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USAF Band Night, Thursday, Sept. 3:
The United States Air Force Heartland of America Band’s commercial music group Raptor consists of eight active-duty members. They will put on a free performance at 7 p.m. at SumTur Amphitheater, playing rock-n-roll classics, patriotic favorites, and the chart-topping hits of today. admission to this event is limited to 300 persons. General seating will begin at 6:30pm. Tickets are not required and seating is limited to 300 people, so you will want to arrive early. Find more information here.
Earth Day Redux, Friday, Sept. 4:
It’s the first Friday of the month, so you know what that means. However, this Benson First Friday is special. It’s BFF Earth Day 2.0, which means a whole weekend of art and education. There will be some in-person events again, with masks and social distancing required. One such highlight is Ang Bennett’s opening reception for her “colored Black” exhibition at Petshop. (Read more about Bennett here.) On Saturday, learn how to incorporate sustainable living practices into your life, with resources from Hillside Solutions and Rewilding Omaha. Sunday brings about the community cleanup, starting at 11 a.m. To get all the details, head here.
Featured image from poster by Sarah Rowe. Read about her here.
End of Summer, Friday Sept. 4:
The Burning of the Zozobra is One of New Mexico’s most historic traditions and one of Santa Fe’s biggest parties as an exciting and fiery finale to the last days of summer. Now we can all share in the fun as they stream it live online, including drone camera views. If you can follow social distancing guidelines and wear your masks, head to the Capitol District where there will be a DJ, drinks, and dancing as they count down to the lighting of the original burning man. Learn more about the local event here, and more about the history of Zozobra here.
Apples & Outdoors, Friday, Sept. 4-Monday, Sept. 7:
Who doesn’t want to get out of the house for a while? This Labor Day weekend, you can head out to Vala’s Apple Festival 2020 for some fresh apples and fresh air. Besides the usual food and fun—think apple dumplings and free train rides—private campfire reservations also are available. They will be limiting capacity to ensure social distancing, so make a reservation asap. For those not comfortable visiting the farm, curbside pick-up for pre-purchased festival foods will be available. Find out more here.
Drive-in to the Derby, Saturday, Sept. 5:
It’s Kentucky Derby time! Everyone can get in on the action by attending Derby Day Drive-in at Horsemen’s Park. One ticket allows up to eight people in your vehicle. This event is cash only, and no outside food or beverages will be allowed. But don’t worry, there will be plenty of food, beer, wine, and liquor available for purchase. So grab your best derby hat, and head to the racetrack infield. Be sure to read all the details here.
Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.