NEBRASKA
Arts in the Park September 7th, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, at Cody Park in North Platte Come to Cody Park to catch handmade items by local artists and craftsmen. Learn about their techniques and story at every booth. Support Nebraska creators and also catch the Cody Park features such as the rides, campsite, train display, and more.
—ci.north-platte.ne.us/parks/cody-park/
75th Annual Norfolk Beef ExpoSeptember 7th & 8th, at the Northeast Community College Agriculture Complex Open to Nebraskan youth between the ages of 8 and 19, the Annual Norfolk Beef Expo is a tradition for many. Compete for the titles of grand champion marks steer and heifer titles, come to watch, and support the exhibitors. High school juniors and seniors competing who are planning to go to college for an agricultural degree can apply for The Beef Expo Scholarship. Immediately following the selection of champions, the premium auction is held. Profits go directly back to participants. —norfolkareachamber.com/beef-expo/
National Avocado Launching Championship Presented by the U.S. Army September 13th & 14th at Pals Brewing Company in North Platte The National Avocado Launching Championship is a large scale avocado launching tournament where teams of up to three will face off to send their avocados the farthest. Team can use any launching tool that is human-powered such as slingshots, resistance bands, trebuchets, however throwing by hand is not allowed. Get creative with your team and fight to send your avocado to the sky and win the $3500 top prize.
— avocadolaunching.com/
Mark Schultz September 17th, 5:00 pm, at the North Platte Berean Church Christian recording artist Mark Schultz has sold two million records, has 10 number one singles, a Dove Award, and other award nominations. He is dropping his first full-length album after taking a six year break to be a father and is hitting the road for a tour to celebrate. If you are familiar with Christian music, you are bound to know Schultz.
— markschultzmusic.com/tour/
Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party September 27-29 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln A must-see event for Disney fans, see your favorite characters live and in person as they perform songs and dances on ice and in the air. See acrobatics, impressive stunts, and more. See characters such as Moana, Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Toy Story’s Woody and friends, Aladdin, Genie, and Jasmine, and others performing hits. Mickey brings his friends and the audience on his epic search. — pinnaclebankarena.com/events/detail/disney-on-ice-mickeys-search-party-1
Dear Evan Hansen September 27-29 at The Lied Center in Lincoln Known as “one of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history” by the Washington Post and praised by others, “Dear Evan Hansen” is the musical production that goes into the world of social media society and the lives of both teens and parents. After being made into a film starring Ben Platt in 2021, the broadway phenomenon is back on tour and in Nebraska. — liedcenter.org/event/dear-evan-hansen
Oktoberfest September 28th at the Grand Island Courtyard Celebrate the Liederkranz Oktoberfest with live music, drinks, and dancing in Grand Island. An event to celebrate the fall harvest based upon the annual festival in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest has now spread across the globe as a worldwide phenomenon to joyously have a beer and take in the folk festivities. — giliederkranz.org/event/oktoberfest/
IOWA
Dance Away With Me: The Des Moines Symphony’s Water Works Pops September 1st, 7:30-9:30 pm, at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park Catch the Des Moines Symphony’s free pops concert outside and with your entire family. Hear pop and symphonic favorites in one setlist for their “Dance Away With Me” program, which features guests such as vocalists Scarlett Stratton and Ben Davis. — dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/dance-away-with-me/
Micro Wrestling Federation Invades Cedar Rapids September 5th, 6:00 pm, at the Chrome Horse Saloon The all-age extravaganza that is micro wrestling will hit Cedar Rapids with a night of nonstop action from this WWE adjacent event brought on by a cast that is all under five-feet tall. Come to find out who the micro wrestlers are and catch the two single matches, the Micro Brawl and the Micro Rumble—“It’s going to be pandemonium” onstage. — allevents.in/cedar rapids/micro-wrestling-federation-invades-cedar-rapids-ia-micro-one/200026644342332
Kurt Elling with Joey Calderazzo in Des Moines September 6th, 7:30 pm, at the Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University in Des Moines Kurt Telling and Joey Calderazzo are referred to as “Luminaries of Jazz” and will kick off season 99 with their must see performance. Telling and his four-octave baritone have earned him two GRAMMY awards, and Calderazzo has 13 albums to his name and has specialized in improvised performances. Come for a night of jazz you won’t forget. == civicmusic.org/kurt-elling-with-joey-calderazzo-jazz-september-2024/
Nights on the Green September 6th, 6:00 pm, 809 Story St. in Boone Catch this year’s host, Jesse and the Medicine Men, play their country music on the green. Jesse is from a small town in central Oklahoma and is influenced by artists such as Hank Snow, Bob Willis, Merle Haggard, Tennessee Ernie Ford, The Gap Band, and others. Bring your friends and listen to country music outside in Boone. — allevents.in/boone/200026645966928
The Savannah Bananas vs The Party Animals September 6-8th at Principal Park in Des Moines After blowing up on TikTok, the Savanah Bananas make baseball into their own sport, Banana Ball, which has the addition of on-field antics such as choreography, wild rules, skits, props, and crowd participation. Selling out stadiums with their silly sport, the Savanah Bananas are not a team to miss as they take on their rivals The Party Animals. — thesavannahbananas.com/tickets/
Applefest September 14th, 9:00 am-4:00 pm, at Living History Farms in Urbandale A day of family-friendly fun to celebrate apple harvest season and the historic sites of the farm. Learn how apple dishes are prepared today, and also explore the farm and learn how things such as apple butter, pies, and cider were historically made. Visit the Print Shop to print your own apple based recipe, get some goodies from the farm, catch some local food vendors, and also catch Dr. Savage’s traveling medicine show all at Applefest.
—lhf.org/event/applefest/
125th Anniversary of the Campanile Carillon September 15th, 2:00 pm, at Iowa State University The Iowa State University campanile will perform from the 50 specifically and scientifically tuned bells that have been rung for over a century. The Campanile Carillon begun in 1872 with only 10 bells gifted from Edgar William Stanton, a member of ISU’s first graduating class. Hear what has been called “the sound of Iowa State” for a remarkable 125th time. — discoverames.com/events/125th-anniversary-of-the-campanile-carillon/
Burning Red: Tribute to Taylor Swift September 21st, 7:30 pm, at the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids The ultimate Taylor Swift live sing-along party for all of the Swifties and singers out there. Burning red plays Swift songs from every era so you can hear your favorites from each album and “Shake it Off” to the songs you and your friends know “All Too Well” throughout the night.
— creventslive.com/events/2024/burningred
2nd Annual Swift Literary Festival Pop Up September 22nd, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, during the Octagon Art Festival at 409 Douglas Avenue in Ames Featuring local authors amidst the Octagon Art Festival, the 2nd Annual Swift Literary Festival is the spotlight local Ames writers deserve. All have an opportunity to contribute to the Community Story, meet authors, and write something prompt-free, all brought to you by the Ames Writers Collective. — ameswriterscollective.org/event/swift-literary-festival-pop-up-event-3/
KANSAS
Dancefestopia Music Festival September 2-8th at the Wildwood Outdoor Education Center in St. Lacygne Celebrating its 12th year, the Dancefestopia Music Festival is where you can find yourself in a world of high-energy music, lights, and wonder. This year, escape to the Emerald City as you watch 200+ artists at one of the four performance stages, camp in the forest, canoe, and more at this 100% local and independently operated festival respected across America. — dancefestopia.com/about-dancefestopia
2024 Kansas State Fair September 6-15th at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson Bring the entire family down to the Kansas State Fair for rides, animals, special events, food, free entertainment, and of course the 2024 Nex-Tech Grandstand concert lineup! The fair that has been around since 1873 and brings all of Kansas, and the surrounding communities, together to participate in traditional fair fun.
— kansasstatefair.com/
2024 Drone Light Festival September 20-22nd at the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater Known as “The best view in Wichita,” the 2024 Drone Light Festival will be the glimmering grand opening of the Wichita Foundation Amphitheater. Come see 300 synchronized drones designed and choreographed to music. With thousands of floating water lanterns and over 2,000 candles, the night will be lit up and enchanted. — exploration.org/event/drone-light-show/
Olathe Arts Festival September 27th & 38th at the Johnson County Square in Downtown Olathe Be inspired by the art community of Olathe as you take in art from across the region, enjoy treats from food and drink vendors, watch live entertainment, and participate in activities for the whole family. The event also features Kidtopia, a family-friendly event for the kiddos in attendance. — olatheks.gov/government/parks-recreation/special-events/olathe-arts-festival
Cornstock Concert on the Hill Music Festival September 28th at North Lake Park Music on the lakeside featuring headliner Dylan Scott with “red dirt country artist” Stoney LaRue and Pat Tillis is what Cornstock Music Festival 2024 will be. With a beer area, plenty of food, crafting and shopping vendors, and even a cornhole tournament, grab a friend or two for this must visit festival at North Lake Park. — travelks.com/event/cornstock-concert-on-the-hill-music-festival/31141/
PAW Patrol Live! “Heros Unite” September 28th & 29th at the INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita PAW Patrol Live! “Heroes Unite” takes the audience on a ride following Ryder and the PAW Patrol pups through their biggest challenge to come. Taking on mass chaos, it’s up to the scruffy canine crew to bring safety to the city after things got “ruff,” featuring a bright musical score, visual art, and an engaging story, PAW Patrol Live! Is the event see with your kiddos.
— intrustbankarena.com/pawpatrol
Great Plains Renaissance & Scottish Festival September 28th & 29th, 10:00 am-6:00 pm, at Sedgwick County Park in Wichita Hear ye, hear ye! The Great Plains Renaissance & Scottish Festival is once again coming to town. The festival will feature jousts, jests, knaves and knights, blacksmiths, pirates, bagpipes, fairies, and more. Grab your renaissance garb and your clan for the must attend festival, HUZZAH!
— greatplainsrenfest.com/
MISSOURI
Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper: Freaks on Parade 2024 Tour September 1st, 6:00 pm, Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis Rock legends of the scene Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper will light up the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater stage, starting the month off with a bang. Their “horrifying tour” will be making only 21 stops across the nation, scaring Missouri on the way. — ivenation.com/event/vv1akZkZz0ZZ_Ze5k/rob-zombie-and-alice-cooper-freaks-on-parade-2024-tour
Kansas City’s Reggae Music and Jerk Festival September 13-15th at the Berkley Riverfront Park in Kansas City A weekend of groove, jerk food, and chill energy for all, Kansas City’s Reggae Music and Jerk Festival brings it all together for a taste of the Caribbean. Bring your friends and your family to be transported to a reggae vibe within Missouri. — allevents.in/kansas city/kansas-citys-reggae-music-and-jerk-festival/10000903731895427
The Wizard of Oz for the Springfield Little Theatre Select dates September 13-29th at The Landers Theatre in Springfield For the 90th “Emerald” anniversary of the Springfield Little Theatre, catch the iconic adventure of Dorothy and her friends down the yellow brick road. You’re not in Kansas anymore…you’re at the Springfield Little Theatre and you’re loving it, grab your tickets now to see this onstage classic. — springfieldlittletheatre.org/show/wizard-of-oz/
MOZARK FEST 2024 September 20-22nd at the Missouri State Fairgrounds The MOZARK FEST brings together multiple genres and unique performers to the stage to be “everything [I] expected, and more” for audience members. Not only is the lineup talented and star studded, the festival also features many vendors and campgrounds to stay at. Make this fest another music festival to mark on your calendars. — mozarkfest.com/
Theo Von: Return of the Rat September 27th, 8:00 pm, at the Great Southern Bank Arena at Missouri State University Viral podcaster and comedian from southern Louisiana, Theo Von comes to Missouri for his latest tour. His two popular podcasts, “THIS PAST WEEKEND” and “KING AND THE STING,” bring in millions of listens each month and have brought him up to fame. Additionally, his comedy special “REGULAR PEOPLE” is streaming on Netflix. Catch Theo Von and have some laughs for his “Return of the Rat” tour. — greatsouthernbankarena.com/ViewEvent.aspx?ID=3996
Parker McCollum: Burn it Down Tour September 28th, 7:30 pm, at the Great Southern Bank Arena at Missouri State University Country music artist from Conroe, Texas, Parker McCollum has made a name for himself with his smooth vocals and personal songwriting and storytelling. His music resonates with people from all backgrounds and tastes. See McCollum live and be immersed into his soulful sound. — concerts50.com/show/parker-mccollum-in-springfield-tickets-sep-28-2024
This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
