2025 Summer Events Guide


Music at the Big House

Discover new music with this one-of-a-kind series. This program shares the talents of musicians performing in diverse musical genres against the iconic backdrop of our Queen Anne Victorian mansion. These events will be an evening of musical entertainment that you can only experience at Brucemore. 

This year we are bringing you two events in this series: Level Up Live! on May 23 &24 and Seventies Sirens on July17, 18, & 19.

Level Up Live! – May 23 & 24

Location: Mansion Circle Drive

Time: 7:30 PM

Admission: $25 for adults, $15 for students

Power up and get down at Level Up Live! Following last year’s Themes from the Digital Age performance, this event is your chance to experience music from your favorite video games in a way you’ve never heard before. Listen to these memorable melodies played by some of the area’s finest musicians as dazzling lights illuminate Brucemore’s iconic mansion. Join directors/arrangers/producers Dillon Rairdin and Lincoln Ginsberg as they dive even deeper into the music from classic and cutting-edge video games that helped define cultures and generations.

Seventies Sirens – July 17, 18, 19

Celebrate the unforgettable women whose music defined a decade. Featuring songs by Linda Ronstadt, Carly Simon, Carole King, and more, this relaxed, feel-good night out delivers fresh takes on the iconic sounds of the 1970s. Get ready to groove to belt-worthy anthems and breezy ballads you know and love, sung by an all-women ensemble in front of Brucemore’s beautiful mansion.


A Night Out at Brucemore Cocktail Party

Relax and reconnect with friends and neighbors at Brucemore! Join us for a cocktail party with excellent food, delicious drinks, good company, and easygoing ambience. Your ticket includes food, drinks, and fun – the best combination!

Date: Friday, May 30, 6:00-9:00 PM

Tickets: $75 per person

*This event is for ages 21+.


Ballet Des Moines Summer STEM Tour

The Ballet Des Moines Summer STEM Tour is coming back to Brucemore this June!

Location: First Avenue Lawn

Date: Saturday, June 14

Schedule:  

5:00 – 6:30 PM – STEM + Arts Community Activities

6:30 – 7:45 PM – Ballet Des Moines Performance


Live from the Artisan Studio

This series, curated by the arts professionals behind Brucemore’s Artisan Studio, gives you a chance to discover something new from talented local artists. You’ll be delighted and surprised by these unique events, showcasing the best of music, spoken word, theatre, and more created right here in Eastern Iowa.

Summer Dates: June 13, July 25

Additional dates available in fall and winter.


Bluesmore

Presented by the Linn County Blues Society, Bluesmore returns this summer for a night of unforgettable entertainment. Enjoy a powerhouse lineup featuring Buckmiller Schwager Band, Avey Grouws Band, and Ghost Town Blues Band. Bring your lawn chair for an evening filled with live music, delicious food, and cold drinks in the beautiful setting of Brucemore’s front lawn.

Location: First Avenue Lawn

Date: Saturday, August 2


At the Garden

Join us in Brucemore’s Formal Garden for an evening of original content.

Location: Formal Garden

Dates: August 8 & 9

Stay tuned for more details and ticket information!


Music (Not) in the Courtyard

Rooted in over 20 years of tradition, Brucemore’s Music in the Courtyard series brings you bespoke performances from the areas best musicians. This, year we’re changing the location (we can’t be in the Courtyard this year and you’ll understand the reason why is a really good thing when you arrive!), but bringing you the same style of show that you know and love. Relax outdoors amongst good company and enjoy listening to music under the stars.

Location: Peggy Boyle Whitworth Amphitheater

Dates: August 21-23 and August 28-30

Stay tuned for more details and ticket information!