This weekend
Wood River FunFest, Friday through Sunday, Wood River. Event includes sidewalk chalk decorating event Friday evening; parade at 10:30 a.m., kids games, Bohemian tractor pull, barbecue, street dance and more on Saturday; and church service and lunch on Sunday. Information: Lana Maret, (308) 583-2262, or Tami Spiehs, (308) 583-0124.
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, 3133 W. Highway 34: Special exhibit: "Vittles: Flavors Across the Plains," through Sept. 14. August events: "Sunday Afternoon with Tom and Huck," Sunday, Aug. 17; and "Back to School in Railroad Town," Saturday, Aug. 30, Sunday, Aug. 31, and Monday, Sept. 1. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Summer admission (May 1 through Sept. 30): $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for youth 6-12; children 5 and under admitted free. Information: 385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org.
Prairie Winds Art Center, 112 W. Third: "Touchstones of the Earth 2, featuring paintings by Gary Ozias and Dorothy Lambert Uhrmacher and pottery by Bill Robbins, through Aug. 31; and works by Ralph Brown, through Aug. 31, Skywinds Gallery. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Information: 381-4001 or www.prairiewindsart.com.
L'eglise Art Center and Gallery, 1105 K St., Aurora. Special exhibit: "Growin' in Heaps and Mounds," featuring sculptural and sound installations by Kurt Peterson and Rana Schmitz, through Aug. 30. Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and by appointment. Information: (402) 631-9578.
Museum of Nebraska Art, 2401 Central Ave., Kearney: Nebraska art and artists from early 19th century to present. Special exhibits: "19th Century Images of Nebraska," through Aug. 17; "Audubon Selections: Canids from the Wilds of Nebraska," through Sept. 8; "The Eyes Have It," through Sept. 14; "Nebraska Now: Susan Knight, Paintings," through Oct. 12; "A Treasury of Murals: Nebraska's Post Office Legacy," through Oct. 12; and "Stories Behind the Art," Aug. 19 through Dec. 31. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed major holidays. Docent-led, free tours offered the fourth Wednesday of the month. No admission charge, but donations accepted. Information: (308) 865-8559 or monet.unk.edu/mona.
Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 1330 N. Burlington. Special exhibit: "Hatching the Past: Dinosaur Eggs, Nests & Young," through Sept. 14, East Gallery. J.M. McDonald Planetarium: "The Sky Tonight," 1, 2:30, and 4 p.m. daily, through Aug. 31. Planetarium shows require museum admission. Summer hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $6 for adults, $5.50 for seniors over 60, $4 for children ages 3 through 12. Information: (402) 461-4629 or (800) 508-4629 or www.hastingsmuseum.
Plainsman Museum, 210 16th St., Aurora: Local and regional history, doll collection, iron toys, log cabin, sod house. Special exhibit: Jo Brown art show, through Aug. 31. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 1 through Oct. 31. Admission: $6 for adults, $4 seniors 62 and over, $2 for children 5 through 16; group rates available. Information: (402) 694-6531.
Minden Opera House Art Gallery, 322 E. Fifth St., Minden: Paintings by Kent Sullivan of North Platte, through Aug. 31. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and during performances; closed Sunday except for scheduled events. Information: (308) 832-0588 or www.mindenoperahouse.com.
1885 Opera House, 413 N. Webster: Red Cloud: Special exhibit: "The Colorbox VI," featuring the art of area youth, through Aug. 22. Information: (402) 746-2641.
Thursday
Treo, blues, reggae, Americana and rock, 7 p.m., Museum of Nebraska Art, Cliff Hillegass Outdoor Sculpture Garden, 2401 Central Ave., Kearney. No admission charge; gates open at 6 p.m. Information: (308) 865-8559 or monet.unk.edu/mona.
Friday
"A Night of Music," presented by Brandon Nordhues, a 2005 graduate of Central Catholic High School, featuring traditional classic and contemporary theater and jazz music, 7:15 p.m., Central Catholic Little Theatre. No admission charge, but freewill donations accepted.
Ramblin' Rounds round dancing (waltz, two-step, quick step and cha-cha), 8 p.m., Diamond D Ballroom, 611 W. Fourth. Cuer: Dick Busboom. Information: (308) 226-2420.
Saturday
Duck Derby, sixth annual event to benefit Leadership Tomorrow and Youth Leadership Tomorrow, 8:30 to 11 a.m. (derby starts at 10 a.m.), Island Oasis Water Park, 321 E. Fonner Park Road. Event also includes children's games and food and duck derby. No admission charge; there is a fee to "adopt a duck." Information: 382-9210.
"Broadway Today!" a musical revue of Broadway hits from the past decade presented by the Grand Island Little Theatre, 6:30 p.m., College Park. Event will also include hors d'oeuvres and cash bar, raffle prizes and more. Tickets are $18 per person or $30 for a couple; call 382-2586.
Circle Squares square dancing, 7:30 to 10 p.m. (plus tips from 7:30 to 8 p.m.), Diamond D Ballroom, 611 W. Fourth. Caller: Dick Busboom. Information: (308) 226-2420 or (308) 687-6343.
Demolition Derby, 6:30 p.m., Custer County Fairgrounds, Broken Bow. Admission charged; information: Denise Russell, (308) 872-5691; www.brokenbow-ne.com.
Genealogy Open House, Trails and Rails Museum, 710 W. 11th St., Kearney. Event includes presentations by the Fort Kearny Genealogical Society along with displays and research assistance. Tour the archive building and learn more about the Freighter's Hotel. Information: Jennifer Murrish (308) 234-3041; www.bchs.us.
Archer Celebration, 4 p.m. to midnight, Archer. Event includes quilt show, old gun show, kiddie parade, outhouse races, entertainment, food and more. Information: www.merrickcounty150.com.
Frank Caliendo, stand-up comedy, 8:30 p.m., Omaha Music Hall. Tickets are $37.75 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, June 27; Ticketmaster.
Brooks and Dunn and ZZ Top, in concert, 7 p.m., Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $38 to $73; Ticketmaster.
Sunday
Vintage and Classic Wheels Car Show, 25th annual event, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Stolley Park. No admission charge for spectators; information: Bill Taylor 384- 7106; webpages.charter.net/rat/vcwheels.
"Sunday Afternoon with Tom and Huck," noon to 5 p.m., Stuhr Museum. Spend a flatwater afternoon fishing in the pond, racing boats and playing games. Enjoy a celebration of literary troublemakers and down-home country fun. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for youth 6-12; children 5 and under admitted free. Information: 385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org.
Big Band Dance, featuring the Lonny Lynn Triple Deuce Orchestra, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, the Liederkranz, First and Walnut. Admission is $7.50; public welcome. Information: Gloria Otradovsky, 382-9337.
Peder Eide, Christian recording artist, in concert, 7 p.m., Heartland Lutheran High School, 3900 W. Husker Highway. Sponsored by the Senior Teens at Peace Lutheran Church; tickets are $7; information: 384-5673.
Def Leppard, in concert, 7:30 p.m., Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $37.50 to $73; Ticketmaster.
Next week
Animated Movie Festival featuring Disney's "Fantasia," 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third; a presentation of the Grand Island International Film Festival. Admission is $5; information: Paul Warshauer, 384-6816; http://gifilmfest.org.
Summer picnic featuring the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Tuesday, Aug. 19, Heartland Events Center; dinner served at 6 p.m.; music follows at 7. Tickets are $18.50 or 148 for a table of eight; Ticketmaster or the Fonner Park Business Office (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays). Information: 382-4515 or www.heartlandeventscenter.com.
Poison, in concert with special guest Sebastian Bach, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, Pershing Center, Lincoln. Tickets range from $23.50 to $58; Ticketmaster.
"Pippin," presented by Nebraska Wesleyan University, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 21-24 (continues Aug. 28-31), McDonald Theatre, 51st and Huntington, Lincoln. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 for students 12 to 18 years and senior citizens, and $7.50 for children under 12; box office: 402.465.2384
"Gospel Sing," featuring two days of gospel music, 2:45 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, and 9:45 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, All Saints Chapel, Good Samaritan Village, Hastings. Lineup includes Armourbearers, Don Davis, Echoes of Mercy and "Grateful Heart. Special guest is Useless. Information: Lyle or Val Lambert, (402) 461-0883.
Popcorn Days, 107th annual event, Friday, Aug. 22, through Sunday, Aug. 24, North Loup. Event includes all the free popcorn you can eat, exhibits, tractor pull, parades, team penning, children's games, polka dance and live entertainment. No admission charge; information: Emil Hrebec, (308) 496-4401.
Nebraska State Fair, Friday, Aug. 22, through Monday, Sept. 1, State Fair Park, Lincoln. Open Air Auditorium Entertainment Series weekend lineup: Miranda Lambert, 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22; and Lorrie Morgan and Tracy Byrd, 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. Midway opens at 5 p.m. Aug. 22; 1 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. weekends and Labor Day. Fair admission: Adults, $5 before 5 p.m. weekdays and $8 after 5 p.m. weekdays, weekends and Labor Day; children age 6-12, $2; free for children 5 and under; no extra admission charge for open air concerts. Older Nebraskans' Festival admission: $3 for those 60 and older; Military Appreciation Day, Friday, Aug. 29; complimentary gate admission to all military personnel with military ID until 5 p.m. Free parking. Information: (402) 474-5371 or www.statefair.org.
"Who Killed the State Fair?," an interactive murder mystery, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, Nathan Detroit's. Admission charged; ticket information: Cassey Graves, 384-6816.
Circle B Dancers square dance, 7:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 Circle B Hall, 508 Gold Road. Caller: Lanny Weakland. Information: 381-8100.
"Mark Twain on the Lecture Circuit," featuring Twain look-alike Wally A. Seiler, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, Minden Opera House, 322 E. Fifth St., Minden. No admission charge; information: (308) 832-0588 or www.mindenoperahouse.com.
Lyle Hulinsky and his Sodbuster Band, featuring music of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, Plum Street Station, Sixth and Plum streets. Sponsored by the Hall County Historical Society, there is no admission charge, although freewill donations will be accepted.
On film
Grand Theatre, 316 W. Third: "Kung Fu Panda," 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Po the Panda is the laziest animals in all of the Valley of Peace, but unwittingly becomes the chosen one when enemies threaten their way of life. Jack Black stars in this CG-animated film; rated PG. Tickets are $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for children under 12. Information: 381-2667 or www.grandmovietheatre.com.
Lied Super Screen Theater, Hastings Museum, 1330 N. Burlington, Hastings: "Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure," 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. and 2, 4 and 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday; and 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, through Dec. 2; "Dinosaurs Alive!" noon and 3 p.m. Thursday; noon, 3 and 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon and 3 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, through Sept. 8; and "Wired to Win: Surviving the Tour de France," 1 p.m. daily, through Aug. 31, Admission is $7 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and $5.50 for children; Thursday special: $5 tickets and free bag of popcorn for 5, 6 and 7 p.m. shows (ends Aug. 28). (Special screening: "Kung Fu Panda," 7:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15-17; and "WALL-E," Aug. 22-24, Aug. 29-31 and Sept. 5-7). Admission is $4.50.) Information: (800) 508-4629 or www.hastingsmuseum.org.
A look ahead
Stir Concert Cove, summer concert series for those age 21 and older, Harrah's, Council Bluffs. Lineup includes: The Black Crowes, 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15 ($25 general admission); Alice Cooper, 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 ($26 general admission); My Morning Jacket, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19 ($26 general admission); and the Doobie Brothers, 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31 ($40 general admission, $50 reserved). Fee added to base ticket prices and vary by performer. Information: (712) 329-6000 or http://stircove.frontgatetickets.com.
"Pippin," presented by Nebraska Wesleyan University, 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 28-31, McDonald Theatre, 51st and Huntington, Lincoln. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 for students 12 to 18 years and senior citizens, and $7.50 for children under 12; box office: 402.465.2384
Nebraska State Fair, Friday, Aug. 22, through Monday, Sept. 1, State Fair Park, Lincoln. Open Air Auditorium Entertainment Series Lineup: "Barbra and Frank: The Concert That Never Was," featuring the music of Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra, 10 a.m. and noon, Monday, Aug. 25 (part of Older Nebraskans' Festival); No Better Cause and Boyz II Men, 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25; Jo Ann Castle, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 (part of Older Nebraskans' Festival); Starship, starring Mickey Thomas and Survivor, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26; Third Day, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27; Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28; Galaxy of Stars Talent Search, 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, and Sunday, Aug. 31; "A Funny Experience Comedy Show," featuring Nebraska comedian, T. Marni Voss, Juli Burney and more, 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30; Nebraska Showcase of Talent," 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31; Nebraska Showcase of Talent and Mustang Sally, 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31; The Derailers, 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31; and Styx, 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1. Midway opens at 1 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. weekends and Labor Day. Fair admission: Adults, $5 before 5 p.m. weekdays and $8 after 5 p.m. weekdays, weekends and Labor Day; children age 6-12, $2; free for children 5 and under; no extra admission charge for open air concerts. Older Nebraskans' Festival admission: $3 for those 60 and older; Military Appreciation Day, Friday, Aug. 29; complimentary gate admission to all military personnel with military ID until 5 p.m. Free parking. Information: (402) 474-5371 or www.statefair.org.
Old-Timers Rodeo, Saturday, Aug. 30, Garfield County Fairgrounds, Burwell. Event featuring six rodeo events open to cowboys and cowgirls 40 and older. Admission is $3; information: Patty Cox (308) 346-5210; www.burwellchamber.net
"Honoring our Brave Veterans," the 12th annual Accordion Jamboree, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, and Sunday, Aug. 31, Heartland Events Center. Event features lots of accordion players, dancing to polkas and waltzes, food and beverages and a special salute to veterans on Sunday. Tickets range from $10 to $20; veterans admitted free with qualifying ticket. Information: Betty Robinson, (308) 440-3424 or (308) 236-8973; e-mail JamboreeFrontDesk@gmail.com or check http://accordionjamboree.com.
Back to School in Railroad Town, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, Stuhr Museum. It's all about readin', writin' and ’rithmetic as students test their skills at Peters School; hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for youth 6-12; children 5 and under admitted free. Information: 385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org.
Annual Kite Flight, 19th annual event, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, and Sunday, Aug. 31, Foster Smith Field, 5 miles southwest of Callaway. Event includes family, amateur and experienced kite flying; concessions, kite Bingo, musical entertainment, ranch rodeo and more. Admission is $2. Information: Connie May, (308) 836-2620.
Milk Jug Derby, Turtle Races and Golf Events, Saturday, Aug. 30, and Sunday, Aug. 31, Ericson. Information: Joe Wadas (308) 750-0426; www.lakeericson.com.
"Disney On Ice: Disneyland Adventure," 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, and Friday, Sept. 19; 11 a.m. and 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $12 to $52; Ticketmaster.
Earth, Wind & Fire, in concert, 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs. Tickets range from $42 to $147; Ticketmaster.
Avenged Sevenfold and Buckcherry, in concert with special guests Shinedown and Saving Abel, 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22, Pershing Center in Lincoln. General admission tickets are $35; Ticketmaster.
Rodney Atkins, in concert, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $15.50 to $52; Ticketmaster.
Larry the Cable Guy, stand-up comedy, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $25 to $62; Ticketmaster.
Jessica Simpson, in concert, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $15.50 to $52; Ticketmaster.
Jim Gaffigan's "Sexy Tour," 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, Omaha Music Hall, Omaha. Tickets are $37.75; Ticketmaster.
Rodney Carrington's "King of the Mountains" tour, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, Pershing Center, Lincoln, Reserved tickets are $39.75; Ticketmaster.
"Rock Band Live," on tour, featuring Panic At The Disco and Dashboard Confessional, with special guests Plain White T's and The Cab, Saturday, Oct. 18, Pershing Center, Lincoln. Tickets/information: www.rockbandlivetour.com.
"Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh," 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, Omaha Civic Auditorium; tickets range from $15 to $36; and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, Pershing Center, Lincoln; tickets range from $15 to $26; Ticketmaster.
"Chicago: The Musical," Sunday, Oct. 26, FirsTier Event Center, Kearney. Tickets/information: (308) 338-8011 or log on to www.kearneyevents.com.
New Kids on the Block, in concert, 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $27.50 to $67.50; Ticketmaster.
Bill Gaither and Friends, in concert, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, Qwest Center Omaha. Tickets range from $19.50 to $39.50; Ticketmaster.
Cline Dion, in concert, Monday, Nov. 17, 2008, Qwest Center, Omaha. Tickets range from $47.50 to $135; Ticketmaster.
Moscow Ballet's "Great Russian Nutcracker," 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, Omaha Music Hall, 17th and Davenport, Omaha. Tickets range from $23 to $63; Ticketmaster.
Venue & ticket info
- Heartland Events Center: 700 E. Stolley Park Road, 382-4515, www.HeartlandEventsCenter.com.
- FirsTier Event Center: 609 Platte Road, Kearney; office: (308) 338-8144; ticket office: (308) 338 -8011, www.kearneyevents.com.
- Pershing Center: Pershing Center, 226 Centennial Mall South, Lincoln; (402) 441-8744, www.pershingcenter.com.
- Lied Center for Performing Arts: 12th and R streets, Lincoln; (800) 432-3231, www.liedcenter.org.
- Qwest Center: 455 N. 10th St., Omaha; (402) 341-1500, www.qwestcenteromaha.com.
- Orpheum Theater: 409 S. 16th St., Omaha; box office: (402) 345-0606 or www.omahaperformingarts.org.
- Holland Performing Arts Center: 13th and Douglas; Omaha; box office: (402) 345-0606 or www.omahaperformingarts.org.
- Omaha Music Hall: 17th and Davenport, Omaha; (402) 997-9378.
- Mid America Center: One Arena Way, Council Bluffs, Iowa; (712) 323-0536, www.midamericacenter.com.
- Ticketmaster: (402) 475-1212, (402) 422-1212 or www.ticketmaster.com.
