A much-anticipated event at Western Illinois University is finally about to happen.
WIU will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Interim Director Mick Cumbie said the event is open to the general public and will also serve as an open house for the $119 million building.
“We get a lot of requests for tours of the building, and we accommodate some where we can. But we’re not staffed to do tours all day long,” Cumbie said.
“So if you want to get a feel for the building, if you want to see what the spaces look like, be here at 2 p.m. Tuesday the 15th for the ribbon cutting and grand opening.”
The doors will open for the event at 1:30 p.m.
Students are already using the performing arts center, and the first performance in the 870-seat Great Hall will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, featuring bluegrass band Chicken Wire Empire.
Cumbie said the best way to support the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts is by purchasing tickets for Wednesday’s performance and this season’s other events:
- Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026 — “Gravity” (matinee performance)
- Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 — “Magic Rocks” with illusionist Leon Etienne
- Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026 — The touring production of “STOMP,” which is celebrating its 30th anniversary
- Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027 — “Forgottonia” by Chris Vallillo, featuring the black and white photography of Tim Schroll
- Wednesday, March 24, 2027 — “Big Gravity” by TaikoArts Midwest
- Monday, April 5, 2027 — The Quad City Symphony Orchestra
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