May 2019 Explore!
Apr 18, 2019 08:20AM ● By Pumulo Kasaji
For Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri
Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.Nebraska
Space Day 2019 May 4 at Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, Ashland. Guests can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing at Space Day. This family event features activities, movies, planetarium shows, and guest speakers. 402-944-3100. —sacmuseum.org
Community Appreciation Day/Stuhr Under the Stars May 4 in Grand Island. The start of the summer season features free admission, food and drink specials, and activities for the whole family. When the sun goes down, attendees can enjoy an outdoor movie under the stars at the Stuhr Museum’s Railroad Town. Blankets and chairs for sitting are encouraged. 308-385-5316. —stuhrmuseum.gov
National Bird Day May 4 at the Arbor Lodge Mansion, Nebraska City. Celebrate birds while touring the Arbor Lodge Mansion. Visitors can “hunt” for the many resident birds. 402-471-0641. —outdoornebraska.gov
Lincoln Marathon May 5 in Lincoln.This event includes three different races. Runners can participate in the full marathon, half marathon, or 1-mile race. Races start at 7 a.m. and end at Memorial Stadium. —lincolnmarathon.org
Sip Nebraska Wine, Craft Beer, and Spirits Festival May 10-11 at Mahoney State Park, Ashland.The sixth annual festival comes to Mahoney State Park for a weekend filled with live music, wine and beer tastings, and vendors for festivalgoers to enjoy. 402-882-2448.
—blurparties.com/sipnebraska
Fort Kearny Outdoor Expo May 11 at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, Kearney. This family-friendly event caters to those who are interested in Nebraska’s outdoor activities and wildlife. Fishing, camping, and archery are but a few of the offered recreational opportunities. A park entry permit is required. 402-471-6009. —fortkearnyexpo.com
Toast Nebraska Wine Festival 2019 May 17-18 at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Gretna. Vala’s brings you its all-Nebraska wine festival, complete with music, food vendors, and many local wineries available for tasting. 402-310-7264. —toastwinefest.com
Bill Morris Memorial Fishing DerbyMay 18 at Ponca State Park, Ponca. This all-ages event includes hands-on activities throughout the day. Prizes will be distributed in many categories. 402-471-0641. —outdoornebraska.gov
Free Fishing and Park Entry Day May 18 at any Nebraska state park or recreation area. Enjoy a Saturday of fishing or state park activities without the purchase a fishing license or park permit. 402-471-0641. —outdoornebraska.gov
Kenny Chesney’s “Songs for the Saints 2019 Tour” May 18 at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln. Country music star Kenny Chesney brings his act to the Pinnacle Bank Arena for a night of fun and music. 402-904-4444. —pinnaclebankarena.com
Wildlands Day & Free Park Entry May 18 at the Wildcat Hills Nature Center, Gering. In Nebraska’s panhandle, this family-friendly event includes a bird hike, wildflower walk, and many other activities. 308-436-3777. — outdoornebraska.gov
Nebraska Junkathon May 24-26 at Thompson’s Treasures Antique and Uniques, Sargent. Vendors come together for a festival of antiques, food, and more in central Nebraska. 308-750-9435.—facebook.com/junkathonfleamarket
Annual Brownville Spring Flea Market May 25-27 in Brownville. Hundreds of vendors bring their wares to this annual tradition, including recycled and up-cycled products, food, and antiques. 402-825-6001. —brownvillehistoricalsociety.org
Migratory Bird Day Celebration May 25-27 at the Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area, Crofton. This all-day event includes a glow in the dark egg hunt, guided bird walks, and more (along Nebraska’s riverine border with South Dakota). 402-388-4169. —outdoornebraska.gov
64th annual Willa Cather Spring Conference May 31-June 1 at National Willa Cather Center, Red Cloud. This annual event celebrates the works and life of Willa Cather. 866-731-7304. —willacather.org
Iowa
Cascade Wing & Brew Fest 2019 May 4 at Cascade Amphitheater, Cascade. Attendees can enjoy some wings and beer as this festival comes back for its sixth year of food, drinks, and live music. 563- 690-8611. —cascadeiowa.org
Maifest May 4 at Amana Colonies, Amana. Dancers, food trucks, and a parade will bring German traditions to this celebration of spring. 319-622-7622. —festivalsinamana.com
Third Annual Coffee & Donut Festival May 4 at the Capital Square, Des Moines. Coffee and doughnuts are the highlights of this Des Moines festival, which includes games and plenty of family fun. 515-599-7500. —coffeedonutfest.com/des-moines
Art Walk May 4 at Kohlmann Park, Waverly. This fine arts walk includes more than 40 artists for visitors to peruse. Open to the public. 319-352-4526. —waverlychamber.com
Free Comic Book Day: May the Fourth Be With You May 4 at Oak Leaf Comics & Collectibles, Mason City Iowa. This event includes free comic books, inflatables, and fun for the whole family. Fifty percent of sales will be donated to the North Iowa Youth Center. 641-424-0333. —dustcatchers.com
Vintage Garden Market with Friends May 4-5 at Rural Route Rust, Avoca. Attendees can enjoy an outdoor market of vintage goods. Drinks, food, and vendors will be available. 402-267-4104. —ruralrouterust.com
Downtown Show and Shine May 5 at 206 Main Street, Cedar Falls. Cars and motorcycles will line Main Street for viewing. Food vendors will be available at this free event open to the public. 319-277-0213. —communitymainstreet.org
Ultimate Spring Women’s Expo May 7 at the Wild Rose Casino, Clinton. Bring some friends to this event that includes shopping, prizes, and more. 563-243-9000. —wildroseresorts.com/clinton
The Beach Boys: "Now & Then Tour" May 9 at the Sioux City Orpheum Theatre, Sioux City. The iconic band will bring their hit music to the Orpheum Theatre for a night to remember. 712-244-5000. —orpheumlive.com
Spring Garden Festival May 9-12 at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines. This event celebrates everything about gardens with activities, workshops, and more. 515-323-6290. —dmbotanicalgarden.com
Orange City Tulip Festival May 16-18 in Orange City. This event, which began in 1936, celebrates Dutch heritage and consists of beautiful tulips, dances performed in traditional Dutch clothing, daily parades, Dutch food, and more. 712-707-4510. —octulipfestival.com
Tree Town Music Festival May 23-26 at the Heritage Park of North Iowa, Forest City. This three-day event brings together big names in country music for a fun festival. Performers include Jake Owen, Dierks Bentley, Lauren Alaina, and more. 641-585-3378. —treetownfestival.com
80th annual North Iowa Band Festival May 23-27 in Mason City. Seventy-six trombones (or more) will parade through the streets of this Iowa town, where Music Man composer Meredith Wilson lived. Along with marching bands, this festival includes a carnival, food, games, and live entertainment. 641-423-5724. —nibandfest.com
Celebrasian May 24-25 at the Westin Gateway Park, Des Moines. In its 17th year, Celebrasian will be a celebration and appreciation of Asian culture, uniting the Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander communities in Des Moines. Guests can enjoy live performances, authentic food, and educational activities. 515-770-1026. —iowaasianalliance.com
Annual Tivoli Fest May 24-May 26 in Elk Horn. Celebrate all things Danish at this annual spring festival, which includes Danish food, dances, live entertainment, fireworks, and more. 712-764-7001.—danishmuseum.org
Boone River Valley Festival May 24-27 at the Boone Valley Brewery, Boone. Festival attendees can enjoy a weekend filled with music, crafts, and fun for the whole family. —boonerivervalleyfestival.com
Spring Art & Craft Festival May 25 at Triangle Park, McGregor. This event kicks off summer with vendors, food, and activities for kids. 563-873-2186. —mcgreg-marq.org
Iowa Arts Festival May 31-June 2 in Iowa City. A family-friendly event that brings together different artists in the Iowa area, this event also features live music performances, food vendors, and more. 319-337-7944. —summerofthearts.org
Kansas
Boots and Beer Auction May 3 at Hoover Pavilion, Dodge City. This event brings many food and craft beer vendors together, also featuring live and silent auctions. 620-227-8188. —boothill.org
KS Food Truck Festival May 4 at the Warehouse Arts District, Lawrence. This one-day festival features more than 25 food trucks with offerings from across the world and live entertainment. Proceeds benefit Just Food, the Douglas County Food Bank. 785-856-3040. —ksfoodtruckfest.com
47th Annual Square Fair & Arts Festival May 11 at the Anderson County Courthouse, Garnett. An annual event, this free family fun affair brings many craft vendors for visitors to peruse. Live entertainment, food, and more. 785-448-6767. —garnettbpw.com
Peony Festival May 18-19 at Stockton Area Chamber of Commerce, Stockton. The annual Peony Festival will feature peony displays around the city. The event includes a parade, craft vendors, and more. 785-425-6703. —stocktonks.com
Lawrence Busker Festival 2018 May 24-26 in downtown Lawrence. This annual event invites everyone to enjoy a get-weird-weekend. It includes unusual live performances by artists—both local and global—and the Busker Ball at the Lawrence Arts Center. This will be the first ever all-female busker festival. 785-843-2787. —lawrencebuskerfest.com
Tumbleweed Music Festival May 30-June 1 at the La Cygne Reservoir, La Cygne. The annual festival filled with music and fun is back for another round. Attendees can enjoy three days and two nights of camping, country music, canoeing, and hot air balloon rides. —tumbleweedcountry.com
Missouri
Gatsby Days May 2-6 in Excelsior Springs. Break out the beads, fringe, and zoot suits for this homage to the roaring ’20s. Events include a fashion stroll, antique car parade, a “Gin & Jazz” party, vaudeville performances, and more. 816-630-6161. —exspgschamber.com
2019 Apple Blossom Parade & Festival May 4 in St. Joseph. The parade has been in existence for over 90 years, and it has expanded into a festival with a Kansas City BBQ Society-sanctioned barbecue contest. The event runs in conjunction with Discover Downtown, which features live music, food vendors, and kids activities. 816-261-0422. —appleblossomparade.com
10th Annual Sikeston Jaycee & Health Facilities Rehab Crawfish Boil & Music Festival May 4 at the Sikeston Rodeo Grounds, Sikeston. Attendees can enjoy music and family entertainment. This event includes a grand feast of Louisiana crawfish. 573-471-2498. —sikeston.net
Harry’s Hay Days May 4-5 in Grandview. This family-friendly event—taking place at the childhood home of Harry Truman—will be a celebration of his birthday and legacy. It is a two-day event filled with music, vendors, games, and a parade. 816-316-4888. —grandviewharryshaydays.com
Artfest on Walnut May 4-5 in Springfield. Over 100 artists will be on display at this celebration of art, with performances, food, and activities for the whole family. 417-831-6200. —springfieldarts.org
Renditions Polish Pottery Festival May 11 in Weston. This celebration of Polish culture includes live music, dancing, traditional food, and displays of unique pottery and art. 816-640-2909. —westonmo.com
VolksWeston May 11 in Weston. This event will display vintage Volkswagens along Main Street to the City Hall parking lot. 816-640-2757. —westonmo.com
Fourth Annual Weston Wine Fest May 18 at Pirtle Winery, Weston. Attendees can enjoy wine, food, and live music. 816-640-2752. —pirtlewinery.com
Westport Roots Festival May 25-27 in Kansas City. The music festival is back for its fifth year. Attendees can enjoy three days of fun and music from 60 bands. 816-960-4560. —westportroots.com
Centralia Anchor Festival May 31-June 2 at the City Square, Centralia. This event brings a fun day filled with music, parade, a carnival, and more. 573-682-2272. —centraliamochamber.com
KC Pridefest May 31-June 2 at Berkley Riverfront Park, Kansas City. Entering its 43rd year, KC PrideFest is back for a celebration of love and diversity. 816-535-0911. —facebook.com/kcpridefest
Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.
This calendar was printed in the May edition of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
