Bloom into May: 10 Can't Miss Events

The frost is gone (hopefully), the sun is out, and Waterloo is coming alive this May! Whether you’re looking to rev your engines, catch a fly ball, or soak up some local culture, there is something happening every weekend.

Weekly Staples: Farmer’s Markets & Garden Tours

May marks the return of our favorite outdoor traditions. Support local growers and explore the natural beauty of Waterloo!

Cedar Valley Arboretum Walking Tours: Explore the spring blooms with a guided walking tour! Every Friday of May | 9 AM.

Waterloo Urban Farmers Market: Every Saturday | 8 AM – 12 PM at RiverLoop Expo Plaza.

NCC MX Season Opener (30th Anniversary!)

May 8-9 | National Cattle Congress

NCC MX is back under the lights! Celebrate three decades of dirt-flying action at the season opener.

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Credit | Amber Hartness

Haitian Flag Day

May 16 | 11 AM – 4 PM | Waterloo Center for the Arts

Join the local Haitian community to wrap the day in red and blue. Enjoy live music by DJ Samysound and authentic Caribbean flavors from Lovana’s Kitchen and Wawa Caribbean Restaurant.

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Bike Night with Mitch Laue

May 21 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Kick off the riding season at Screaming Eagle with live music and community vibes.

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Friday Loo Season Kick-Off

May 22 | 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Lincoln Park

The ultimate after-work party is back! The season kicks off with Not Quite Brothers (with The Meany’s opening).


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4th Street Cruise

May 22 & 23

One of Waterloo’s most iconic traditions. Get ready for a weekend of classic cars and nostalgic cruising down 4th Street.

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Lost Island Themepark Opening Day

May 23

The wait is over! Lost Island officially opens for the season.
- Special Offer: Memorial Day Special on May 25—get $10 off at the gate!
- Military Honor: Service members and veterans get in FREE with a valid ID on Memorial Day.

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Waterloo Bucks Baseball Opening Night

May 25 | 5:05 PM | Riverfront Stadium

Cheer on the Bucks at their first game of the season as they take on the Thunder Bay Border Cats!

Pro Tip: It’s Buck Night!


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Jake Nelson at the RiverLoop Amphitheatre

May 29 | 5:30 PM | RiverLoop Amphitheatre

End the month with the 2024 Midwest Country Music Organization Band of the Year! Catch rising star Jake Nelson for some high-energy country rock.

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2026 Waterloo Guide

Take a glimpse at our visitors guide online or request a copy ahead of your travel…

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Fests & Fairs

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My Waterloo Days

My Waterloo Days is an annual festival celebrating the spirit of Waterloo, Iowa. The multi-day event…

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Things To Do In Waterloo

From festival season in the summer, beautiful trails and parks to explore in the summer and…

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Plan your Experience today

Create your itinerary ahead of your trip, so you can fully experience Waterloo during your visit.

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Event Calendar

May 14

Tour De Loo

Join Main Street Waterloo at an in‑depth look at the history, growth, and future of Downtown Waterloo! This annual ticketed fundraiser highlights the latest developments, renovations, and revitalization efforts shaping Waterloo's community.

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