Orchestra Iowa has confirmed that its popular outdoor concert series, Brucemorchestra, will return after a multi-year hiatus — and a community fundraising push made it happen.
The 103-year-old organization announced it has reached the $50,000 minimum fundraising goal needed to bring back the beloved event, which is scheduled for Aug. 29, 2026.
The outdoor concert made its debut in 2008 and quickly grew into one of Cedar Rapids’ most anticipated summer traditions, with peak attendance topping 5,000 on the Brucemore mansion lawn. The series’ 14th and most recent edition, held in 2021, drew around 3,500 people.
“We’ve reached a point in the fundraiser where we can say ‘YES! Brucemorchestra will happen,'” said Eric Marshall, CEO of Orchestra Iowa, in a statement. “Now we want to keep the momentum going to reach our final goal of $100,000.”
The concert’s production costs between $100,000 and $200,000 — expenses that apply even if the event is canceled due to weather. That financial reality, combined with two weather cancellations in 2022, led the organization to suspend the concert in 2023.
Among the highlights of the campaign’s success is a $20,000 pledge from the Grandon Charitable Foundation. That donation will allow all children 17 and younger to attend the concert free of charge, according to a news release.
“I want to thank the Grandon Charitable Foundation and all our donors for making this possible,” said Chief Development Officer Caitlin Hartman in a statement. “This event is something special in our community, and the support to bring it back has been incredible.”
The fundraising effort was also anchored by a $20,000 matching donation from Cedar Rapids residents Leland and Peggy Smithson, who serve as presenting sponsors. Since that contribution, community donations have ranged from $1 to $5,000.
Orchestra Iowa’s fundraising campaign remains active as the organization works toward its $100,000 final goal ahead of the August concert.
Need to know
- Brucemorchestra is scheduled for Aug. 29, 2026, on the lawn of the Brucemore mansion in Cedar Rapids.
- Children 17 and younger will attend free, thanks to a $20,000 gift from the Grandon Charitable Foundation.
- Orchestra Iowa’s fundraising campaign remains open as the organization pursues its $100,000 goal.
