NEBRASKA
Hello Spring! Craft and Vendor Show March 2 at the Seward County Fairgrounds in Seward This free craft show presents a day of fun and shopping for the whole family. Over 65 vendors will fill the pavilion, offering everything you need for the Spring season. Bring the kids for an Easter egg hunt and enjoy the adult egg hunt for prize-filled baskets. Food trucks will be on site.
Hello Spring! Craft and Vendor Show March 2 at the Seward County Fairgrounds in Seward This free craft show presents a day of fun and shopping for the whole family. Over 65 vendors will fill the pavilion, offering everything you need for the Spring season. Bring the kids for an Easter egg hunt and enjoy the adult egg hunt for prize-filled baskets. Food trucks will be on site.
Ord Gun Show March 2–3 at the Trotter Event Center in Ord Buy, sell, trade, or just admire at this firearm expo. Discounted admission for veterans, active military, and first responders. 308.728.5307
Drum Tao March 7 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln This unique combination of taiko drumming and theatrical staging is sure to dazzle any viewer. The centuries-old Japanese art form comes to life with Drum Tao’s 40 performers whom the Chicago Tribune calls “seductive,” “alluring,” and “extremely talented percussion artists.” 402.472.4747
2024 Midtown Event Center Bridal Show March 16 at Midtown Event Center in Norfolk Get ready for the most amazing Bridal Show in Northeast Nebraska! Hosted by Dream Makers Events & Planning, this bridal expo will feature giveaways, a fashion show, food samples, and much more. Whether you’re looking for traditional or unique ideas, exhibitors will provide you with a wide range of options to make your special day unforgettable. From breathtaking venues to delicious wedding cakes, you’ll find everything you need to plan your perfect wedding.
Shuffle 5K Walk/Run/Crawl March 16 at Tooley’s Lounge in Fairbury This St. Patrick’s Day-themed 5K will include green beverages and a “Best Dressed” award for the greatest costume. The post-race celebration will feature food, drinks, and live music. 402.729.3000
Avenged Sevenfold: Life Is But A Dream…Tour March 16 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln Fresh off a #1 single at Rock Radio this year, Avenged Sevenfold, comprised of members M. Shadows, Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance, Johnny Christ, and Brooks Wackerman are touring in support of their recently released 8th studio album, “Life is But a Dream.” Don’t miss this head-banging concert! 402.904.5600
Plains Game Festival March 22–24 at the Cornhusker Mariott Hotel in Lincoln 2024 will be the 11th year of this event dedicated to tabletop and board games. This weekend of family fun will include prizes, game giveaways, and a huge library of games for all ages.
Lincoln Gem & Mineral Show April 6 – 7 at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln This event is the perfect opportunity for gem and jewelry enthusiasts to find rare, unique jewels, gems, and minerals.
SoulFest Spring Show 2024 April 27 at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney This event showcases a vast array of healing options—energy work, intuitive readings and healing, crystals, natural foods and supplements, handcrafted art, and more.Admission is free, and there is sure to be something for everyone. This event will feature giveaways, and vendors will have exclusive specials. The first 25 visitors will receive swag bags. 308.236.1201
IOWA
Iowa Home Expo March 8–10 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines Meet with vendors and remodeling experts at this expo, which will display all things home improvement, remodeling, outdoor living, and more.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party March 10 at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs The Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party brings audiences the only opportunity to see real-life versions of the famous Hot Wheels monster truck toys in the dark. Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Boneshaker, Bigfoot, and more, plus the all-new Gunkster, will light up the floor in outrageous monster trucks competitions and battles. 712.323.0536
All Iowa Auto Show March 15–17 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines Featuring dozens of manufacturers displaying brand new makes and models. Win door prizes and see the latest vehicles with no sales pressure. 515.564.8000
Iowa Eats Food & Drink Festival April 6 at the Waterloo Convention Center in Waterloo This celebration of food & drink tasting will feature live music, cooking and product demonstrations, and countless Iowa foods, products, chefs, authors, and agriculture-related products.
Shen Yun April 10–11 at the Paramount Theater in Cedar Rapids This theatrical spectacle brings to life the best of Ancient China through original orchestration and choreography, evoking ethnic and folk traditions alongside legends from China’s 5,000 years of civilization.
Dorothy Goes to Oz & Snow White April 13 at the Adler Theater in Davenport Two one-act ballets in one performance, this compilation of fairy tales is sure to entertain. Prepare to be dazzled with a retelling of Dorothy’s journey with her friends followed by a new, sophisticated interpretation of the Grimm brothers’ “Snow White.”
The Kat and Dave Show: David Foster & Katharine McPhee April 30 at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines This husband-and-wife duo are a force to be reckoned with in the music world. David Foster has won 16 Grammy Awards and is known for writing some of music’s most famous songs and albums, collaborating with musicians such as George Harrison, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Chicago, Kenny Loggins, and many others. Katharine McPhee was an instant favorite on American Idol in 2006, jumpstarting her success in solo albums and, most notably, her performance as Karen Cartwright in the hit NBC musical TV show “SMASH.” 515.244.0507
The Improvised Shakespeare Company April 30–May 5 at the Temple Theater in Des Moines This talented troupe of actors creates fully improvised Shakespearean plays on the spot based on suggestions of made-up play titles from the audience. Performing nationally and internationally, the ISC has been named Chicago’s best improv group and has received numerous awards.
KANSAS
Model Train Show March 2–3 at Crown Toyota in Lawrence The 22nd annual model train show and sale in Lawrence offers fun for the whole family. Adult admission: $8 or $6 with a canned food donation. Children 12 and under can attend for free. There will be a BBQ food truck on site to keep the family fueled for a day of fun.
Open Season Sportsman’s Expo March 8–10 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park
Find the latest gear, participate in demos, and learn from industry experts at this outdoor activity expo.
Flogging Molly: Road to Rebellion Tour March 9 at the Kansas Star Arena in Mulvane
Blake Shelton March 29 at the INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita Blake Shelton will perform his Back to the Honkey Tonk Tour with special guests Dustin Lynch and Emily Ann Roberts.
Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Being Alive April 1 at the Lied Center in Lawrence
The Life and Times of A. Einstein April 27–28 at the White Theater in Overland Park This delightful play presents a day in the life of the great scientist as seen through the eyes of his secretary.
MISSOURI
Planet Comicon March 8–10 at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City This event will feature an incredible lineup of celebrities, exhibitors, panels, and cosplay contests.
Woodworking Show March 15–17 at the Hy-Vee Arena in Kansas City A unique opportunity for woodworkers to come together and show their passion, this expo is a must-attend for anyone interested in woodworking. A wide range of exhibitors, tools, and seminars promises a valuable experience for woodworking artists and sellers alike.
Tim McGraw: Standing Room Only Tour March 22 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis Featuring special guest Carly Pearce.
Taco & Margarita Festival March 23 at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis
World-class tacos and signature margaritas feature in this festival for food lovers. The day will include live DJs, professional wrestling, and taco and hot pepper eating contests.
16th Annual Gateway Blues Festival March 29 at the Stifel Theater in St. Louis This blues festival will feature Tucka, King George, Pokey Bear, West Love, J’Wonn, and Theodis Ealey. Hosted by Heritage Entertainment as part of the 2024 Blues is Alright Tour.
SOUTH DAKOTA
National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic March 1–3 at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls This trade show focuses on wildlife conservation, upland game bird hunting, dog training, and wildlife habitat management and will also feature seminars on various related subjects by Pheasants Forever.
National Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic March 1–3 at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls This trade show focuses on wildlife conservation, upland game bird hunting, dog training, and wildlife habitat management and will also feature seminars on various related subjects by Pheasants Forever.
—travelsouthdakota.com/sioux-falls/events/huntingfishing-events/national-pheasant-fest-quail-classic
Spring Sioux Empire Arts & Crafts Show March 15–16 at the W. H. Lyon Fairgrounds in Sioux Falls Shop handmade items from the Midwest’s most talented artists among food trucks and fun activities.
Forks, Corks, and Kegs April 12–13 at Deadwood Alive in Deadwood Sample a variety of beer and wine from across the country as you make your way to various tasting venues at this festival in Historic Deadwood. Each location will feature their chef’s finest culinary creation paired with the perfect complementary beverage. Then head to the Grand Tasting, which features dozens of beer and wine varieties and light hors d’oeuvres. Must be 21 to participate.
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To subscribe, click here.
