Arts Center at Iowa Western punches above its weight with a season that mixes touring acts and homegrown talent... think Forever Simon &…
2700 College Rd Arts Center (Council Bluffs)
“Arts Center at Iowa Western punches above its weight with a season that mixes touring acts and homegrown talent... think Forever Simon & Garfunkel, Pat Hazell's Permanent Record, an ABBA tribute, plus IWCC students taking the stage with The SpongeBob Musical. Low-fuss, high-fun nights close to home.”
From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 4, 2026
Historic General Dodge House Museum makes local history feel hands-on. Explore the preserved home of General Dodge, take in stories of war,…
605 S 3rd St (Council Bluffs)
“Historic General Dodge House Museum makes local history feel hands-on. Explore the preserved home of General Dodge, take in stories of war, steel, and leadership, and join a tour that turns our railroad legacy into something you can see, hear, and brag about at dinner.”
From the Council Bluffs newsletter, August 26, 2026
Union Pacific Railroad Museum serves up 150-plus years of rail history as hands-on fun, from a historic Carnegie Library setting to…
200 Pearl St (Council Bluffs)
“Union Pacific Railroad Museum serves up 150-plus years of rail history as hands-on fun, from a historic Carnegie Library setting to interactive galleries and the new Law and Order on the Railroad exhibit.”
From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 15, 2026
Catch the vibrant TAJIMAL K'IN photography show, on view through August 22, and the tactile beauty of Textiles of Latin America at El Museo…
4701 S 25th St
“Catch the vibrant TAJIMAL K'IN photography show, on view through August 22, and the tactile beauty of Textiles of Latin America at El Museo Latino, where pre-Columbian to contemporary stories fill a historic space. Drop in for folklórico dance classes or a printmaking workshop, because culture looks good on your week.”
Feeling like your week needs a little wide-open-sky energy? Great Plains Art Museum spotlights the people, places, and stories of our…
1155 Q St (Lincoln) · ✓ checked Jul 28
“Feeling like your week needs a little wide-open-sky energy? Great Plains Art Museum spotlights the people, places, and stories of our region with rotating exhibits, Indigenous ceramics, and works by Nebraska names like Dwight Kirsch. Low-key inspiring, very local, and a perfect quick reset between errands this week.”
If your kiddo has energy to spare, Erin's Dance Studio channels it into fun, rewarding classes taught by a team of pros, from first step to…
3818 N 108th St
“If your kiddo has energy to spare, Erin's Dance Studio channels it into fun, rewarding classes taught by a team of pros, from first step to polished routine. Registration is open now, and the season kicks off September 9 with an annual performance at the beautiful Orpheum Theater.”
Sneak a midweek escape at General Crook House Museum, a historic 19th century home where the heirloom garden and programs like Second…
5730 N 30th St
“Sneak a midweek escape at General Crook House Museum, a historic 19th century home where the heirloom garden and programs like Second Sunday Talks and History & Appreciation of Antiques classes make local history feel close to home and genuinely fun to nerd out about.”
Housed in Omaha’s 1931 Union Station, The Durham Museum serves up deep local history plus splashy traveling shows via its Smithsonian…
801 S 10th St
“Housed in Omaha’s 1931 Union Station, The Durham Museum serves up deep local history plus splashy traveling shows via its Smithsonian connections. Right now, peek Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume through October 25, 2026, or the “One-Track Mind” photography exhibition through October 4, 2026.”
From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 1, 2026
If your evening walk needs a little wow, South Omaha Mural Project fills the neighborhood with vibrant, story-rich murals shaped by local…
4808 S 26th St
“If your evening walk needs a little wow, South Omaha Mural Project fills the neighborhood with vibrant, story-rich murals shaped by local voices and history. Pick a block, find a wall, and let the colors do what caffeine can't this week.”
If your week needs a vibe check, ZZIANI Dance Studio teaches Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia and more in fun, beginner-friendly classes where no…
8709 Shamrock Rd
“If your week needs a vibe check, ZZIANI Dance Studio teaches Salsa, Bachata, Cumbia and more in fun, beginner-friendly classes where no partner is needed, all levels are welcome, and the built-in community makes it easy to relax, learn, and leave with real dance-floor confidence.”
International Quilt Museum houses the largest publicly held quilt collection in the world, with rotating exhibitions like Material Nation:…
1523 N 33rd St (Lincoln) · ✓ checked Aug 5
“International Quilt Museum houses the largest publicly held quilt collection in the world, with rotating exhibitions like Material Nation: 250 Years of American Quilts and deep-dive “World Quilts” stories. ” moments.”
Bourbon Theatre turns a renovated 1930s movie house into one of the city’s go-to rooms for live music, with multiple bars slinging craft…
1415 O St (Lincoln) · ✓ checked Sep 11
“Bourbon Theatre turns a renovated 1930s movie house into one of the city’s go-to rooms for live music, with multiple bars slinging craft cocktails. The calendar swings from indie and metal to throwback tributes and dance nights, so your group can actually agree on plans.”
Three floors of hands-on exhibits, pop-up programs, and day camps make Lincoln Children's Museum the go-to for burning off kid energy while…
1420 P St (Lincoln)
“Three floors of hands-on exhibits, pop-up programs, and day camps make Lincoln Children's Museum the go-to for burning off kid energy while sneaking in STEM learning. Look for the new MathHappens Math Room, sensory-friendly hours, birthday party magic, and Game Day Play Dates that pair perfectly with Huskers season.”
Joslyn Art Museum is serving 5,000 years of human creativity across three buildings, plus the inaugural presentation of the Phillip G.…
2200 Dodge St
“Joslyn Art Museum is serving 5,000 years of human creativity across three buildings, plus the inaugural presentation of the Phillip G. Schrager Collection. Swing by for Through the Lens, on view through August 16, then wander the sculpture gardens and feel instantly more interesting at dinner.”
Omaha Children's Museum packs real-deal, hands-on fun, with the Charlie Campbell Science & Technology Center, Art Smart Center, Imagination…
500 S 20th St
“Omaha Children's Museum packs real-deal, hands-on fun, with the Charlie Campbell Science & Technology Center, Art Smart Center, Imagination Playground, Tinker Factory, and Sandy’s Splish-Splash Garden keeping little brains buzzing and bodies moving.”
From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 6, 2026
Registration for the 2026-27 season is live at Nebraska Dance Central, so this week’s a great time to jump in with classes for every age…
11426 Davenport St
“Registration for the 2026-27 season is live at Nebraska Dance Central, so this week’s a great time to jump in with classes for every age from Peanuts and Tinys to Minis and Tracks A-D. Expect upbeat instruction, a positive vibe, Back to Dance Night to kick things off, and adult classes if you want in.”
Kiewit Luminarium is the hands-on science spot where you can tinker in the Maker Space, peek into the BioDiscovery Lab, and catch rotating…
345 Riverfront Dr
“Kiewit Luminarium is the hands-on science spot where you can tinker in the Maker Space, peek into the BioDiscovery Lab, and catch rotating theme days or adults-only Night Light, making it a solid Bellevue weeknight or weekend plan when your brain wants to play.”
If your idea of a fun evening is brushing shoulders with cursed items and whispering hallways, Museum Of Shadows packs over 5,000 allegedly…
1110 Douglas St
“If your idea of a fun evening is brushing shoulders with cursed items and whispering hallways, Museum Of Shadows packs over 5,000 allegedly haunted artifacts, self-guided tours, the lights-out Sit Challenge, and guided ghost hunts with curator Nate Raterman... perfect for when Netflix just isn't spooky enough.”
From the Council Bluffs newsletter, September 8, 2026
Hidden on UNL’s East Campus, Larsen Tractor Museum sits in the original 1919 Nebraska Tractor Test Lab, where testing started in March 1920…
N 35th St & Fair St (Lincoln)
“Hidden on UNL’s East Campus, Larsen Tractor Museum sits in the original 1919 Nebraska Tractor Test Lab, where testing started in March 1920 and still continues nearby. Wander past about 40 antique and delightfully odd tractors, and if the engineers are in, you might snag a behind-the-scenes lab tour.”
With 50+ years of teaching, Shannon Barnhart Dance Studio keeps things fun and student-focused, offering combo classes for kids from…
5026 Leavenworth St · ✓ checked Sep 15
“With 50+ years of teaching, Shannon Barnhart Dance Studio keeps things fun and student-focused, offering combo classes for kids from hip-hop to ballet to tap, plus Adult Jazz & Tap for grownups who still like a little spotlight.”
Historic Haymarket is your choose-your-own-Lincoln adventure this week, with the Haymarket Farmers' Market, a self-guided Historic…
335 N 8th St B (Lincoln) · ✓ checked Sep 11
“Historic Haymarket is your choose-your-own-Lincoln adventure this week, with the Haymarket Farmers' Market, a self-guided Historic Haymarket Walking Tour, arts and live shows, and over 200 local shops, bars, and restaurants packed into a few storied blocks. Grab a coffee, wander the bricks, let the day plan itself.”
Mary Lorraine's Dance Center has been shaping Omaha’s twirls for 37 years, with recreational classes for kids, teens, and adults plus a…
5330 S 136th St
“Mary Lorraine's Dance Center has been shaping Omaha’s twirls for 37 years, with recreational classes for kids, teens, and adults plus a competitive track for the go-getters. Registration for 2026-2027 is open, so claim a spot this week and find your groove before your couch does.”
Whether you laced up last week or back in PE class, the National Museum of Roller Skating dives into the sport’s vibrant history with the…
4730 South St (Lincoln) · ✓ checked Sep 18
“Whether you laced up last week or back in PE class, the National Museum of Roller Skating dives into the sport’s vibrant history with the world’s largest collection of roller skating artifacts, memorabilia, and stories. One-of-a-kind pieces, engaging exhibits, and free admission make it an easy local win.”
Give your brain a field trip at the University of Nebraska State Museum. Morrill Hall packs four floors of hands-on science, the…
Morrill Hall, 645 N 14th St (Lincoln) · ✓ checked Aug 14
“Give your brain a field trip at the University of Nebraska State Museum. Morrill Hall packs four floors of hands-on science, the jaw-dropping Elephant Hall, and a planetarium, plus you can peek into the Visible Lab to watch real fossil prep... perfect midweek curiosity recharge.”
Museum of American Speed is a sprawling trove of hot rods, Indy icons, land-speed streamliners, and oddballs like Hedy Lamarr's 1958…
599 Oakcreek Dr (Lincoln) · ✓ checked Sep 11
“Museum of American Speed is a sprawling trove of hot rods, Indy icons, land-speed streamliners, and oddballs like Hedy Lamarr's 1958 Cadillac and The Dale Car, plus rows of engines, toys, and models. If you love turning wrenches or just good stories on wheels, this place will happily eat an afternoon.”
From tiny tutus to adult hip-hop, Dance Cue Studio is the in-town spot for ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe, pom, and truly inclusive…
10841 Q St
“From tiny tutus to adult hip-hop, Dance Cue Studio is the in-town spot for ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, pointe, pom, and truly inclusive adaptive classes, all taught by warm, longtime dancers who build confidence and technique. New students can jump in anytime, and schedules flex based on demand.”
Whether you're nurturing a tiny toe-tapper or a committed competitor, Kitty Lee Dance Studio keeps Omaha moving with 69 years of family-run…
16880 Parker Plz
“Whether you're nurturing a tiny toe-tapper or a committed competitor, Kitty Lee Dance Studio keeps Omaha moving with 69 years of family-run dance education, strong technique, and real artistry. Fall classes are in session, with options from their Recreational Program to the KLD Company and Future Star programs.”
Treat yourself to Joslyn Castle & Gardens, a 1903 Scottish-inspired mansion where docent-led tours walk you room by room with a quick intro…
3902 Davenport St
“Treat yourself to Joslyn Castle & Gardens, a 1903 Scottish-inspired mansion where docent-led tours walk you room by room with a quick intro video, then let you roam the gardens and pop into the Carriage House Café for a well-earned coffee.”
From the Council Bluffs newsletter, August 29, 2026
Stars Dance Academy keeps dance welcoming and fun while building creativity, imagination, and confidence. Registration for their 24th…
2915 S 108th St
“Stars Dance Academy keeps dance welcoming and fun while building creativity, imagination, and confidence. Registration for their 24th season is open, so if trying a new class has been lingering on your list, consider this your friendly nudge this week... you can even take a quick virtual tour first.”
