Late Summer Fun in Siouxland

Back-to-school is just around the corner, and summer may be winding down, but there is still some serious fun to be had in the Siouxland area in August. Dakota City will be holding their 6th annual Cottonwood Days Festival from August 18th to 20th, with Hubbard’s 8th Annual Hoot Owl Days coming the next weekend, from August 25th to 27th. Both events promise to be full of fun and adventure, and we invite you to join in the festivities! Here are just a few of the items on the agenda for these festivals.

Cottonwood Days Festival - August 18 - 20

Dakota City’s beautiful downtown will be buzzing Friday night, August 18th as the Hamburger and Hotdog Feed starts the weekend off. From 5pm - 8pm, vendors will be serving up popcorn, burgers, hotdogs and chips. Be sure to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy our outdoor movie starting at 9:30pm.

Saturday morning starts with a fantastic array of food and merchandise vendors displaying their wares at Cottonwood Cove Park. After you’ve done a bit of shopping, head over to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where our very own Dakota County Historical Society will be running tours. The annual Cottonwood Days Parade starts Saturday in front of the American Legion, heading down Broadway and ending at Cottonwood Cove. Saturday’s events include a Car Show, Kid’s Fun Zone, Sand Volleyball and Horseshoes, watermelon and corn eating contests, and much more! End your day with a street dance featuring Locked N Loaded, from 9pm to 1am.

Sunday features breakfast at the American Legion, followed by a church service at the Methodist Church.

Hoot Owl Days - August 25th - 27th

For the 8th summer in a row, Hubbard will be celebrating Hoot Owl Days. Friday night, grab the kids and the grandparents and come on out and enjoy movie night at the Hubbard Community Center.

Saturday starts with a bang with our 5k Hoot Owl Fun Run and Decathlon Kids Fun Run. After your run, be sure to check out the Fishing Clinic at Kramper Lake, the Farmers Market and vendor stands, and the 150 Years of Statehood celebration at the Baseball Diamond. The busy Saturday continues with Isom’s Mini Carnival and Petting Zoo, Kids Crafts, a pet show, chair massage, and live music. Our famous Hooting Contest starts at 1pm on stage - this is not to be missed! Afternoon highlights include basketball and horseshoe tournaments and wagon tours of the Danish Alps. Our local rock’n’roll favorite, 35th and Taylor, will be the main event of the night. The band offers an alternative rock sound with a blend of classic and contemporary sounds with a heavy blues influence. Lead singer Anna Taylor was a contestant on Season 6 of The Voice and in 2015 the band was awarded the “Spirit Award” by the Iowa Rock and Roll Music Association. Come and join them for the night of Dancing and fun!

Sunday starts with a Catholic Mass at St. Mary’s Church, followed by a delicious country breakfast by Trinity Lutheran Church served at the St. Mary’s Parish Center. Finish your weekend strong with our signature Lawn Mower Poker Run at 3pm at the Community Center.

We look forward to seeing everyone at both of these fantastic community events!

Explore Summer Fun in and around South Sioux City

South Sioux City, Nebraska, sits at a unique location, nestled in a horseshoe bend of the breathtaking Missouri River, as well as seated at the portal of two scenic historical routes, the Outlaw Trail and the Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway. Whether you’re passing through or a local resident exploring new aspects of where you live, be sure to spend some extra time this summer in the South Sioux City area. In addition to natural beauty and historical landmarks, the South Sioux City area has summer events with fun to offer for all ages.

Cardinal Days, June 10th-12th

The seventh annual Cardinal Days is almost here and you won’t want to miss this three-day festival.  With fun for the whole family, just some of the events and activities you can enjoy include Pony Rides, Kids Fun Zone, Meyers Petting Zoo, a Farmers Market and plenty of incredible food and drinks from local vendors.  For a complete schedule of events at Cardinal Days, visit the following link!

Dakota-Thurston County Fair, August 3rd-7th

The Dakota-Thurston County Fair is one of the area’s biggest events each summer. This year’s theme is Sew It, Grow It, Show It. Featuring a demolition derby, tractor pull, parade with free barbecue afterward, live music and animal shows, 4H exhibits, and of course, lots of local vendors and food stands, the Fair is fun for the whole family, all weekend long! Saturday, August 6th is Kids’ Day at the Fair. New at this year’s fair is Top End Racing’s NASCAR Simulator. Visit the fair’s website for a full list of attractions and schedule.

Cottonwood Days, August 19th-21st

Held in Cottonwood Cove Park in Dakota City, Nebraska, Cottonwood Days is a community festival bringing people together. Come out to see fireworks, a parade, sand volleyball tournament, barbecue cook-off, classic car show, and more!  

Hoot Owl Days, August 26-28th

The Town of Hubbard is proud to hold Hoot Owl Days, complete with an on-stage hooting contest, 5K run, kids’ crafts, pet show, wagon tours of the nearby Danish Alps State Recreation Area, and much more. You’re sure to have a hoot!   

What are your favorite summer events and things to do in the South Sioux City area? Leave us a comment below! Southern Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is dedicated to boosting tourism and recreation in greater Siouxland. For more information, follow our blog or visit our website today. On our website, you’ll find a calendar of local events, as well as suggestions for where to eat and stay while you’re visiting!