A Search for a Species, Friday, Jan. 22 to Sunday, Feb. 21:
How to Build an Ark: Searching for Joel Sartore is an all-original onstage adventure featuring a young girl named Vita who sets off on a magical journey. Her goal is to find legendary National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore and ask him which species is the most interesting on earth. Playwright Ellen Struve penned this play inspired by the life and work of Joel Sartore, whose work focuses largely on endangered species. You can read more about him here, and get tickets to this unique play’s run at The Rose Theater here.

Council Bluffs Art Community, Friday, Jan. 22:
You can attend the opening of artist Jave Yoshimoto’s exhibit The Ruinous Microcosm in the Anne and John P. Nelson Gallery of the PACE building in Council Bluffs. Yoshimoto's painting and laser engraved and carved sculptures “display elements of satire, politics, and themes of tragedy and hope.” Capacity for this free event is limited and masks are required. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with remarks from Yoshimoto at 7 p.m. There will be a Facebook live video of the opening remarks that will include a gallery walkthrough. You can read more about Yoshimoto here, and register for the event here.

Meeting Mayoral Candidates, Saturday, Jan. 23:
Knowing who your local candidates running for public office are is important. If you would like to know more about those in the running for Omaha’s mayor, you can attend the Mayoral Candidate Forum at Culxr House from 12-2 p.m. During this forum they will discuss the city budget, environmental justice, economic development and jobs, police reform, and more. Engage in conversations with advocates and campaign staff afterward during an optional meet and greet. Please wear masks and practice social distancing. Read more about Culxr House and its founder here, and more about the event here.

Witty Women, Saturday, Jan. 23:
If you’ve been paying attention, you know Omaha native Amber Ruffin is a writer and performer on Late Night with Seth Meyers who now has her own show called, fittingly, The Amber Ruffin Show. So we know she’s funny and talented, but what we didn’t know is that it runs in the family. You’ll Never Believe...A Virtual Book Tour, hosted by Inclusive Communities, is an opportunity to learn more about Ruffin and her sister, Lacey Lamar, who wrote this book of all-too-real anecdotes about being black in Nebraska. You can read more about Ruffin here, and get your tickets (and their book, if you’d like) here.

Comic Books and Costumes, Sunday, Jan. 24:
Comic book geeks rejoice. The Omaha Comic Book Convention is happening at Comfort Inn & Suites on 72nd and Grover streets. This event will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free. However, attendees are expected to follow Spider-Man’s lead by wearing a mask, so keep that in mind if you plan on going in costume. Speaking of planning, remember cash is king, as most vendors do not take credit cards. Find out more about this convention here.

Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.