Live music in Council Bluffs, IA

North Omaha Music & Arts hosts weekly, free-to-attend jazz gatherings that start with a house band set and continue with an open session for jazz musicians, instrumentalists, and vocalists to collaborate, explore ideas, and sharpen their skills. The series focuses on elevating high-quality jazz in the local community while creating a welcoming space for inspiration, connection, and memorable live music.

The New Pornographers bring The Former Site Of Tour to The Waiting Room for a live concert. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $38 when bought in advance and $43 on the day of the show.

Guardin brings a live concert to Reverb Lounge in an all-ages setting. Tickets are $24 when bought in advance and $27 on the day of the show.

The Format teams up with The Get Up Kids for an all ages night in the Main Room at Slowdown. Ticket options include $42.50 in advance or $48 the day of the show, $62.50 for balcony reserved, and $82.50 for pitside reserved on the east or west sides. Reserved sections are seated, with open choice within each section on a first come basis. One dollar from every ticket supports efforts to reduce food insecurity, assist marginalized communities, and fund local animal shelters through the Catalyst Philanthropy Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity. Fresh off sold out reunion shows, The Format returns as the duo of Nate Ruess and Sam Means with new music from their third album, created with producer Brendan O’Brien and featuring contributions from Matt Chamberlain. Expect the melodic hooks and vintage pop flair fans know, now blended with the alt rock, grunge, and pop punk textures that first inspired them, heard across songs like Holy Roller, Depressed, Right Where I Belong, and No You Don’t, alongside favorites from Interventions + Lullabies and Dog Problems.

Tommy K Solo will appear at The Pit BBQ Lounge.

Emarosa presents the High Horse Heaven Tour at The Waiting Room, featuring support from VEAUX and dreamfone. This all ages concert offers tickets at $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the event.

Holywatr teams up with mercury for a powerful show in the Main Room at Slowdown. Holywatr brings a hard-hitting blend of alternative metal, emo, and metalcore, following tours with Architects, Chiodos, and Warped Tour and a sold out headlining run. With millions of streams and more than half a million monthly listeners, the band continues its momentum with the full-length release Deo Gratias. mercury, the project led by Maddie Kerr from the rural outskirts of Franklin, Tennessee, shapes songs as a means of survival, and the three-track collection Together We Are One, You And I, featuring Born in Early May, Special, and Crick, is paired with a short film directed by Harrison Shook that weaves stark imagery, contemporary dance, and narrative snapshots to explore grief, pain, loss, and connection. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day of show, with a $105 GA + The Procession VIP option that includes general admission, early access to merch and the venue, a signed Procession laminate, an exclusive merchandise bundle, an acoustic performance, a Q and A with the band, and a photo. This is an all ages show.

Rockin the Dream Fest brings four days of live music to Dream On The Green with a roster of national bands. Featured performers include John Corabi & Friends (x Motley Crue), Them Dirty Roses, Rehab, Tantric, The Four Horseman, Shallow Side, T.R.O.Y, and more, all in an intimate Omaha setting. Pass options include day passes and a limited number of four-day passes.

Jefferson Starship brings the Runaway Again Tour to The Astro for a concert with seating that is fully reserved. Ticket access includes several presale opportunities, such as artist, promoter and venue, Spotify, VIP packages, and local options, followed by a general public sale. VIP packages are available, and holiday offers are listed for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July.

A bike night at The Drinkery celebrates the spirit of the road and welcomes everyone, whether you roll in on two wheels or arrive on four. Expect a relaxed, social atmosphere centered on cruising and good company.

Deer Tick brings a night of live music to The Waiting Room Lounge. Tickets are $27 if purchased in advance and $30 on the day of the show. This performance is open to all ages.

An intimate evening unfolds in a tucked-away gathering space within the loft's newest chapter, designed for conversation, one-night-only cocktails, music, laughter, and memorable company. The experience is created with women, the LGBTQ+ community, and friends who appreciate a welcoming, stylish setting where everyone can simply relax. Thoughtful moments and a few surprises are planned. Dress to impress or arrive just as you are... kindness sets the tone. Attendance is limited to preserve the cozy atmosphere, with a small number of tickets available.

This event features open mic performances followed by karaoke. To take the stage, reserve a spot by emailing HarvesterArtistLofts@gmail.com and share your music, comedy, poetry, or other talents, as space is limited. Those who do not plan to perform are welcome to listen and hang out. Ages 17+.

At The Dock Bar & Grill in Council Bluffs, The Chicago Invasion performs a tribute to Chicago featuring a bold horn section, tight grooves, and dynamic vocals. The set includes well-known hits along with a few surprises, presented with the energetic feel of the original band’s sound. It delivers Chicago’s signature style live for an engaging music experience.

Born of Osiris takes the stage at The Waiting Room, joined by Ben’s Raincoat and Ex Nihilo. This concert is open to all ages. Tickets are $22 in advance or $25 on the day of the show.

One2Go performs at Bogie's Bar & Grill - West with a live variety set that blends pop, rock, and country for an evening of dancing.

Maestro Falletta and pianist Joyce Yang launch the 2026/27 season at Holland Performing Arts Center with Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, a Jazz Age showcase from the American crossover composer where the orchestra’s elegance lets the melodies shine. The program frames the centerpiece with the brilliant energy of Adolphus Hailstork’s Fanfare on Amazing Grace and the romantic richness of Strauss, featuring Dance of the Seven Veils and the Suite from Rosenkavalier. A pre-concert talk in the orchestra level lobby, presented by Omaha Symphony musicians, offers a lively guide to the music before the performance, and the performance delivers virtuosity and themes that linger well after the final note.

Modest Mouse appears at The Astro with several ticket options to fit different preferences. Attendees can opt for a general admission floor spot or reserved seating in the balcony. Suite tickets add extra conveniences, including a separate entrance, access to a private bar that accepts credit cards only, and private restrooms within the suite area. Suites are available as reserved seating in Sections Suite1 and Suite2 or as standing room only in Suite SRO. Trust for Public Land is the charitable partner for the tour.

Gogol Bordello leads a night in Slowdown’s Main Room with That Handsome Devil and Pons. This all ages show offers a choice of reserved sections, with Pitside and Balcony seating operating on a first come, first pick basis within each area. Ticket options include $35 advance and $40 day of show, $50 for Balcony Reserved, and $70 for Pitside East Reserved or Pitside West Reserved. Fronted by Ukrainian singer Eugene Hütz, Gogol Bordello has grown into an eight piece, multicultural force that blends Eastern, Western, and Latin traditions with a fierce punk spirit. The group’s history traces from New York’s Lower East Side and legendary rooms like CBGB to stages shared with System of a Down, Primus, Rancid, and Dropkick Murphys, collaborations with Regina Spektor, and studio work with producers Rick Rubin, Steve Albini, Nick Launay, and Adam “Atom” Greenspan. Their advocacy for Ukraine has included partnerships with Nova Ukraine and ArtDopomoga, benefit events with artists such as Patti Smith, The Hold Steady, Suzanne Vega, Magnetic Fields, and Matisyahu, and a collaboration with Bernard Sumner on a cover of Solidarity that supported Ukrainian Soldiers Recovery. The Vice documentary Scream of My Blood: A Gogol Bordello Story earned awards at festivals including DOC LA, Tribeca, and Warsaw, and toured the United States with performances and Q and As, while Hütz has appeared in films like Everything Is Illuminated and Filth and Wisdom. Their latest album, We Mean It, Man, channels post punk textures and added bite into the band’s free wheeling gypsy punk with concise, hook driven songs. Highlights include the surging title track with no wave sax, No Time For Idiots with a big chorus that nods to Strummer and Jones, Life Is Possible Again with hard won optimism, and Solidarity featuring Bernard Sumner. That Handsome Devil brings sharp wordplay and catchy tunes that lean into satire and social commentary, delivering lively sets that keep audiences moving and a sound that resists easy labels. Pons arrives with a relentless DIY spirit and a stage attack that feels explosive. Drawing on the swagger of Iggy Pop and the electronic abrasion of Suicide, Jack Parker spits a cutting take on the digital present, shaping a new noise pop for now. The band has supported acts including Gogol Bordello, Lambrini Girls, A Place To Bury Strangers, Laura Jane Grace, Geese, Vundabar, Frankie and the Witch Fingers, and Bush Tetras.

Enjoy karaoke hosted by DJ Skit at The Nifty.

Maestro Falletta and pianist Joyce Yang launch the 2026/27 season at the Holland Performing Arts Center with Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, spotlighting the composer’s celebrated blend of classical and jazz and melodies that linger. The program is framed by Adolphus Hailstork’s Fanfare on Amazing Grace and the rich romanticism of Strauss, featuring Dance of the Seven Veils and the Suite from Rosenkavalier. Before the performance, a pre-concert talk in the orchestra level lobby offers insights into the repertoire, presented by Omaha Symphony musicians.

The Schizophonics headline the Front Room at Slowdown with support from Fever Dog and Cope Acidic. This trio from San Diego delivers a blistering, high-energy strain of rock and roll, mixing overdriven guitar, tight rhythms, and constant motion on stage. The lineup features Pat Beers on vocals and guitar, Lety Beers on drums, and Sarah Linton on bass. Their live set pairs raw power with sharp precision, piling gritty grooves, feedback, and punchy hooks into a performance that feels urgent from the first note. Extensive touring in fourteen countries has shaped a reputation for a hard-hitting show that nods to James Brown, Iggy Pop, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, and The Sonics. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of show. This is an all ages event.

Gravel Street returns to Island Bar and Grill in La Vista for a lively night out. The setting includes tasty food, cold drinks, and a fun atmosphere to complement the excitement.

Karaoke takes over The Brickhouse Sportsbar with DJ Dish at the helm, helping singers feel like stars. The first five performers who tackle a challenge song will receive a surprise.

Fifth House in Blackstone hosts a Saturday night dance party with a live DJ spinning house, EDM, hip hop, and pop. Enjoy drinks and dancing, relax on the patio, and take in the vibrant lighting throughout the night.

Symphony of Sports turns the concert hall into a spirited arena, blending the excitement of athletics with the power of orchestral music in a family-friendly program. Beethoven’s Fifth gets a playful football twist, and the triumphant sweep of John Williams’ Olympic Theme adds to the thrill, creating a lively connection between the field and the stage. Expect interactive moments with movement and chances to cheer, welcoming young athletes, music fans, and their adults to take part together and celebrate teamwork in both sports and music. An ASL interpreter will be present for this performance. Before the music begins, enjoy pre-concert lobby activities such as hands-on crafts, musical instrument demonstrations, and more to spark curiosity and build anticipation. Presented at the Holland Performing Arts Center.

Coheed and Cambria take the stage at The Admiral Theater with The Home Team for an evening of expansive rock and vivid storytelling. Their album The Father of Make Believe brings a more personal lens from singer and guitarist Claudio Sanchez while still threading pieces of the Amory Wars saga through the music. With Sanchez joined by Travis Stever, Josh Eppard, and Zach Cooper, the band shifts from calm textures to roaring peaks, a sound shaped during their early 2000s rise between emo and metal scenes. Two VIP experiences are available. MAGE VIP includes a full-band meet and greet, a professional photo, early entry, a one-song performance by Coheed members, an exclusive cassette of Entities EP demos, a laminate with lanyard, a collector lapel pin, and first access to merchandise. PRISE VIP offers early entry, a laminate and lanyard, a one-song exclusive performance by Coheed members, and early access to merch. Presales are listed under COHEED AND CAMBRIA, KIWR, KEZO, Bandsintown, and a local option, along with a public onsale.