Exhibitions 

America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far
Through Oct. 18 at Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Visitors can enjoy innovative hands-on experiences and discover fascinating objects, images, and information from over 50 countries. Children can explore ancient trade routes on a two-story Indian Ocean dhow (boat) or on a camel. They can thrill to the excitement of a global marketplace as they pretend to buy, sell, and trade fruit, fish, spice, ceramic, textiles, and rugs. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Wednesday-Sunday). Admission: $10 adults, $10 kids (2-15), $9 seniors (60+), free for members and kids under 2. 402.342.6165.
–ocm.org

The Nitty Gritty on a Streetcar City
Through April 1 at General Crook House, 5730 N. 30th St. This exhibit is about Omaha’s streetcar system, which operated from 1868-1955, and includes artifacts from the cars, a streetcar seat, replica uniforms, and route maps. 402.455.9990.
–douglascohistory.org

Bug Squad
Through April 11 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. In this immersive world of insects, children will explore the science behind each bug’s unique abilities and traits while realizing their own superpowers. Families will encounter real bugs and huge animatronic bugs. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Wednesday-Sunday). Admission: $10 adults, $10 kids (2-15), $9 seniors (60+), free for members and kids under 2. 402.342.6165.
–ocm.org 

Dottie Seymour, Glenda Musilek, Linda Hatfield
Oct. 1-25 at Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 405 S. 11th St. Fans of the abstract won’t want to miss this show from three Omaha artists. Admission: free. 402.342.9617
–artistscoopomaha.com

The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited 
Oct. 3-Jan. 10 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. This exhibit explores Jim Henson’s groundbreaking work for film and television and his transformative impact on popular culture. Its reveals how Henson and his team of builders, performers and writers brought to life the enduringly popular worlds of “The Muppet Show,” “Sesame Street,” “Fraggle Rock,” “The Dark Crystal,” “Labyrinth” and much more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for children 2 years and under and members. 402.444.5071
–durhammuseum.org

Revisiting America: The Prints of Currier & Ives
Oct. 3-Jan. 1 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. In 2016, Conagra Brands donated nearly 600 Currier & Ives lithographs to Joslyn Art Museum. This exhibition sheds new light on the famous firm’s artistic and commercial practices, revealing the complex social relationships and surprising modernity of its lavish prints, which found their way into the homes of tens of thousands of Americans in the nineteenth century. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, free for students with ID, Joslyn members and children under 17. 402.342.3300.
–joslyn.org

Day of the Dead/ Día de Muertos
Oct. 10-Nov. 14 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. Combining elements from indigenous Aztec and Christian traditions, the Day of the Dead celebrates departed loved ones through the remembrance of an “ofrenda” (offering) which include the elements of flowers, candles, incense, candy, favorite foods and special bread such as “pan de muertos.” Guided tours are available with advance reservation. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Wednesday-Friday), 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Saturday). Tickets: $5 adults, $4 students, $3.50 seniors and students K-12, free for children under five. 402.731.1137.
–elmuseolatino.org

Get Out the Vote
Oct. 10-Nov. 1 at Union for Contemporary Arts, 2423 N. 24th St. This exhibition is part of a series that will innovate the means by which art is experienced while also supporting the creative practices of local and regional Black artists of multiple disciplines by using their windows to display art. Admission: free. 402.933.3161.
–u-ca.org

Joyous Occasion
Through Nov. 27 at Modern Arts Midtown, 3615 Dodge St. View the exhibition of new work by artists Catherine Ferguson, Barbara Kendrick, Chris Cassimatis, Merrill Peterson and Terry Dushan at Modern Arts Midtown. By appointment only, Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Admission: free. 402.502.8737.
–modernartsmidtown.com

Concerts 

Andrea Von Kampen
Sept. 26 (moved from Oct. 24) at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Andrea von Kampen is an independent folk singer-songwriter based in Lincoln whose effortless vocal delivery has been described by Ear To The Ground Music as having “the conviction of a gospel track and the sincerity of a Dylan folk ballad.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $13 advanced, $15 day of show. 402.345.7569
–theslowdown.com

LOUD in Benson
Oct. 1 at Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The LOUD series highlights local artists from the Omaha and surrounding areas. Attendees can expect a fast-paced and action-packed night of hip-hop. This version of LOUD features Nice Enough Entertainment’s very own touring artist Jay Influential. With support from C10, Bate$, Goonie Gang, NeVes and Modest K. 9 p.m. Tickets: $10 advanced, $15 day of show. 402.884.5353.
–waitingroomlounge.com

PetRock
Oct.1-2 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Attendees can travel back in time to the ’70s with PetRock. This ’70s tribute band is dedicated to delivering the most devoted, loving and downright accurate ’70s musical experience possible. 7 p.m. (Thursday), 8:30 p.m. (Friday). Tickets: $15-$40. 402.345.7569
–theslowdown.com

King Iso
Oct. 2 at Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. King Iso was born and raised in Omaha and has since been signed to the legendary Strange Music label with Tech N9ne. This show features King Iso with support from Taebo, Snake Lucci, Forget Finch, AshSten James, and TKO. Hosted by Strawstone. 8 p.m. Tickets: $20 advanced, $25 day of show. 402.884.5353.
–waitingroomlounge.com

Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience 
Oct. 2-Nov. 1 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. Anchored by brothers Billy, Matthew and Ryan McGuigan, fan favorite Yesterday and Today is the only all request show where the band has learned the entire Beatles catalogue and are ready to play any song at the drop of a hat. Times vary. Tickets: $45. 402.553.0800.
–omahaplayhouse.com

Mdou Moctar 
Oct. 3 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. Mdou Moctar immediately stands out as one of the most innovative artists in contemporary Saharan music. His unconventional interpretations of Tuareg guitar have pushed him to the forefront of a crowded scene. 9 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402.884.5707.
–reverblounge.com

Blackbear ft. Marc E. Bassy 
Oct. 15 at Baxter Arena, 2425 S. 67th St. Concertgoers can groove to the beats of hip-hop and R&B singer and songwriter duo Blackbear and Marc E. Bassy. 7 p.m. Tickets: $63-$400. 402.554.6200.
–baxterarena.com

Chicago Plays the Stones
Oct. 29 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Guitarist and vocalist Ronnie Baker Brooks and harmonica master and vocalist Billy Branch will travel back to the future with blues renditions of “Gimme Shelter,” “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and more. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $35. 402.345.0202.
–o-pa.org

Stage Performances 

Jeff Dunham: Seriously!?
Oct. 2 at CHI Health Center, 455 N. 10th St. Comedian and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and his somewhat-inappropriate proteges, Peanut, Walter, José Jalapeño, Bubba J., and Achmed the Dead Terrorist, are hitting the road again on their brand-new international tour. 7 p.m. Tickets: $50.50. 402.341.1500.
–chihealthcenteromaha.com

Chad Prather
Oct. 4-5 at Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Prather is a comedian, armchair philosopher, musician and observational humorist.  He is often referred to as “the modern day Will Rogers.”  He is a fast-talking combination of Lewis Grizzard and Jeff Foxworthy. CNN has labeled him the “Pick-up Pundit” and Fox News’ Tucker Carlson has called Prather “supernaturally articulate.”  He is known for his comedic family stories told from an adult perspective onstage. Times vary. Tickets: $35-$70. 402.884.5353.
–waitingroomlounge.com

Brian Regan
Oct. 11-13 at Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Critics, fans, and fellow comedians agree: Brian Regan is one of the most respected comedians in the country, with Vanity Fair calling Brian, “the funniest stand-up alive,” and Entertainment Weekly calling him, “your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $60. 402.884.5353
–waitingroomlounge.com

Penguin Problems
Through Oct. 18 at Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. People might pretend that penguins don’t have problems, but mopey Mortimer certainly begs to differ. He finds the frozen life to be free of fun and far from festive. Despite the calm, cool, and collected attitudes of the other penguins of his pack, Mortimer has no chill. He constantly complains that he’s got serious penguin problems. Times vary. Tickets: $25. 402.345.4849.
–rosetheater.org

Grounded
Through Oct. 18 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. An ace fighter pilot finds herself grounded when an unexpected pregnancy cuts her career in the sky short. Reassigned to military drone operation, she patrols Afghanistan by day and returns to her family at night. As professional pressure mounts, the lines between the desert where she lives and the desert where she hunts high-profile terrorists begins to blur. Times vary. Tickets: $36. 402.553.0800.
–omahaplayhouse.com

Mean Girls
Oct. 20-25 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls is a ferociously funny hit musical. Full of inside jokes and a wicked sense of humor, Mean Girls gets to the hilarious heart of what it means to be a true friend, and above all, a human being. Times vary. Tickets: Only available as group sales or part of a season subscription. 402.661.8501
–ticketomaha.com

Josh Wolf
Oct. 22-24 at Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. Josh Wolf is a comedian, actor and New York Times bestselling author best known for his work as a roundtable guest and writer on E!’s Chelsea Lately and After Lately. He has become one of the most sought after personalities in comedy, headlining stand-up comedy tours across the nation. Times vary. Tickets: $20. 402.493.8036.
–omaha.funnybone.com

I Am My Own Wife
Oct. 30-Nov. 15 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass. St. The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning true story about Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, an East Berlin transgender woman who survived two of the most repressive totalitarian regimes in history—the Nazis and the Communists—while openly flouting gender norms. An incredible tale filled with danger, intrigue, and conspiracy that examines the balance between morality and survival.  Times vary. Tickets: $36. 402.553.0800.
–omahaplayhouse.com

Family & More 

Junkstock Harvest Edition
Oct. 2-4 & 9-11 at Sycamore Farms, 1150 River Road Drive. Junkstock is known for being one of the best vintage festivals in the country. Over 180 vintage, antique, and junk vendors will join makers, food trucks and bands to create the magic and wonder that is Junkstock. Times vary. Tickets: $10-$75. 402.765.8651.
–junkstock.com

Little Tike Hike
Oct. 3-12 at Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop. Families with young learners are invited to hit the trails for a self-guided hike full of fun nature learning available during regular park hours. As hikers enjoy the sights and sounds along the Boardwalk Trail, they will spot trail activities posted along the route that are designed to help learners age 3 to 5 experience nature in a new way. 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission: $3 per vehicle. 712.545.3283.
–pottconservation.com

Garlic Planting Class
Oct. 5 on Zoom. Fall is the perfect time to plant Garlic. Class attendees can learn when, where, and how to grow beautiful bulbs. 6-8 p.m. Register on Growing Gardeners website. Tickets: free. 402.504.1910.
–growinggardeners.org

Leashes at Lauritzen
Oct. 5 & 12 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Attendees can bring canine friends to walk the grounds and enjoy the great outdoors together. This is an informal, fun way to enjoy and explore our 100 acres and miles of trails with the family and the family dog. Water and treats will be available at stations throughout the garden. 5-8 p.m. Admission: $10. 402.346.4002.
–lauritzengardens.org

Elderberry Syrup Class
Oct. 7 on Zoom. Class attendees can learn all about elderberry, a wonderful medicinal, native shrub, and how to capture its potency in a syrup that can be preserved and used year-round. 6-8 p.m. Register on Growing Gardeners website. Tickets: free. 402.504.1910.
–growinggardeners.org

The Science of Fall
Oct. 10 at Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop. Attendees can join instructor Ron Cisar as they celebrate the life and legacy of famous naturalist and philosopher Aldo Leopold. This session will focus on Leopold’s essay “Red Lantern” and feature guest speaker Dan Poggensee, professional photographer with Wind Rider Images. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Admission: $15. 712.545.3283.
–pottconservation.com

The Food Truck World Tour
Oct. 11 at the Mastercraft Building at Millworks Common, 1111 N. 13th St. The Food Truck World Tour (FTWT) is the Immigrant Legal Center’s annual fundraising event. The 6th annual FTWT will be held in a drive-thru format, allowing attendees to remain in their vehicles as they pick up delicious food from local food trucks. 2-6 p.m. Tickets: $50. 402.898.1349.
–immigrantlc.org/foodtruck

Brainiac Trivia: Nebraska Science Fair Edition
Oct. 13 at O’Leaver’s, 1322 S. Saddle Creek Road. This edition of trivia will have a science theme to each category in support of the Nebraska Science Festival which runs April 3-26. Join host Zach for a night of trivia. Prizes and giveaways for the winning team. Teams can be up to four people. Categories: Science Fiction, Who Made That?, Top 10, And Other Science Facts. 9 p.m. Tickets: free (21+). 402-556-1238.
–oleavers.com

Trick or Treat With the Animals
Oct. 17 at Gifford Farm Education Center, 700 Camp Gifford Road. A special day filled with chickens, pigs, goats, farm games, and trick-or-treating. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission: $5 for trick-or-treaters, free for accompanying adults. 402.597.4920.
–esu3.org

Bird-Friendly Landscapes Class
Oct. 17 on Facebook Live. Nothing brings a garden to life like a host of native birds making the space their home. Class attendees can learn more about how to attract more backyard birds. 10-10:30 a.m. Register on Growing Gardens website. Tickets: free. 402.504.1910.
—growinggardeners.org

Fire Cider Class
Oct. 21 on Zoom. Class attendees can learn how to make fire cider, which is a long-used prevention and remedy for many winter ailments. 6-8 p.m. Register on Growing Gardens website. Tickets: free. 402.504.1910.
–growinggardeners.org

Ghoulish Garden Adventure
Oct. 27 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Attendees can explore a variety of educational and fun activity stations throughout the garden. Families can learn about the mysteries of nature, get up close and personal with the amazing creatures that make the fall so festive, and make their very own crafts to take home. 12-4 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children (6-12), free for garden members and children under six. 402.346.4002.
–lauritzengardens.org

This calendar first appeared in the October 2020 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.