NEBRASKA
Les Miserables January 9 – 14 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln This musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s famous novel presents the beautiful yet heart-wrenching journeys of multiple characters in 1800s France.
2024 NE Deer and Game Expo January 19 – 21 at the Lancaster Event Center Fairgrounds in Lincoln This three-day event will exhibit products and services from vendors with a focus on hunting. Providing a large platform for vendors to engage with potential customers, the hunting expo is sure to be a success for both buyer and seller. 877.738.4915.
Galvin Cello Quartet January 28 at the Tassel Performing Arts Center in Holdredge This fresh string quartet secured the silver medal at the 2021 Fischoff Competition and exceeds expectations of traditional chamber music. 308.995.2717.
-thetassel.org/event/galvin
MLK Commemorative Celebration January 30 at the Nebraska Union Centennial Room in Lincoln Hosted by UNL’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, this year’s program will feature a keynote address from a high-profile guest and the awarding of the annual Chancellor’s “Fulfilling the Dream” Award.
MLK Commemorative Celebration January 30 at the Nebraska Union Centennial Room in Lincoln Hosted by UNL’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, this year’s program will feature a keynote address from a high-profile guest and the awarding of the annual Chancellor’s “Fulfilling the Dream” Award.
Kearney Toy Show February 2–3 at Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney
-allevents.in/kearney/kearney-toy-show
Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show February 9 – 11 at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln Hosted by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, this expo will display products and services from remodelers and landscapers. Admission is $10 per person, or $8 with a non-perishable food item to donate to the Lincoln Food Bank. 402.423.4225.
Two Rivers Valentine’s Day Race February 11 at Two Rivers State Recreation Area in Waterloo
-raceentry.com/two-rivers-valentines-day-run/race-information
Pantera with Lamb of God February 14 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln Heavy and thrash metal fans can’t pass up this opportunity to see Pantera with special guest Lamb of God. Both metal bands from the ‘80s and ‘90s, these groups are sure to rock the arena and induce plenty of moshing and headbanging.
Star Wars: The Orchestra Strikes Back February 16 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln Dress up as your favorite Star Wars character for the photo booth at this presentation of John Williams’s iconic Star Wars movie scores. The music will also include selections from various Star Wars stories, including The Mandalorian and Rogue One.
IOWA
Sip and Stroll January 11 at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden in Des Moines Learn more about the beautiful Des Moines Botanical Garden from the director of horticulture with a tour of the gardens while enjoying a glass of wine. 21+ only. 515.323.6290.
Des Moines Home & Remodeling Show 2024 January 12 – 14 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines Explore the latest trends in home and garden design at this event hosted by the Home Builders Association of Des Moines. Attendees will discover a variety of décor, landscaping, and service providers at this creative design expo. 515.270.8500.
Burlington Comic & Toy Show January 13 at the Westland Mall in Burlington This free event welcomes all ages to learn about and purchase a variety of comic books, toys, and games. With video game tournaments and cosplay showcases, the entire Westland Mall will be alive with fun. 319.753.2891.
Puccini’s Tosca January 19 & 21 at the Paramount Theater in Cedar Rapids In Giacomo Puccini’s classic opera tragedy, Floria Tosca and Mario Cavaradossi experience corruption, jealousy, and exploitation as Baron Scarpia attempts to take Tosca for his own. This production of Cedar Rapids Opera will be directed by Carol Vaness, with Daniel Kleinknecht conducting the orchestra. 319.366.8203.
AKC All-Breed Dog Shows January 20–21 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines The newly renovated 4-H building at the Iowa Fairgrounds will host two shows on January 20, and one show on January 21. Be ready for a display of adorable talent from various dog breeds at this all-ages event hosted by the Central Iowa Kennel Club.
University of Okoboji Winter Games January 25–28 at the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce in Arnolds Park Embrace the cold and escape cabin fever with these winter games and competitions designed for locals and visitors alike. With events like broomball, flag football, chili cookoffs, polar plunge, a kite festival, and fireworks, this event promises a weekend full of fun and firsts. 712.332.2107.
Iowa Boat, RV & Vacation Show January 26–28 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls Take advantage of great pre-spring prices on fishing boats, pontoons, campers, and more at this market for all things outdoors. Whether fishing, hunting, or travel, this expo will meet attendees’ needs for their next great adventures. Veterans enjoy free admission with a military ID. 319.240.3571.
Iowa Ag Expo January 30–February 1 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines At the third largest indoor agriculture show, meet experts, see new products, and attend free seminars on various topics related to the industry. Hosted by the International Traders of Iowa. 515.564.8000.
-iowatraders.org
Winter Blues Fest February 10–11 at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown in Des Moines Enjoy this highly anticipated annual event in downtown Des Moines. Featuring notable blues musicians and various food and drinks, this event is a must for blues fans everywhere. 515.494.6033.
The Peking Acrobats February 17 at the Des Moines Civic Center in Des Moines This Chinese acrobatic troupe will amaze audiences with their stunning feats and unbelievable physical ability. Accompanied by live musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments, these talented performers put on a jaw-dropping show that is reminiscent of a Chinese carnival, but also brings an air of daring mystery. 515.246.2300.
KANSAS
Kinnor Philharmonic New Year’s Day Concert January 1 at the White Theater in Overland Park
Hosted by the Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City, this “suite” New Year’s Day concert will feature Christine Grossman on viola and Israeli composer Marc Lavry, responsible for modern-day orchestral Israeli music.
BMW CCA Cars & Coffee January 6 at Panera Bread in Shawnee Meet BMW enthusiasts in the Kansas City area over coffee to talk everything cars.
Kansas City Engaged Wedding Show January 7 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park Lower the stress of planning a wedding by visiting this display of all things wedding. Learn about wedding trends and find local professionals in the industry at the Spring 2024 wedding expo. 816.229.9333.
Creative Legacy Conference January 25–27 at Life Mission Church in Olathe A conference for pastors, worship leaders, and Christian innovators that will reinforce faith and spark creativity while networking with other people in the industry. In-person and online tickets available. 913.829.7511.
Johnson County Home & Garden Show January 26–28 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park This trade show of decorative greenery, garden equipment, and landscaping tools will feature guest speeches from experts in related fields.
-tradeindia.com/tradeshows/120459/johnson-county-home-garden-show-2024
Winter Farmer’s Market January 27 & February 24 at Lenexa City Hall in Lenexa Shop cool-season vegetables, meats, bakery items, wine, and other farm-produced goods while supporting local vendors.
Pinners Conference 2024 February 2–3 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park Pinterest enthusiasts everywhere can enjoy all things DIY at this conference. Featuring classes on various topics and over 200 vendors, this event will spark creativity in crafting, cooking, home projects, and more. 801.822.1333.
34th Annual Winterfest Bluegrass Festival February 16–17 at the Marriott in Wichita Hosted by the Kansas Bluegrass Association, enjoy bluegrass performances and activities, including workshops for banjo, mandolin, bass, fiddle, and more. 316.651.0333.
MISSOURI
Engaged Winter Wedding Show January 7 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park Get inspired and excited at this all-things wedding expo. Enter to win prizes, meet with professionals, and discover over 150 vendors as the wedding to-do list gets checked off. 913.339.3000.
-opconventioncenter.com
Journey Home Starring Joyce DiDonato January 12 – 14 at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts in Kansas City Michael Stern conducts mezzo-soprano Joy DiDonato in this dazzling evening of music. Pieces include “The Unanswered Question” by Charles Ives, “Transplanted Seeds” by Chen Yi and Zhou Long, and selections by Gustav Mahler.
St. Louis Auto and Motorcycle Show January 12–15 at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis The Midwest’s premiere showcase of vehicles, this event features more than 500 new cars, trucks, and SUVs from over 25 manufacturers from around the world. Sponsored by the St. Louis Auto Dealers Association, this display of automobiles also encompasses the St. Louis Motorcycle Show. 314.342.5201.
Monster Jam January 13–14 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City At this action-packed event, world champion athletes and their 12,000-pound monster trucks compete on the dirt and will be on display for audiences of all ages. During the pre-show Monster Jam Pit Party, attendees can get an up-close look at the trucks, autographs from the drivers and crews, and an insider look at how the trucks are built. 816.949.7100.
Kansas City Actors Theater’s Gaslight (Angel Street) January 17–February 4 at Union Station in Kansas City This stage adaptation of an Academy Award-winning Victorian thriller tells the tale of a deceitful marriage in which a husband is committed to driving his wife to insanity. 816.361.5228.
Cirque Carmen: Troupe Vertigo January 19–21 at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts in Kansas City Experience a unique cirque show that weaves stunning physical feats together with beautiful symphonic orchestration. Conducted by Jack Everly with a classic opera score by Georges Bizet. 816.994.7222.
Dream Time Princess Ball January 27 at the Loretto in Kansas City This children’s event allows participants to have extensive interaction and photographs with their favorite princesses and includes special memorabilia to take home. Participants are encouraged to dress up like their favorite princess and enjoy the exclusive performances by various princess characters that make this magical event one-of-a-kind. 816.492.1933.
World of Wheels Car Show February 2–4 at Bartle Hall in Kansas City A unique car show that has not only hot rods, but manufacturing vehicles as well, this annual exhibition attracts competition car owners and enthusiasts alike. 816.513.5000.
Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience February 10 at the Kauffman Center in Kansas City Produced in collaboration with the Estate of Johnny Cash, this multi-media event brings the iconic “Man in Black” back to life with a live band accompanying his greatest hits. Catch never-before-seen footage and narration by John Carter Cash while rediscovering the music of Johnny Cash and his contemporaries. 816.421.7500.
Mardi Gras Parade February 17 at Eco Park in St. Charles This free, family-friendly celebration will feature local businesses and performers for a fun Mardi Gras event for all ages. 636.949.3200.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Spoke-N-Sport New Year’s Day Bike Ride January 1 at Spoke-N-Sport Bike Shop in Sioux Falls Ring in the new year with a fun winter bike ride. 605.275.2453.
The NUTS Nutcracker 2024 January 13 at O’Gorman Performing Arts Center in Sioux Falls Hosted by Conlin Choreography, this contemporary take on the classic The Nutcracker ballet takes a unique twist, featuring several different styles of dance. Tickets will be available at the door.
Deadwood Snocross Showdown January 26–27 at Days of ’76 Event Center in Deadwood Don’t miss this weekend of snowmobile racing by over 150 of the top professional Snocross racers. 605.717.7642.
Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo January 26–27 in Rapid City This event includes a trade show, livestock sales, competitions, and seminars for farmers, enthusiasts, and the general public. 605.355.3861.
Emily’s Hope Art Show & Auction January 27 at Monick Yards in Sioux Falls This fundraiser for Emily’s Hope will benefit the charity organization named for Emily Groth, a prolific painter whose life was cut short. This event will feature local and regional artists who have donated their work.
Benson’s Flea Market February 3–4 at Expo Building W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds in Sioux Falls The longest running flea market in South Dakota, this combination of new and old collectors’ items will offer a sense of nostalgia while keeping things fresh and exciting with new vendors. 605.332.6004.
Auction Amore February 9 at the Brandon Holiday Inn Express in Brandon This event will feature a silent auction, live auction, raffles, and live entertainment from the Undercover Band. Hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be provided, and wine, beer, and cocktails will be available for purchase.
Camp Create! February 16–18 at Joy Ranch in Florence Hosted by LifeScape Center for the Arts, this event is a retreat for artists with disabilities.
Event times and details may change.
Visit omahamagazine.com for complete listings. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To subscribe, click here.
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To subscribe, click here.
