This Month in Waterloo
July in Waterloo: Festivals and Summer Fun
Plan out your month in Waterloo by finding local live music and events!
Summer is in full swing, and the July calendar in Waterloo is absolutely packed. Whether you are looking to rock out at an outdoor concert, celebrate the 4th of July, test your skills at a skateboard competition, or immerse yourself in local cultural festivals, we have you covered.
Grab your calendar and start planning your perfect month with these standout events and attractions.
Summer Soul Classic Weekend
The Summer Soul Classic Weekend is back, bringing a massive celebration of culture, community, music, energy, and legacy to the city! Bring the whole family out to honor those who have paved the way and those who continue to move our community's culture forward.
Friday Night Theme: “Bring Em Out” – A Tribute to Alumni Head down to Lincoln Park to represent your school, squad, era, and city pride! The evening features local vendors, live performances, high-energy drill teams, drumlines, dance squads, great food, and music.
Saturday Theme: “Legacy In Motion” – Summer Soul Classic Parade The parade lineup begins at 8:00 AM at Gates Park before stepping off at 10:00 AM, showcasing local schools, churches, businesses, organizations, community groups, performance teams, and car clubs.
🗓️ Friday, July 10 (Meet & Greet: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM) and Saturday, July 11 (Parade steps off at 10:00 AM)
📍 Friday at Lincoln Park | Saturday starting at Gates Park
Feelin’ Sour?
Calling all craft beer lovers and sour fans! The TapRoom @ WonderBread is turning up the pucker factor for this specialized summer celebration. Expect an incredible lineup of unique, tart, and experimental sour beers on tap, alongside local food pairings and a fantastic taproom party atmosphere.
🗓️ Saturday, July 11 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍RiverLoop Expo
Friday Loo with Jeni Grouws Band 🆓
Waterloo's favorite outdoor after-work party returns to Lincoln Park! Unwind from the work week with incredible live music from the Jeni Grouws Band, delivering a high-energy mix of blues, rock, and soulful roots music. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets, grab a cold beverage from the beer tent, and enjoy delicious options from food vendors.
🗓️ Friday, July 17 | 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Lincoln Park
Cedar Valley Arboretum A MidSummer Night
Experience the magic of the gardens after hours. This special evening event invites you to explore acres of beautifully curated displays under the summer sky. Enjoy a relaxed, atmospheric night featuring sunset yoga, DIY flower crowns, bonfires & s'mores, celestial story hours, stargazing, and unique ways to experience the natural beauty of the arboretum at dusk.
🗓️ Friday, July 17 | 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
📍Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
¡Fiesta! 🆓
Celebrate the vibrant traditions, music, dance, and flavors of Hispanic culture at this energetic community festival. The event features live musical performances, traditional dance showcases, kids' activities, and a massive variety of authentic local food vendors that highlight our community's rich cultural diversity.
🗓️ Saturday, July 18 | 1:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Waterloo Center for the Arts
Con-Quest Comic Convention
Gear up for an exciting local pop culture and gaming gathering! Whether you are into tabletop board games, card tournaments, cosplay, or local comic creators, this event offers a welcoming and interactive space for enthusiasts of all ages to connect, play, and explore.
🗓️ July 17-19
📍 Waterloo Convention Center
Midwest Regional Show Ski Tournament
Waterhawks Ski Club plays host to ski teams from across the region! Teams will compete across three days of intense choreography, theatrical themes, and elite athletic ski stunts to see who claims the regional crown.
🗓️ Friday, July 24 – Sunday, July 26
📍Eagle Lake
Iowa Irish Fest
Experience Iowa’s biggest Irish cultural celebration! Featuring incredible music, traditional dance, authentic food, and community fellowship, this three-day festival brings the spirit of Ireland to the heart of Lincoln Park.
🗓️ July 31 - August 2
📍 Lincoln Park, Downtown Waterloo
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
Bike Night 🆓
A massive gathering for motorcycle enthusiasts and music lovers featuring a live, performance by a popular regional band. Expect great music, local food and drinks, and a fantastic outdoor concert atmosphere.
The Chocolate Crackers
🗓️ Thursday, July 9 | 6:30-9:30PM
Six Pack Jack
🗓️ Thursday, July 16 | 6:30-9:30PM
FULL CIRCLE Band
🗓️Thursday, July 23 | 6:30-9:30PM
Irishfest Bike Night with Dry Run Creek
🗓️Thursday, July 30 | 6:30-9:30PM
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.
🗓️ July 3, 10, 17, 31 (Fridays) | 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 (July 4, 11, 18, 25) | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍RiverLoop Expo Plaza (460 Jefferson St.)
Waterloo Bucks Baseball
Catch high-level Northwoods League baseball action offering classic, affordable summer entertainment for sports fans and families. The home games feature fan giveaways, classic ballpark snacks, and an energetic stadium environment.
📍Riverfront Stadium
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 July | 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM
📍Isle Casino Hotel