NEBRASKA
Disney’s Aladdin October 3—8 at Lied Center in Lincoln The classic animated film comes to life in a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy, and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities endless. 402.472.4747.
Marissa Mulder in “I’ll Follow the Sun” October 6—8 at Brownville Concert Hall in Brownville Multiple award-winning songstress Marissa Mulder digs deep into the iconic catalogue of John Lennon and Paul McCartney and puts her unique stamp on infectious songs like “Penny Lane” and haunting ballads like “Julia” and “She’s Leaving Home.” 402.825.3331.
Dusty’s Pumpkin Fest at the Cody’s October 7—27 at Buffalo Bill State Historical Park in North Platte Located on the beautiful grounds of Buffalo Bill State Historical Park, Dusty’s Pumpkin Fest features many great family activities. Check out the corn cannons, hay slide, wagon rides, horseback riding, petting zoo, bounce house, fire pits, delicious concessions, and more. 308.530.0048.
Harvest Moon Fall Festival October 7 at Dawes County Fairgrounds in Chadron The Harvest Moon Fall Festival packs a ton of family fun into one day-long event. More than 100 vendors, games, and contests will keep the family busy, and for the adults who need a break, the beer garden provides the right refreshments.
Taste of Columbus October 8 at Ramada in Columbus This spectacular event is an evening for the Columbus community to come out and experience samples of tasty dishes from local restaurants and food vendors, taste a variety of beverages from wine and craft beer distributors, and participate in the Signature “Royal Auction” all while supporting two community non-profits. 402.564.2769.
All Hallows’ Eve October 13—14 at Stuhr Museum in Grand Island At Stuhr Museum’s All Hallows’ Eve celebration, guests can stroll along the treat trail to gather goodies from local organizations and businesses. In the Railroad town, guests can stop and listen to ghost stories or grab tasty treats. This is a family-friendly event, and all are encouraged to wear a costume and have a good time. 308.385.5316.
Bacon & Brews for Books October 14 at Fonner Park in Grand Island Imagination Bacon presents a bacon and brew fest featuring local craft brew and wine samples alongside unique bacon-inspired appetizers. All proceeds will benefit the Heartland United Way Imagination Library Program to ensure all children start kindergarten with a library of their own. 308.382.4400.
Willa Cather 150th Birthday Celebration October 14—15 at Brownville Concert Hall in Brownville This birthday celebration includes a theater adaptation of Cather’s A Resurrection, dinner, and music event with a menu inspired by Cather’s novels, a river cruise on the Spirit of Brownville, and more. 402.825.3331.
Oktoberfest! October 20 at Steinhart Lodge in Nebraska City Nothing says fall quite like Oktoberfest. Enjoy an authentic German meal paired with a German beer while dancing to your favorite German music. A cash bar will be available with additional German beers and other drinks. 402.873.8733.
Putt Putt Fore Puppies October 20 at Adventure Golf Center in Lincoln Capital Humane Society serves the Lincoln community by sheltering homeless pets, advocating for animal welfare, and education for the public about responsible pet care. Putt Putt Fore Puppies will raise funds to help care for homeless animals and help them find their forever homes.
Boo at the Zoo October 26—27 at Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Lincoln Boo at the Zoo is Lincoln’s largest trick-or-treat event. The entire family will love stopping at over 40 trick-or-treat booths to get candy, coupons, and more. All of the money raised during Boo at the Zoo directly supports the Zoo and its animals. 402.475.6741.
Living History Weekend October 28—29 at Arbor Day Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City Living History weekends allow guests to step back in time to see historic trades, talents, and other demonstrations come alive. This weekend is full of Vintage Halloween frivolity as Arbor Day Farm celebrates Halloween history, customs, and games throughout the 52-room mansion. 402.873.7222.
IOWA
Oktoberfest September 29—October 1 at the Amana Colonies Guest are invited to enjoy beer, live music, games, German food, and so much more all through the colonies. Some festivities include the Official Oktoberfest Keg Tapping Ceremony, performances by the Amana Colonies Folksingers, the Oktoberfest Parade, and a Bratwurst eating contest. The colonies boast a weekend full of polka, smiles, laughter, and rats. 319.622.7622.
Ryan Norlin Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Pumpkinfest Celebration October 7 in Downtown Anamosa Welcome to the Pumpkin Capital of Iowa. Enjoy a true Main Street festival and be a part of the festivities that have drawn thousands to Anamosa since 1989. Some activities include dozens of food and craft vendors, kids’ games, one of the largest parades in all of Iowa and, of course, giant pumpkins. 319.462.4879.
Iowa State Fair Flea Market October 7—8 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines Once a month from October to December, visitors will find antiques, collectibles, home decor, jewelry, purses, bags, and more at the Iowa State Fair Flea Market in the newly renovated 4-H Exhibits building. New merchandise and vendors are added monthly, and admission is free. 515.262.3111.
Halloweenapalooza October 13—14 at Bridge View Center in Ottumwa The 13th annual Halloweenapalooza (on Friday, the 13th) is Iowa’s premiere horror movie film festival and all things Halloween celebration. Attendees can enjoy celebrity guests, a costume contest, zombie walk, spooky vendors, and much more seasonal fun.
Misery October 20—23 at Hope Martin Theatre in Waterloo Based on the novel by Stephen King. What happens when an author’s “number one fan” rescues him from a car crash and takes him to a secluded house to recuperate? What if that “number one fan” has a bone to pick about how their favorite character was treated? Paul Sheldon finds out what happens in this stage adaptation. 319.291.4494.
Ghoulish Gala October 21 at Salisbury House & Gardens in Des Moines The Ghoulish Gala fundraiser is sure to be an elegant and ghostly affair. Guest can enjoy a variety of wine, beer, hard seltzers, or signature spooky cocktails as they drift through the historic halls discovering exciting entertainment around each twist and turn. 515.274.1777
KANSAS
Cheap Trick October 5 at Stiefel Theatre in Salina Cheap Trick are an indisputable American institution, beloved around the globe since 1974 for their instantly identifiable, hugely influential brand of pop rock’n’ roll. The band are true pioneers with an unparalleled streak of certifiably classic tunes. 785.827.1998.
Pioneer Harvest Fiesta 2023 October 6—8 at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds in Fort Scott Visitors are invited to experience educational and historic exhibits, refreshments, and live musical entertainment all weekend. All three days are alive with steam engines, blacksmiths, food and flea market vendors, agricultural demonstrations, and many other fall activities.
—pioneerharvestfiesta.com
Wild About Crafts: Sips & Sell Craft Fair October 7 at Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina This event will have a wide variety of vendors with a multitude of handmade items for sale, along with commercial vendors. There will be food trucks, a cash bar, and wine slushies on site for the event. 785.827.9488.
OzFest October 14 at Dorothy’s House and The Land of Oz in Liberal Liberal, the official home of Dorothy Gale, celebrates The Wizard of Oz all year long, but it really gears up in October during OzFest. The festival celebrating the anniversary of the movie will include live entertainment, games, costume contests, food, and fun. 620.624.7624
Final Fridays October 27 at Lawrence Art Center in Lawrence On the final Friday of every month, the streets of Downtown Lawrence, the Warehouse District, and random places city wide come alive with a range of arts and culture events. Final Fridays include activities for kids, exhibitions designed to challenge adults, music, dance, and theater for all ages. 785.856.3040
MISSOURI
Liberty Days 2023 October 6—7 at Stars and Stripes National Museum/Library in Bloomfield Visitors can step back in time and experiences history come to life with a living history timeline adventure. Re-enactors and living historians will embark on a journey from the Revolutionary War to the modern era. There will be food trucks on site to keep everyone fueled up for the day. 573.568.2055.
Kanas City Ballet’s Jekyll & Hyde October 13—22 at Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City Witness the psychological torment and self-destruction of Henry Jekyll, a morally upright and well-mannered doctor, as he struggles against the vile urges of his alter ego Edward Hyde in Victorian England. This North American Premiere of Val Caniparoli’s newest ballet focuses on the eternal struggle of good versus evil as it plays out within one man. 816.931.8993.
Witches & Wine 2023 October 19 in downtown Hermann This ladies-only, 21-and-over event in downtown Hermann is the spookiest way for ghoul-friends to go out on the town. The event will feature wine, food, dancing, shopping from vendor sand local shops, a costume contest, karaoke, and more. 573.789.0771
47th Annual Hannibal Folklife Festival October 21—22 in Historic Downtown Hannibal The Hannibal Folklife Festival was created to educate and celebrate Hannibal’s rich history by showcasing traditional craftsmen, artists, food, music, and performers in the period setting and architecture of Hannibal’s Historic North Main Street. 573.221.6545.
Halloween Haunt Through October 28 at World of Fun in Kansas City As darkness falls, fear rises when the Overlord calls his army to transform the park into Halloween haunt. This Halloween event allows park guests to experience the thrills of their favorite rides and the chills of extreme haunted attractions as they navigate the fog-filled midways where over 400 monsters lurk to feed off their screams. 816.454.4545.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Sioux Falls Native American Day Parade October 9 at 13th St. and Phillips Ave. in Sioux Falls The Sioux Falls Native American Day Parade and celebrations provide hope in continued healthy dialogue on conversations surrounding the well-being of Native Americans and the Sioux Falls community through truth, reconciliation, and self-representation.
Sioux Falls Native American Day Parade October 9 at 13th St. and Phillips Ave. in Sioux Falls The Sioux Falls Native American Day Parade and celebrations provide hope in continued healthy dialogue on conversations surrounding the well-being of Native Americans and the Sioux Falls community through truth, reconciliation, and self-representation.
ZooBoo October 27—29 Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls The Great Plains Zoo will thrill kids and adults alike with their Halloween extravaganza. Visitors will enjoy exploration of the entire zoo, trick-or-treating, hundreds of painted and carved pumpkins, and the Creepy Carousel or Trick-or-Treat Train. 605.367.7003.
Yankton’s Harvest Halloween October 28 in downtown Yankton Guests can have a spooky good time along Walnut Street and in the Meridian District in downtown Yankton at the annual Harvest Halloween. They can enjoy fall and Halloween-themed games, activities, vendors, trick-or-treating, an art market, bands, dances, and more.
Our Farm, SD Through October 31 in Parker Our Farm is a new Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch with a corn maze, petting zoo and several other fall favorites. Kids can play around all weekend on their multiple slides, zip lines, and bounce house. Concessions are available on-site for the perfect fall day. 605.310.1962.
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 October 2023 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
