Calendar of Events – September 2024

The metro is jam packed with tons do—art, concerts, theater, festivals—we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive list and highlighted picks!

EXHIBITIONS
RAVEN HALFMOON: FLAGS OF OUR MOTHERS 
Through September 15 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. This exhibition showcases a curated selection of both new and borrowed works spanning the past five years, offering a unique glimpse into Raven Halfmoon’s evolving creative exploration. Halfmoon’s artistic practice encompasses a range of stoneware sculptures, from torso-scaled to colossal-sized pieces, some reaching heights of nine feet and weighing over 800 pounds. Drawing inspiration from ancient Indigenous pottery, Moai statues, and land art, Halfmoon delves into the intricate interplay among tradition, history, gender, and personal narrative. 402.341.7130
—bemiscenter.org

PAUL STEPHEN BENJAMIN: BLACK OF NIGHT
Through September 15 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, 724 S 12th St. Discover “Black of Night,” an exhibition by artist Paul Stephen Benjamin featuring new and recent video installations, paintings, text-based works, and sculptures. This collection serves as a conceptual exploration of identity, race, and patriotism, with a particular focus on the connotations of the color black in society. Benjamin skillfully weaves together history, text, imagery, and sound from popular culture to engage in a dialogue about the absence and presence of color. Through his thought-provoking work, Benjamin invites viewers to join him in an ongoing investigation of blackness. 402.341.7130
—bemiscenter.org

A BALM IN QUIET BEAT BY JORDAN ACKER ANDERSON
Through September 19 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Lauritzen Gardens presents an exhibition by artist Jordan Acker Anderson, featuring new paintings inspired by the botanical wonders found within the gardens. Anderson’s work is a reflection of her unique style, characterized by abstract symbolism, repetitive mark-making, and vibrant colors. Each painting serves as a visual meditation on themes of impermanence, our relationship with cyclical time, and the profound connection we share with nature. 402.346.4002 
—lauritzengardens.org

POSTHUMOUS COMMENTARY BY GABRIELLA QUIROZ
Through September 19 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Experience a new collection of artworks by Nebraska-based artist Gabriella Quiroz, showcasing symbolic depictions of flora and fauna brought to life through oil paints and colored pencils. Quiroz’s pieces are rich with symbolic imagery, inviting viewers into a world where nature’s beauty is vividly portrayed. 402.346.4002 
—lauritzengardens.org

CONCERTS
KING GIZZARD AND THE LIZARD WIZARD
September 6, 7 pm, at Astro Amphitheater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Australian psychedelic rock band, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, is coming to Omaha to stir up Astro Amphitheater. They are known to be incredibly hardworking, having released 25 albums each filled with their bold rock sound. They take inspiration from Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, and more to create their original sound. While they could never fit 25 albums into a setlist, the audience will get their favorites and some surprises that were written between the lines of works. 531.283.5212
—theastrotheater.com

GARY CLARK JR.
September 9, 7 pm, at Astro Amphitheater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Praised by The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, and Alicia Keys, as well as performing in the 2018 “American Idol” finale, Gary Clark Jr. is definitely a stage presence with whom to be reckoned. This year, he is taking his talents on tour to share his newest work, “JPEG RAW,” his sixth and largest album. Hear how he distorts chords, sings with soul, and brings the stage to life. 531.283.5212
—theastrotheater.com

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER IN CONCERT
September 11, 7 pm, at Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St. The epic tale of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” will come to life through this live orchestra concert at The Orpheum Theater. For the first time, fans can rewatch the memorable moments from the show on the big screen while being immersed in the soundtrack, all thanks to Emmy award-winning composer and musician Jeremy Zuckerman. Take a once in a lifetime trip through the four nations. 402.661.8501
—ticketomaha.com

SOFT KILL
September 12, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Lead by Tobias Grave, the Chicago-born punk band, Soft Kill, will bring The Slowdown up to their speed. They are able to turn hard subjects of addiction and loss into emotionally deep yet rhythmically upbeat works of art. They have 11 albums from 2011 onward, with “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City” being a 2020 Billboard chart topper. Come early to catch openers Béton Armé, Concrete Elite, and Nocturnal Prose. 402.345.7569
—theslowdown.com

CROWDED HOUSE: GRAVITY STAIRS TOUR
September 13, 7 pm, at Astro Amphitheater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Since their 1986 debut which led to them going platinum, Crowded House has been world-renowned. Their songs have been covered by Miley Cyrus, U2, Ariana Grande, and more. For four decades, the band has sold out cross-continental tours, sold over 15 million records worldwide, been awarded an MTV VMA, a Brit Award, and 13 Australian ARIA awards. The tour focuses on their newest album, which is about the struggle of going through life being weighed down. 531.283.5212
—theastrotheater.com

JOYWAVE
September 18, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Bringing out their fourth studio album “Cleanse” since their last one was released in 2020, Joywave is finally hitting the road to share their art. The new album was born from the fearful uncertainty of the pandemic and encapsulates all the angst, unrest, and desire they felt through lockdown. Catch their opener, HUNNY, the Northern LA group who is known for hit songs such as “Cry For Me.” 402.345.7569
—theslowdown.com

ZIGGY ALBERTS
September 18, 8 pm, at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. The Australian-born singer-songwriter, Ziggy Alberts, most known for his first studio album “Laps Around the Sun,” will be coming to The Waiting Room stage. In November of 2018, he hit number 2 on the charts of the ARIA charts for Australian Artist Albums because of his studio album success. The tour, the 2024 NEW LOVE WORLD TOUR, gives fans a look into his work and anticipation for something new. 402.884.5353
—waitingroomlounge.com

MOTHER MOTHER
September 20, 8 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Known as Canada’s most popular alternative rock band, Mother Mother will be coming down to America to support their most recent album “Grief Chapter.” The band is widely known for going viral on TikTok amidst the pandemic in late 2020 which caused an incredible increase in streams and fans. With the tour only features 16 dates, Omaha’s stop is not one to miss. 402.345.0606
—steelhouseomaha.com

TAO PLAYS RHAPSODY IN BLUE
September 20 & 21, 7:30 pm, at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. This program highlights Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from “West Side Story” and “Symphony No. 1” by William Grant Still and features renowned pianist and composer Conrad Tao. Tao will perform a number of his own pieces accompanied by Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” in celebration of its 100th anniversary. New York Magazine called Tao “the future of classical music” in reference to his many awards, titles, and the mark he leaves on a stage. 402.345.0202
—ticketomaha.com

BUILT TO SPILL
September 21, 8 pm, at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Having three of their albums placed within the top 50 of Pitchfork’s Top 100 Albums of the 1990s list, the indie rock group from Boise, Idaho, has stayed active yet changing since their creation. They center around lead vocalist and guitarist Doug Martsch, who is the only band member who has consistently been in the group. They have made nine full albums since their founding and are hitting the road for their “There’s Nothing Wrong With Love 30th Anniversary Tour.” 402.884.5353
—waitingroomlounge.com

NOAH FLOERSCH
September 21, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Born and raised in Omaha, Noah Floersch is coming back to the heartland with his first tour. His journey goes back to middle school when he decided to start writing and learning chords. Floersch continued to tinker musically, releasing on SoundCloud in high school, then getting on Spotify in college where he gained traction. He subsequently moved to Nashville, where he told the Nashville Voyager that he is “storytelling as honestly and authentically as possible.” See an Omaha-grown artist tell his story onstage. 402.345.7569
—theslowdown.com

THE HOLDUP: I OWE THE IRS 60K DOLLARS: THE TOUR
September 23, 8 pm, at Slowdown, 729 N 14th St. Stylistically inspired by reggae, hip-hop, and R&B, this groovy pop performer brings in over 150 million streams worldwide and frequently sells out mainstay stages. A one-man force in the studio who writes, produces, and performs everything you will hear live, The Holdup’s concoction of genres and inspirations gives him his own brand of sound. His tour is in support of his newest album “I Owe The IRS 60k Dollars.” 402.345.7569
—theslowdown.com

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONAL
September 24, 7 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Since 1999, the Florida-born rock band has had nine studio albums produced and has won the MTV2 award at the MTV VMAs. Additionally, both “Heatseekers” and “Top Independent Albums” climbed to the number one album spot on the Billboard charts. They have been included on motion picture soundtracks, sold out major tours, performed at festivals, and now they are touring with their 2022 album and re-recordings of classic hits. 402.345.0606
—steelhouseomaha.com

RIVAL SONS & CLUTCH: THE TWO-HEADED BEAST TOUR
September 24, 7 pm, at Astro Amphitheater, 8302 City Centre Dr. Omaha rock fans are getting the chance to see Rival Sons and Clutch kick it onstage as a two-headed beast. The co-headlining tour will feature each band’s most celebrated album. For Clutch, it’s “Blast Tyrant” and “Great Western Valkyrie” for Rival Sons. The two alternative rock ensembles have shared fan bases, and this tour is an opportunity to bring them together. With Omaha being one of the 23 stops on the duo’s tour, you won’t want to miss it. 531.283.5212
—theastrotheater.com

FOR KING + COUNTRY: UNSUNG HERO TOUR
September 27, 7 pm, at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. The Grammy-winning Christian rock brothers who have collaborated with Dolly Parton, Tori Kelly, and Lecrae, among others hope, to see you in the audience for their celebratory tour. The performance is to share the soundtrack of the movie they made about their mother, “Unsung Hero,” which debuted via Lionsgate this April. The duo revealed that the movie was based upon the music and their story. Now that you’ve seen the film, go see the inspiration. 402.341.1500
—chihealthcenteromaha.com

ROBERT GLASPER
September 27, 7:30 pm, at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Having five Grammy Awards, an Emmy, and a Peabody to his name, Robert Glasper is a well-known name. His breakout album “Black Radio” put him on the map and inspired his Black Radio series, which he believes to be his calling. He has been featured on soundtracks, played keys for Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” album, composed scores, and co-written and produced albums for artists such as Mac Miller. Now on “Black Radio III,” Glasper is still at it. 402.345.0202
—ticketomaha.com

QUINN XCII: ALL YOU CAN EAT TOUR
September 30, 8 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. This year Quinn XCII enters a new era with three new EP’s titled “Breakfast,” “Lunch,” and “Dinner.” The collection of projects lives in a unique world centered around his alter-ego Mustard Mike, a fictional character who is a restaurant owner and chef known for his humor and sarcastic manner. 402.345.0606
—steelhouseomaha.com

STAGE PERFORMANCES 
KILLERS OF KILL TONY
September 7, 7 pm, at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The number one live podcast in the world, “Kill Tony,” is bringing fan favorite comedians that killed it on the podcast to one punchline-packed setlist for “Killers of Kill Tony.” The lineup includes Kam Patterson, David Lucas, Hans Kim, David Jolly, and Jessie ‘Jetski’ Johnson. See them all take the stage to do longer versions of their standup bits and riff off of one another and the audience. 402.345.0202
—ticketomaha.com

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE MUSICAL
September 6-22 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. Watch the pages of Jeff Kinney’s 290 billion-copy selling graphic novels come to life. First a book series, then a movie franchise, and now a musical performance, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” tells the witty and comedic story of Greg Heffley’s journey through the middle-school food chain. See familiar characters Rodrick, Rowley, Patty, Chirag, Fregley, and more take the stage. Grab a ticket for this musical, but be wary of those with the cheese touch! 402.345.4849
—rosetheater.org

JERSEY BOYS
Through October 13 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. The jukebox musical story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, which won the Tony award for Best Musical, a Grammy, and an Olivier award, will be making its regional premiere. See the boys’ highs and lows in this rollercoaster telling of the band whose music left a mark on an entire generation. Featuring well-known hits such as “Sherry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Rag Doll,” and more. 402.553.0800
—omahaplayhouse.com

ASHLEY GAVIN
September 13th & 14th at The Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. Best known for her viral crowd work stand-up clips on TikTok and chart-topping podcast, Ashley Gavin is making her way down to The Funny Bone for two nights of shows. The New York-based comedian has also been featured on “Netflix is a Joke,” Comedy Central, Hulu, and was Carnival Cruiseline’s first ever openly queer comedian. Bring your friends for this 21 and up show filled with authentic audience engagement and improvised bits. 402.493.8036
—omaha.funnybone.com

JOE PERA
September 21, 8 pm, at The Admiral, 2234 S 13th St. The multitalented Joe Pera is bringing his humor to you with the PERAs tour. Pera has done podcasting, multiple projects with the “Adult Swim” broadcast, appeared on the hit adult cartoon “Bob’s Burgers,” and is selling out seats for this stand-up tour. He takes mundane, everyday encounters and brings to light their awkwardness with subtle delivery that grants booming laughs. Catch the New York native in Omaha at The Admiral. 402.345.7569
—admiralomaha.com

BRINCOS DIERAS
September 18, 8 pm, at Orpheum Theater, 409 S 16th St. Known to be “the most irreverent clown in all of Latin America,” Brincos Dieras will be at The Orpheum clad in his trademark makeup and accompanied by Kevyn Contreras, another face of the comedic genre known as the “Two Tone Comedian” for his blue-and-red look. The shows, performed in Spanish, are always unique, ever so engaging, and for the whole family. Catch the international sensation from El Paso, Texas. 402.661.8501
—ticketomaha.com

PETE LEE
September 27th & 28th at The Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. The first comedian to earn a standing ovation on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” is coming to Omaha to hear your applause. Lee’s humor stems from his Midwestern roots in Janesville, WI. Since his New York debut in 2005, Lee has been everywhere from Comedy Central, CBS, and NBC to the NFL Network’s Top 10. Recently, he started a new podcast called “Snugglestorm,” where he sits down with LA comics and riffs. 402.493.8036
—omaha.funnybone.com

SYMPHONY OF ILLUSIONS WITH MICHAEL GRANDINETTI
September 28 & 29 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. A truly magical musical show is coming to the Holland stage. Master illusionist Michael Grandinetti will perform live magic while the Omaha Symphony plays a mystical selection of songs. The orchestral lineup includes hits by John Williams, known for composing works for “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter,” Alan Silvestri of “Back to the Future,” Stravinsky, and more smashing compositions. Be fully immersed within magic with this one-of-a-kind experience. 402.345.0202
—ticketomaha.com

DANE COOK: FRESH NEW FLAVOR
September 29, 7:30 pm, at Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St. Dane Cook is at it again with another comedy album tour. He is the star of 42 films, an occasional TV actor, and a well-celebrated comedian. After making the highest charting comedy album and going platinum, he has made a name for himself as a trailblazer in the comedy scene. For his new tour “Fresh New Flavor,” see what Dane has been cooking comedically. 402.345.0606
—steelhouseomaha.com

FAMILY, FESTIVALS, & MORE
AFRO FEST OMAHA
September 1, 2 pm, at Heartland of America Park at The Riverfront, 800 Douglas St. In the midwest, there is no compatible celebration of African and Afro-diasporic cultures to Afro Fest Omaha. Come to get a taste of the live music, authentic cuisine, arts and crafts, dance, and family activities, and leave impacted by the community presence. The event highlights 40 small businesses, from clothing and jewelry to food and drinks, all being unique in their craft. Also featuring youth educational opportunities, Afro Fest is the place to be in Omaha.
—afromaha.com

6TH ANNUAL SHADOW RIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL
September 6, 5 pm, at Shadow Ridge Country Club, 1501 S 188th Plaza. The Shadow Ridge Music Festival is West Omaha’s biggest annual outdoor music showcase. This year’s festival will highlight O.A.R, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Freddy Jones Band, and The Nadas. O.A.R. (Of a Revolution) is the headliner of the event. They have sold out shows at Madison Square Garden, released 10 studio albums, and have hits on the Billboard charts. Catch them and the rest of the festival lineup at this show, which will have guests of all ages jamming out. 402.333.4020
—shadowridgecountryclub.com

TACOBERFEST
September 6 & 7, at Scriptown Brewing, 3922 Farnam St. Every September in the Blackstone District, Scriptown Brewing brings a mixture of German and Latino traditions together in this culture-combining festival, which features beer, margaritas, live performed polka and mariachi, MULA tacos, pretzels, and the signature Guten taco. Come for the tacos and stay for the incredible atmosphere. Bring your friends and family to experience it all just before the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage month. 402.991.0506
—scriptownbrewing.com

NIGHT SKIES AT LAURITZEN
September 7, 8 pm, at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Astronomical enthusiasts and amateurs alike will come together at Lauritzen Gardens for a night of gazing at the stars amidst the greenery. Take a tram ride through the gardens all the way to the rose garden where participants will use the Omaha Astronomical Society’s telescopes to view planets, stars, moons, and other deep space objects. Don’t miss a night under the stars to learn and experience Omaha’s botanical gardens like never before. 402.346.4002 
—lauritzengardens.org

THE RANCH OF TERROR
Through October 31st at Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Patch, 11001 S 48th St. After 35 years, Nebraska’s longest-running haunted attraction is ready for another season of screams and surprises. Take a walk through their eerie haunted house, wander through the ghost town, stop by the zombie jail, and ride the “DARKNESS” haunted hayrack ride—if you feel brave. The hayrack ride features 20 plus acres of frights from experienced actors and professionals. If you get too scared, you can spend some time in the harvest barn or grab some food. 402.331.5500
—bellevueberryfarm.com

DINNER, DRINKS, AND DRAG
September 12th, 7:30 pm, at The Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. Enjoy The Funny Bone’s full drink and dinner menu while you watch some of the midwest’s most iconic divas and macho king entertainers lip sync and dance to hit songs. Drag has now hit the mainstream and is known for competitive shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and being the destination for bachelorette and birthday parties alike. Make it a group affair and bring your friends along for this extravagant ride. Nighttime entertainment has never been this fabulous nor slayed this hard. 402.493.8036
—omaha.funnybone.com

OSC CORNHOLE CLASSIC
September 14, 11 am, at The Blackstone District, 36th & Farnam St. The second annual OSC Cornhole Classic is upon us. This rain or shine event will be a battle of the best cornhole players and also those attending for the incredible food, beer, live music, football, and more. Register your dream team for only $45 and receive one drink ticket per player. It’s double elimination, so get your training on and be ready to give it your all.
—omahasports.org

FAMILY WILD DAYS
September 14th, 10 am, at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Join your kiddos for a day camp at Camp Brewster! Held at the newly renovated Camp Brewster Lodge, Family Wild Days is your opportunity to have fun with crafts, nature, friendly competition, hiking, and a scavenger hunt with the whole clan. At the end of the festivities, enjoy some hot dogs and s’mores by the fire while you make those lifelong memories with your kids. 402.731.3140
—fontenelleforest.org

PUSS IN BOOTS PRESENTS: SHREKTEMBERFEST
September 20-22 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S 20th St. Bring the little ones to the Omaha Children’s Museum to experience the magic of Fairytale Land from the hit movie “Shrek.” You can expect thrilling science shows, themed crafts and activities, colorful displays, possible character appearances, and more at Puss in Boots’ first ever Shrektemberfest. A part of OCM’s Family Fun Weekend series, the three-day extravaganza is sponsored by Runza and Oriental Trading Company. 402.342.6164
—ocm.org

2024 BRIDAL & WEDDING EXPO
September 22, 1 pm, at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. Now that you have said “yes,” your bridal journey has just barely begun. Known to be the largest reoccurring consistent bridal show in America, The Nebraska Bridal & Wedding Expo is your place to get in contact with wedding experts. Find your dream gown, venue, officiant, photographer, caterer, florist, and more. Grab your bridesmaids, family, friends, and fiancé for free food, music, giveaway prizes, and a day of exploring wedding possibilities. All with free admission if you register online. 402.341.1500
—chihealthcenteromaha.com

JUNKSTOCK: HARVEST EDITION
September 27-29 at CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St. After the Waterloo tornado earlier this year, Junkstock crew and the community came together to quickly rebuild and still have Junkstock Spring Edition. Now, they invite the community to come back down for Junkstock Harvest Edition. Be welcomed by a giant pumpkin house, hop on a hayrack ride, shop local and vintage, and eat some fall treats—all while grooving to live music with the family. New this year: order your tickets online for a free $5 event voucher! 402.819.9002
—junkstock.com

OMAHA WHISKEY FEST
September 28, 1 pm, at Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass St. Grab a friend and a glass—‘tis the season for Omaha Whiskey Fest. Taste over 400 samples from 65 brands, learn about the creation and history, have cigar lounge access, be gifted a swag bag and custom glassware, and get connected to a whiskey-loving community. Splurge on a VIP pass to receive even more. Hosted at the Hilton, room packages are available to make a night out of Whiskey Fest and stay safely off the roads after the event.
—omahawiskeyfest.com

THE DINNER DETECTIVE OMAHA
Through September 28 at Double Tree Omaha Southwest, 3650 S 72nd St. The award-winning, largest, and most unique murder mystery dinner show in America, The Dinner Detective is the perfect night out. What makes this show stand out is it has no tacky costumes, unwanted song and dance, or robotically recited monologues, and is set in present day. Every guest is a suspect and everyone is wondering who is an actor and who is an attendee until someone is killed. Help solve the case and catch the thrill of being the top sleuth. 866.496.0535
—thedinnerdetective.com

This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.