Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.
Exhibitions
Climate in Crisis
Through Nov. 9 at UNO Art Gallery, Weber Fine Arts Building, 6505 University Drive South. Climate in Crisis explores the severe impact climate change is having on communities across the world and the relationship of how people interact with their environment. Featured artists include Terry James Conrad, sculptor and printmaker from Iowa City, Iowa; Nadia Huggins, photographer from St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and Tali Weinberg, weaver and sculptor from Roswell, New Mexico. Admission: Free. 402.554.2796.
–unomaha.edu
Day of the Dead/ Día de Muertos
Through Nov. 14 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. Combining elements from indigenous Aztec and Christian traditions, the Day of the Dead celebrates departed loved ones through the remembrance of an “ofrenda” (offering) which include the elements of flowers, candles, incense, candy, favorite foods, and special bread such as “pan de muertos.” Guided tours are available with advance reservation. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Wednesday-Friday), 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Saturday). Tickets: $5 adults, $4 students, $3.50 seniors and students K-12, free for children under 5. 402.731.1137.
–elmuseolatino.org
Emerging Artists
Through Nov. 22 at Gallery 1516, 1516 Leavenworth St. In this collaboration with Amplify Arts, Gallery 1516 has created a showcase of emerging artists from the Omaha area, including: Anne Dovali, Neil Griess, Camille Hawbaker Voorhees, Jenna Johnson, Shawnequa Linder, Patty Talbert, and Tom White. Admission by appointment only. 402.305.1510.
–gallery1516.org
Joyous Occasion
Through Nov. 27 at Modern Arts Midtown, 3615 Dodge St. View the exhibition of new work by artists Catherine Ferguson, Barbara Kendrick, Chris Cassimatis, Merrill Peterson, and Terry Bushan at Modern Arts Midtown. By appointment only, Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: free. 402.502.8737.
–modernartsmidtown.com
Molas
Through Dec. 31 at El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St. A mola is a handmade textile that forms part of the traditional women’s clothing of the Kuna people from Panama, Central America. Two mola panels are utilized for the construction of a traditional blouse (one for the front and one for the back). 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Wednesday-Friday), 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Saturday). Tickets: $5 adults, $4 students, $3.50 seniors and students K-12, free for children under 5. 402.731.1137.
–elmuseolatino.org
Revisiting America: The Prints of Currier & Ives
Through Jan. 1 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. In 2016, Conagra Brands donated nearly 600 Currier & Ives lithographs to Joslyn Art Museum. This exhibition sheds new light on the famous firm’s artistic and commercial practices, revealing the complex social relationships and surprising modernity of its lavish prints, which found their way into the homes of tens of thousands of Americans in the nineteenth century. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $10 adults, free for students with ID, Joslyn members, and children under 17. 402.342.3300.
–joslyn.org
The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited
Through Jan. 10 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. This exhibit explores Jim Henson’s groundbreaking work for film and television and his transformative impact on popular culture. Its reveals how Henson and his team of builders, performers and writers brought to life the enduringly popular worlds of The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for children 2 years and under and members. 402.444.5071.
–durhammuseum.org
Bug Squad
Through April 11 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. In this immersive world of insects, children will explore the science behind each bug’s unique abilities and traits while realizing their own superpowers. Families will encounter real bugs and huge animatronic bugs. Admission: $14 adults and children ages 2 and up, $13 seniors, and free to children under 24 months and members. 402.342.6164.
–ocm.org
Community
Oct. 29-March 1, 2021 at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St. As people have sheltered with their closest community, they discovered what it means to be removed from the outside world. Many depended on technology to connect with others. People found comfort and sometimes discomfort in their limited surroundings. This exhibit includes artwork by Watie White, Pamela Conyers-Hinson, and Therman Statom. By the end of November, the Tessellation Project installation and Juan Sanchez’s exhibit will open. Admission: free. 402.341.3800.
–thekaneko.org
Inna Kulagina, Margie Schimenti, George Skuodas, Nicki Byram
Nov. 2-29 at Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, 405 S. 11th St. Fiber artist Kulagina, mixed-media artist Schimenti, metal artist and sculptor Skuodas, and abstract painter Byram will come together to show their works in this exhibition. Admission: free. 402.342.9617.
–artistscoopomaha.com
Fall 2020 BFA Thesis Exhibitions and Fall 2020 BASA Senior Exhibitions
Nov. 8-Dec. 17 at UNO Art Gallery, Weber Fine Arts Building, 6505 University Drive South. Seniors earning their BASA or BFA degrees will exhibit their classworks at this exhibition. Admission: free. 402.554.2796.
–unomaha.edu
Holiday Poinsettia Show
Nov. 21-Jan. 3 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. The floral display hall will transform into a comfy, cozy space that is full of joy, cheer, and of course, plants, including the 20-foot-tall poinsettia tree (made from more than 700 plants), surrounded by a cascade of carefully wrapped presents. Guests can also enjoy more than 5,000 poinsettias in more than 20 different varieties. Admission: Adults: $10 children ages 3 to 12, $5 children ages 2 and under, and free to members. 402.346.4002.
–lauritzengardens.org
Maria Antelman: Soft Interface; Joey Fauerso: Inside the Spider’s Body; and Paul Mpagi Sepuya: Drop Scene
Dec. 10–Feb. 27 at Bemis Center for Contemporary Art, 724 S. 12th St. Antelman is a video artist based in New York. Fauerso is a painter, video, installation, and performance-based artist. Sepuya is a photographer. These three artists will be shown simultaneously at Bemis. Admission by appointment only. 402.341.7130.
–bemiscenter.org
Lily Roberts
Dec. 18-Feb. 12 at Fred Simon Gallery, 1004 Farnam St. Omaha-based artist Lily Roberts focuses on painting, drawing, and ceramics. Her recent work focuses on capturing the microscopic beauty of the world. Admission: free. 402.595.2122.
–artscouncil.nebraska.gov
Stage Performances
I Am My Own Wife
Through Nov. 15 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. This is a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning true story about Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, an East Berlin transgender woman who survived two of the most repressive totalitarian regimes in history—the Nazis and the Communists—while openly flouting gender norms. Ticket prices and times vary. 402.553.0800.
–omahaplayhouse.com
Tom Papa
Nov. 6-7 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. With more than 20 years as a stand-up comedian, Tom Papa is one of the top comedic voices in the country, finding success in film, TV, radio, and podcasts as well as on the live stage. He is a regular guest on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast and the late night TV shows. Times vary. Tickets: $27.50 advanced, $30 day of show. 402.884.5353.
–waitingroomlounge.com
Leanne Morgan
Nov. 12-13 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Leanne Morgan exudes southern charm. She is a naturally funny storyteller who gives an honest look at suburban life and the challenges of keeping her husband happy while juggling kids, dogs, and cheerleading camp at the same time she’s racing to get her hair highlighted, have a colonoscopy, and join Weight Watchers for the seventh time. Times vary. Tickets: $27.50 advanced, $30 day of show. 402.884.5353.
–waitingroomlounge.com
It’s a Wonderful Life
Nov. 13-Dec. 20, at the Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. Meet George Bailey, whose guardian angel has to descend on Christmas Eve to save him from despair and to remind him that his has been, after all, a wonderful life. Featuring live music from the era and a virtuosic cast playing multiple roles, this production is the perfect homage to the power of community. Tickets prices and times vary. 402.345.4849
–rosetheater.org
Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders
Nov. 19 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Hailed as “one of the most unique and innovative illusionists in the world” by the Chicago Tribune, Vitaly Beckman stumped Penn & Teller on their hit TV show Fool Us. In this show, faces disappear from drivers’ licenses, paintbrushes paint on their own, and photographs that literally come to life right before your eyes. Vitaly’s signature illusions leave even the most jaded audience awestruck. 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices and times vary. 402.345.0606.
–o-pa.org
A Christmas Carol
Nov. 13-Dec. 23 at Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St. One of Omaha’s favorite holiday traditions comes back in 2020 in a reimagined small cast version with eight cast members. Ebenezer Scrooge takes on a life-changing journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with stunning Victorian costumes, festive music, and wintry sets, A Christmas Carol is a beautiful reminder that love and generosity are the heart of the Christmas holiday. Ticket prices and times vary. 402.553.0800.
–omahaplayhouse.com
Concerts
Read Southall Band
Nov. 4 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Growing up in Oklahoma listening to everything from Hank Williams to Johnny Paycheck led Read Southall to fall in love with the soulful stories behind country music. This can be heard in the band’s music today. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402.884.5353.
–waitingroomlounge.com
SCRAAATCH
Nov. 5, part of Virtual at Low End SCRAAATCH is the sound and performance art duo of E. Jane and chukwumaa (also known as MHYSA and lawd knows). They are known for live audiovisual performance artworks and hybrid DJ sets. 8 p.m. No admission. 402.341.7130.
–bemiscenter.org
Glow in the Dark
Nov. 12, part of Virtual at Low End. High-energy duo Glow in the Dark has been making their presence felt since 2016, crafting dark and dancy tunes with catchy vocals, piles of vintage synths, pounding drum machines, and modular synthesizers. 8 p.m. No admission. 402.341.7130.
–bemiscenter.org
Slow Stoics
Nov. 13 at Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave. This young jam band incorporates their raw sounds with improvisation to achieve their signature sound they like to call “Celestial Crunk.” The Slow Stoics continually put on awe-inspiring performances that show off musicality beyond their years and captivate listeners. 9:30 p.m. Tickets: $8 advanced. 402.884.5707
–reverblounge.com
Tiny Moving Parts
Nov. 15 at Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. This self-described family band consists of brothers William and Matthew Chevalier, and their cousin Dylan Mattheisen. The trio started playing together in junior high and have been together since. This show was originally scheduled for April 11 and Aug. 10. All tickets from the April or August show will be honored on Nov. 15. 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $17 advanced $20 day of. 402.345.7569.
–theslowdown.com
Kody West
Nov. 18 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. West’s music has been described as a mix of Texas country and bluegrass with some good-for-the-soul grooves. 8 p.m. Tickets: $15. 402.884.5353.
–waitingroomlounge.com
Big Wade & The Black Swan Theory
Nov. 20 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Lead singer and pianist LeWade “Big Wade” Milliner and his group of legends in the making are playing in their hometown. Born in Omaha, NE the group consists of musicians from all over the country, from the West Coast to the South. They are currently working on releasing two new projects this year to follow up their successful debut The Exxperience. 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. 402.345.0606.
–o-pa.org
Lao Tizer Quartet
Nov. 20 at the Jewell, 1030 Capitol Ave. Led by pianist, keyboardist, composer, and former “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee, Lao Tizer, the group also features Grammy-winning saxophonist, Eric Marienthal, Grammy-winning drummer Gene Coye, and Grammy-nominated bassist Ric Fierabracci. 917.748.4337.
–jewellomaha.com
Devin the Dude
Nov. 21 at Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Devin Copeland, better known by his stage name Devin the Dude, is a Houston hip-hop artist who started out as a member of the Odd Squad, later known as the Coughee Brothaz. Devin the Dude has not achieved success in the mainstream but continues to be a well-known underground hip-hop artist. The New York Times has called him “A brilliant oddball with a spaced-out flow.” 8 p.m. Tickets: $20 advanced, $25 day of show. 402.884.5353.
–waitingroomlounge.com
Lucky Se7en
Nov. 25 at Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. Lucky Se7en is a high-energy cover band that plays fun, energetic, three-part vocal harmonies, with big guitar solos and blasting drums in an audience-involved show. They play rock, dance, country, and classic-rock hits. 8 p.m. Tickets: $8 advanced, $10 day of show. 402.884.5353.
–waitingroomlounge.com
Randall King
Dec. 5 at Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. Warner Music Nashville artist King brings an organic, timeless sound to country’s mainstream. One that is loaded with steel guitar, wide-open vocals, and punchy, hard-rocking rhythms. Tickets: $17 advanced, $20 day of show. 402.884.5353.
–waitingroomlounge.com
Joyful Noise: A Gospel Christmas featuring Salem Concert Choir
Dec. 5-6 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The harmonious sounds of Omaha’s nationally recognized Salem Baptist Concert Choir will perform Christmas classics. This tradition returns to the Holland Center with a combination of holiday classics and new music. The Grammy®-nominated choir features the soaring voices of more than 70 members! This upbeat celebration includes exciting special guest artists, theater, and choreography. Ticket prices vary. 402.345.0606.
–o-pa.org
“Holiday Stomp” with Hot SardinesDec. 10 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Full of brass and dazzle, this hot jazz band will infuse yuletide classics with their unique, swinging sound. Fun arrangements of holiday tunes include: “White Christmas,” “Santa Claus Got Stuck in My Chimney” and “Please Come Home for Christmas.” 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. 402.345.0606.
–o-pa.org
David Benoit Christmas Tribute to Charlie Brown
Dec. 11 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. A Charlie Brown Christmas is a tradition enjoyed around the world by fans of all ages. Now, more than 50 years later, contemporary jazz piano legend David Benoit, along with acclaimed vocalist James Tormé, is paying tribute to this incredible piece of entertainment history. 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. 402.345.0606.
–o-pa.org
Family & More
Veterans Shine On
Nov. 5 at Memorial Park, 6005 Underwood Ave. This event is a celebration of the lighting of the World War II Colonnade. Speakers, special guests, hot cocoa, and music will contribute to this night for honoring veterans. 6-7 p.m. Admission: free. 402.444.5900.
–parks.cityofomaha.org
Family Adventure Day
Nov. 7 at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Children and adults and learn to shoot bows and arrows with a brief Archery 101 course (for ages 8+), then engage in a family-friendly competition. After the competition, participants can explore the forest on a guided hike at Camp Wa-Kon-Da and learn the rich history of Fontenelle Forest and some basic hiking and survival tips. 1-4 p.m. Pre-registration required. Tickets: $10 members ages 8-12, $15 nonmembers ages 8-12, $20 members ages 13 and up, and $25 nonmembers ages 13 and up. 402.731.3140.
–fontenelleforest.org
Harry Potter Trivia Night
Nov. 19 at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St. Fans of the Harry Potter series will enjoy this trivia night, which is held in the Imax theater. The evening will include Animal Ambassadors, drinks, and snacks. Teams can have up to six participants. 21+ only. Reservations required. Tickets: $18 members, $20 nonmembers. 6:30-9 p.m. 402.773.8401.
–omahazoo.com
Old Market Lights
Nov. 20-Jan. 4 in the Old Market, 10th to 13th streets from Farnam to Jackson streets. A festive lighting display will illuminate this historic neighborhood during Holidays in the Old Market. The display will blanket this iconic area with white lights, garland, snowflakes, and more. 402.345.5401.
–holidaylightsfestival.org
North & South Omaha Lights
Nov. 20-Jan. 4 on 24th Street, various locations. Festive lighting displays will illuminate North Omaha along a six-block area around 24th and Lake streets, and South Omaha along 24th Street between L and Q streets. Special lighting ceremonies and events take place in each area. 402.345.5401.
–holidaylightsfestival.org
Christmas at Union Station
Nov. 20 through Dec. 31 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. Omaha’s largest indoor Christmas tree will once again light up Union Station. Other special events will occur during this time. Check online for details. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children (3-12), free for children 2 years and under and members. 402.444.5071
–durhammuseum.org
Owl Prowl
Nov. 21 at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. Bird lovers can explore the mysterious world of these feathered night hunters. The event includes an up-close visit with Fontenelle’s education owls and information about owl habitats, food choices, and special adaptations. Guests can sip hot chocolate and make s’mores over a fire pit. 5-6:30 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. Pre-registration required. Tickets: $10 members ages 8-12, $15 nonmembers ages 8-12, $20 members ages 13 and up, and $25 nonmembers ages 13 and up. 402.731.3140.
–fontenelleforest.org
Holiday Events at OCM
Nov. 27-Dec. 23 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. The Omaha Children’s Museum will host a variety of special events related to the holidays during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. 402.342.6164.
–ocm.org
Hot Shops Open House
Dec. 5-6 at Hot Shops, 1301 Nicholas St., and online. Hot Shops is hosting its annual event, but it will look a bit different this year. It will have demonstrations and talks from current artists, where attendees can learn more about their tools and processes and view artists’ latest works. The artwork will range from drawings, paintings, prints, photography, and digital imagery to sculptures, installations, pottery, glass art, weaving, custom furniture, and clay, iron, brass, and aluminum cast architectural pieces. A virtual component will also be held. 402.342.6452.
–hotshopsartcenter.com
Holiday Lights Family Festival (Virtual)
Dec. 6 online. The popular annual KETV Family Festival will be presented in partnership with the downtown Omaha’s arts and cultural community. Holiday activities and hands-on craft demos will be featured. 402.345.5401.
–holidaylightsfestival.org
Disney Trivia Night
Dec. 17 at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St. Fans of all things Disney will enjoy this trivia night, which is held in the Imax theater. The evening will include Animal Ambassadors, drinks, and snacks. Teams can have up to six participants. 21+ only. Reservations required. Tickets: $18 members, $20 nonmembers. 6:30-9 p.m. 402.773.8401.
–omahazoo.com
Annual 100 Block Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Dec. 23 at 100 Block (102-164 West Broadway) in Council Bluffs. Participants are encouraged to wear an ugly Christmas sweater for this event that includes several bars along the 100 Block. Registration at Barley’s Bar (114 West Broadway). Admission: TBD.
–cb100block.com
Bubbly New Year’s Eve
Dec. 31 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St. Visitors can ring in the New Year with a celebration of bubbles including a bubble wrap stomp and bubble experiments. The museum will be open during special hours those days: 12:30 to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 7 p.m., with countdowns held at 2:45 and 6:45 p.m. Online reservations are highly recommended. Included with regular museum admission, which is: $14 children and adults ages 2-59, $13 seniors ages 60+, and free for members and children under 24 months. 402.342.6164.
–ocm.org
New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular
Dec. 31 in downtown Omaha. The public can gather in MECA Lots A, B and C (near the CHI Health Center) and in the Gallup Lots (1001 Gallup Drive) to watch the spectacular fireworks show in the warmth and safety of their vehicles. This show will fill the sky with bursts of color choreographed to explode on cue to a unique musical score titled “Everyday Heroes.” 402.345.5401.
–holidaylightsfestival.org
This calendar first appeared in the November/December 2020 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
