NEBRASKA
Whose Live Anyway? May 2 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln Experience this knee-slapping live tour featuring the improv comedians you know and love from the hit TV show, “Whose Line is it Anyway?”
—whoselive.com
47th Annual Lincoln Marathon May 5 in Lincoln This marathon is a great running experience through the streets of Lincoln, Nebraska. Our event offers something for runners of all ages and abilities, from elite runners to everyday athletes looking to accomplish a fitness goal.
—lincolnmarathon.org
Staind with Special Guest Seether May 5–6 at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln Staind was formed in 1995 in their hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts. Over the course of their career, the band has released seven studio albums and eight top 10 singles, selling over 15 million albums worldwide, including the 2023 “Confessions of the Fallen.”
—pinnaclebankarena.com/events/detail/staind-with-seether
Joshua Bell and Larisa Martinez May 9 at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln GRAMMY® Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell and renowned soprano Larisa Martinez are joined by celebrated pianist Peter Dugan for “Voice and the Violin,” an evening of beloved romantic arias and modern classics, featuring music Mendelssohn, Dvorak, Puccini, Bernstein, and more. Don’t miss this unique collaboration celebrating Bell’s return to the Lied Center stage.
—liedcenter.org/event/joshua-bell-and-larisa-martínez
Sip Nebraska: Spring Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits Festival May 10 at Mahoney State Park in Ashland Enjoy unlimited tastings of wine, craft beer, and spirits while you enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Mahoney State Park. Live music, artisan vendors, food trucks, lawn games, and much more await!
—eventbrite.com/cc/spring-sip-nebraska-2558559
Willie Nelson & Family May 15 at the Pinewood Bowl Theater in Lincoln With a seven-decade career, Willie Nelson has earned every conceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor, and activist. He continues to thrive as a relevant and progressive musical and cultural force. 402.904.4444
—pinewoodbowltheater.com/event/willienelsonandfamily2024/
Nebraska Kennel Club Dog Show May 18–19 at Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln The all-breed dog show includes three benched coonhound shows, nine open shows and concurrent specialities shows.
—sandhillsglobaleventcenter.org
Gregorian—The Pure Chants Tour May 21 at the Rococo Theater in Lincoln For over 20 years, more than three million people in 31 countries have been enchanted by Gregorian’s live performances. These eight classically trained English vocalists have never failed to bring audiences to their feet multiple times at every show.
—lincoln.org/event/gregorian-the-pure-chants-tour/1789/
Boots, Beef, & Soul Music Festival May 31 at Pals Brewing Company in North Platte Shop craft vendors among blues and country music at this weekend of fun in North Platte.
—visitnorthplatte.com/event/boots-beef-&-soul-music-festival/7800/
IOWA
Tulip Time 2024 May 2—4 at The Cellar Peanut Pub in Pella Discover the best beer festivals in Pella and enjoy a variety of craft beers from local and international breweries. Learn about the history and culture of beer making and listen to live music at this festival.
—thecellarpeanutpub.com
Maifest at Millstream Brewing Co. May 3–5 at Millstream Brewing Co. in Amana Celebrate Maifest & spring all weekend long at Millstream Brewing Co. with a Rock 108 Mai Bock in your hand! Live music and food fill this weekend of fun.
—millstreambrewing.com/event/maifest-at-millstream-brewing-co-3/
Hogback GRVL May 4 at Kinship Brewery in Waukee Goldpacked limestone gravel roads, lush valleys, and a Midwest racing experience you’ll look forward to each weekend until it arrives—Hogback GRVL offers 70-mile and 40-mile courses to bike. Whether you’re trying to push yourself or take a leisurely ride on a scenic route, this event caters to you.
—bikeiowa.com/Event/15694/hogback-grvl
MJ: The Musical May 5 at the Des Moines Civic Center in Des Moines He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to cities across the United States as “MJ,” the multi-Tony Award-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 "Dangerous World Tour,” begins a tour of its own. “MJ” goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.
—theatermania.com/shows/iowa-theater/mj-the-musical_1718177/
Architecture on the Move: Guided Walking Tours of Downtown Des Moines May 10 at Capital Square in Des Moines The Iowa Architectural Foundation is offering architect-led sidewalk tours of Downtown Des Moines. The tours provide an opportunity for local residents and visitors to appreciate the architectural treasures of Iowa's capital city. With four route options (north, south, east, west), this educational opportunity offers insight into the whole city and its beautiful buildings.
—eventbrite.com/e/architecture-on-the-move-guided-walking-tours-of-downtown-des-moines-tickets-778418439507
Greenbelt Music Festival May 17–8 at Horizon Events Center in Clive The Greenbelt Music Festival is a two day outdoor music festival featuring national and local live entertainment and activities for all ages.
—eventbrite.com/e/greenbelt-music-festival-tickets-764536498247
2024 Wine Festival Series - Wine Tasting May 18 at St. Ambrose University in Davenport Join hundreds of wine enthusiasts in an outdoor setting under the Ambrosian Oaks. Sip your way through a spectacular assortment of 150 wines from around the world and try culinary highlights from Quad Cities Restaurants.
—allevents.in/davenport/2024-wine-festival-series-wine-tasting/200025441090945?ref=eventlist-cat
Chicago May 18–19 at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee One of the giants of American rock, Chicago is still going strong after half a century. The self-proclaimed “Rock & Roll band with horns" produced hit after hit in the '70s and '80s, including the iconic ballad “If You Leave Me Now,” as well as “Baby, What A Big Surprise” and “Old Days.” Don't miss them live in 2024 as they hit the road!
—milwaukee-theatre.com/theaters/vibrant-music-hall/chicago-the-band.php
Carmina Burana May 18–19 at the University of Iowa School of Music, Voxman Building, in Iowa City Paired with Barber’s Symphony No. 1, featuring cycling themes that wax and wane through darkness and light, this concert will be a riveting experience you won’t soon forget!
—hooplanow.com/things-to-do/155741-carmina-burana-voxman-music-building-recital-hall
George Strait with Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town May 25 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames Country fans won’t want to miss this legendary concert featuring three of the biggest names in the genre.
—fpm.iastate.edu
Josh Sneed May 25 at Funny Bone in Des Moines Josh Sneed is a nationally touring comedian who’s had appearances on Comedy Central, including his own comedy special. He’s been seen on Last Comic Standing and has shared the stage with big names in comedy like Dave Chappelle, Bill Burr, Jim Gaffigan, Ron White, and Kevin Hart. 515.270.2100
—desmoines.funnybone.com
2024 Iowa Renaissance Festival & Gathering o’ Celts May 25–27 at the Amana Soccer Fields in Amana
Come experience a weekend of live entertainment featuring comedy, swordplay, music, magic, and even horseback jousting. Explore a marketplace full of unique merchandise from around the land. Enjoy tasty treats and drinks in the royal food court (including adult libations like honey mead). The village awaits your visit!
—eventbrite.com/e/2024-iowa-renaissance-festival-gathering-o-celts-32-years-of-revelry-tickets-774878922717
Iowa Children’s Open 2024 May 30 at Brown Deer Golf Club in Coralville
Chip in for the kids during the 2024 Iowa Children’s Open, presented by Advantage and United Iowa Financial. Beyond having fun on the links, you will help raise essential funds to further the Iowa Children’s Museum’s mission and fuel their many community programs.
—theism.org/event/iowa-childrens-open-2024
Lowdown Roundup 4th Annual Custom Car & Truck Show May 31—June 2 at 2201 George Flagg Pkwy in Des Moines Proceeds from this car show will go to Blank Children’s Hospital.
—allevents.in/desmoines/roundup
KANSAS
May the Forest be with You May 3 at Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center in Olathe "May the Forest be with You" is an exciting outdoor/indoor event for families that combines the wonder of nature and space science with the magic of Star Wars®. Families will attend a Jedi academy and explore outer space in a state-of-the-art planetarium. Meet your favorite Star Wars® characters and immerse yourself in a faraway galaxy. This event is perfect for families with children ages 5–15. Costumes are encouraged!
—jcprd.com/1903/May-the-Forest-be-with-You---May-3-2024
Millfest 2024 May 4 at Lindsborg Old Mill and Swedish Heritage Museum in Lindsborg This family event celebrating the history of the mill and the pioneer heritage of the region features guided tours of the mill in operation. Professional millers run the mill and tours are available for visitors age 13 and older. Other activities include a traditional arts fair, including a quilt show, live musical entertainment, and great food.
—allevents.in/lindsborg/millfest-2024-featuring-120th-anniversary-of-the-swedish-pavilion/200025108023819
Sip & Shop May 11 at KC Wine Co in Olathe This unique shopping experience combines the best of both worlds–delicious wine and fantastic local products.
—kcwineco.com/events/upcoming-events/sip-shop-051124
Cake May 16 at WAVE in Wichita American alternative rock band Cake is coming to Wichita, Kansas this May! Don’t miss their famous classics like “Short Skirt, Long Jacket,” “Frank Sinatra,” “Comfort Eagle,” and “The Distance.”
—waveict.com
Four State Farm Show May 17—19 at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg The Four State Farm Show is an annual event that brings together agricultural production and agribusiness. The first show was held in March 1975 at the National Guard Armory in Pittsburg, Kansas, and has since grown to become a large-scale event with over 60 exhibits.
—sukup.com/events/four-state-farm-show-2024
Lawrence Busker Festival 2024 May 24—26 at Downtown Lawrence Inc. in Lawrence “A celebration of street performing,” this festival lights up downtown Lawrence this May in its 16th year. From circus-style performers to magicians to live comedy, the streets will be filled with an abundance of entertainment for the whole family.
—lawrencebuskerfest.com
Words & Music Series: “Stayin’ Alive” May 25–26 at the Forum Theatre in Wichita Get ready for some “Jive Talkin’” with Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibbs, the trio of brothers who ushered in the era of disco. With over 220 million records sold worldwide, the Bee Gees are among the best-selling music artists of all time, as well as the most successful trio in the history of contemporary music. You’ll need your disco shoes for this one!
—forumtheatre.org/event/stayin-alive-the-bee-gees/
Riverfest May 31—June 8 along the Arkansas River in Wichita As Kansas’ largest community event, Riverfest is the perfect place to promote your business, sell food, perform as talent, support, and volunteer.
—wichitariverfest.com/
MISSOURI
Greta Van Fleet May 2 at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City Greta Van Fleet is a blues-rock band from Frankenmuth, Michigan, featuring Josh Kiszka, Jake Kiszka, Sam Kiszka, and Danny Wagner.
—stereoboard.com/greta-van-fleet-tickets/kansas-city
An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma May 3 at the Stifel Theatre in St. Louis Any appearance by Yo-Yo Ma is an extraordinary event. Edward Elgar’s popular concerto is the perfect vehicle for Ma’s blend of keen intelligence and a firmly beating heart. And Stéphane Denève is on home soil for the delicate, multi-layered textures of Claude Debussy’s portrait of the ocean, La Mer.
—shop.slso.org/7779
St. Louis Microfest Beer Festival May 4 at St. Louis Muny Theater in Forest Park in St. Louis This St. Louis annual premiere craft beer tasting festival features beers from dozens of North American craft breweries and international beers, as well as great food from area restaurants. This event will feature over 80 craft beers and 50 international beers along with live music, a home-brew competition, and more.
—greatriverroad.com/stl-events/st-louis-microfest
Cinco de Mayo Festival May 4 at Nebula in St. Louis A celebration of the rich Hispanic culture within the Cherokee neighborhood and surrounding south St. Louis area. This annual festival features live music on three separate stages, an assortment of authentic Mexican refreshments and other ethnic food and drinks. There will also be live art demonstrations, street performers, a People's Joy Parade at 1:11 pm, Lucha Libre Wrestling, and Mechanical Bull Rides.
—greatriverroad.com/stl-events/cinco-de-mayo
This article originally appeared in the May 2024 issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
