NEBRASKA
Curry Clash 2023 November 2 at Lancaster County Event Center The Asian Community and Cultural Center is holding its 9th annual Curry Clash. Attendees can enjoy a wide variety of curry-inspired tastes from Lincoln chefs. There will be a smidgin for everyone from savory to sweet, mild to four-alarm spicy. Attendees will be able to vote for their favorite taste and support the work of empowering new Americans in Lincoln. 402.441.6545
Lance Lipinsky & The Lovers in “Shake Baby Shake” November 3—5 at Brownville Concert Hall in Brownville “Shake Baby Shake” is an explosive retrospective stage show of the golden age of Rock and Roll. Lance Lipinsky and his authentic show band The Lovers will be performing the hits of major artists of the 1950s and 60s such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Buddy Holly, Elvis and Chuck Berry. 402.825.3331
Annual Frost Frolic Holiday Market November 4 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Fairbury Over 100 booths attract shoppers each year to this Holiday Market show. The annual frost frolic is sponsored by Homeless No More Cat Rescue and Adoption Center and is the biggest vendor show for holiday shopping in Southeast Nebraska and North Central Kansas. 402.300.1139
Zoo Lights November 24—December 30 at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Lincoln Kids and adults alike can get in the holiday spirit with Zoo Lights powered by LES. The Zoo will be transformed into one of the largest lights displays in the midwest. This experience will include a 40 ft. Christmas tree, over 30 lit animal silhouettes, holiday train rides, a tree canopy light walk, a 60-foot light tunnel, and more. 402.475.6741
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder November 30—December 3 and December 7—9 at Northeast Community College in Norfolk “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” is a killer romp filled with unforgettable music, non-stop laughs, and a scene-stealing role for one actor playing all eight of the doomed heirs who meet their ends in the most side-splitting ways. 402.258.3782
IOWA
National Farm Toy Show November 3—5 in Dyersville The National Farm Toy Show welcomes over 300 vendors and 8,000 attendees to the community of Dyersville every November. Held at the National Farm Toy Museum, Dyersville Beckman High School, Commercial Club Park, and other locations in town this show is a can’t miss for farmers and toy fans alike. 563.875.2727
An Evening with the Late John Cleese November 15 at the Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee Known for being one of the founding members of Monty Python, John Cleese promises to deliver lots of laughs during this night of comedy celebrating both his life and his career as a comedian. He is widely recognized as “one of the most influential and important comedic voices in entertainment history.” 888.804.0217
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert November 18 at Mississippi Lofts and Adler Theatre in Davenport At this showing of the sixth installment of the Harry Potter series, the Quad City Symphony orchestra provides the accompanying music. Guests will enjoy Nicholas Hooper’s original score live while revisiting the magic of the 2009 film in a unique experience that will enchant audiences of all ages. 563.326.8500
Mannheim Steamroller December 20 at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in Cedar Rapids This neoclassical music group is known for their fusion of modern rock with elements of classical music. With 28 million albums sold in the U.S., this holiday concert is sure to be a night to remember. 319.398.5211
Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars November 23-26 at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines This Disney performance features Elsa (Frozen) and Mirabel (Encanto) as they glide across the ice, celebrating their unique gifts that make them special. The optional Character Experience tickets allow children to spend interactive time with each of these characters before the show that will surely make for an unforgettable experience. 515.564.8000
Tannenbaum Forest November 24—December 17 at Festhalle Barn in Amana Visitors can step into the barn and see over 60 unique Christmas trees, each decorated by a different business, organization, group, or family. The forest is free to visit, but a free will donation to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital is encouraged. 319.622.7622
Christkindlmarket Des Moines November 30—December 3 at Principal Park in Des Moines The Christkindlmarket is a great way to learn about European culture with this 700-year-old tradition. The market will feature authentic food, artisanal products representing various European cultures, and entertainment for adults and children. 515.250.6366
—christkindlmarketdsm.com
KANSAS
Buddy Guy: Damn Right Farewell November 6 at the Lied Center of Kansas in Lawrence With special guest Ally Venable, this night of blues promises to be one to remember. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2005, Buddy Guy, now 87 years old, is one of the most influential musicians of all time, leaving his mark on household names like Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and Jimi Hendrix. Boasting eight Grammy Awards and the #23 spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list, blues fans young and old will enjoy this unforgettable night of nostalgia on Buddy’s last tour. 785.864.2787
Cirque Du Soleil: Corteo November 9 at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita Corteo, meaning “cortege” in Italian, features a parade imagined by a clown. This spectacular and imaginative show will dazzle audiences by blurring the lines between illusion and reality with amazing acrobatics and lyrical music. The playful characters and thought-provoking symbolism makes for an entertaining commentary on the nature of humanity. 316.265.2800
—visitwichita.com
Carnival of Ink November 10 – 12 at the KCI Expo Center in Kansas City This Midwest tattoo convention will be held for its 10th year in November 2023. Featuring live performance art and drawing talent, tattoo artists attending from both the U.S. and abroad will be announced on the carnival’s Facebook and Instagram pages in advance. Anyone wishing to commission artwork from the participating artists can reserve a spot with their desired artist through these channels. Single-day and all-weekend passes are available. 816.891.7694
Holiday Boutique 2023 November 16-19 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park A one-stop-shop for holiday gifts, this boutique has all the new holiday decor, apparel, toys, treats, and more to add some cheer to the end of the year. Admission options include multi-day passes and adult evening passes. 816.601.2707
Saint Lucia Festival December 9 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Lindsborg Lindsborg’s traditional Swedish festival is a celebration of culture and the holiday season. It will feature Swedish folk dancing performances, a service honoring Saint Lucia, and many other activities throughout the downtown area. 888.227.2227
Ireland with Michael Londra LIVE! December 15 at Stiefel Theatre in Salina Londra interlaces songs and stories of Ireland to a backdrop of spectacular footage filmed for his PBS travel series. He creates an immersive journey around the Emerald Isle, including Irish dancers and Fiddles and Pipes. The audience will be drawn across the Atlantic Ocean to Ireland in this unique live show. 785.827.1998
Luminary Walk November 28 – December 20 at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Overland Park Experience a festive walk through enchanting woods with holiday lights, candles, beverages, and live musical performances. This event is family friendly on Friday and Saturday nights in November and December, with adult-only versions on select Thursday nights. The magic of holiday cheer, community, and peace will create a night to remember for all ages. 913.322.6467
What We Collect Through December 30 at Mid-America All-Indian Museum in Wichita The human desire to collect objects is being recognized in historical and cultural studies. What makes people collect things and why? This exhibit highlights different objects donated to the museum by collectors, families and individuals. 316.350.3340
MISSOURI
Heroes and Villains November 5 at Kauffman Performing Arts Center in Kansas City The Kansas City Symphony is putting on an epic superhero showdown as the “good guys” take on villains in a fun musical battle. This concert overflows with tales of caped crusaders and well-known music. 816.471.0400
Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth November 11 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City This reimagined spectacle includes new technology and a 360-degree environment for a more immersive experience of classic superhuman feats. Adults and children of all ages will feel like part of this live circus with daring, never-before-seen acts performed before their eyes. 816.949.7100
Mark Twain’s Annual Birthday Bash November 25 at Mark Twain Museum in Hannibal Mark Twain would be celebrating his 189th birthday this year. This party includes crafts like decorating party hat and wooden ornaments, beaded necklaces and old-fashioned games with a twist like “Pin the ‘Stache on Twain” and “Musical Mustaches.” 573.221.9010
Downtown Living Windows December 1 in downtown Jefferson City A Jefferson City tradition for more than 20 years, Living Windows takes place downtown where storefronts and windows come alive with dancers, singers, and holiday themes. Attendees can enjoy refreshments, listen to carolers, and watch performances sharing the holiday spirt. It is the perfect opportunity to stroll the streets and experience holiday cheer. 573.632.2820
SOUTH DAKOTA
Dakota Angler Ice Institute November 10—12 at Sioux Falls Arena & Convention Center in Sioux Falls The Dakota Angler Ice Institute was started in 2008 to give ice fishermen an opportunity to see the latest and greatest in the ice fishing industry. It has grown to be the second largest ice fishing show in the nation where attendees can make new discoveries to improve their ice fishing game. 605.336932
—dakotaanglericeinstitute.com
2023 Big Whiskey Festival November 11 in Deadwood Tickets for this event come with 15 sample tickets to try any of more than 30 whiskeys at multiple locations in Deadwood, SD. Explore the area and sample ryes, scotches, Irish whiskeys, bourbons, Japanese whiskeys, and Canadian whiskeys at your leisure.
Mountain West Beer Fest November 11 at The Monument, Rushmore Hall in Rapid City The Mountain West Beer Fest is the largest beer tasting event in the area. Rapid City will host over 70 breweries and 200 craft beers to try at the 6th annual festival. 605.343.6161
Autumn Festival, an Arts and Crafts Affair November 19-21 at Danny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls Ranked in the Top 100 Shows in the Country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, Sioux Falls’ autumn craft fair offers hundreds of artisans and vendors, an hourly gift certificate winner, and lots of food and drink among fun family activities. Admission is good all weekend long. 402.331.2889
Frontier Christmas December 9 at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park in Lake City Guests of the park are invited to celebrate the season in classic frontier fashion with Christmas crafts, homemade bread, hands-on activities, sleigh rides, caroling
Frontier Christmas December 9 at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park in Lake City Guests of the park are invited to celebrate the season in classic frontier fashion with Christmas crafts, homemade bread, hands-on activities, sleigh rides, caroling, and many other holiday traditions. 605.448.5474
Dave Martinson Big Band Presents the Nutcracker Suite December 17 at the Historic Homestake Opera House in Lead Enjoy the holiday classic, the “Nutcracker Suite,” with a jazz flare! Dave Martinson and his Big Band group perform the entire collection of music, as arranged by Duke Ellington, in this timeless tradition. 605.584.2067
Event times and details may change. Visit omahamagazine.com for complete listings. Check with venueor event organizer to confirm.
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2023 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
