A century-old arts space re-energized with indie concerts, touring songwriters, theater, and pop-up festivals. The 2025 calendar shows a steady run of intimate shows that put you shoulder-to-shoulder with the local scene.
Absolutely love this venue. Couldn’t be more conveniently located if you tried. Food, coffee, record stores, etc nearby. Have already been back there since my first experience.
Emily B.
Google
A delightful multi-level gallery and upstairs theatre and bar. Support local art and local art venues! Support your neighbors creative endeavors! So happy CSPS is here. 🫶🏼
Lucy J.
Google
Nice multiuse space, directions didn't get me to the place, it has a good courtyard and access to the street but you could miss it. The front of the building isnt open at night. Elevator up to the stage area
Laure S.
Google
I've never been disappointed by any of the shows I've seen there! They always select the BEST!!
Karly H (Exploring the L.
Google
The drag show they hosted for pride was so cool. I liked the venue space.
David C.
Google
SPT is Saturday night live in it's infancy. This is a fantastic show with original skits and live music.
Caleb L.
Google
Super nice performing venue with two stages! If you have a show you’re interested in here, don’t hesitate!
Nikcole
Google
Beautiful building and location for the yoga festival I attended there.
Terry S.
Yelp
A hidden gem in a historical building offering diverse music, art, and theater. This nonprofit organization prides itself in providing diverse events at super low admission fees.
Scott B.
Yelp
CSPS is an eclectic cultural center housed in an 1891 building in the heart of the NewBo district. The main auditorium has a full schedule of traveling musicians, in-residence theater and music troupes, improv, you name it. 3 free art galleries present avant garde, regional, and national artists. Full bar. Fun, quirky and worth it.
Matt I.
Yelp
I absolutely LOVE coming to CSPS to watch shows! They are inexpensive but OH SO worth more! Every performer has been excellent, and no seat is a bad seat. It's intimate and very comfy. In winter I love how cozy it is..and in summer it's nice and cool. It's also fun to go check out the rotating art exhibits during intermission. They have a great local beer selection, too. One *slight* complaint would be that they need to start using plastic..not glass...as the glasses tipping over during a performance is distracting. Have been to as many as 2 shows in a week. Will keep coming back for more!!
Connie C.
Yelp
Looking for an eclectic evening? Look up CSPS on th Legion Arts website. Be ready to try a wide range of enertainment at reasonable prices...$12-$35. CSPS is located in New Bo District in a recently renovated (from flood 2008) historical building (Czech heritage) that includes New Bo Books, Brewed Cafe and StudioU Photography. While I. The neighborhood you can also enjoy other local business, including bars and restaurants and the New Bo Market. You won't find ads for CSPS...that's how they keep their prices lower...so get on their website and sign up for email info, too. Tell Mel and Jon...Yelp and Connie sent you. Get up and go!
Jaquel S.
Yelp
Listening to live music is my jam and when my main squeeze suggested we go to CSPS on a random kid-free Sunday, I jumped on the opportunity! CSPS is ideally located close to our home, in a hip little neighborhood called NewBo. We had to purchase our tickets and from the minute we walked through the door, the staff was wonderful at directing us where we needed to go. Next stop was for drinks, where we found a great stocked bar with friendly bartenders. We had an extremely nice gentlemen approach us as we were walking to sit down and he brought us additional chairs, as the venue was packed (he actually got us two seats in the second row) Finally, Red Molly (who we had never heard of and who delivered a fantastic show) came on the stage. I would chalk this experience up to awesome and look forward to visiting again.
Kris B.
Yelp
This review is from the perspective of performing there. Really amazing venue. Clint the sound engineer completely killed it. This cat had actually found the bands music (Birds of Chicago) and listened to the music and asked us to check specific tunes. Whoa, when does that happen? The room sounded amazing and we were able to play w a very low volume. The green room was completely great: clean, spacious, stocked fridge, piano. The meal was really good as well. The only (maybe) liability is that Cedar Rapids appears to be still recovering from the floods a few years ago and is kind of a small market. Not the fault of the venue, but potentially of note. Check a show out here for real!
Cynde S.
Yelp
Best kept secret in the area...that shouldn't be! John and Mel bring in wonderful and unique talents; and keep it affordable for everyone to enjoy. Great date night plans...CSPS and dinner in New Bo. Check out CSPS at http://legionarts.org/