This Month in Waterloo
August in Waterloo: Festivals and End of Summer Fun
Plan out your month in Waterloo by finding local live music and events!
Late summer in Waterloo is packed with excitement! Whether you are looking to rock out at Friday Loo, sample craft brews and wines, cheer on competitors at a national ski championship, or tee off for a downtown cause, we have you covered.
Grab your calendar and start planning your perfect month with these standout events and attractions.
Friday Loo featuring 90’s Kid 🆓
Get ready for the ultimate throwback party as 90’s Kid takes over Downtown Waterloo for Friday Loo! 90’s Kid is a high-energy pop-punk party straight out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, bringing the biggest hits of the ’90s and 2000s to life. From Britney Spears and Ricky Martin to Avril Lavigne and Smash Mouth, they turn all your favorite throwbacks into a loud, wild, singalong-filled pop-punk experience. Enjoy live music, cold drinks, and local food vendors!
🗓️ August 7 | 5:30 PM
📍Lincoln Park
51st Division 1 Show Ski National Championship
Hosted by the Waterhawks Ski Club at Eagle Lake, watch top show ski teams and individual competitors from across the country compete for the national title in this action-packed three-day event!
🗓️ August 7-9
📍Eagle Lake
Cedar Valley Stem & Stein
Taste your way through the Midwest! Join us for Cedar Valley Stem & Stein, the Midwest’s premier summer tasting event presented by the Waterloo Center for the Arts and Hy-Vee. Spend an evening with friends while exploring an exceptional lineup of craft and domestic beers, premium spirits, and wines from a variety of vendors. Whether you're a craft beverage enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a great night out, CV Stem & Stein is the can't-miss tasting event of the summer.
🗓️ August 8 | 4 - 8 PM
📍Waterloo Center for the Arts
Arboretum Under the Stars - Sci-Fi Night
All dates for the Under the Stars monthly events are planned on the Friday closest to the new moon for optimal star viewing. Activities begin before sundown! Bring your telescopes, binoculars, star charts, blankets, and folding chairs. Come dressed in your favorite Sci-Fi attire to view the Perseid Meteor Shower and enjoy a screening of Close Encounterson a large movie screen.
🗓️ August 21 | 7:00 - 10:00 PM
📍 Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
Screaming Eagle Bike Night featuring The Nervous Breakdown 🆓
It's a block party at Screaming Eagle Bike Night! Come out to hear The Nervous Breakdown play all your favorite early Rock 'n' Roll classics and more. Don't miss out on awesome food, great friends, incredible bikes, and genuine live music.
🗓️ August 20 | 6:30 PM
📍Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill
Friday Loo featuring The Fabulous TruTones 🆓
Join Downtown Waterloo for the FINAL Friday Loo of the season, and go out with a bang! The Fabulous TruTones bring their high-energy blues and roots rock sound to the stage. Complete with live music, cold drinks, food vendors, and another unforgettable summer night in Downtown Waterloo!
🗓️ August 21 | 5:30 PM
📍Lincoln Park
Cedar Valley Pridefest
Cedar Valley Pridefest is a two-day event highlighting the diverse LGBTQ+ community of Eastern Iowa to promote acceptance, understanding, and equality. Featuring national, regional, and local musical talent on the main stage alongside drag performances, food vendors, community information, and fun over 18 hours. Everyone is welcome—LGBTQ+, friends, allies, and those looking to find community!
🗓️ August 28–29 | 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 RiverLoop Expo Plaza
Reoccurring Events
Cinder Fest
Get ready for a unique theme park celebration highlighting fiery flavors, games, and entertainment! Cinder Fest brings late-night weekend hours to Lost Island Themepark. Experience the fiery choices of the Fire Runner Food Challenge and stick around every evening for live fire dance performances.
🗓️ Every Friday & Saturday (July 3 – August 15, 2026) | 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
📍 Lost Island Themepark
Water Hawks Ski Team Shows 🆓
If you miss their big tournament weekends, you can still catch the Waterhawks performing their full, high-energy themed ski shows every single week! Watch stunning pyramids, barefooting lines, jump stunts, and comedy routines that make for a classic summer night out on Eagle Lake.
🗓️ August 16, 23, 30 (Sundays) | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Eagle Lake
Waterloo Urban Farmer’s Market 🆓
Stock up on fresh, locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and delicious baked goods. Connecting the community directly with local growers, bakers, and makers is the best way to support our small businesses.
🗓️ Every Saturday morning May-October | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍RiverLoop Expo Plaza (460 Jefferson St.)
Cedar Valley Arboretum Garden Walks
Take a peaceful stroll through acres of beautifully curated display gardens, prairie spaces, and shade trees. The grounds provide a refreshing escape into nature, with educational signage highlighting regional plant and flower species.
🗓️ Check their event calendar below
Isle Oasis Live Music
The Isle Casino turns into a premier weekend destination featuring live sets from popular regional bands, refreshing drinks, and an energized, casual summer concert environment.
🗓️ Every Friday & Saturday night throughout August | 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
📍Isle Casino Hotel