Annual Events

Plan ahead for the biggest events of the year in Cedar Falls (listed by month).

November 2024

Scott Sterrett Memorial Races 
Annual races include 5k, 10k, scenic Half Marathon and new in 2023 a 2-4 person Half Marathon relay. Third and final race of Fast Track Racing's Triple Crown. November 2, 2024. Cedar Falls.

Iowa High School Football Playoffs 
Iowa high school football teams battle it out to be the best in the state. Semifinals, and finals, November 13-16 &
21-22, 2024. UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls. 319-268-4266

Cranksgiving 
Cranksgiving is an event started in New York City in 1999. By using cyclists to gather food items for area homeless and hungry a new tradition was born. The Cedar Valley's very own food drive on a bike started in 2009 and is Iowa's longest running Cranksgiving event. All you'll need is a bike, bag, lock, a little money, and a big smile. Proceeds from the event go to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank or the Cedar Bend Humane Society. November 16, 2024. SingleSpeed Brewing, Cedar Falls. 319-266-5979

Festival of Trees
Since 1989, MercyOne Festival of Trees has grown and evolved into one of the Cedar Valley’s most cherished annual events. The week long event not only showcases decorated trees, wreaths and lanterns, it also hosts special events. The festival serves as a fundraiser to support MercyOne hospital through the hospital's Auxiliary membership. November 19-24, 2024. Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Cedar Falls. 319-268-3161.

Holiday Hoopla Kickoff
Join the merchants in downtown Cedar Falls as Holiday Hoopla gets underway with Santa's big arrival on Friday, November 29, 2024, kicking off a month of hoopla events in the Cedar Falls Downtown District! Special Hoopla events take place November 29 thru December 21, 2024. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213.

Small Business Saturday
Enjoy this day with downtown Cedar Falls! There will be plenty of fun and frivolity as you celebrate the power of shopping locally with our area small businesses. November 30, 2024. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213

Santa's Workshop (Holiday Hoopla)
Visit Santa and his elves at River Place Plaza. Don't forget to bring your letter to Santa with return address included so Santa can send you his reply. November 30, 2024; 10am-1pm. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213. 

December 2024

Santa's Workshop & Trolley Rides - Thursdays (Holiday Hoopla)
Visit Santa and his elves at River Place Plaza. Don't forget to bring your letter to Santa with return address included so Santa can send you his reply. The Trolley does a loop from the Cedar Falls Community Center and the River Place Plaza. You are encouraged to park at the Community Center or surrounding financial institutions and check out the beautiful lights, smell of the garland and wonderful caroling as you enjoy the trolley. December 5, 12, 19, 2024;
6-8pm. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213.

Jingle & Mingle (Holiday Hoopla)
Enjoy merchant open houses, stroll the sidewalks, smell the fresh greenery and enjoy the sparkle of holiday lights. December 5, 2024. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213.  

Breakfast at the North Pole (Holiday Hoopla)
Pancakes will be flying high during Breakfast at the North Pole at the Cedar Falls Community Center. Enjoy sausage, coffee, beverages, and stacks of pancakes with plenty of syrup! Santa and all his favorite holiday friends will be there to join in on the fun all morning. December 7, 2024. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213. 

Woodland Wonderland
Holiday-inspired family activities, live reindeer, photo opportunities, and more. Registration and more details are available beginning November 1st and can found HERE (click the "events" button). December 7 & 14, 2024. Hartman Reserve, Cedar Falls. 319-277-2187

Santa's Workshop - Saturdays (Holiday Hoopla)
Visit Santa and his elves at River Place Plaza. Don't forget to bring your letter to Santa with return address included so Santa can send you his reply. December 7, 14, 21, 2024; 10am-1pm. Downtown District, Cedar Falls.
319-277-0213. 

Eat, Drink & Be Merry (Holiday Hoopla)
A different spin on Hoopla Cheer--Eat, Drink & Be merry will be a fun event happening December 12-14! You will receive a bingo card of all the drinks and/or specials at each participating bar & restaurant. You will have all weekend long to get it completed instead of just one night. December 12-14, 2024. Downtown District, Cedar Falls.
319-277-0213

Movie Magic (Holiday Hoopla)
Enjoy a free showing of Elf in the nostalgic Oster Regent Theatre in the Cedar Falls Downtown District. December 14, 2024; 10am. Oster Regent Theatre, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213. 

Baby It's Cold Outside (Holiday Hoopla)
The streets of the Cedar Falls Downtown District come alive with holiday magic. Shop and then watch as ice sculptors create delicate works of art with their chainsaws. December 19, 2024. Downtown District, Cedar Falls.
319-277-0213.

Reindeer Games (Holiday Hoopla)
The streets of downtown Cedar Falls will be alive with Reindeer Games hosted by select downtown Cedar Falls businesses. December 21, 2024. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213.

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2025 Events 

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January 2025

NWCA National Duals
The NWCA/USMC Multi-Division National Dual Meet Championships, presented by A Better Way Athletics, Capitol Construction, and Defense Soap. The event will feature a highly competitive field, with teams from six divisions: NAIA Men, NAIA Women, NCAA D1 Men, NCAA D2 Men, NCAA D3 Men, and NCAA Women. UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls. January 10-11, 2025.

Iowa Boat, RV 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. UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls. 319-290-1996. January 24-26, 2025.

February 2025

Ice Harvest Festival 
The Cedar Falls Historical Society will bring history alive, celebrate the ice-harvesting industry in long ago Cedar Falls and promote their historic Ice House Museum at the Ice Harvest Festival. Activities are  FREE and may include ice-harvesting and ice-carving demonstrations, STEM and outdoor fun, photo-ops, ice fishing and blacksmithing presentations, and more. February 1, 2025; 10:00 am-3:00 pm. Big Woods Lake, north shore. 319-266-5149

Iowa Winter Games - Snowshoe Race & Fat Bike Race
The Iowa Winter Games are held in various communities in Iowa. George Wyth State Park is host to the Snowshoe Race and Fat Bike Race. If there is no snow the day of the event the Snow Shoe Race will be a trail run. All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in the events. February 15, 2025. George Wyth State Park. 

Dann Schultz Memorial Snow Disc Tournament
Annual flighted tournament held the first Saturday after the Super Bowl. February 15, 2025. Tourist Park.

Hawkeye Farm Show 
More than 250 companies display over 800 lines of products and services at the UNI-Dome. Join over 18,000 agricultural producers from Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin to review the latest technologies in agriculture. Attend daily seminars by leading experts. Free admission and parking. February 25-27, 2025 (9:00 am - 4:00 pm daily). UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls.  507-437-7969.

March 2025

Sticky Stride 5k/10k
This annual event will occur rain or shine...or snow! Choose from 5k, 10k, or kids 2.5k timed races. Hartman Reserve Nature Center, Cedar Falls. March TBA, 2025. 319-277-2187.

Maple Syrup Festival
This annual event will include 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. Reservations are required. Hartman Reserve Nature Center, Cedar Falls. March 14-16, 2025. 319-277-2187.

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, 2025. UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls. 319-290-1996.

FIRST Robotics Competition Iowa Regional
Watch the robotic wonders created by teams from throughout the region as they come to the Cedar Valley to compete in this unique event. UNI-Dome and the McLeod Center. March 27-29, 2025. 
319-273-7050.

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. March 26-28, 2025. 319-352-2804.

April 2025

Hops: Iowa Craft Beer Tasting
Held annually in April, this is the premier beer sampling sell out event in the Cedar Valley. Enjoy yourself as you hop around the Cedar Falls Downtown District sampling beer from around the state. April TBA, 2025. 319-277-0213.

Fool's 5k/10k
This flat and fast course is a great start to your racing season. This event is one of three races which is part of Fast Track Racking's Triple Crown. April TBA, 2025. George Wyth State Park, Waterloo. 

Iowa Eats Food & Drink Festival
A one-day celebration benefitting Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area features Iowa foods, beverages, chefs, authors and AG products. Waterloo Convention Center. April 5, 2025. 319-234-4567.

RodCon
RodCon is a mini comic book convention celebrating all things comic books, gaming, pop culture, anime and science fiction in a fun, high-energy and inclusive environment. April 5, 2025. Rod Library (UNI), Cedar Falls. 

Trout Stocking Family & Kids Day
Bring the kids and enjoy a day of fishing fun. The Cedar Valley Walleye Club and SCHEELS along with the Iowa DNR and Cedar Falls Parks Department will stock North Prairie Lake with trout. April TBA, 2025. North Prairie Lake (Viking & Hudson Road). 

May 2025

Girls' Night Out
Enjoy a fun evening of shopping, dining and making memories the first Thursday (and Friday and Saturday) in May and October from 5-9 pm. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. May 1, 2025. 319-277-0213.

CVC Ride of Silence
The Ride of Silence is a World Wide event with cyclists taking to the roads in a silent procession to honor cyclists who have been killed or injured while cycling on public roadways. This is a free registered ride, with a pace no faster than 11-12 mph. All cyclists will be required to wear helmets and red rear and white front blinking lights are recommended. The group will ride in total silence in remembrance and to raise the awareness that cyclists have a legal right on public roadways. May TBA, 2025. Overman Park, corner of 2nd and Franklin Streets, Cedar Falls.

Spectrum JamFest
FREE outdoor live music event showcasing local youth and school bands. Proceeds and donations go to fund the Spectrum Project. May 17, 2025. River Place Plaza, Cedar Falls.

Veterans Memorial Day Parade
The annual Memorial Day Parade is held in downtown Waterloo. May 26, 2025 at 10 a.m.

Live to 9
Cedar Valley Jaycees presents FREE live music on select Friday evenings in May, June, July, and August. May TBA, 2025. River Place Plaza, Cedar Falls.

June 2025  

Cedar Falls Municipal Band
Free, open-air concerts on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 pm in Overman Park (weather Permitting). Tuesday Evenings, June & July. Overman Park is at the corner of 2nd & Franklin Streets, Cedar Falls.

The Bridges Ride
A free public bicycle ride on National Trails Day to celebrate and commemorate the efforts to replace or repair bridges on the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. There will be three ride options, a family ride of 9 miles, an intermediate ride of approximately 32 miles, or an approximate 60 mile ride for the experienced rider. The 60 mile ride starts at 9 am at Pfeiffer Springs Park in Cedar Falls, other rides start at 9am at the Cedar Valley Nature Trail Evansdale Bridge Trailhead. Live music, food truck, and prize drawings from 11 am - 2 pm at the Gilbertville Depot. June 7, 2025. (rain date June 8, 2025)

Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) Championships
The Scholastic Clay Target Program State Trap Championships consist of three events, a Doubles Trap Championship, a Handicap Championship, and American Singles Trap Championship. Participants include Rookie (5th grade and under), Intermediate (6-8 grades), and Senior (9-12 grades). June 2-8, 2025. Iowa State Trapshooting Association Homegrounds at the Cedar Falls Gun Club. 

Live to 9
Cedar Valley Jaycees presents FREE live music on select Friday evenings in June, July, and August. June TBA, 2025. River Place Plaza, Cedar Falls.

Cedar Valley Cup
Over 1600 participants in this three day tournament. June TBA, 2025. Cedar Valley Soccer Complex, Waterloo.

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 TBA, 2025. Cedar Valley Soccer Complex, Waterloo.

Fireworks Over the Dome
Experience the magic of fireworks at the University of Northern Iowa. June 26, 2025. University of Northern Iowa Campus, Cedar Falls.

Sturgis Falls Celebration
Enjoy multiple stages of live music and entertainment, parade, 5k, arts and crafts fair, carnival, talent contest, and more. June 27-29, 2025. Overman Park & Gateway Park, Cedar Falls. 

Cedar Basin Music Festival
This three-day festival is full of free, live music in a variety of styles (jazz, blues, contemporary rock, and folk) at two venues, Sturgis Park and NewAldaya in Cedar Falls. June 27-29, 2025.

Tour de Sturgis Falls Ride
Annual bicycle ride offers a 25 mile route to Janesville and back or a 50 mile route which continues on from Janesville to Shell Rock and back to Cedar Falls. June 28, 2025. Start/finish at Cedar Falls Rec Center.

Sturgis Falls 5k/10k
This popular race is held on the Sunday of the Sturgis Falls Celebration and is the second race offered in Fast Track Racing's Triple Crown Series. June 29, 2025. Start/finish near Cedar Falls Utilities. 
 

July 2025

Cedar Falls Municipal Band
Free, open-air concerts on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 pm in Overman Park (weather permitting). Tuesday Evenings, June & July. Overman Park is at the corner of 2nd & Franklin Streets, Cedar Falls. 

Live to 9
Cedar Valley Jaycees presents FREE live music on select Friday evenings in June, July, and August. July TBA, 2025. River Place Plaza, Cedar Falls.

The Cedar Valley Chamber Music Festival
Enjoy chamber music performed by local and visiting artists at local venues. See website for performance times, locations, and artists. July TBA, 2025. 319-481-8590.

Fast Track Trail Race
Single track 8 mile and 16 mile races. July TBA, 2025. George Wyth State Park, Waterloo.

Iowa Shrine Bowl Football Game
A week of special events surrounding this prestigious event culminates with a parade and championship game. July 19, 2025. UNI-Dome, Cedar Falls. 319-493-5371. 

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 15-20, 2025. 319-268-4266.

Black Hawk County 4-H Fair
Come enjoy exhibits and farm animals raised by Black Hawk County 4-Her's. July TBA, 2025. National Cattle Congress Grounds, Waterloo. 319-234-7515.

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 Saturday of July through the first Saturday of August. July 26 - August 2, 2025. Riverview Conference Center, Cedar Falls. 319-268-0787.

August 2025

Cedar Falls Municipal Band - August Ensembles
Free, open-air concerts on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm in Overman Park (weather permitting). Tuesday Evenings, August. Overman Park is at the corner of 2nd & Franklin Streets, Cedar Falls.

Iowa Irish Fest
The Cedar Valley Irish Cultural Association holds their annual Iowa Irish Fest in and 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 1-3, 2025. Lincoln Park, Waterloo.  

Live to 9
Cedar Valley Jaycees presents FREE live music on select Friday evenings in June, July, and August. August TBA, 2025. River Place Plaza, Cedar Falls.

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 15-17, 2025.  Antique Acres, 7620 Waverly Road, Cedar Falls. 319-987-2380.

Cedar Valley Pridefest
This event features live music, food and beverage vendors, information booths, drag impersonators, art exhibit, speakers and much more. August TBA, 2025. 300 Block of W. 4th Street, Waterloo.

September 2025

ARTapalooza
Fantastic juried art show held in our historic, Cedar Falls Downtown District. September 7, 2025. 319-277-0213.

Checker's Stone Soul Picnic
Annual picnic features live entertainment from local bands, food from Blue Barn BBQ and activities for kids of all ages. Admission is free, and donations are encouraged. All proceeds go to the children's programs at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Overman Park, September 7, 2025. 

UNI Family Weekend
This yearly tradition is a great opportunity to make memories with your student, meet other UNI families, and learn more about the university. September 12-14, 2025. University of Northern Iowa campus.

Pear Fair
Mohair Pear's annual open air indie craft fair. A curated showcase of local and regional handmade craft and design whose items are carried in Mohair Pear. Corner of 22nd and College Streets, in "Cedar Falls Municipal Lot G," right next door to Octopus, September TBD, 2025. 

District Street Party
All are welcome to enjoy the annual street party. Many bars and restaurants will be set up outside of their doors with quick-serve food and drink items. Giant yard games, a silent disco, pickleball, and live music are just a few of the activities to enjoy while attending the District Street Party. Cedar Falls Downtown District, September TBD, 2025. 319-277-0213

Cemetery Walk
Gather in Greenwood Cemetery to hear the stories of Cedar Falls citizens. This event will take place rain or shine. Suggested donation $5. September TBD, 2025. Greenwood Cemetery, Cedar Falls. 319-266-5149.

October 2025

Waverly Midwest 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 1-3, 2025.  319-352-2804.

Fall Girls' Night Out
It's officially fall and it's that time to grab your favorite people for a night out in the District! Take a stroll downtown and discover what your favorite merchants have in store for you. October 2, 2025. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213.

Pink Ribbon Run
Open to runners and walkers with race awards and door prizes. All proceeds benefit the Northeast Iowa Community Foundation's Beyond Pink TEAM. Registration opens in August. October 4, 2025. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213.

UNI Homecoming
Feel the Panther spirit as Cedar Falls comes alive with excitement and pride during the annual Homecoming Celebration. Whether you are a student, alumni or fan, you won't want to miss this unforgettable experience! TBD, 2025. Various location on the UNI Campus and the Downtown District, Cedar Falls.

Trick or Treat in the District
Downtown merchants open their doors for preschoolers through sixth graders. October 31, 2025. Refer to their Facebook page for announcements/changes. Downtown District, Cedar Falls. 319-277-0213.