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
—liedcenter.org
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
—brownvilleconcertseries.com
Dusty’s Pumpkin Fest at the Cody’s October 7—27 at Buffalo Bill State Historical Park in North Platte Dusty’s Pumpkin Fest is located on the beautiful grounds of Buffalo Bill State Historical Park and 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
—dustytrailz.biz
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.
—harvestmoonfallfestival.org
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
—thecolumbuspage.com
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
—stuhrmuseum.org
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
—visitgrandisland.com
Willa Cather 150th Birthday Celebration October 14—15 at Brownville Concert Hall in Brownville This birthday celebration will include a theater adaptation of Cather’s “A Resurrection,” dinner and music with a menu inspired by Cather’s novels, a river cruise on the Spirit of Brownville, and more. 402.825.3331
—brownvilleconcertseries.com
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
—arbordayfarm.org
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 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.
—event.golfstatus.com
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
—lincolnzoo.org
Living History Weekend October 28—29 at Arbor Day Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City Living History weekends allow guest 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
—arbordayfarm.org
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 Brat eating contest. The colonies boast a weekend full of polka, smiles, laughter, and brats. 319.622.7622
—amanacolonies.com
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. 319.462.879
—anamosapumpkinfest.com
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
—iowastatefiargrounds.org
Iowa Fall Home Expo October 11—13 at Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines Whether you’re planning on upgrading your home or need a reliable contractor to fix your leaking roof, the Iowa Home Expo is the spot to find all local remodeling experts. The Iowa Home Expo, hosts local and national exhibitors offering exclusive deals and discounts. You’ll save both time and money attending the Iowa Home Expo! Admission is free.
—iowahomeexpo.com
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.
—halloweenapalooza.wixsite.com
Back to the Future—The Musical October 15—20 at Des Moines Civic Center in Des Moines
Great Scott! “Back to the Future,” the beloved, cinematic classic is now a Broadway musical with its destination set for Des Moines in 2024.
—desmoinesperformingarts.org/events
Rose Farm Fall Festival October 19 at Rose Farm in Norwalk Rose Farm is a place to find your passion, elevate your knowledge, and take a sabbatical from life. Enjoy live music, pumpkin painting, charcuterie, and cocktails at their annual Fall Festival.
—rosefarmstead.com
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 them 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 will find out what happens in this stage adaptation. 319.291.4494
—wcpbhct.org
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
—salisburyhouse.org
KANSAS
KC Fall Festival 2024 September 28—October 27 at KC Pumpkin Patch in Olathe Visit KC Pumpkin Patch for the ultimate Fall experience! Join us on Kansas City’s Family Fun Farm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, spend the day experiencing adventures as you slide, climb and play your way through 40 acres of fun. With attractions to entertain all ages, the whole family will enjoy the farm fresh air and wide open spaces. You’ve never seen a pumpkin patch like this before! Children 2 years and under have free admission.
—kcpumpkinpatch.com
Dear Evan Hansen October 1 at Lied Center of Kansas in Lawrence Declared “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history” by The Washington Post and “an anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond” by NBC Nightly News, DEAR EVAN HANSEN is the first contemporary musical about connection in the digital age. Contains adult themes, recommended for ages 12 and up.
—lied.ku.edu
Foreigner October 5 at Azura Amphitheater in Bonner Springs Experience Foreigner in concert, one of the most influential rock bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s. With special guest Loverboy, classic rock fans will not want to miss this unforgettable night.
—azuraamp.com
Japan Festival October 5 at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park Hosted by the Heart of America Japan-America Society, the Japan Festival is a one-day event held annually at Johnson County Community College, dedicated to educating and entertaining the Greater Kansas City metro area through an introduction to Japanese culture.
—jccc.edu/midwest-trust-center/events
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
—stielfeltheatre.org
Pioneer Harvest Fiesta 2024 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 of sale, along with commercial vendors. There will be food trucks, a cash bar, and wine slushies on site for the event. 785.827.9488
—rollinghillszoo.org
Zoolloween October 12 at Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Independence Ralph Mitchell Zoo invites one and all to join us for our Zoolloween extravaganza! Bring the kids and trick-or-treat your way through the Zoo! Stop to play some carnival games, enter raffles, and win prizes while you’re at it! Hungry for something other than candy? Pick something up at Miss Able’s Snack Shack! Cost of admission is $2.00 per person, children 2 and under get in free.
—travelks.com/event/zoolloween-(fundraiser)
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
—dorothyshouse.com
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
—explorelwarence.com
The Temptations October 30 at Lied Center of Kansas in Lawrence The Temptations, often referred to as American music royalty, are world-renowned superstars of entertainment, revered for their phenomenal catalog of music and prolific career. They are one of the most iconic, bestselling brands in the entertainment world today. While the group has evolved over the years, Dr. Otis Williams has continued to lead the group and carry the torch forward for the next generation of Temptations fans.
—lied.ku.edu
MISSOURI
Liberty Days 2024 October 6—7 at Stars and Stripes National Museum/Library in Bloomfield Visitors can step back in time and experiences history some 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
—nssmil.org
ALICE (In Wonderland) October 11—20 at Muriel Kauffman Theater in Kansas City Fall down the rabbit hole and experience Wonderland like never before with the Kansas City Ballet. This captivating production blends ballet and contemporary dance to bring Lewis Carroll’s iconic characters to life in a fresh, visually stunning way. With vibrant costumes, a whimsical score and exceptional choreography, it’s an immersive experience for all ages.
—tickets.kauffmancenter.org
Brew at the Zoo October 12 at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium in Kansas City Enjoy an adults-only (ages 21+) evening of live music and free sampling from more than 35 local breweries and wineries, plus food trucks available to tame your belly’s roar! Your 2024 Brew at the Zoo ticket also includes access to GloWild: Legends & Lore, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium’s immersive lantern festival.
—kansascityzoo.org/brew-at-the-zoo
OzFaire Renaissance Festival October 12—13 at Heart of the Ozark Bluegrass Park in West Plains Join us for a weekend of Renaissance-era fun! Music, presentations, vendors and great food. The event also includes armored combat, featuring “Iron Alliance,” Missouri’s best armored combat group!
—ozfaire.com
Legends & Lanterns: A “Spirited” Journey Through Halloween History October 12—27 at Historic Main Street in St. Charles Finding its inspiration from the past, Legends & Lanterns® offers the vintage charm of Halloween in the 1910s-1930s, to the historical rituals and customs brought to the holiday by the Druids and Victorians, to the ethereal atmosphere depicted in American ghost stories and Brothers Grimm fairy tales.
—discoverstcharles.com/events/legends-lanterns
Kansas 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
—kcballet.org
Witches & Wine Festival October 17 in Hermann Have a Ladies Night Out in beautiful historic Hermann, Missouri! Enjoy wine, food, dancing, vendors, local shops, a costume contest and more. Must be 21+ to attend this event.
—visithermann.com/witches-wine-2024
Korn October 18 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City With special guests Gojira and Spiritbox, Grammy Award-winning band Korn comes to Kansas City on their 2024 tour of North America.
—t-mobilecenter.com/events
Witches & Wine 2024 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
—visitherman.com
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
—hannibalarts.com/folklife
Ozarks Coin and Stamp Show and Sale October 25—26 at Relics Event Center in Springfield At this annual coin show, dealers from several states will be buying, selling, trading U.S. and World coins and currency, gold, silver, tokens, commemoratives, ancients, medals, stamps and other numismatic and philatelic items.
—relicsantiquemall.com
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
—worldsoffun.com
SOUTH DAKOTA
Cruiser Car Show & Street Fair October 5 at Main Street Square in Rapid City Classic cars will roll into Downtown Rapid City and stay to show off their rides. Shop the swap meet, play in the Kidz Zone, and grab something to eat from a delicious food vendor. Rock out to a free concert in the afternoon, followed by a Car Show Awards Ceremony at Main Street Square.
—mainstreetsquare.org
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.
—travelsouthdakota.com/sioux-falls/events
Brew Walk October 10 in Downtown Aberdeen Given the great success of Aberdeen’s downtown Wine Walk (held in May), there is now a version craft beer lovers won’t want to miss. Sample local and regional brews, handcrafted and unique. Beer drinkers, this is your opportunity to pair two of the best things in life – shopping and drinking.
—aberdeendowntown.org/events
ZooBoo October 27—29 ay 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
—greatzoo.org
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.
—harvesthalloween.com
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
—ourfarmsd.wixsite.com
This article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
