ES
IT
PT
DE
NL
New Iowa casino will open in mid-November
Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center 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.
Cedar 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 recognised 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 25 November 2026, kicking off a robust lineup of entertainment.
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.
