Create an amazing summer at Brucemore, where history, arts, and community come together in unforgettable ways. Set on a beautiful 26-acre historic estate in the heart of Cedar Rapids, Brucemore is a unique setting to experience the vibrant arts scene of Eastern Iowa. Enjoy a lineup of outdoor events that celebrate human connection and community.
A Night Out at Brucemore Cocktail Party
Our annual cocktail party is your invitation to celebrate the start of a season filled with live music, warm evenings in beautiful outdoor settings, and drinks with friends. As you enjoy live music performed by Alicia Monée, Kelsey Madsen, and Lucy Conroy with backing by the Servants’ Quarters Band you can enjoy the beauty of the Formal Garden in its early summer bloom. Savor delicious food and drinks, take in the atmosphere, and share in the spirit of community that defines Brucemore.
Date: Friday, June 5, 6:00-9:00 PM
Location: Mansion West Lawn
Tickets: $75 per person (includes light appetizers and drinks)
*This event is for ages 21+.
Ballet Des Moines Summer Tour
The Ballet Des Moines Summer Tour is coming back to Brucemore! Enjoy a free evening of community arts activities, a music and spoken word performance curated by Brucemore, and a ballet performance Ballet Des Moines.
Location: First Avenue Lawn
Date: Saturday, June 13
Schedule:
- 5:00 – 6:30 PM: Community Arts Activities
- 5:15 – 6:00 PM: Music and Spoken Word Performance Curated by Brucemore featuring an exceptional lineup
- 6:00 – 6:30 PM: Community Dance Class
- 6:30 – 7:45 PM: Ballet Des Moines Performance
Mansion Mixer: Tiki Talk
In the basement of Brucemore’s classic Queen Anne mansion is a surprising spot – a tiki bar! It isn’t just any tiki bar, though, this is the oldest known example of an in-home tiki bar in the country. So… why is there a tiki bar in an Iowa mansion’s basement and who put it there?
Location: Brucemore Mansion
Date: Thursday, June 25, 6:00 PM
Theatre Cedar Rapids Outdoors at Brucemore: Disney’s Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo follows Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish who lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his son Nemo. When Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic odyssey across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.
Book by Lindsay Anderson. Music by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.
Location: Peggy Boyle Whitworth Amphitheater
Dates: July 10-12, 15-19, & 22-26, 6:30 PM
Bluesmore
Presented by the Linn County Blues Society, Bluesmore returns for a day of unforgettable entertainment. Enjoy a lineup featuring Selwyn Birchwood, The Janeys, and Cedar County Cobras. Bring your lawn chair for live music, delicious food, and cold drinks in a beautiful setting.
Location: First Avenue Lawn
Date: Saturday, August 2, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
A Night with Melissa Tormene
Music in the Courtyard fans may recognize Melissa from the 2023 Facets of Love performance. Raised in Cedar Rapids and now serenading the globe one cruise at a time, Melissa Tormene is a powerhouse of talent, presence, and heart. Prepare for a night of music and laughter!
Location: Servants’ Duplex Lawn
Dates: August 7 & 8, 7:30 PM
Music in the Courtyard
This beloved summer music event is back in the courtyard! Step into an unforgettable evening rooted in a tradition of bringing people together to experience the best local talent in a relaxed, open‑air setting.
This year’s program features music made famous by 007. From Dr. No in 1962 to No Time to Die in 2021, James Bond films have entertained generations of moviegoers and introduced some of pop culture’s most iconic melodies. Experience the cinematic magic of these songs reimagined by Gerard Estella and performed by powerhouse singers Stephanie Goff and Allison Yoder.
Location: Brucemore’s Carriage House Courtyard
Dates: August 12-15, 7:30 PM
Level Up Live!
Get ready to level up and experience the music of video games like you’ve never done before! With producers Dillon Rairdin and Lincoln Ginsberg, along with a selection of Cedar Rapids’ finest musicians, prepare for a night of epic, intimate, and infectious music — all without having to pick up a controller! Whether you’re an avid gamer or just enjoy energizing instrumental music, this event will have something for you.
Want a preview of what to expect at this event? Check out our Level Up Live playlist on YouTube for highlights from past events. The 2026 program will bring innovative arrangements of new songs from your favorite games, with all the passion and creativity that audiences enjoyed in 2024 and 2025.
Location: Circle Drive in front of Brucemore’s Mansion
Dates: September 4 & 5, 7:30 PM
Concessions Now Available
We are excited to share that concessions are now available at Brucemore events! Enjoy a selection of canned hard and soft drinks and packaged snacks. You can even enjoy the convenience of pre-ordering your concessions so they are ready to pick up from the bar when you arrive. Check out individual event details and your confirmation email for the pre-order links.