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Get Lit, Thursday, Oct. 14 to Sunday, Oct. 18:
The Joslyn Castle is celebrating their 11th annual Art and Literary Festival: Close To Home. The festival, a partnership with Metropolitan Community College and Union for Contemporary Art, offers theater, readings, interviews, concerts, and workshops, as well as a virtual art gallery. There is also a sculpture exhibition by Michael Elizabeth Johnson in the Joslyn Castle Gardens. This year’s theme celebrates local creators, including several Omaha Magazine alums. See the full reading, performance, and workshop schedule here.
The Witches Are Back, Thursday, Oct. 15:
It’s spellcasting time, so beware those witches. Unless it’s Winnie, Mary, and Sarah from Hocus Pocus. Seek them out this evening at Thursday Theater at The Capitol District, where you can watch them on a giant LED screen. Tables and chairs are limited, so bring your favorite lawn chair and blanket for this free outdoor event. Learn more here.
All the Q, Friday, Oct. 16:
We could all use a little break right now, and what better way to get away than with some booze, bands, and barbecue? Fortunately, you can find all that at the Omaha Bourbon, Beer & BBQ Festival. Bands include country music favorite Nebraska Showdown on Friday and rockin’ cover band Hi-Fi Hangover on Saturday. There will be fire performances and floating lanterns in support of first responders. Food vendors include: High Voltage BBQ; Hog Wild Pit BAR-B-Q; Sauce Bosses BBQ; Smokin Gunz Bar-B-Que; and Smoking Jay’s BBQ. Get your tickets here, and don’t forget to wear your mask and practice social distancing.
When We Knew Everything, Saturday, Oct. 17:
A sit-down concert, you say? Is that possible right now? Fortunately, Omaha Performing Arts has worked hard to bring us just that. You can see The Verve Pipe perform live at Orpheum Theater, thanks to social distancing measures they’ve put in place. Naturally, this means seating is limited, so be sure to get your tickets asap! The Verve Pipe is known for their killer live performances, so this is a show you shouldn’t miss during “normal” times. Get your tickets here now.
The Greatest Pumpkins, Sunday, Oct. 18:
Halloween celebrations won’t be the same this year. Fortunately, you can attend a safe event at the annual Coldwell Banker NHS Real Estate event Trunk or Treat. This is a Teal Pumpkin Project event. Teal pumpkins mean you have non-food treats available, such as glow sticks or small toys, promoting inclusion for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or other conditions. This event includes a family photo booth, individually wrapped snacks, coloring contest, and a best costume contest for both you and your pet. Learn more here.
A LOOK AHEAD:
We’ve all been affected by not being able to attend live performances, and most of us recognize that this has been affecting performers as well. But don’t forget the people who make those incredible shows possible. That support team is called “roadies,” and they’ve been struggling, too. Local boy Chad Ward is asking folks to help out if they can through the fundraiser Save the Roadies. Next week is the start of their Roadies Relief online auction, where you can not only help them out, but get something cool in return. Read more about the effort here.
Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.