Best events in
Black Hawk

There is no shortage of events and things to do in Black Hawk, IA. The region balances major performances and festivals in Waterloo with the boutique community gatherings of Cedar Falls. From University of Northern Iowa cultural events to seasonal outdoor festivals, the area provides a diverse range of activities.

Head to Downtown Waterloo for the area's core nightlife, with live music at RiverLoop Amphitheatre and local spots like The Loft.
See touring Broadway productions, nationally known comedians, and concerts at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Cedar Falls.
Discover local talent at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, home to the Waterloo Community Playhouse and Black Hawk Children's Theatre.

autocomplete

Nearby cities

Iowa City

47 miles away

Davenport

4 miles away

Bishop Hill

35 miles away

Silvis

10 miles away

Rock Island

4 miles away

Moline

7 miles away

Bettendorf

8 miles away

Maquoketa

38 miles away

Coralville

49 miles away

Cambridge

28 miles away

Galesburg

41 miles away

Le Claire

16 miles away

Walcott

8 miles away

Blue Grass

7 miles away

Muscatine

22 miles away

Keithsburg

33 miles away

Prophetstown

38 miles away

Morrison

40 miles away

Como

49 miles away

Clinton

32 miles away

De Witt

22 miles away

Wilton

20 miles away

Clarence

33 miles away

Buffalo

6 miles away

Eldridge

10 miles away

Mount Vernon

49 miles away

Iowa City

47 miles away

Davenport

4 miles away

Bishop Hill

35 miles away

Silvis

10 miles away

Rock Island

4 miles away

Moline

7 miles away

Bettendorf

8 miles away

Maquoketa

38 miles away

Coralville

49 miles away

Cambridge

28 miles away

Galesburg

41 miles away

Le Claire

16 miles away

Walcott

8 miles away

Blue Grass

7 miles away

Muscatine

22 miles away

Keithsburg

33 miles away

Prophetstown

38 miles away

Morrison

40 miles away

Como

49 miles away

Clinton

32 miles away

De Witt

22 miles away

Wilton

20 miles away

Clarence

33 miles away

Buffalo

6 miles away

Eldridge

10 miles away

Mount Vernon

49 miles away

Online Events

Explore more events

How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

Check ticket price on event

Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

Check ticket price on event

Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

Check ticket price on event

Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

Check ticket price on event

Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Events near Black Hawk

Explore more events

Sober October Mocktail Class

Wednesday • 6:00 PM

Me & Billy

Check ticket price on event

Murder Mystery Ghost Painting Party at Walcott Commons

Thursday • 6:00 PM

Walcott Commons & Coliseum Events

Check ticket price on event

2nd Annual Brews in the Bays

Saturday • 5:00 PM

Iron Tee Golf

Check ticket price on event

OwlBear Burlesque adventures the ORCgon Trail

Sat, Oct 17 • 6:30 PM

Skylark QC

Check ticket price on event

CLUTCH: US Fall Tour

Fri, Oct 30 • 7:30 PM

The Rust Belt

Check ticket price on event

Davenport Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

Daiquiri Factory

Check ticket price on event

Septicflesh

Fri, Nov 6 • 6:30 PM

Skylark

Check ticket price on event

Bingo Loco

Fri, Dec 4 • 7:00 PM

The Rust Belt

Check ticket price on event

Sober October Mocktail Class

Wednesday • 6:00 PM

Me & Billy

Check ticket price on event

Murder Mystery Ghost Painting Party at Walcott Commons

Thursday • 6:00 PM

Walcott Commons & Coliseum Events

Check ticket price on event

2nd Annual Brews in the Bays

Saturday • 5:00 PM

Iron Tee Golf

Check ticket price on event

OwlBear Burlesque adventures the ORCgon Trail

Sat, Oct 17 • 6:30 PM

Skylark QC

Check ticket price on event

CLUTCH: US Fall Tour

Fri, Oct 30 • 7:30 PM

The Rust Belt

Check ticket price on event

Davenport Halloween Bar Crawl 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 4:00 PM

Daiquiri Factory

Check ticket price on event

Septicflesh

Fri, Nov 6 • 6:30 PM

Skylark

Check ticket price on event

Bingo Loco

Fri, Dec 4 • 7:00 PM

The Rust Belt

Check ticket price on event

Explore more events

Frequently asked questions about Black Hawk

Where are the best places to find live music events in Waterloo?

Downtown Waterloo is a hub for live music, with a variety of venues. The RiverLoop Amphitheatre hosts outdoor concerts, while spots like Screaming Eagle American Bar and Grill and the Isle Casino regularly feature bands. The Loft also offers a mix of music and other entertainment.

What are some family-friendly events in the Black Hawk area?

The area offers many family-friendly activities and events. The Black Hawk Children's Theatre stages productions at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, and the annual My Waterloo Days festival in June provides fun for all ages. Seasonal farmers markets also offer a great family outing.

What is the nightlife scene like in Downtown Waterloo?

Downtown Waterloo features the region's most active nightlife scene. The area has a concentration of bars and clubs that come alive on weekends. Venues range from laid-back pubs to busier spots with live music or DJs, providing different atmospheres for an evening out.

Are there recurring art events in the Cedar Valley?

Yes, several recurring arts events happen in the area. ARTapalooza is an annual outdoor fine art festival in downtown Cedar Falls. For literary arts, the Hearst Center for the Arts hosts its Final Thursday Reading Series monthly. The Waterloo Center for the Arts also has rotating gallery exhibits.

What kind of outdoor events take place in Black Hawk, IA?

Outdoor events are a staple, especially during warmer months. The RiverLoop Amphitheatre in Waterloo hosts concerts and festivals along the Cedar River. Downtown Waterloo's Lincoln Park is home to the annual Iowa Irish Fest, a large cultural celebration.

Any date night ideas in Cedar Falls?

A great date night in Cedar Falls could involve seeing a community production. The historic Oster Regent Theatre presents a variety of plays and musicals. Afterwards, the walkable downtown district offers many local restaurants and cafes for a post-show drink or dessert.

Where can I find comedy shows in the area?

The Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center is the primary venue for touring comedians. Additionally, some local venues in Waterloo, such as The Loft, occasionally host comedy nights as part of their entertainment schedule.

Are there free events to attend in Black Hawk County?

Yes, you can find free community events throughout the county. The annual ARTapalooza festival in Cedar Falls is free to attend. Many seasonal events in the Cedar Falls Downtown District, part of the Holiday Hoopla or Girls' Night Out series, are also open to the public.