Council Bluffs Celebrates 250: Drone Show & Community Festival

Start: Friday, July 3, 2026 3:00PM
End: Friday, July 3, 2026 11:00PM

Get ready to celebrate America in historic fashion! The Hundred Block Community Collective will host Council Bluffs Celebrates 250, a completely free community celebration taking over the Historic 100 Block of West Broadway. Kicking off the Independence Day weekend a day early on July 3, this high-energy street festival will bring together neighbors, visitors and families for an unforgettable night of live music, delicious food, local vendors and family-focused fun. The Kid Zone, hosted in partnership with American Legion Post 2, will be packed with free activities to keep the youngest celebrators entertained all afternoon and evening. DJ JPEG will keep the energy high with family-friendly music, while a hydrant party will offer a refreshing, neighborhood-favorite splash zone to cool off. There will be face painting, balloon art, sidewalk chalk stations and a variety of engaging yard games and sports. The Family Zone & Community Hub, located near Park Avenue and Glen Avenue, will bring together prominent local organizations offering resources, activities and community connections. The event will include Habitat for Humanity, PACE (Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment), Veterans Services Office, Council Bluffs Public Library and more. Guests can enjoy food, drinks and shopping from local businesses and vendors that include Meadow & Charm Permanent Jewelry, Anytime Tees, Cox Communications, Boxer BBQ, Turner’s Tube Steaks, Fancy Sips, Spirit of The Faire, Bailey & Coopers, Barley’s, Caddy’s, Glory Days, B-Side Bar, Napoli’s, Dusted Charm, The Pizza Counter and more! The grand finale at 9:45 p.m. will include a spectacular and synchronized drone show to illuminate downtown Council Bluffs and offer a cutting-edge visual tribute to America's 250th milestone. For more updates, maps and detailed vendor schedules, visit CelebrateCouncilBluffs.com.