Cedar Crossing Casino Adds Interactive Space Exhibit

Summary:

• Cedar Crossing is getting ready to upgrade the Compass Center with “Astronaut,” an interactive exhibit covering life in space.
• The exhibit will run from November through February 2027, with free admission available.
• New entertainment dates include Foghat, Hinder, Trace Adkins, Los Lonely Boys and comedian David Koechner.

Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center has announced that it will expand its entertainment offering beyond gaming, with a new interactive space exhibit and a series of concerts and comedy shows planned through mid-2027.

“Astronaut”: Exploring the Space

The casino announced Wednesday, September 30, that its new Compass Center will open with “Astronaut” an interactive exhibit focused on space exploration. The center is being developed as a venue for arts, culture, education and STEM programming.

“Astronaut” will give visitors a hands-on look at different aspects of space travel, including astronaut training, rocket launches, microgravity and what it takes to live and work in space.

The exhibit was created by Scitech in Perth, Australia, and produced by Imagine Exhibitions. It is scheduled to run from November through February 2027. Linn County school groups will be able to visit the exhibit free of charge as part of the educational programming.

“Much More Than a Casino”

Aaron Gomes, president of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, said in the announcement.

We want Cedar Crossing to be much more than a casino. The Compass Center is a big part of that. It gives us a chance to bring something completely different to Cedar Rapids, starting with Astronaut.

The casino is also adding to its live entertainment calendar, with several new performances announced for its event center.

The upcoming lineup includes rock bands Foghat and Hinder, country singer Trace Adkins, Los Lonely Boys and comedian David Koechner. The newly announced performances are scheduled to take place between December 2026 and June 2027, alongside other events already planned at the venue.

Tickets for the newly announced shows are scheduled to go on sale at 10 a.m. on October 9. Cedar Crossing charter members will have access to a presale beginning 24 hours earlier.

The new Compass Center gives Cedar Crossing another way to attract visitors in Iowa who may be interested in educational and cultural activities rather than spending their time on the casino floor.

The “Astronaut” exhibit will be the center’s first major attraction, with its mix of interactive displays and space-themed activities aimed at both families and school groups.

With the new exhibit and expanded events calendar, Cedar Crossing is adding more non-gaming attractions to its Cedar Rapids property as it builds out its plans for the coming months.