Explore

explore.come and

LET’S PLAN A ROAD TRIP!

DAYTRIPS IN NEBRASKA, IOWA, KANSAS, AND MISSOURI

NEBRASKA

ANNUAL POLAR BEAR TANK RACE, March 4-5 at Middle Loup River near Mullen.

This timed event features teams of four-to-six people who race down the river in metal stock tanks. Prizes are awarded for tank decorations and themes. Teams may also choose to forgo the race and enjoy a relaxing float down the river. 308-546-2206. —sandhillsjourney.com RODEO GRAND ISLAND, March 11 & 12 at Heartland Events Center in Fonner Park, Grand Island. This Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association event features team roping, barrel racing, and Xtreme Bulls Tour. 308-382-4515. —heartlandeventscenter.com

SHAMROCK SHUFFLE 5K WALK/RUN/

CRAWL, March 12 in Fairbury. Runners and walkers are encouraged to dress up in leprechaun gear for this event. The post-race celebration includes unique awards, live music, giveaways, green booze, and food. 402-729-3000. —fairburychamber.org

JERSEY BOYS, March 25-27 at Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln.

CLUE, March 5 at the Neville Center in North Platte. Join the

They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody iconic oddballs known as Scarlet, Plum, White, Green, Peacock, and March 05 had ever heard…and the radio just couldn’t get enough. Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Mustard as they race to find the Four Seasons in this Tony and murderer in Boddy Manor before GRAMMY Award®-winning true-life the body count stacks up 308-532-8559. musical phenomenon. 402-472-4700. —northplattecommunityplayhouse.com —liedcenter.org

KEARNEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA:

AMERICAN ADVENTURES, March 8 at UNK Fine Arts Recital Hall in Kearney. Celebrate American music with selections from film scores “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Star Wars” (John Williams), Samuel Barber, and an orchestral piece by Florence Price, “Adoration,” celebrating Black History Month. 308-865-8441. —unk.edu

RIVERDANCE, March 8-10 at Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln.

This show is a powerful and stirring reinvention of the beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its GRAMMY award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. 402-472-4700. —liedcenter.org

AUDUBON’S NEBRASKA CRANE SEASON,

March 5-April 10 at Rowe Sanctuary

in Gibbon. Thousands of Sandhill cranes migrate through Nebraska each year, and there are several opportunities to see them. The event includes educational events, guided tours (preregistration required), and other programs. 308-468-5282. —ne.audubon.org

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION, March 16-20 in downtown O’Neill. The home of the “The World's Largest Shamrock” nearly doubles its size to 7,000 people during St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Festivities begin Wednesday with the Irish Walk of Fame induction ceremony and the painting of the town's beloved shamrock. The big day is Saturday, when attendees can gather to watch the parade and partake in many other activities. 402-336-2355. —oneillchamber.com

ELTON JOHN: FAREWELL YELLOW BRICK

ROAD TOUR, March 27 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. This concert was rescheduled from June, 2020, so tickets are limited. Sir Elton John is one of the most highly acclaimed March 16-20 and successful solo artists of all time, and fans won’t want to miss this tour. 402-904-4444. —pinnaclebankarena.com MYSTERY AT THE MANSION, March 5 at Arbor Lodge Mansion in Nebraska City. Solve clues, look for evidence, and break the old-fashioned whodunnit case while mingling with new friends. 402-873-8717. —arbordayfarm.org

JOYCE YANG, April 19 at Lied Performing Arts Center in Lincoln. This Grammy-

IOWA

ZACH WILLIAMS, March 25 at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines. Join

nominated pianist captivates audiences with her virtuosity, lyricism, and interpretive sensitivity. 402-472-4700. —liedcenter.org

SPRING FLING, April 16 at Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in BRIAN REGAN March 3 at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines. Regan is one of

the most respected comedians in the country. He co-stars in Peter Farrelly’s TV series Loudermilk, 515-244-0507. —hoytsherman.org Zach Williams and special guest Anne Wilson for a night of music and ministry. Williams is a Grammy awardwinning artist known for his signature blend of southern rock, country and faith-filled songwriting. 515-244-0507. —hoytsherman.org

Ashland. Kids of all ages can participate in an egg hunt, make and take a craft, visit with the Easter Bunny, and learn about making kites. 402-944-3100. —sacmuseum.org

BROWNVILLE CONCERT SERIES, Todd Murray & Stacy Sullivan: I’m Glad There Is You, April 22-24 at Brownville Concert Hall, Brownville.

This performance covers the musical romance of Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee, from the time they first shared the stage in 1941 at the Paramount Theater in Times Square until Frank’s passing in 1998. Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra were the closest of friends and musical peers. 402-825-3331. —brownvilleconcertseries.com

GEORGE STRAIT: STRAIT TO THE STAR

CITY, April 23 at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lincoln. The Kind of Country will be joined by guest Asleep At The Wheel for this one-night event. 402-904-4444. —pinnaclebankarena.com

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION April 29 to May 1 at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City. Visitors can celebrate this holiday where it all began—at Arbor Day Farm. All across this 260acre campus, opportunities abound to play, learn, taste, and shop, all in celebration of trees. Concurrent to this event is the 148th Annual Arbor Day Celebration in Nebraska City, with a parade, kids activities, plant sales, and more. 402- 873-8717. —arbordayfarm.org EARTH DAY, April 23 at Union Plaza in Lincoln. This event includes live music, informational booths, family activities, food trucks, and a farmer’s market. —lincolnearthday.org

LITTLE FEAT—WAITING FOR COLUMBUS

TOUR, March 8 at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines. Little Feat is the classic example of a fusion of many styles and musical genres made into something utterly distinctive. Their musicianship transcends boundaries, uniting California rock, funk, folk, jazz, country, rockabilly, and New Orleans swamp boogie into a rich gumbo, that has been leading people in joyful dance ever since. 515-244-0507. —hoytsherman.org JAY LENO, March 5 at the Orpheum in Sioux City. Acclaimed late-night TV show host, stand-up comedian, bestselling children’s book author, and so much more, Leno is widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.” 855-333-8771. —orpheumlive.com IMMERSIVE VIVALDI, March 12 at the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux

City. This Sioux City Symphony

Orchestra production features Vivaldi’s timeless classic, The Four Seasons. After intermission, guests will be transported into a modernday nightclub scene. 855-333-8771. —orpheumlive.com ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL, March 17-20 in Emmetsburg. This sister city of Dublin, Ireland, celebrates the “wearing o’ the green” in a grand way. Events include a bean bag tournament, fun run, kids’ zone, free movie, live music, and a parade. Before the parade, eat a cup of Irish stew or a baked potato with toppings, or sample the entries from the chili cook-off. 712-852-4326. —emmetsburgirishgifts.com MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL, March 26-27 at Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids. The Maple Syrup Festival, held at the end of the syruping season, features syrup-making demonstrations, a look inside the Maple Sugar House, a pancake breakfast with real maple syrup, and live music. 319-362-0664. —indiancreeknaturecenter.org

LEANNE MORGAN: THE BIG PANTY TOUR,

April 2 at the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City. Morgan’s style of comedy combines her southern charm and hilarious story telling about her own life into an act that keeps fans coming back for more. 855-333-8771. —orpheumlive.com

TENDERLOINS AND SO MUCH MORE

TOUR, April 6 at Cooking with Alessandra in Des Moines. This tour explores foods that were made famous in Des Moines and restaurants that keep those traditions alive. 515-508-9474. —cookingwithalessandra.com TAKE A BITE, April 12-14 at the Amana Colonies. This three-day food fest includes cooking education, hands-on April instruction, samplings, and special 23 menu items and dinners at Amana Colonies food businesses. 319-622-7622. —amanacolonies.com KITES OVER HOOVER PARK, April 20 near Hoover Park in West Branch. April is Kite-Flying Month, and thousands of colorful kites will fly during this event, which includes a kite-performance team and family-friendly games, a candy drop, and crafts for kids. 319-643-5301. —hoover.archives.gov ABBA, April 23 at the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City. This event celebrates the music of ABBA featuring the Finnish pop sensation Rajaton and the, Sioux City Symphony. 855-333-8771. —orpheumlive.com FOOD AND FARM FESTIVAL, April 27-28 at Living History Farms in Urbandale. Local producers, brewers, makers, and artists will gather together on the front lawn of Living History Farms to celebrate everything that makes Iowa great. VIP events include Festival of Cheese, Beer ’n' Bread, and Cocktails and Comfort Food. 515-278-5286. —lhf.org

April 06

KANSAS MISSOURI

HOLI FESTIVAL, March 4 at Roe Park

in Overland Park. Visitors to this festival should wear white clothing and expect to get messy as people playfully throw colorful powders at each other. This event is a celebration of the coming spring, the joy of friendship, and equality. 913-230-6189. —@absarevents on Facebook ERIC CHURCH, March 1 and 2 at the Sprint Center in Kansas City. The coun-

try star will be performing songs from his new album “Desperate Man” as well as other popular past hits. 816-949-7100. —ticketmaster.com

NCAA BIG 12 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

CHAMPIONSHIP, March 10-13 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City. Kansas City is on the tour for March Madness in the women’s division, also. 816-949-7100. —kcconvention.com

KANSAS CITY FILMFEST, April 6-10 at B&B Mainstreet Theaters

QLATHE BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP, March 18-19 at Lone Elm Park in Olathe.

Kansas City is known for its barbecue, and in this annual KCBS Sanctioned Event, more than 70 competition teams will fill the park with awardwinning barbecue. 913-971-8600. —olatheks.org

SKY LANTERN FESTIVAL, March 19, in Lawrence. Thousands of paper sky lanterns will light the night at this magical event, which includes music, an activity area, photo opportunities, a fire pit, s’mores, and more. The exact location is revealed one week before the event. —lightsoveramerica.events KORN, March 5 at T Mobile Center

in Kansas City. This metal band is known for their Grammy-nominated songs “Shoots and Ladders” and “Freak on a Leash.” They will be accompanied by special guests Chevelle and Code Orange. 816-949-7100. —t-mobilecenter.com March Kansas City. More than 120 05 films will be shown over five days at this annual event, which celebrates the power of storytelling as a shared cultural experience through the cinematic arts. 816-756-5877. —kcfilmfest.org

SNAKE, Saturday, March 12 in

North Kanas City. This popular St. Patrick’s Day event in Kansas City includes a parade followed by a charity cook-off, lad and lassie contest for youngsters, and more. 816-548-3113. —snakesaturday.com BLESSING OF THE BIKES, April 28 on the historic downtown square in Neosho.

The annual event brings together more than 300 bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts to initiate the onset of the riding season. Food, vendors, drift trike racing, and live music carry the day that is concluded with a bike blessing. 417-389-3301. —@blessingofthebikescovenant0702 on Facebook

TOOL, March 15 at T Mobile Center in

CHRIS PERONDI'S STUNT DOG

EXPERIENCE, April 10 at C.L Hoover Opera House in Junction City. This cast of performers and dogs will delight audiences of all ages, with high energy excitement from beginning to end. This performance troupe has been seen on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show, David Letterman, and more. 785-238-3906. —jcoperahouse.org

Kansas City. This band is known for their Grammy-Award song “7empest." They are joined by special guests The Acid Helps. 816-949-7100. April —t-mobilecenter.com 10 ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE, March 17 along Broadway in Kansas City. Now that the snakes have been driven away, visitors can spend the next day reveling with fellow St. Patrick’s Day fans with one of the country’s largest St. Patrick Day parades. —kcirishparade.com

EVENT TIMES AND DETAILS MAY CHANGE.

Visit omahamagazine.com for complete listings. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

KEGS ’N’ EGGS, April 17 at Kansas City Renaissance Festival grounds in Bonner Springs. While sipping on craft beers and listening to live music at this adult-only event, guests can hunt for golden eggs and win prizes. 913-721-2110. —@kegsneggskc on Facebook

KANSAS STORYTELLING FESTIVAL, April 22-23 in downtown Downs. Tall tales,

anecdotes, and historical re-enactments can all be found at this festival, which offers two evening concerts and many separate sessions of stories, workshops, and music. 785-454-6648. —kansasstorytelling.comg ST. PATRICK’S DAY, March 17 in the Power & Light District, Kansas City.

Once the parade is done, it’s time for beer and shenanigans. One of Kansas City’s most popular areas will provide a free concert and DJ set along with green beer and food specials for sale at participating restaurants. 816-842-1045. —powerandlightdistrict.com

NCAA BIG 12 MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPI-

ONSHIP, March 9-12 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. Kansas City is on the tour for March Madness. Basketball fans will enjoy seeing the best hoops the Big 12 has to offer. 816-949-7100. —t-mobilecenter.com

« FROM PAGE 14

CHELSEA HANDLER: VACCINATED AND HORNY

April 16 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. Th is comedian, television host, best-selling author, and advocate is one of today’s most notable voices in entertainment. Tickets: $49.50-$219.50. 8 p.m. 402.345.0202. -ticketomaha.com

DEADLIEST LIFESAVERS WITH BIOMEDICAL SCIENTIST ZOLTAN TAKACS

April 19 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. Th is biomedical scientist and inventor collects snake, scorpion, jellyfi sh, and other venoms from around the world, to identify leads for medicines. Tickets: $15-$32. 7:30 p.m. 402.345.0202. -ticketomaha.com

ERNEST IN LOVE

April 21-24 and April 28-May 1 at University of Nebraska at Omaha, Weber Fine Arts Building,

6505 University Drive S. Th is show is based on Oscar Wilde’s Th e Importance of Being Earnest. Tickets: $20. 7:30 p.m. Th ursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. 402.554.2406. -unotheatre.com

JEREMY PIVEN

April 22-23 at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple

St. Jeremy Piven is best known for his role as Ari Gold in the hit HBO series “Entourage.” Tickets: $35. 7 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. 402.884.5353. -waitingroomlounge.com

EUGENE ONEGIN BY OPERA OMAHA

April 22 and 24 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S.

16th St. Tatyana bares her soul in a love letter to the dashing Eugene Onegin, but he rejects her and fl irts with her sister. Tickets: $19-$99. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sunday. 402.345.0606. -ticketomaha.com

ANJELAH JOHNSON-REYES—WHO DO I THINK I AM? TOUR

April 24 at Holland Performing Arts Center,

1200 Douglas St. Comic and actress Anjelah Johnson-Reyes performs storytelling about navigating her racial identity, fi nding her place, and chasing her dreams. Tickets: $49.50-$99.50. 6 p.m. 402.345.0202. -ticketomaha.com

April 27-May 15 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S.

16th St. Winner of one Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, “Wicked” is one of Broadway’s biggest blockbusters. Tickets and times vary. 402.345.0606. -ticketomaha.com

GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE, THE MUSICAL.

April 8 to May 1 at The Rose Theater 2001

Farnam St. Th is brand new musical is the story of Gerald, who realizes that anyone can dance when they love the music. Tickets: $20. Times vary. 402.345.4849. -rosetheater.org

» Family and More « OMAHA FILM FESTIVAL

March 1-6 at Aksarben Cinema, 2110 S. 67th

St., and online. Local, national, and international fi lms will be discussed, watched, and celebrated at this annual festival. Times vary. Admission varies from $10 per single movie-ticket to $100 for multi-day passes. 402-203-8173. -omahafi lmfestival.org

FISH FRIES

March 4-April 14 in various locations. Many churches and community centers around Omaha will provide a fi sh (or meatless) dinner on Fridays during this time frame. A few popular choices include: Holy Name Catholic Church, holynameomaha.org; Mary Our Queen Catholic Church, maryourqueenchurch.com; St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Elkhorn, stpatselkhorn.org; St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, svdpomaha.org; St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church, stjohnsgreekorthodox.org; and Holy Ghost Catholic Church, holyghostomaha.com.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

March 12 in downtown Omaha. Th is annual parade, put on by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, will march through the downtown area, starting at 15th and Harney streets and winding through the Old Market. -aohomaha.org

April 1-3 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455

N. 10th St. Vehicles from classic Cadillacs to hot rods will be shown at this annual event. Times vary. Tickets: $20 general admission, $8 children 6-12, free to children 5 and under. 402-341-1500. -chihealthcenteromaha.com

OMAHA CZECH-SLOVAK FESTIVAL

April 14 at St. Nicholas Community Center,

5050 Harrison St. Celebrate Czech-Slovak culture with this spring festival, which features Czech food, dancing, music, and more. Times TBA. Admission: free, but cash is needed for drinks and food. 402-740-6552. -omahaczechclub.com

EARTH DAY OMAHA

April 23 at Elmwood Park, 60th and Dodge

streets. Th is event combines science, education, music, food, and fun with eco-friendly demonstrations about ways to help the Earth, health and wellness, and activities for children. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission: free. An online component runs April 22-May 22. -earthdayomaha.org

JUNKSTOCK

April 29-30 at Sycamore Farm, 1150 River

Road Drive. More than 150 vintage, antique, and junk vendors will display their wares at this southern-style fl ea market that includes food trucks and live music. Kids 12 and under are free. Adult tickets: $10 daily pass, $20 three-day pass. 402-765-8651. -junkstock.com

TREMENDOUS ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION

April 27 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St.

Visitors to the gardens can learn about Nebraska’s homegrown holiday during this event, which features a variety of educational activities. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children 6-12, free for children under 6 and members. 402-346-4002. -lauritzengardens.org

MAIFEST

April 27 at German-American Society, 3717 S.

120th St. Th e public is invited to celebrate spring with German food, drinks, and a Maypole. Noon11 p.m. Admission: free, but cash is needed for drinks and food. 402-333-6615. -germanamericansociety.org

Event times and details are correct as of presstime, but are subject to change. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, many events are canceling and/or changing dates/time/places as needed.

Omaha Magazine encourages readers to visit venues' websites and/or calling ahead before attending an event or visiting a museum.