Pack your calendar and make the most of summer in Council Bluffs this July! From live concerts and patriotic celebrations to orchard evenings and outdoor adventures, the month is filled with unforgettable ways to soak up the season.
1. Catch a Show at Stir Concert Cove
Your summer soundtrack starts here. July brings an incredible lineup of live music to the outdoor stage at Stir Concert Cove, with everything from country and indie folk to rock and alternative favorites. Grab your friends, enjoy the riverfront atmosphere, and make it a concert-filled summer.
- Jordan Davis: July 10 at 8 PM
- Of Monsters and Men - The Mouse Parade Tour: July 14 at 8 PM
- KALEO with special guest Dawes: July 16 at 7:30 PM
- Papa Roach: July 21 at 6:30 PM
- Death Cab for Cutie with Nation of Language: July 26 at 8 PM
- Whiskey Myers with Special Guest Southall: July 31 at 8 PM
No matter your music taste, there’s a night waiting for you under the lights at the cove.
2. Celebrate America 250
Join communities across Pottawattamie County as they celebrate America's 250th anniversary with patriotic events, family fun, and local traditions.
- Council Bluffs Celebrates 250: July 3 | 3 PM | Historic 100 Block of West Broadway
- Celebrate America Spectacular: July 4 | 10 AM | Union Pacific Railroad Museum
- Independence Day Community Celebration: July 4 | 12 PM | Historic General Dodge House
- AvocaDays: July 3 – 5
- Shelby's 250th Town Celebration of America: July 4 | 6 PM
From historic celebrations to hometown festivities, there are plenty of ways to mark this milestone summer across the county!
3. Spend a Summer Day at Ditmars
From relaxing evenings to hands-on workshops, Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard is full of unique summer experiences this July.
- Rock Painting: July 2 | 10 AM
Slow down a little and add some color to your Thursday! - Game Night: July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 | 4 PM
Dust off your favorite board games and get ready to roll the dice! - Ditmars Wine Run 5k: July 5 | 9 AM
Join in for a family-friendly 5K featuring scenic views of the orchard, vineyard, wine, pumpkin patch, and specialty foods, with race timing and results! - Sunset Social at the Orchard: July 7 | 5 PM
Unwind with golden hour views, local vendors, fresh finds, drinks from the tasting room, and delicious food! - Intro to Wood Carving: July 11 | 10 AM
Learn to create beautiful items using wood. - Pottery at the Orchard | Create a Mug: July 12 | 2 PM
Design, build, and glaze your own custom mug. - Mindful Movement with Jenny: July 18 & 30 | 9 AM
Start your morning with calming Qi Gong movements designed to reduce stress, restore energy, and leave you feeling refreshed in a peaceful orchard setting.
4. Geek Out at O Con Expo
July 17 – 19 | Mid-America Center
O Con Expo returns for its 10th year as the Omaha metro's largest comic convention. Browse vendors, meet creators and special guests, catch live wrestling, and enjoy the event's famous corgi gathering. Whether you're a lifelong comic fan or just looking for a fun summer outing, O Con Expo brings together fans of all ages for three days of entertainment and community.
5. Hit the Trails at Crescent Hill
July 18 | 8 AM | Crescent Hill at Hitchcock
Explore the scenic Loess Hills during the first-ever Crescent Hill 5K | Tow Rope Trot & Nature Hike. Choose between a competitive 5K race or a two-mile guided nature hike while taking in sweeping prairie views along dirt and gravel trails. Proceeds support new four-season recreation opportunities at the park, making this event a fun way to give back while enjoying the outdoors.
Make This July One to Remember
Whether you’re dancing at a concert, exploring the Loess Hills, shopping local at the orchard, or celebrating community traditions, July is full of ways to experience summer in Council Bluffs. Gather your friends and family, mark your calendars, and get ready to make the most of every sunny moment this month.
