Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center to Open Ahead of Schedule, Announces First Wave of Entertainment Lineup
Cedar Rapids’ new casino and entertainment destination will open in mid-November ahead of schedule, with live entertainment beginning this fall.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (July 30, 2026) – Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center today announced it will open in mid-November 2026, ahead of schedule, marking a major milestone for the casino, Linn County Gaming Association and Cedar Rapids. The first wave of entertainment scheduled for the Cedar Crossing Event Center this year was also unveiled, offering a preview of the exciting live performances and experiences planned for Cedar Rapids’ newest entertainment destination.
“We have been fortunate to partner with many Iowa contractors and trade unions to work on the build of Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center,” said Stefan Huba, chief development officer at Peninsula Pacific Entertainment. “A strong plan, good architecture, strategic procurement, local labor and favorable weather have helped keep work ahead of schedule.”
The development of Cedar Crossing represents the largest investment in a casino in Iowa, underscoring the scale of the project and its expected impact on the region.
A New Entertainment DestinationCedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center is designed to be an entertainment destination first, casino second. The Cedar Crossing Event Center will bring a diverse mix of over 100 shows annually, including nationally recognized performing acts, alongside regional and local talent each year with approximately two shows a week, complementing existing entertainment offerings throughout the region.
The first concert at Cedar Crossing will be an Iowa favorite, The Pork Tornadoes, on November 25, 2026, kicking off a robust lineup of entertainment.
Announced Entertainment Lineup
Old Dominion – December 5, 2026
Steve-O – December 12, 2026
WFC Fight Night – January 16, 2027
Eli Young Band – January 22, 2027
Switchfoot – January 23, 2027
James “Murr” Murray – February 5, 2027
Ying Yang Twins + Paul Wall – February 6, 2027
Parmalee – February 26, 2027
Marshall Tucker Band – March 13, 2027
Red Hot Chili Pipers – April 7, 2027
The Commodores – April 9, 2027
Carrot Top – May 15, 2027
The event center will also serve as home to Jocko’s Comedy Club, further expanding entertainment offerings available in the Cedar Rapids market. The Jocko’s Thursday Comedy Series lineup will include Brooks Wheelan, Josh Blue, Greg Hahn, Doug T, Steven Michael Quezada, Josh Arnold and Dirty Little Secrets.
This is only the first phase of entertainment to be announced; additional entertainment will be announced in the coming months as Cedar Crossing prepares to welcome guests to its new entertainment center.
“Cedar Crossing is designed to be much more than a casino,” said Kim Pang, executive vice president and general manager of Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center. “We’re creating a destination where guests can enjoy premier gaming, dining, comedy and concerts. Our goal is the deliver entertainment experiences that will enhance what is available in Cedar Rapids and provide new reasons for residents and visitors to spend time in our community.”
The Cedar Crossing Event Center will feature seating for approximately 1,500 guests and serve as a hub for live entertainment, comedy and special events throughout the year. The venue fills an important niche market in the local market by providing a dedicated space for a broader range of live entertainment experiences.
Tickets for all of the acts announced will go on sale on Friday, August 7 at 10 am CT. Limited pre-sale opportunities will be available in advance to all Charter Members 24 hours before release to the public. Enroll to be a Charter Member for free at www.cedarcrossing.com. Visit www.cedarcrossing.com/entertainment for event details, ticket information and future entertainment announcements.
Grand Opening CelebrationCedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center is preparing for a mid-November opening ahead of schedule. The Grand Opening Celebration will now take place December 4 – 5, 2026, rather than the previously planned December 31, 2026 celebration.
“From the moment guests walk through our doors, our focus will be on delivering the level of service, quality and attention to detail that defines a premier entertainment destination,” said Pang. “As we prepare for opening, our team will prepare thoughtfully, train thoroughly and ensure Cedar Crossing is ready to welcome guests with the experience they expect and deserve.”
Career Opportunities Are AvailableAs Cedar Crossing prepares to open its doors, jobs are now posted for a wide range of positions, with anticipated hiring dates in September. Available opportunities span multiple departments and experience levels, including gaming operations, food and beverage, hospitality and more. Positions will include dealers, servers, cooks and back-of-house, to name a few. All job postings and application information are available on the Cedar Crossing website www.cedarcrossing.com/careers, LinkedIn and Indeed.
Points Partners Program Supports Local BusinessCedar Crossing also announced its Points Partner Program, a community-focused initiative that extends the value of Cedar Crossing reward points beyond the casino and into the community. Through the program, guests will be able to redeem reward points earned at Cedar Crossing at participating local businesses, encouraging them to shop, dine and explore throughout the Cedar Rapids area.
More than 20 local businesses have already committed to participating in the program ahead of Cedar Crossing’s opening. The Points Partner Program is designed to drive new customers to local businesses, keep entertainment dollars in the local economy and strengthen Cedar Crossing’s commitment to supporting the Cedar Rapids community.
Making Getting Around EasierA shuttle service provided by Cedar Crossing will connect visitors to key areas of Cedar Rapids, including hotels, downtown attractions and cultural areas, like the Czech Village and New Bohemia. This will enhance the visitor’s experience and encourage discovery and exploration of other attractions in the city.