NEBRASKA
Christmas at the Mansion Jan., 3 through 5, at the Arbor Lodge Mansion in Nebraska City Take yourself and your family back in time to experience Christmas as the Morton’s did in this special Christmas experience. The 52 room Arbor Lodge Mansion will be decorated to the nines in vintage decor and of course surrounded by the trees of Arbor Day farm. 402.872.8717
—https://www.arbordayfarm.org/activities/events.cfm
Mania: The ABBA Tribute Jan., 9, at The Rococo Theatre in Lincoln An ABBA tribute that has toured every continent successfully and played over 3,000 concerts, Mania: The ABBA Tribute is the concert to be at. They bring the Swedish supergroup’s hits to life with sound and stage presence. Become a “Dancing Queen” for one night and celebrate the 70s hits. 402.476.6540
—https://rococotheatre.com/event/mania-the-abba-tribute-2/
Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny Jan., 14, at The Lied Center Main Stage The beloved children’s book, Goodnight Moon, will come to life onstage performed by the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia. Goodnight Moon tells the many bedtime rituals to go to sleep while The Runaway Bunny is a tale of a small bunny leaving home. The production will leave audience members and kids soothed, delighted, and entertained. 402.472.4747
—https://www.liedcenter.org/event/goodnight-moon-runaway-bunny
RENT In Concert Jan., 18, at The Lied Center Main Stage In celebration of the Tony and pulitzer prize winning musical, Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra will perform the story of RENT through music. With live vocalists and the direction of Broadway’s own Sammi Cannold. This relatively new concert, right out of its debut at Kennedy Center, will make a stop in Lincoln as one of few cities in America. 402.472.4747
—https://www.liedcenter.org/event/rent-concert
The Harlem Globetrotters Jan., 13, at Pinnacle Bank Arena Known as the originators of exhibition basketball, The Harlem Globetrotters bring the comedy, tricks, athleticism, and drama to basketball. From their start in 1926 they have traveled to over 124 countries and gained fans at every stop. Don’t miss out on your chance to see The Harlem Globetrotters in your state. 402.904.4444
—https://www.pinnaclebankarena.com/events/detail/harlem-globetrotters-2025
Syncopated Ladies Jan., 23, at The Lied Center Main Stage The one of a kind high-octane tap dance band which was praised by Beyonce and celebrities alike, Syncopated Ladies, will shake up the Lied Center. Choreographed by Emmy Award Nominee and protege of Debbie Arnold, Chloe Allen, the group is known as the first dance crew to win FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance. Bring yourself and your girls to watch the Syncopated Ladies. 402.472.4747
—https://www.liedcenter.org/event/syncopated-ladies
Dial M for Murder Jan., 23 through Feb., 2, at the Elder Theatre Center at Nebraska Wesleyan University An updated version of the original 1952 Broadway play which was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film. The play is about Tony, a man who married his wife Margot for her money and now wants her dead for the same reason. Stay on the edge of your seat the entire play as Tony plays out his supposedly brilliant plan to get rid of Margot. 402.465.2384
—https://www.nebrwesleyan.edu/theatre/current-season/dial-m-murder
Moulin Rouge! Feb., 4 Through 16 at The Lied Center Main Stage The ten time Tony Award winning musical about aristocrats amidst the revolution, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, is a musical not to miss. Arranged by Tony Award winner Justin Levine, choreographed by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, and directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, the cast and crew are as spectacular as the story of love and defeat. 402.472.4747
—https://www.liedcenter.org/event/moulin-rouge
Czech National Symphony Feb., 26 at The Lied Center Main Stage New York Times called the Czech National Symphony "brilliance and infectious exuberance," of sound. The symphony will make a stop in Nebraska at The Lied Center Main Stage for a night of superstar Sandy Cameron performing violin symphonies and American Maxim Lando performing piano pieces. A night of musical wonder for the whole family. 402.472.4747
—https://www.liedcenter.org/event/czech-national-symphony
IOWA
Big Head Todd and the Monsters: 40th Anniversary Tour Jan., 10, at The Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines The platinum-selling quartet from Colorado celebrate their 40th year of making blues rock hits. The band has stuck together through four decades and still continues to light up the stage. Grab your friends and come to watch the band that stayed friends for decades on. 515.244.0507
—https://hoytsherman.org/event/big-head-todd-and-the-monsters-2025/
The National Collection: 50 Years of NCSML Through Jan., 12, at The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids The NCSML has been collecting artifacts and archival pieces for 50 grand years. Come celebrate the preservation and see the highlighted artifacts. Major artifacts include an original silkscreen by Andy Warhol, historic garnet jewelry, a fish scale kroj, intricate porcelain and glass pieces, and more. Immerse yourself into Czech and Slovak history at the NCSML. 319.362.8500
—https://ncsml.org/exhibit/the-national-collection-50-years-of-ncsml/
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Jan., 17 through Feb., 2, at the Des Moines Community Playhouse Diary of a Wimpy Kid the musical brings Jeff Kinney’s best selling book to life with the addition of music. Middle school may be the worst with the cheese touch, hall monitors, friend drama, and more. Watch as Greg Heffley takes on hi middle school with his cartoon diary at his side. 515.277.6261
—https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid/
Pink Boots and a Machete Jan., 21, at the Des Moines Civic Center “The female Indiana Jones” according to The New York Times, Dr. Mireya Mayor, is a praised primatologist, explorer, and even an Emmy Award-nominated TV host. National Geographic’s first female wildlife correspondent she has hosted dozens of documentary series including her own show Wild Nights With Mireya Mayor. Come to the Des Moines Civic Center to celebrate Mayor as a part of their Explorer Series. 515.246.2300
—https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/explorer-series/pink-boots-and-a-machete
Sal Vulcano Everything’s Fine Tour Jan., 25, at the Des Moines Civic Center The comedian known for co-creating, executively producing, and being one of the stars on TBS’s Impractical Jokers, Sal Vulcano has hit it as a solo touring comedian. His last national tour sold out shows in 60 markets. Now he will come to Iowa and bring his comedy to the crowds. 515.246.2300
—https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/sal-vulcano
HADESTOWN Jan., 24-26, at the Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City The eight time Tony Award and Best Musical Album Grammy Award Winning HADESTOWN will make its way to Iowa City's stage. The story two mythic love stories, the tales of Hades and Persephone and Eurydice and Orpheus. The theatrical experience of HADESTOWN the musical is one that will get ahold of your attention and never let go. 319.335.1160
—https://hancher.uiowa.edu/2024-25/hadestown
Shucked Jan., 28 Through Feb., 2 at the Des Moines Civic Center The Tony Award winning musical that was featured in the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and was called "flat out hilarious!" by The Wall Street Journal, Shucked, will come to Iowa for eight special performances. The corn centered musical will finally stop through the midwest. Grab your friends and family to come down and see Shucked. 515.246.2300
—https://www.catchdesmoines.com/event/shucked/46378/
Okoboji Vintage Snowmobile Ice Drags Feb., 1 in front of the The Ritz in Arnolds Park Grab your winter coat and gloves to watch this fast paced winter racing across 500 feet of shaved ice on a four lane track. The ice drags are open and free for the public to watch and enjoy. Whether you come to show off your own vintage snowmobile and win a race or come to admire all of the snowmobiles, the Okoboji Vintage Snowmobile Ice Drags will be fun for everyone.
—https://www.traveliowa.com/calendar/okoboji-vintage-snowmobile-ice-drags/1648361/
Pretty Woman The Musical Feb., 11 at the Sioux City Orpheum Based on the award winning and well-loved movie, the musical will bring the romance to life through song and dance. Choreographed by Tony Award Winning choreographer of Legally Blonde The Musical and Hairspray, Jerry Mitchell. “If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” Buzzfeed News said. Grab your tickets to see the romance of Pretty Woman come to life in front if you. 712.279.4850
—https://www.orpheumlive.com/events/detail/pretty-woman
30th Winter Blues Fest Feb., 14 & 15 at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown A two night blues spectacular for the jazz and swing lovers, Winter Blues Fest will bring blues inside and out of the cold. Catch upwards of 20 acts under one roof. Grab your friends and your spirit for two nights of blues for everyone. 515.245.5500
—https://www.catchdesmoines.com/event/30th-winter-blues-fest/48310/
Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live Feb., 21 at the Sioux City Orpheum Direct from London’s West End and by the creators of Dinosaur World Live, Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live brings a new spin on the immersive experience. Guests will come face to face with dragons, trolls, fairies, griffins, and much more. This fantastical show for the entire family will bring together heroes, just don’t wake up the dragon. 712.279.4850
—https://www.orpheumlive.com/events/detail/dragons-and-mythical-beasts-live
KANSAS
Native Fashion Jan., 1 through 5 at the Spencer Museum of Art in Lawrence The exhibit features a timeline of native fashion through four themes. Garments highlighted include powwow regalia, haute couture, streetwear, and accessories. The exhibit not only features garments but also photography and contemporary art. The exhibit also has an accompanying runway show to shine a light on the design that goes into the artistic work. 785.864.4710
—https://www.travelks.com/event/native-fashion/33068/
The 65th Annual World of Wheels Jan., 30 through Feb., 2 at the Kansas City Convention Center World of Wheels brings together car lovers, collectors, and all to check out hot rods, featured guests, and more. Onto their 65th year, the show never disappoints and always stays fresh to their audience. Whether guests have a dream of collecting or are collectors themselves, World of Wheels will bring everyone together. 816.513.5000
—https://autorama.com/attend/kansas-city/#celebrities
Being Modern Exhibit Through June 2025 at Wichita-Segwick Co. Historical Museum Since Wichita's beginning in 1870, there has been a desire for modernism. The exhibit directly follows the previous Wichita-Segwick Historical Museum exhibit "Art Deco on the Plains" to highlight the modern design brought from the 1950s and 1960s. A part of the Lois Kay Walls Local Visual Art History Series, Being Modern, is an exhibit that should be on everyone's radar. 316.265.9314
—https://www.travelks.com/event/being-modern-exhibition/33328/
Sharks Feb., 7 Through May, 8 at Exploration Place Museum in Wichita This special exhibit will bring guests to the sea floor to learn about sharks through augmented reality, specimens, life-size models, video, and more. The immersive experience, created by Australian Museum experts, will teach kids and adults about sharks from their ancient ancestors to their current species which are under threat. 316.660.0600
—https://exploration.org/event/sharks/g
MISSOURI
CHICAGO Jan., 7 Through 12 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Come to the Kauffman Center to see All That Jazz and more live onstage. Broadway’s longest running musical which has captivated audiences for 27 years will come to Kansas City, MO for multiple show dates. Hotter than ever and the perfect place to be. 816.994.7222
—https://tickets.kauffmancenter.org/23158]
Kansas City Symphony Presents Disney’s The Sound of Magic Jan., 11 & 12 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts The Kansas City Symphony will bring your favorite Disney animated film score hits to life onstage at this must see event. Hear songs from “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast,”“Aladdin,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” and more. The original Disney film footage will be projected in synchrony with the symphony musician’s music for a magical evening. 816.994.7222
—https://tickets.kauffmancenter.org/22274
Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan Jan., 18 at The T-Mobile Center The comedic duo will work together once again, this time in a ten arena tour. The T-Mobile center is one stop on this minted location standup tour. Seinfeld is known for his show, Seinfeld, his work in movies such as The Bee Movie, and his standup career which started in the 80s. Gaffigan is the six-time Grammy-nominated comedian known for his specials and tv and movie features. Grab your tickets and your friends for the Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan standup tour. 816.949.7100
—https://www.t-mobilecenter.com/events/detail/jerry-seinfeld-and-jim-gaffigan
SIX The Musical Jan., 21 Through Feb., 2 at the Fabulous Fox in St. Louis The “SIX” wives of Henry VIII will tell and sing their stories in this award winning musical. The Broadway album hit number one within its first month of being released. The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES”, it’s a musical to go on your bucket list. 314.535.1700
—https://www.fabulousfox.com/events/detail/six
Killers of Kill Tony Jan., 31 at The Midland Theatre The number one comedy podcast from Austin, Texas, Kill Tony, has a new live show, Killers of Kill Tony, which brings your favorite Kill Tony characters onstage to perform longer standup sets. This show will feature comedians Ari Matti, Casey Rocket, David Lucas, and Martin Phillips performing material. 816.283.9900
—https://www.midlandkc.com/events/detail/691844
Sebastian Maniscalco Feb., 22 at The T-Mobile Center Sebastian Maniscalco comes to the T-Mobile Center with his largest arena tour yet. His “It Ain’t Right” tour will focus on prices, manners today, and the inanity of social media. Maniscalco told The New York Times that his comedy approach is “rooted in family and observation” and relates to many. His Italian family anecdotes and outlook on the world make his standup. Grab your tickets and your family to watch Sebastian Maniscalco live. 816.949.7100
—https://www.t-mobilecenter.com/events/detail/sebastian-maniscalco
Cody Fry with The Kansas City Symphony Feb., 28 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts Catch the Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, composer, and arranger Cody Fry for one night only at The Kauffman Center. Fry blends traditional pop with classical cinematic music to create his original sound. Don’t miss the chance to hear Cody Fry live with the Kansas City Symphony. 816.994.7222
—https://tickets.kauffmancenter.org/22712
SOUTH DAKOTA
Pro Snocross Races Jan., 24 & 25 at the Days of 76 Event Complex in Deadwood Dubbed “The greatest show on snow” by the Deadwood South Dakota website, a part of the ISOC Amsoil Championship Snocross Series will come to South Dakota. Watch Snowmobiles fly over the black hills by over 200 of the renowned professionals. 800.344.8826
—https://www.deadwood.com/event/pro-snocross-races/
Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo Feb., 1 Through 3 at Central States Fairgrounds & The Monument in Rapid City Known as the second largest event in South Dakota besides Sturgis Rally, the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo is a night of wild west wonder. Featuring live music, local brews at the Boots and Beers Festival, 14 horse events, and over 400 vendors to explore. 605.333.3861
—https://www.visitrapidcity.com/event/black-hills-stock-show-&-rodeo®/4018/
Rascal Flatts: Life is a Highway Tour Feb., 27 at the Denny Stanford PREMIER Center Celebrating their 25 anniversary, Rascal Flatts will come to South Dakota for a show stopping performance. Since their creation in 2000, they have performed hits such as “Bless The Broken Road,” “What Hurts the Most,” and “Life Is a Highway,” from Pixar’s movie CARS. Come see one of the most awarded country groups of the past two decades. 605.367.7288
—https://www.dennysanfordpremiercenter.com/event/rascal-flatts:-life-is-a-highway-tour/tm_vv17bzbkgkny5g8r/
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2025 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
