Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center is Cedar Rapids’ long-awaited new destination for gaming, live music, dining, and community events. The $275 million casino in Iowa will open to the public on November 19, 2026, followed by a ribbon-cutting and grand opening on December 5.
It will be Linn County’s first casino. It is also expected to become Iowa’s 20th commercial casino, bringing a major new entertainment option to eastern Iowa.
The news comes in the wake of the opening of a new Bally's casino in Marquette. It ended of the era for true riverboat casinos in Iowa.
When Does Cedar Crossing Casino Open?
The November opening comes about six weeks earlier than the casino’s original New Year’s Eve target. Casino leaders said local contractors, favorable weather, and strong planning helped construction finish ahead of schedule.
Sports betting kiosks will not be available during the November soft opening. They are expected to launch around the December 5 grand opening, after the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved a sports wagering license for the property.
What Is Inside Cedar Crossing?
Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center is designed as more than a casino in Iowa. The development includes gaming, entertainment, restaurants, arts programming, and educational spaces.
Visitors can expect:
- About 700 slot machines
- 22 table games
- A 1,500-seat entertainment venue for concerts, comedy shows, and special events
- Multiple restaurants and bars
- An Arts and Culture Center
- The Compass Center, a STEM lab with its own entrance
- Sports betting kiosks beginning around the grand opening
The entertainment venue is expected to host more than 100 shows each year. Announced performers include Old Dominion, Foghat, Steve-O, Hinder, The Commodores, and Trace Adkins.
Dining will include The Zach Johnson Clubhouse, a steakhouse named for the Cedar Rapids-area golfer. The restaurant plans to feature menu items inspired by Johnson’s 2008 Masters Champions Dinner.
The World's Fare global street food venue is an upcoming dining destination planned for the Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Where Is Cedar Crossing Casino Located?
Cedar Crossing is located at 777 Fourth Street NW in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, near downtown and along the Cedar River. The property is roughly 110,000 square feet, with some reports describing the larger development as up to 160,000 square feet.
Its location places it close to Cedar Rapids’ northwest side, making it convenient for residents across the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Corridor. Nearby road and flood-control projects are expected to be completed around the same time as the casino opening.
Why Cedar Crossing Matters to Cedar Rapids
Cedar Crossing represents the largest casino investment in Iowa history, according to project supporters. It also ends a more-than-decade-long effort to bring a casino to Cedar Rapids and Linn County.
Earlier proposals were rejected by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission in 2014 and 2017. A statewide pause on new casino licenses from 2022 to 2024 also delayed progress. The project finally received approval in February 2025.
Developer Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, also known as P2E, owns and operates the casino. The Linn County Gaming Association is also involved in the project.
Jobs and Community Impact in Iowa
Cedar Crossing is expected to create hundreds of local jobs, with reports citing roughly 350 positions and about half already filled before opening. The casino has emphasized hiring people from the Cedar Rapids area.
The project is also designed to give back to the community. Cedar Crossing will direct 8% of its net adjusted gross revenue to the Linn County Gaming Association, which supports local nonprofits.
A prior economic study projected a $2.25 billion economic impact across Iowa. While projections can change, the casino is expected to bring new visitor spending, employment, and entertainment activity to the region.
Is Cedar Crossing a Good Casino in Iowa To Visit?
For people searching for a new casino in Iowa, Cedar Crossing stands out because it combines gaming with live entertainment, dining, arts, and STEM education. Its location in Cedar Rapids also makes it a convenient option for residents of Linn County and nearby communities.
General Manager Kim Pang has described the project as a “dream come true” for Cedar Rapids. The casino is intended to serve local visitors within about a 45-mile radius while also attracting travelers from across Iowa and neighboring states.
Plan Your Visit to Cedar Crossing
If you want to visit Cedar Crossing Casino, the key dates are simple:
- Soft opening: November 19, 2026
- Grand opening and ribbon-cutting: December 5, 2026
- Address: 777 Fourth Street NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
Whether you are interested in slots, table games, concerts, restaurants, or community events, Cedar Crossing is shaping up to be one of Iowa’s most anticipated new entertainment destinations.
