Pella Opera House

Bourbon and BBQ
2025-10-02 17:30 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Pella Opera House, 611 Franklin St, Pella, IA, 50219, United States
CANCELLED! Reluctantly we are cancelling this year’s Bourbon & BBQ due to low vendor participation. There are several bourbon events all happening on this date, making participation challenging. If you purchased tickets, we will be contacting you about refunds or rolling it into our 2026 Bourbon & BBQ event because YES, we will see you at our bourbon event in 2026!

It’s time to learn about Iowa bourbons from great Iowa distilleries!

Join us for an evening of conversations, great bourbons and cigars. A highlight of the evening is the opportunity to learn more about the tradition of Iowa distilling. Doors open at 5:30 pm with bourbon tastings available until 8 pm. An amazing buffet dinner will be available from Amos Flava beginning at 7 pm. Beginning at 8 pm, participants have the opportunity to move outside to our private dock area for a cigar provided by Iowa Cigars.

Returning is the BOURBON & BBQ RAFFLE for highly allocated and fabulous bourbons and cigar packages will be available again this year!

Tickets to Bourbon and BBQ are $75 per person, and you must be 21 years old to attend.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Nashville North: Songs and Stories
2025-10-04 19:00 - 21:00
Join us as two hit songwriters including David Lee and Anthony Smith bring great music and fabulous stories to the theatre.
David Lee and co-writer Tony Lane landed their first cut together “This Old Heart” on Terri Clark’s “How I Feel”, shortly after he penned John Michael Montgomery’s title cut “This One’s Gonna Leave a Mark”. His first Top 10 came with Leann Womack’s “Now You See Me Now you Don’t”, followed by Brad Martin’s “Before I Knew Better” in 2002.
In 2003 David signed with BMG Music Publishing and co-wrote his first #1 song “19 Somethin” for Mark Wills, in 2004 “Letters From Home” for John Michael Montgomery, followed by “Lucky Man” performed by Montgomery Gentry. In 2008 Tim McGraw and Faith Hill sung Lee’s riveting love song “I Need You” for which Lee received a Song of the Year Grammy nomination.
Songs written by Anthony Smith are woven into the fabric of country music. His songs have shaped the careers for some of the most iconic country music artists like George Strait, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Montgomery Gentry and others.
Anthony has the uncanny and rare talent of writing songs in ways that have never been written before, that generates visuals and impacts emotions for listeners. With memorable song titles like “Cowboy’s Like Us”, “Who Invented The Wheel”, “Half a Man”, “Run”, “I’m Tryin’”, “Up To The Depths”, “Infinity” and more, you know Anthony’s songs are interesting and capture the imagination of the listener.
Tickets are also available for “One More Round” after the show in the Great Hall. 70 lucky concert goers can purchase a $10 ticket to hear another round of songs and stories!

Tickets to Nashville North are $35-$50. Join us for “One More Round” after the show for only $10 per person!
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Tacos and Tequila
2025-11-01 17:30 - 20:00
Join us for a “Day of the Dead” celebration. Ticket includes a great buffet from Cloverleaf Kitchen as well as a margarita. Additional tequila tastings and tequila drinks will be available from the cash bar.
Menu includes:
Street Corn Dip with Chips; BBQ Pork; Shredded Chicken; Corn and Flour Tortillas; Slaw and more. Plus cinnamon Tortilla Chips with caramel sauce and chocolate sauce!

Tickets to Tacos and Tequila are $30 per person.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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125th Anniversary at the Pella Opera House
2025-11-08 17:30 - 19:00
Celebrate 125 years at the Pella Opera House!
Open 10 am-5 pm with refreshments, free guided tour at noon, organ music at 2 pm and a free silent film at 7 pm! The Martini Huis will also be open from 1-5 pm so come enjoy one of our specialty martinis while touring this beautiful historic building.
Join us for dinner in the Great Hall at 5:30 pm followed by a special presentation of the 1924 silent film “Peter Pan” with organ accompaniment by Brett Valliant.
Brett Valliant is an American organist in demand for his ability to perform many different genres of music on the instrument he loves. Whether at an organ in a concert hall, a majestic church organ on Sunday morning, a mighty Wurlitzer in a theatre, or a Hammond B-3 in a jazz club, Brett is right at home. Critics internationally have defined his performances as “exciting,” refreshing, “unorthodox, and astonishing.”
“Peter Pan” is a 1924 American fantasy adventure film released by Paramount Pictures, and the first film adaptation of the 1904 play by J.M. Barrie. It was directed by Herbert Brenon and starred Betty Bronson as Peter Pan, Ernest Torrence as Captain Hook, Mary Brian as Wendy, Virginia Browne Faire as Tinker Bell, Esther Ralston as Mrs. Darling, and Anna May Wong as the Indian princess Tiger Lily. The film inspired Walt Disney to create his company’s 1953 animated adaptation.

The 125th Anniversary Open House is free from 10 am-5 pm. Martinis will be for sale from 1-5 pm at the Martini Huis on the second floor. All events from 10 am-5 pm and the 7 pm silent film, Peter Pan, are no charge to the public. The anniversary dinner is $60 per ticket.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Festival of Trees 2025
2025-11-22 - 2025-12-06
Visit the 2025 Festival of Trees and experience the sights and sounds of the holidays! There’s always something special for the children, and everyone will enjoy seeing the beautiful trees, lights, wreaths, and decorations in our Great Hall as well as enjoy our annual kids scavenger hunt during this time too. Our Christmas Boutique will be open with items available for immediate purchase. Other items are part of our silent auction, with all proceeds of this event benefiting our Pella Opera House Youth Programming.

Pella Opera House Festival of Trees: Nov. 22-Dec. 6
Monday-Saturday; 10 am-4 pm
Open Monday, Nov. 24 until 8 pm
Closed Sunday, Nov. 23 and Thanksgiving, Nov. 27
Open Thursday-Friday, Dec. 4-5 until 8 pm (hot drinks available in the lobby until 1 pm, Martini Huis open from 1-8 pm)
Open Saturday, Dec. 6 until 4 pm (hot drinks available in the lobby until 1 pm, item pick up from 4-6 pm, Martini Huis open until 6 pm)
Free Admission

Traditions of Christmas at the Opera House
2025-11-30 14:00 - 16:00
Kick off the holiday season with an annual favorite – a performance on the Barton Theatre Organ with Kent Jager. Kent will be joined by a variety of talented vocalists and instrumentalists. Plus the audience will enjoy singing along to many Yuletide favorites.

All seats are $25. With our intimate theatre space, there’s not a bad seat in the house!
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Timeless Movie: A Christmas Story
2025-12-11 19:00 - 21:00
In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie Parker attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.
Presented in conjunction with Swank Films.

Tickets are $5 per person and may be purchased in advance or at the door. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Enjoy FREE popcorn at this special Timeless Christmas Movie!
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Pella Corporation Presents Jordan Smith: Christmas
2025-12-12 19:00 - 21:00
Jordan Smith returns to the Pella Opera House with his Christmas show! Jordan first showed the world his musical gift in 2015 when he became the “Best-selling artist in the history of The Voice” and the winner of Season 9.
Not only did Jordan cement himself as The Voice’s biggest seller, moving 1.5 million singles in 6 months, but he launched 8 songs to the Top 10 of iTunes— the first artist from any season to hit the iTunes Top 10 every single week of the Live Rounds. He also became “one of two The Voice artists to notch three #1s during the show’s season.” Meanwhile, he’s “the first act to own both the #1 and #2 titles concurrently on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs Chart.” The singer and performer will perform hits from his Christmas album, ‘Tis the Season!

For this premium show, box seats are $75; Premium seats are $60 and balcony and main floor behind premium are $50 each. All seats are excellent in our intimate theatre space!
The Pella Opera House is proud to bring this outstanding show back to our Historic Theatre.

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Pajamas and Pancakes 2025
2025-12-13 08:30 - 10:30
Join us for a delightful morning filled with delicious breakfast food, engaging crafts, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Enjoy a heartwarming reading session with the Clauses and bring joy to your little ones. To top off this enchanting experience, we invite you to the Pella Opera House for a charming short children’s Christmas movie that will leave smiles all around!

$10 per child under 12 years old; $5 for accompanying adult. Purchase adult tickets separately from children’s tickets.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment and special events to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Jake and Mikayla: Rock This Christmas!
2025-12-18 19:00 - 21:00
Musical duo Jake & Mikayla will be presenting a Rockin’ Christmas Show in the Pella Opera House’s Historic Theatre. You’ll hear all of your favorite Rock N’ Roll Christmas hits from artists like: Elvis Presley, Brian Setzer, Chuck Berry, Brenda Lee and more!

All seats are $25. With our intimate theatre space, there’s not a bad seat in the house!
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Pella Corporation Presents Emily Raff
2026-01-31 19:00 - 21:00
Emily Raff is making a lasting impression on thousands of music fans across the Midwest. Over the last year, she expanded her reach into Nashville and west – and her songwriting bears the evidence. Recent releases “Watch Over You” and “Empty Bottles, Broken Glass” are testaments to Emily’s determination to claim her space as a songwriter. Armed with a guitar and powerful vocals, Emily covers great songs from Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, Megan Moroney and more! Join us for a night with this up-and-coming country singer!

Tickets to the Emily Raff are $35-$50.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Missoula Children's Theatre presents The Jungle Book
2026-02-06 08:00 - 17:00
Ever been abandoned in the jungle, adopted by wolves, taught by a bear, befriended by a panther and chased by a tiger? In the Missoula Children’s Theatre musical adaptation of THE JUNGLE BOOK, Mowgli the man-cub has all these adventures and more. Join him as he escapes from the Bander-log, outwits a tiger, enlists the help of a rock-python, explores what it means to be human and learns a lesson from the brave mongoose Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. Original music and rollicking humor give new life to the classic tale by Rudyard Kipling.
Shows on Friday at 7 pm and Saturday at 10:30 am. When you click to buy tickets, the Saturday show is available.

Y.ES! (Youth Entertainment Series!)These shows are designed to be entertaining and educational for the youth in our region. Shows are open to the public as well as to students in area schools and home-schooled students. Sponsored by Vermeer Corporation, tickets are discounted to $20 or $15 adults and $12 or $8 for students up to 18 years old.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Valentine's Day at the Pella Opera House
2026-02-14 17:30 - 21:00
Enjoy a delicious surf and turf dinner catered by Liberty Street Kitchen interspersed with three one-act plays presented by Union Street Players and directed by Tom and Wendy Vander Well.
Appetizer (A first taste, if you will with “The Sure Thing,” a story of a couple meeting and connecting, featuring Jesse Neiboer and Aemelia Tripp)
Caesar Salad
The Long Main Course (With “Post-Its” sharing the story of a couple’s journey from beginning to end, featuring Dan and Beth Kuttler)
5oz New York Strip and Grilled Shrimp
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Sweet Desserts (The end of the journey with “I’m Herbert,” featuring Tom and Wendy Vander Well)
Cheesecake
Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026
Doors open at 5:30pm
$95/person includes dinner and entertainment

$95 per ticket. If you are part of a group, please purchase all tickets in one purchase. If you are unable to purchase in a group, please send your table request to Events@PellaOperaHouse.org or call 641-628-8625.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment and special events to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Pella Corporation Presents Not Quite Brothers
2026-02-21 19:00 - 21:00
Not Quite Brothers is Central Iowa’s fastest growing cover band. Formed in 2018, the band quickly became known for their huge sound, eclectic setlist and ability to enhance any party. Fans of all ages agree… “it feels like I am watching the band they are covering in their heyday” and “It’s so cool to see a younger generation playing my favorite songs on stage!”
Sam Johnson (vocals) and Isaac Johnson (guitar) are twins and although Cooper Corcoran (guitar), Ben Schmelzer (drums) and Blake Marsh (bass) are of no relation to each other, these five fellas are as tight as brothers… but not quite.

Tickets to Not Quite Brothers are $35-$50.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Sidewalk Prophets
2026-03-07 19:00 - 21:00
With a career spanning 5 major label studio releases—These Simple Truths (2009), Live Like That (2012), Something Different (2015), The Things That Got Us Here (2020), Looking Up (2025) plus 2013’s celebrated holiday offering, Merry Christmas To You—and multiple hits, including Gold-certified “The Words I Would Say,” “You Love Me Anyway” and “Live Like That,” among others, Sidewalk Prophets remains a mainstay at Christian radio. The Dove Award-winning band has amassed more than 240 million career on-demand streams and sold more than 923,000 in equivalent album sales and 1.88 million digital tracks. In addition, the group has garnered five No. 1 songs, nine Top 5 radio singles and more than 82.4 million views on YouTube.

Tickets to Sidewalk Prophets are $35-$50 per ticket.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Denim and Diamonds
2026-03-27 17:30 - 22:30
Denim & Diamonds is our casually luxurious fundraiser that helps underwrite everything we do to bring the arts, entertainment and joy to Pella and the region! Won’t you join us?
The Pella Opera House’s annual fundraising gala takes a turn towards blue jeans this year. Join us on Friday, March 27 for Denim & Diamonds — a special event with a purpose!! Your support of the Pella Opera House makes our community more vibrant. Tickets are now available for the dinner, auction and fun at www.bidpal.net/pohgala26.
We’ll have an amazing meal from Great Caterers of Iowa, plus desserts from all over to enjoy after our “Dessert Dash!” Plus the silent auction this year features dozens of “experiences!” Whether it’s a mixology class, a bourbon experience, a spa day, pool party or game night, we’ll have many fun options for you, your friends and family. It’s a great night to get out of the house and share in the casual fun with Denim & Diamonds!

Denim & Diamonds tickets are $100 each or $750 for a table of eight.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Pella Corporation Presents Pork Tornadoes
2026-04-11 19:00 - 21:00
Don’t be fooled by the strange band name. The Pork Tornadoes are one of the most well-known and loved cover bands of the Midwest. They are known for putting a unique spin on all of your favorite songs, spanning 5 decades and 4 different genres. Led by singer Mason Greve, who was a finalist on The Voice in 2014, The Pork Tornadoes will blow you away with an electric mix of covers ranging from Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake and Beyonce, all the way to Lizzo, Morgan Wallen, NSYNC and Phil Collins. Their debut EP peaked on the Apple iTunes Pop charts at #20 and has been streamed over 1.3 million times. They recently achieved viral success with the 5th-most viewed cover of ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ on Youtube and an impromptu performance of ‘In The Air Tonight’ with a drum line that was featured in Rolling Stone Magazine. Performing music that people of all ages and musical backgrounds can enjoy, crowds of fun-loving music fans continue to attend every Pork Tornadoes concert that they can. With over 18 million views on their videos and more than 100,000 social media fans worldwide, it’s time for you to buy that ticket so you can see what the fuss is all about!

Tickets to the Pork Tornadoes are $35-$50.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Pizza, Puzzles and Pints
2026-04-17 17:30 - 21:00
Pizza, Puzzles and Pints
Friday, April 17, 2026
SOLD OUT!!
Doors open at 5:30pm. Competition begins at 6PM.

4 person team at $50 per team. One person registers per team and will be sent a link to complete a Google form with all team information.
Assemble a 300 piece puzzle
Consume 1 large pizza and 4 pints (of beer or soda)

FIRST TEAM TO COMPLETE ALL TASKS WINS 4 Tickets to the newly renovated Pella Cinema and a gift certificate to George’s Pizza.
GAMES, COMPETITION AND FUN FOR EVERYONE!!!
Friday, April 17
Doors open at 5:30PM and Competition begins at 6:00PM.

$50 per team. One person must purchase for the entire team. You will then be emailed a link to a Google form to complete information for your entire team. Questions or need help? Call 641-628-8625.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment and special events to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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TULIP TIME: The Reluctant Pioneer - the story of Maria Scholte
2026-05-07 10:00 - 2026-05-09 10:30
The Opera House’s Great Hall is transformed into Maria Scholte’s living room for this unique experience. The Reluctant Pioneer is a must-see! A thoroughly enjoyable one-woman live production, bringing to life Pella’s “first lady.” Catch an exciting glimpse of this important figure from Pella’s pioneer days.

Tickets to The Reluctant Pioneer – the story of Maria Scholte are $10 per person.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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TULIP TIME: The Neil Diamond Story starring William Florian
2026-05-07 16:30 - 2026-05-08 16:30
William FlorianOf the famous 60’s group…The New Christy Minstrelssongs – stories – humor
William weaves stories, songs, and humor from Diamonds early acoustic years honoring the life and achievements of this legendary minstrel. You will find yourself singing along as William performs Diamonds most celebrated songs … Song Sung Blue, Sweet Caroline, Play Me, Cherry Cherry, Holly Holy, Solitary Man, and many more.

Tickets for The Neil Diamond Story starring William Florian are $25 per person.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Tiptoe Through the Tulips with Kent Jager on the Barton Theatre Organ
2026-05-09 11:00 - 11:30
Delight to the sounds of the Barton Theatre Organ, brought to life in a 35-minute program of music on our 1928 historic organ. Performed by Kent Jager, an accomplished organist, and currently the organist and choir director at St. Paul’s Congregational United Church of Christ in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Prior to St. Paul’s, he was Director of Music at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Chicago, overseeing the extensive choral program and playing the Möller organ. He completed his graduate studies at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, where he studied with Grigg Fountain. He studied with Davis Folkerts at Central College during his undergraduate years.

Tiptoe Thru The Tulips is a general admission show in our Historic Theatre during Tulip Time. There will be a general admission price of $10.00 per person.

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TULIP TIME: PHS Choral Showcase
2026-05-09 16:30 - 17:30
Join us for outstanding performances from members of the Pella High School Choirs. Under the direction of Samantha Robilliard, award-winning PHS choirs have entertained audiences at numerous competitions and events.

Tickets for the PHS Choral Showcase are $15 per person.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

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Bourbon, BBQ and Cigars
2026-09-17 17:30 - 21:00
Mark your calendar and get your tickets! Bourbon, BBQ and Cigars scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Pella Opera House. There are only 100 tickets to this great event so get yours today!

Join us for an evening of conversations, great bourbons and cigars. A highlight of the evening is the opportunity to learn more about the tradition of Iowa distilling from a variety of Iowa distillers. Doors open at 6 pm with bourbon tastings available until 8 pm. An amazing buffet dinner will be available from Amos Flava beginning at 7 pm. Beginning at 8 pm, participants have the opportunity to move outside to our private dock area for a cigar provided by Iowa Cigars.

Returning is the BOURBON & BBQ RAFFLE for highly allocated and fabulous bourbons and cigar packages!

Tickets to Bourbon and BBQ are $75 per person, and you must be 21 years old to attend.
The Pella Opera House is proud to provide quality arts entertainment to Pella and surrounding communities at affordable rates.

Purchase Tickets
