Nebraska
Empire Wild Nov. 3. Merryman Performing Arts Center, Kearney. A genre-bending, crossover trio, Empire Wild has brought their signature mix of original music, inventive covers and twists on the classical canon to audiences across the country. —kearneyconcerts.org
Stomp Nov 3 & 4. Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln. STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. —liedcenter.org
Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show Nov. 5-6. Lancaster Event Center. A unique experience for both reptile lovers and the reptile-curious. It is a place of friendship and community for everyone. The show provides everything you need to properly care for your reptiles. From high quality reptile equipment like lighting, heating, feeders, substrate, cleaners and enclosures to friendly vendors who assist in reptile husbandry and adoptions.
32nd Annual Frost Frolic Holiday Market Nov. 5. Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Fairbury. Kick off the holiday shopping season with SE Nebraska’s biggest vendor show! The 32nd Annual Frost Frolic Holiday Market features two buildings full of vendors including crafts, baked goods, direct sales as well as on site concessions.
hello@hnmcatrescue.org
Holiday Splendor Craft Show Nov. 12. Buffalo County Fairgrounds, Kearney. Step into a winter wonderland of holiday shopping with over 250 booths of your favorite gifts, products and delicious food items all under one roof. This high quality show has been going strong since 2004 and shows no signs of stopping. —buffalocountyfairgrounds.com
Songs For A New World Dec 1-18. The Tada Theater, Lincoln. From composer Jason Robert Brown, this rousing score blends elements of pop, gospel,and jazz, featuring tight harmonies and daring vocals. This tour de force production transports the audience from the deck of a Spanish sailing ship bound for a new land, to the ledge of a New York penthouse. A powerful diverse cast and a supercharged, well-crafted score appeal to old and new generations alike.
A Magical Cirque Christmas Dec 1. Viaero Center, Kearney. Experience the enchantment of Christmas as Magical Hostess Lucy Darling takes you through an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by your favorite holiday music performed live. Get into the spirit of the season with this merry treat that’s perfect for the entire family.
—kearneyevents.net
—kearneyevents.net
34th Annual Arts And Craft Fair Dec 3. First Church, North Platte. The Craft Fair at First Church is an awesome event that builds community and provides an opportunity for you to support local crafters. They have some of the best craft vendors in the state, some of the greatest food in the state, and some of the best shoppers in the state. It is a great fair that benefits a great church.
—firstchurchnp.com
—firstchurchnp.com
Deck the Halls – Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra Dec. 4. ed Center for Performing Arts. Tis the season! LSO’s annual celebration returns with lots of holly, jolly, and more, including Sleigh Ride and The Nutcracker with guest conductor Lucas Waldin. Tenor Drew Duncan will bring beloved holiday songs to life, and audiences of all ages can celebrate the joy of the season with dancers from Chase Dance and Dancing Beyond Limits The concert also showcases Bell-issimo handbell choir and Lincoln Suzuki Studios. —liedcenter.org
Alton Brown Live: Beyond The Eats – The Holiday Variant Dec 8. Lied Center For Performing Arts. Alton Brown is hitting the road with a new culinary variety show! Expect more comedy, more music, more highly unusual cooking demos, and more potentially dangerous science-y stuff. Prepare for an evening unlike any other, and if Brown calls for volunteers…think twice.
—liedcenter.org
—liedcenter.org
The Flyovers- A modern a cappella quintet Dec 9 The Lark, Hastings. The Flyovers are a modern a cappella quintet from Lincoln, Nebraska. Consisting of two tenors, Ether Saure and Lucas Kellison, a soaring soprano, Anna Claridge, a rumbling bass, Bill Catlett, and an impossible beatboxer, D-Wayne. The group has grown regionally in popularity from their unusually humble beginnings.
—thelarkdowntown.com
—thelarkdowntown.com
White Christmas. Dec 11. Brownville Concert Hall, Brownville. Brownville favorites KT Sullivan, Jeff Harnar, Todd Murray & Stacy Sullivan unite for a fun Christmas show featuring the music of White Christmas and many other beloved movie and Broadway holiday tunes.
An Intimate Christmas with Lorie Line. Dec. 14. Rococo Theatre, Lincon. Lorie Line is once again making an appearance as a solo piano artist. Expect a very intimate evening with Lorie as she shares her beautiful music, funny stories and heartwarming stories of faith.
Miracle of 34th Street: The Musical Dec 20. Merryman Performing Arts Center, Kearney. A holiday classic, “Miracle on 34th Street The Musical” is sure to fill you with happiness and cheer for the holiday season. Based on the classic 1947 film, it tells the tale of a skeptical little girl who doubts the existence of Santa Claus. This is a tale that we want to believe in, that creates a world we seem to desperately desire, where love and generosity of spirit are their own rewards.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical Dec. 22-24. Lied Center For Performing Arts. A record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” from the original animated special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and helps remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season. —liedcenter.org
Iowa
Winnie The Pooh: The New Musical Nov. 5. Des Moines Civic Center, Des Moines. Disney’s iconic Winnie the Pooh, Christopher Robin and their best friends Piglet, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Rabbit, and Owl (oh… and don’t forget Tigger too!) have come to life in a beautifully crafted musical stage adaptation. Featuring the Sherman Brothers’ classic Grammy Award-winning music with further songs by A.A. Milne, this beautiful fresh stage adaptation is told with stunning life-sized puppetry through the eyes of the characters we all know and love, in a new story from the Hundred Acre Wood.
5K Beer Run – Twisted Vine Brewery Nov 5. Twisted Vine Brewery, Des Moines. Join us at Twisted Vine Brewery on Saturday, November 5th, 2022, at 11 AM for a 5k-ish, fun run event that starts and ends at this BRAND-NEW location in the East Village, Des Moines. Run, walk, jog – whatever goes! Complete the course and celebrate with us and a FREE, local craft brew at the finish line.
Iliza Shlesinger; Back in Action Tour Nov 11. Des Moines Civic Center. Iliza Shlesinger is an award-winning comedian, actor, writer, producer and author, selling out theaters around the globe with a devoted fan base. Iliza has five Netflix stand-up specials, has starred in multiple movies, authored two books, hosts her own podcast “Ask Iliza Anything”.
The Black Jacket Symphony Performs Led Zeppelin IV Nov 12. Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. Remember putting on an album and listening from start to finish? Relive that moment with a live concert experience unlike any other as The Black Jacket Symphony recreates the iconic album Led Zeppelin IV live in its entirety—note for note, sound for sound—plus a full set of Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits. —hoytsherman.org
Ackerman Winery | Fireside Winery Production Tour Nov 12. Amana Colonies. Join us for a guided tour of our production facility. Get insider tastings & pairings while learning about the winemaking process. After the tour, feel free to walk the short distance to our tasting room for more wine & appetizers. —amanacolonies.com
Eagles “Hotel California 2022 Tour” Nov 17 Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines. Due to overwhelming demand, the EAGLES – Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, with Vince Gill – extends the “Hotel California” 2022 Tour in the U.S. with November show. Each concert features a live ‘Hotel California,’ performance, accompanied by an orchestra and choir. After a short intermission the band will perform a full set of their greatest hits.
—iowaeventcenter.com
—iowaeventcenter.com
Des Moines Whiskey Fest Nov 18-19. The River Center, Des Moines. Spend your day tasting new whiskeys, listening to endless music, and eating your way around the festival. So many fun filled options! Dont forget about the cigar truck or the outdoor game patios. Whiskey Fest has expanded and will take over both sides of The River Center. Saturday is full of food, music, entertainment and more! Enjoy all day activities like axe throwing, cigar trucks, contests, speakers, games, and of course WHISKEY! Over 200 types of whiskey for tasting!
—dsmwhiskeyfest.com
—dsmwhiskeyfest.com
Prelude to Christmas, Dec 2-4 Amana Colonies. Enjoy candlelit streets, the beautiful Tannenbaum Forest, great shopping for unique gifts, and our delicious food all in a place like no other. Prelude to Christmas is a special time in the Amana Colonies with the main village of Amana decorated for the Christmas Holiday. Join us for this wonderful celebration and start a Christmas tradition of your own.
— amanacolonies.com
— amanacolonies.com
Old World Christmas Market 2022 Dec 3. National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Cedar Rapids. The Old World Christmas Market is inspired by traditional European markets, but with our own Midwest magic. Experience a delightful market with local handcrafted items, delicious treats, entertainment and activities for people of all ages. This enchanted celebration of culture, community, and holiday cheer is free for the entire weekend, including admission to NCSML galleries. —ncsml.org
Christmas with Jim McDonough and His Orchestra: 20th Anniversary Tour. Dec 3. Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines. Celebrate the holiday season in style by attending “Christmas with Jim McDonough and His Orchestra: The 20th Anniversary Tour!” This dazzling stage production features International Steinway Artist, Jim McDonough, alongside his 14-piece professional orchestra, performing your favorite Christmas music and other all-time favorites. The awe-inspiring event is a grand combination of beautiful music, spectacular visual effects, and the true spirit of the season. —hoytsherman.org
Sinterklaas day Dec 3 Downtown Orange City. The Sinterklaas Day Celebration draws children and their families to downtown Orange City to see the arrival of the Dutch “Santa” on his white horse, and to participate in Dutch games and a puppet show. —orangecityiwoa.com
Pentatonix: A Christmas Spectacular Dec 8 Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines. As one of the most innovative, inventive, and inimitable vocal groups of all time, Pentatonix reimagine, reinvigorate, and redefine a cappella. Since emerging in 2011, the three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning and Daytime EMMY® Award-nominated vocal quintet—Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, and Matt Sallee—have reached unprecedented heights, toppling charts, selling 10 million albums worldwide, generating billions of streams, and performing everywhere from The White House and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to The Hollywood Bowl.
11TH Annual Single Moms Christmas Dinner Dec 10. Wells Fargo Arena, Des Moines. Single mothers are invited to attend this special Christmas event being held in their honor. With the help of our great community, Single Parent Provision invites single mothers to enjoy this memorable evening including a catered dinner, heartfelt program, laughter, and love all in the great company of other single moms. —iowaeventcenter.com
Bluey’s Big Play Dec 27-28 Des Moines Civic Center. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life. Bluey’s Big Play is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co.
Kansas
2022 Soup and Chili Fest Nov 5. Downtown Hutchinson. The Downtown Kiwanis Club’s 2022 Chili and Soup Festival is a great day to be in beautiful Downtown Hutchinson and sample fantastic chili and soup. It’s a day the whole family can enjoy and you get to vote for the Best Soup and the Best Chili! Starts at 11:30 a.m. and goes until the chili and soup are gone!
—visithutch.com
—visithutch.com
Wicked Wine Walk Nov 12. Power & Light District, Kansas City. Grab your BOOS Crew for Wicked Wine Walk! Sip, taste and explore downtown Kansas City at the Wicked Wine Walk on Saturday, November 12th, in the Power & Light District. Enjoy live music on 14th Street, wine tastings and small plates at each of the participating venues.
27th Annual Turkey Shoot Nov 20. Commencing at Buck Run Community Center. Fort Scott, Kansas. Shoot free-throws and win a turkey to enjoy for your Thanksgiving dinner. Kids- grab a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian for this chance. Each child and adult will shoot 25 free-throws each. The adult/child team scoring the highest in each age group wins a turkey!
—fortscott.com
—fortscott.com
Luminary Walk – The Arboretum by Candlelight Nov 25 & 26, Dec 2 & 3, 8-10, 15-17. Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Overland Park. Take a stroll along the lit pathways to experience the magical Gnome and Fairy Villages, serene winter woods by candlelight, and the colorful Children’s Garden. Enjoy musical performances in four different locations and visit with Santa in his Woodland Depot. The gardens are bright with color – while the quiet woods are lit with candles lining the walkways. Trees, buildings, and bridges are all part of the show, with thousands of lights aglow.
Shawnee Christkindlmarkt Dec 3. City Hall in Shawnee. Explore three different Christmas cultures in one event at Shawnee’s Christkindlmarkt. Hosted by the Shawnee Sister Cities Committee, the holiday-themed event features an appearance by Santa, carolers, holiday treats, and crafts for entertaining the children. —visitshawneeks.com
A Very Electric Christmas Dec 14. Lied Center of Kansas, Lawrence. Follow the story of a young bird named Max and his family as they begin their journey South for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole…his adventure begins! Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettias light up the stage in Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas. —lied.ku.edu
2022 Hyde Park Luminaria Dec 17. Hyde Park Neighborhood, Hutchinson. Stroll, drive, or ride through Hutchinson Hyde Park’s beautiful neighborhood for the 35th annual Christmas Luninaria. Meet Santa at the corner of 20th and Washington, and enjoy musical entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides and cider and cookies at Hyde Park.
Missouri
Kevin Hart Nov 3. T-mobile Center, Kansas City. Kevin Hart is bringing his first major tour in over four years to Kansas City. — tmobilecenter.com
Judas Priest: 50 Years of Metal Nov 13. Family Arena, Saint Charles. One of heavy metal’s all-time greats, Judas Priest, will get the opportunity to celebrate their 50th anniversary again this year with the launch of a new North American fall tour. The 50 Heavy Metal Years Tour will also feature Queensryche as openers and is being fueled by the highest-charting album of Priest’s career, ‘Firepower,’ which peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200. —discoverstcharles.com
The National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2022 Nov 20. Kansas City. Induction Celebration will take place at The College Basketball Experience in Kansas City, MO. A red carpet arrival and VIP reception will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the Induction Celebration at 7:30 p.m.
GloWild Nov 1-Dec 11. Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, MO. The Kansas City Zoo is bringing a completely unique experience to the Greater Kansas City area this Fall – GloWild, an immersive and breathtaking nighttime event. GloWild is a lantern festival like no other, featuring massive handmade steel and silk works of art depicting animals, local landmarks, botanicals, and Asian cultural creations. GloWild will be the largest event of its kind in the Midwest!
—kansascityzoo.org
—kansascityzoo.org
Santa’s North Pole Dash Dec 3. Frontier Park, Saint Charles. The Greater St. Charles Regional Chamber of Commerce announces they will be holding their 12th annual Santa’s North Pole Dash on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022, in Historic St. Charles. Santa’s North Pole Dash is a 5K run and 1-mile walk for all ages. —discoverstcharles.com
Jurassic World Live Tour Dec 9-10. T-Mobile Center, Kansas City. Jurassic World Live Tour, an exhilarating and unpredictable live, family entertainment experience that brings the wonder and thrills of Jurassic World to generations of fans returns to T-Mobile Center in Kansas City from Dec. 9 – 11 for seven performances.
Weston Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting Nov 12. Weston, MO. Annual Tree Lighting and festivities to kick of the holiday season! —westonmo.com
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2022 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
