebration in Cedar Falls is the largest, completely free annual city celebration in the state of Iowa. That means there is no admission to any of the parks, concerts or stage events! Every year, classes reunite, and visitors arrive to enjoy the parade, the Arts & Crafts Fair, and multiple stages featuring more than 30 bands.

Out of this world! 

Cedar Falls native and NASA astronaut Raja Chari will serve as celebrity grand marshal of the Sturgis Falls Parade on June 24. 
Appearances on June 23:
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Overman Park: Public presentation about his work with NASA and presentation of key to the City from   
6 p.m. Opening Ceremonies at Overman Park: Welcome and speak briefly. 

Appearances on June 24:
9:30 a.m. along parade route: Parade of dignitaries
3:30 p.m. at the Kidsway Tent, Overman Park: Children will have a special opportunity to hear from the astronaut
7 p.m. at Overman Park stage: Chari will make short remarks as he introduces the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band’s performance

With three days of activities held at three parks near downtown Cedar Falls, there’s something for everyone at Sturgis Falls!
 

Overman Park is a hub of activity. Not only is it home to a variety of entertainment on the band shell stage (including the Bill Riley Talent Search, Sweet Adelines, Cedar Falls Community Theatre, CB & Company, Milk and Honey, and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band to name a few), kids will find activities and shows just for them at the Kidsway Stage. On Sunday, the streets surrounding Overman Park will be filled with 70 vendors at the annual Arts & Crafts Fair from 10 am until 4 pm. Also, you won’t go hungry at Sturgis Falls. You can buy food tickets and enjoy sandwiches, breakfast burritos, pretzels, pizza, smoothies, funnel cakes, and more from a variety of food vendors surrounding the park.
 

Cross the river from downtown Cedar Falls to Gateway Park and you’ll find the Gateway Park Stage, home to rhythm and blues and rock and roll. Among others, featured artists will include Bad Habits Band, Arch Allies, Sideshow Bob, Stackhouse, Sixteen Candles Band, and more. While on your way to the stage, be sure to browse through the Gateway Market. And Merriam’s Midway Shows will light up the night with carnival rides beginning Thursday night, June 22, at 5 pm. Thursday – Saturday, rides will run until 11 pm. Single-ride tickets are $1. 

Photo courtesy Waterloo Courier

The Cedar Basin Music Festival takes place June 22-25 and will have bands playing on two stages in Sturgis Park (behind the Ice House Museum) and at NewAldaya in Cedar Falls (7511 University Avenue).The stages at Sturgis Park will include bands such Jay Allen, Birdchild, and Pork Tornadoes. NewAldaya will host several jazz bands including the St. Louis Stompers, Saints All-Star Dixieland Band, and Hartsmith. You’ll be enjoying jazz, rock, folk, and country music throughout the weekend!  

Need more information? Check out the Sturgis Falls Celebration and Cedar Basin Music Festival's websites. T-shirts will be available during the Sturgis Falls Celebration at their tent in Overman Park or available prior to Sturgis Falls at Worlds Window in downtown Cedar Falls.  

Want more ideas of places to visit while in Cedar Falls? Give us a call at the Cedar Falls Visitor Center. We can be reached at 319-268-4266. Or, stop by the Cedar Falls Visitor Center. We’re open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.

We’d be happy to help you!