The 2026 Toledo Stoplight Festival is made possible by the Tama-Toledo Chamber of Commerce.

The Toledo Stoplight Festival will return to the Tama County Courthouse lawn on Friday, July 10, bringing back an evening of live music, food, and local businesses after last year’s festival was rained out.

The free festival runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and is once again being organized by Brian Sokol and Travis Mullen, two of the three original founders who helped establish the summertime tradition in downtown Toledo.

This year’s entertainment will feature two Iowa bands with local ties. UpRoar! will open the evening before Dogs on Skis take the stage. The evening will begin with the national anthem performed by Darvin Graham.

A variety of food and drink options are available throughout the evening. Vendors include Ward’s Indian Tacos, The Funky Pepperoni, Bigfoot’s BBQ, Road Trip Coffee Company, Kayella’s, and Olive or Twist Mobile Bar & Lounge.

As part of the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, a patriotic dress-up contest is being held. Categories include adult, child, couple, family and most creative, with prizes awarded to winners.

The Toledo fire department will be hosting their annual water fights for kids in a popular return from prior years.

In a new addition to the festival this year, a downtown art display is being put together. Storefront windows along Broadway Street will feature artwork created by local artists in a variety of mediums. The project is being coordinated in part by Toledo Economic Development Director Katherine Ollendieck with Michael D. Davis, who has been working to recruit artists from across Tama County to participate.

Mullen and Sokol encourage festival attendees to bring their lawn chairs and blankets, to come hungry, enjoy live music, support local vendors and businesses, and celebrate another summer tradition in downtown Toledo.