Daytrips in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota
NEBRASKA
Humanity at the Brink of Artificial Intelligence May 2 at St. Benedict Center in Schuyler. In the age of exponential technological growth, everyone has questions about what artificial intelligence is and how to use it, or whether to use it at all. Steven Fernandes, Ph.D. and George McHendry, Jr., Ph.D., will address the possibilities of AI and what the ethical implications are for the use of AI through a Christian lens. 402.352.2177
—christthekingpriory.com
Cinderella May 2-4, 9-11 at Lincoln Community Playhouse. Originally starring Brandy, Whitney Houston, Whoopi Goldberg, and more, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella brought a new dimension to the classic princess story. The movie musical is coming live to the Lincoln stage with just as much gusto as the original film cast. Come for a night of fairytale magic and entertainment. 402.489.7529
—lincolnplayhouse.com
Lincoln AAPI Heritage Celebration May 3 Heritage Celebration at Sandhills Global Event Center. The month of May is AAPI Heritage Month. Join the Asian Community and Culture Center for a full day of family activities oriented towards learning and experiencing traditional food, games, and more from across the continent and the sea. 402.441.6545
—sandhillsglobaleventcenter.org
Museum of Nebraska Art Grand Reopening Celebration May 3 at MONA in Kearney. Similarly to the Joslyn here in Omaha, the MONA has undergone a large expansion and renovation process to better display the art that represents the Nebraskan spirit. This event will not only mark being able to see the art on display once again, but will be a fun day for the whole family with art-making activities and live entertainment. 308.865.8559
—mona.unk.edu/mona/
Jim Witter “Sing Us A Song” May 9 at Merryman Performing Arts Center in Kearney. Billy Joel became a household name for good reason; hit after hit have continued to flow through radios and speakers since the 1972 Piano Man album. Jim Witter and his band will bring a classic live rendition of Joel’s music to entertain and inspire audiences. 308.698.8297
—merrymancenter.org
Psychofest May 9 at The Royal Grove. Ten bands are coming together to perform all night on two stages. Featuring a special performance by Jiblets, Psychofest is also bringing local artists into the spotlight throughout the night. With lots of food, music, and art, don’t miss this night at the self-proclaimed ‘Las Vegas of Nebraska.’ 402.588.5688
—theroyalgrove.com
Children’s Groundwater Festival May 13 at Central Community College in Grand Island. Meant for teachers and their classrooms from 5th grade and above, this presentation will go above and beyond to explain water systems. These include aquifers, wildlife and water, wastewater, soil health, and more. The importance of water everywhere cannot be understated, so this is a great opportunity for kids to understand its uses and their impact on the water cycle. 308.395.8586
—cpnrd.org/education
A Taste of Ireland May 15 at North Platte Community Playhouse. Storytelling, singing, and dancing are all in store for this Irish experience. This off-Broadway production features not only the entertaining aspects of Irish culture such as dance, but also the history of Ireland. The production blends tradition and modernity to draw in audiences wherever they are. 308.532.8559
—northplattecommunityplayhouse.com
Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBAMay 22 at Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln. This tribute to ABBA has been performing since 1995, giving fans a taste of ABBA’s biggest hits and the songs true fans will know and love. Take a chance on this tour, which has received the green light before from members of ABBA to perform songs that had gone previously unreleased. 402.472.4747
—liedcenter.org
170 Years of Gage County Through Photography Exhibition May 24-Sep. 27 at Gage County Historical Society and Museum in Beatrice. Nebraskan history is richer than many suspect, and the Gage County Historical Society is committed to keeping the history and memories alive. This exhibit will feature their collection of old and new photography that has captured moments in time across the county. There will also be a photo raffle throughout opening day. 402.228.1679
—gagecountyhistory.org
IOWA
Tulip Time May 1-3 at Historical Village in Pella. Originally settled by the Dutch, Pella’s recall of their heritage comes in the beautiful form of tulip bulbs blooming. There will also be tours of one of the tallest working grain windmills in the country and displays of traditional craftsmanship. 641.628.4311
—pellahistorical.org
May Flea Market May 3 and 4 at Iowa State Fairgrounds. Join hundreds of others who love a good piece of decor and a good deal. From antiques to display in your home to statement jewelry for every occasion, this market will have everything you need and more. 515.250.5916
—iowastatefairgrounds.org
Maifest May 3 and 4 at Amana Colonies. Celebrate spring in a traditional German fashion. Enjoy live music and food trucks throughout the weekend around the community. Complete with a Maipole, a parade, and the traditional dress of Lederhosen and Dirndl, this event promises the May flowers after the April showers. 319.622.7622
—amanacolonies.com
Together We Can Conference May 3 at William C. Knapp Varied Industries Conference Center. This all-day event is focused on bringing education, support, and connection to children and young adults with disabilities, alongside their families and professional caregivers. There will be several large keynote speeches, as well as smaller breakout sessions and an exhibit on display. 515.243.1713
—iowastatefairgrounds.org
Flamy Grant: Capital City Pride Speaker May 8 at Temple Theater. Concluding their Pride Speaker Series with a bang, Temple Theater presents Flamy Grant. Grant is not only a drag queen, but also a singer. Much of her music centers around learning how to be oneself and about the journey of growing up both queer and Christian. Get ready for her to bring the house down! 515.246.2300
—desmoinesperformingarts.org
Houby Days Festival May 17 and 18 in Cedar Rapids. Czech Heritage Foundation has committed itself to putting on the 47th annual festival celebrating Czech history and culture. The word for ‘mushroom’, ‘houby’ foraging is important to Czech background and a big part of the festival. Enjoy foraging and learning about the significant of ‘houby’ with the whole family.
—czechvillagecedarrapids.com
Brick Fest LIVE May 24 and 25 at Iowa Events Center. With builds for all ages, this LEGO-themed event is meant to build the imagination brick by brick. Attendees will be able to not only see creativity take form, but also meet competitors from LEGO Measters TV show. 515.564.8000
—iowaeventscenter.com
MISSOURI
Animals Aglow Through May 11 at St. Louis Zoo. Lanterns are coming to life in a new way in this exhibit, a partnership between St. Louis Zoo and Tianyu Arts and Culture, Inc. 60 lanterns in the shape of animals and plants soar high above guests, illuminated using LED lights. Zoo staff will be available to talk about the animals displayed and the animals that live right in our own backyards. Promote cultural and environmental awareness while wandering through the glowing display. 314.781.0900
—stlzoo.org
Ghost Army Through May 26 at Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. The phrase “fake it ’til you make it” never meant life or death like this. This exhibit explores war tactics used by the Army’s 23rd Headquarters Special Troops. This unit was incredibly secretive, because their secret was that everything they did was fake. Radio calls, military personnel, and artillery were fabricated by this division in order to save lives during World War II. 314.818.6780
—mohistory.org
Nature at Night Through May 26 at Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail. A private drive using a golf cart through the natural beauty of the Ozarks is being enhanced by light displays in an effort to raise environmental conservation awareness. Explore the trail that includes many waterfalls and a cave that have these LED animals on display as if they were part of the natural landscape already. 800.225.6345
—bigcedar.com
The Science of Guinness World Records Through May 31 at Union Station Kansas City. Explore how Guinness World Records are made around the world as people have pushed their bodies and minds to the limits to achieve great things. With all that learning, you might just be able to set a world record of your own someday. 816.460.2000
—unionstation.org
Steve Aoki May 9 at KC Live! Never been caked in the face? Aoki’s show is the perfect spot to try it out, and the singer has been perfecting his cake aim for years. The EDM musician has won two Grammys, and began his own record label in 1996. His beats have only gotten better over the course of his 30+ year career, so the music and crowds are sure to be hyped up for this performance. 816.842.1045
—powerandlightdistrict.com
WWE BACKLASH May 10 at Enterprise Center. For his farewell tour, John Cena joins other wrestlers Rhea Ripley, Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, and more for a night that will have you on the ropes. Cena signed with WWE in 2001, so this tour is closing out 24 years of WWE history for him. With 28 winning titles under his belt(s), don’t miss his final wrestling showcase. 314.622.5400
—enterprisecenter.com
Kansas City Symphony Celebration May 25 at Union State Kansas City. This annual event in the largest Memorial Day celebration in the Midwest. Presented this year by Kansas City PBS and Bank of America, tents of vendors line the sidewalks while celebration-goers can spread out on the grass and listen to live music all day long. Drawing crowds of around 50,000 strong each year, this event will keep the celebration vibes high all day long. 816.460.2000
—unionstation.org
KANSAS
Nighttime Food Truck Festival May 17 Evergy Plaza in Topeka. From 5-10 p.m., join tons of local vendors as they gather in Evergy Plaza. All you have to do is bring an empty stomach to try as many kinds of food as you can while the sun goes down.
—evergyplaza.com
Nashville Nights May 10 at Topeka Performing Arts Center. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to write a hit country song, this is the evening for you. Three writers from the Nashville country music scene are performing their top songs live, as well as talking through their creative processes. Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, and more have made these songs famous within their albums, but you can get the inside scoop on what it took for those songs to get the acclaim they have today. 785.234.2787
—topekaperformingarts.org
Get the Led Out May 8 at The Stiefel Theater in Salina. This tribute to Led Zeppelin aims to recreate the magic and energy of Led Zeppelin’s sounds, performances, and personalities. They emphasize their attention to detail as what allows them to perform so authentically, while still bringing a flair of their own. They include the most poplar of Led Zeppelin’s music, of course, but also ensure that their lesser-performed songs have a chance in the spotlight. 785.827.1998
—stiefeltheater.org
Once Upon a Ballet May 20 and 21 at Topeka Performing Arts Center. The Kansas Ballet Academy is proudly presenting their senior showcase, Once Upon a Ballet. Three senior students will showcase the expertise they have gained from their attendance at the Academy through elegant and moving pieces, bringing the audience into the final performance of their hard work. 785.234.2787
—topekaperformingarts.org
SOUTH DAKOTA
Spring Art and Wine Walk May 2 in Downtown Sioux Falls. This annual event is all about supporting local artistry. Many mediums of art will be on display throughout the evening including painting and sculpture, and live demonstrations of the creative process will be taking place during the course of the night. Unique wine is a promise from the participating vendors so attendees can enjoy the drinks and the evening. 605.338.4009
—dtsf.com
75th Anniversary Nana Shrine Circus May 2-4 at The Monument in Rapid City. Join the Naja Shrine for a day of carnival events, rides, and circus tricks! The acrobats will be performing their tricks high in the air, from tightroping to swinging, while the clowns perform their tricks and jokes below. There will also be animals to perform their own impressive feats, so there is lots for all ages to enjoy. 605.394.4115
—themonument.live/connect
In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play May 8-10 at Washington Pavilion. This drama-comedy was originally written in 2009 by Sarah Ruhl and nominated for three Tony Awards the following year. Set in the Victorian era at the advent of electricity, the play focuses on the misunderstanding of women’s health and desires that were held at the time. “Hysteria” and infertility are discussed, as well as marital relationships. May not be appropriate for all ages. 605.367.6000
—washingtonpavillion.org
Garden Discovery Festival May 18 at McCrory Gardens in Brookings. This botanical garden is opening its petals to the public for a day of free admission for the whole family. There will be activities throughout the arboretum for all to enjoy. Lat year, this included a seed swap, a presentation on small-scale water conservation, and a plant sale. This year will surely offer similarly enticing events. 605.688.6707
—sdstate.edu
Levitt at the Falls Concert Series May 23-Aug. 30 at Levitt Shell Sioux Falls. This venue is committed to bringing music appreciation into Sioux Falls. Each year, the venue hosts 50 free concerts throughout the summer. This year, they are kicking things off on May 23 with a yet-unnamed opener and headliner. With a range of music genres, this event is always a popular family activity. 605.271.1560
—levittsiouxfalls.org
78th Miss South Dakota Competition May 29-31 at Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center in Brookings. This pageantry competition and the Miss South Dakota Teen competition are both scholarship competitions. The young women in these pageants work hard year-round to ensure that their community service, skills, and academic accomplishments can be displayed in a way that truly represents themselves and the state of South Dakota.605.688.5188
—sdstate.edu
This article originally appeared in the May 2025 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
