Live music in Cedar Rapids, IA

Get ready for a Friday night rodeo with a family pre-show at 5:00 PM and the main rodeo starting at 7:00 PM. After that, the Outlaw Band kicks off at 9:30 PM for the evening’s live entertainment.

Rock the Block is a no-cost weekly music series hosted by NewBo City Market, bringing live performances to Friday nights on the Bankers Trust Stage in the Market Yard. Each season showcases a mix of local favorites and touring acts, creating a lively outdoor setting for music fans. Admission is free and space is first come, first served. Guests may bring lawn chairs to relax and enjoy the show. To keep the focus on the music and the Market community, outside food and beverages are not allowed, except for reusable water bottles filled with water only. Coolers are not permitted. Smoking is not allowed. Alcohol purchased on the property must stay within designated boundaries. Please plan to pick up snacks from the Market’s shopkeepers to support small businesses. Rock the Block 2026 is supported by the Iowa Arts Council, FastTrans, ImOn, Councilmember David Maier, Rinderknecht Associates, Lion Bridge Brewing, Wendler Inc., Physicians' Clinic of Iowa, The Martini Lounge, and That Girl Tree Care. The 2026 lineup features Dogs on Skis, Alicia Monee, Surf Zombies, Betty Calling, Funk Daddies, The King of Mars, Redemption, Jasper Tide in collaboration with CR Pride, Matthew Kane and the Band Greenbrier, Star Trucker, BRETT NEWSKI Duo, The Dead Century, Vinyl Alibi, The Lily Schloss Band, Evan Stock Band, The Invisible Band, and Fresh Fighters. Photography, audio, and video may be recorded during the event. By entering the property, attendees consent to appear in such media without royalties or other compensation.

At North Point, D-LEW brings a live set packed with classics and long-lost favorites, making each song feel instantly familiar. Nostalgia and rediscovery meet in a high-energy yet laid-back atmosphere, where old-school anthems sit alongside tunes you may not have heard in years. Expect vibrant vibes and Shandy flowing throughout.

Sag Wagon hosts a two piece performance featuring vocalist and guitarist Daren Barker alongside drummer Dawn Sedlacek. Sedlacek, inducted into the Iowa Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, also plays keys and adds vocals. The set centers on guitar, drums, keys, and vocals delivered by just two musicians.

Enjoy an evening of music and laughter with vocalist Melissa Tormene. Fans of Music in the Courtyard may remember her from the 2023 program Facets of Love. Raised in Cedar Rapids and now performing for audiences around the world on cruise stages, she brings power, presence, and heart to the stage. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. Supporters of Brucemore receive $5 off each ticket, which can be applied by signing in on the purchase page or by calling 319-362-7375. A $4 processing fee applies to all online and phone orders.

The Red Frog hosts Joe Demerath for his first set at the venue, delivering live country music with a 90s focus. The performance is interactive, as he welcomes audience requests and does his best to play them. An Army combat veteran, he directs tips and donations to support local Iowa veterans and organizations. The event features live music in a lively atmosphere at The Red Frog.

Iowa City area musician Christopher Ingram brings his solo guitar and vocals to The Shack Tavern with a mix of southern rock, classic rock, and classic country. The set features songs by artists such as Tom Petty, ZZ Top, the Eagles, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Enjoy an annual backyard-style hang with live music, plenty of shade, and beer. Bring a lawn chair and settle in for a laid-back good time. Food and drinks will be available for purchase on site.

Island Fever Phlocking 2026 brings an island-themed fundraiser to The Olympic South Side Theater in Cedar Rapids, presented by the Isle of Iowa Parrot Head Club. The event offers a relaxed tropical atmosphere with live music and a strong community focus. Tickets are available, and all event proceeds go to Do What You Love to End Alzheimer's to help fund research and care in the fight against the disease.

A performance will be presented on the Family Entertainment Stage at the St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival.

Catch Catfish Keith live at The James Theater in Iowa City. The show is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM.

Enjoy a one hit wonder themed music bingo night at Kingston's Steakhouse in Cedar Rapids, featuring chart-topping singles from artists like Sir Mix-A-Lot, Crazy Town, Rednex, Vanilla Ice, Right Said Fred, House of Pain, and Blind Melon, with more favorites in the mix. Participation is free, with chances to win complimentary drinks and other prizes. The event welcomes all ages and offers a fresh twist on the classic bingo experience.

Weekly Music Bingo features new themes each month and is always free. Pick up a card, listen for the songs, and mark your matches for a chance to win house cash. Drop in any time and stay as long as you like. Expect a relaxed atmosphere with great music and low pressure fun.

Tuesday nights now feature a relaxed series that begins indoors, with plans to move out to the patio as interest grows. All summer long there will be a welcoming stage and a chill atmosphere for enjoying music with friends. The show blends a live jukebox feel with lighthearted karaoke, aiming to create an easygoing experience that everyone can enjoy.

Enjoy an evening of organ music and sweet treats as part of a summer series devoted to pipes, pedals, and pie. This installment features Brenda Sevcik, organist at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, continuing the focus on church musicians from across the Creative Corridor region. After the concert, the Musical Arts Committee presents a social with pie and ice cream, planned for the new outdoor back patio area if weather permits.

Expect karaoke, high-energy hits, and a lively vibe on Tuesday. The kitchen stays open until 10 so you can grab a bite between songs.

Get a night of James Bond inspired music in Brucemore’s historic courtyard carriage house. This year’s Music in the Courtyard program features songs made famous by 007, reimagined by Brucemore’s Artisan in Residence Gerard Estella and performed by singers Stephanie Goff and Allison Yoder. It’s an outdoor, all-ages experience under the stars.

A favorite summertime tradition returns to the courtyard with an open air concert celebrating the music of 007. Hear the iconic themes and songs from the James Bond films, spanning from Dr. No to No Time to Die, reimagined by Brucemore’s Artisan in Residence, Gerard Estella, and performed by powerhouse vocalists Stephanie Goff and Allison Yoder Hershberger. The evening highlights local artistry in a relaxed outdoor setting where cinematic melodies take center stage. Ticket options include individual seats at $30, with a $25 rate for Supporters. Tables are available at $110 for four and $140 for five, with Supporters paying $90 and $115. A $4 processing fee is added to online and phone purchases.

Palomino sets the tone for an evening of country dancing at VFW Post 788 in Cedar Rapids. All are welcome, and the cover charge is $10. Food and cold drinks will be available so you can keep the energy up while you dance throughout the evening.

Metro Harley Davidson Bike Night features a set from Encore Legends, a party rock band with a high-energy show and a mix of styles. The group is a 2025 Iowa Music Awards nominee and is signed with Beyond Media Entertainment. The event raises money for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.

Kingston’s Steakhouse brings a warm-weather vibe to the patio with a live music series centered on singer songwriters. Local artists share original tunes along with acoustic takes on familiar songs for an easygoing night of music. The full food menu is available outside, including steaks, burgers, and other favorites. Happy Hour features 2-for-1 drinks, creating an easy pairing of sips, bites, and intimate performances in a relaxed setting.

Iowa’s Jazz Station begins its next half-century with an evening at Noelridge Park that spotlights rising artists shaping the jazz scene in Iowa and beyond. This concert features performances by the Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra and Young Artists: Jazz on 76th from Prairie, and it will be broadcast live on 88.3 KCCK. Led by Central Iowa musician and composer Paul Lichty, the Paul Lichty Jazz Orchestra draws on his wide-ranging work as music director and trombonist for BYOBrass and The Domita Show and as jazz chair of the Iowa Pride Ensembles. The ensemble’s debut album, Dark Soul, was released in 2021 and is available on streaming platforms. Lichty also serves as a band director at Winterset Junior High School and is a recipient of the CJC Des Moines Hall of Fame Next Generation award recognizing emerging talent in Des Moines. Jazz on 76th brings together current and recently graduated Prairie High School students from a program that has reached the Iowa Jazz Championships for the past two years. Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic or purchase food from vendors. For weather-related updates or potential cancellations, tune to 88.3 KCCK. This event is supported by sponsors including McGrath Family of Dealerships, Collins Community Credit Union, Illuminate Digital, Brian and Marty Stoll, Nile and Lois Dusdieker, West Music, and Kirkwood Community College.

Get ready for an outdoor evening of James Bond inspired music at Brucemore. This year’s program features songs made famous by 007, reimagined by Brucemore’s Artisan in Residence Gerard Estella and performed by Stephanie Goff and Allison Yoder. Bring your ticket and enjoy a night of cinematic tunes under the stars in the courtyard of Brucemore’s historic carriage house.