[title size=”1 to 6″ style=”options: default, sidebar”]MAHA Music Festival[/title]
Aug. 16
Aksarben Village, Omaha
$50
Maha is considered an indie rock music festival and this year it delivers with headliners Death Cab for Cutie, The Head and the Heart and Local Natives. The day-long event in Stinson Park is more than a music festival. Maha offers many art activities and, if it’s like last year, a comedy tent, a poetry tent and several informational booths headed by locally owned companies and organizations. Maha is all about community. The festival is not for profit, is run entirely by volunteers and is known for loudly supporting local businesses, groups, and musical and artistic efforts. Next to the music, the best thing about Maha might be its food: Half of the sensations of Maha are the smells patrons inhale as they first enter and walk down the street of trucks that sell a variety of local cuisine–not to mention beer like Boulevard and not Bud Light.
http://www.mahamusicfestival.com/
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Photo by Adam Wolffbrandt | Lincoln Journal Star | 2013
[title size=”1 to 6″ style=”options: default, sidebar”]Zoofest[/title]
July 11-12
14th Street between O and P, Lincoln
Single day and double day passes will be available, ticket prices to be announced
Zoofest is the annual music festival put on each year by the Zoo Bar, a nationally known blues bar located in the heart of downtown Lincoln. Every July, the 41-year-old club celebrates its birthday by first, for three days, pumping out even more live acts on the indoor stage than its usual bulk and then the party moves outside for the two-day music festival. Last year, Zoofest was three days long and included headliner Universe Contest in star spangled speedos on the Fourth of July. This year, Zoofest condenses to two days, likely resulting in a tighter lineup which has yet to be announced. Two days or three, Zoofest never fails to bring in a wide variety of entertaining and talented acts, both nationally and locally. Zoofest performers play anything from blues to country, zydeco, rockabilly, funk, soul and rock and roll.
Zoofest website
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[title size=”1 to 6″ style=”options: default, sidebar”]KZUM Stransky Park concert series[/title]
Every Thursday, June 5 – Aug. 14, 7 – 9 p.m.
17th & Harrison, Lincoln
Free
Lineup TBA
These concerts have been active for 10 summers and managed by the Irvingdale Neighborhood Association. Community radio station KZUM has scooped up the series this year, determined to keep the tradition alive and glowing. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to Stransky Park and to donate to the free event. The mostly local bands play inside the huge gazebo that the neighborhood park boasts and the audiences spreads all around it while treats are vended and children play on the park’s equipment. Many locally-owned businesses help sponsor the ten concerts that fall every Thursday this summer except July 3. Announcements of this year’s line-up are expected to arrive next week on their Facebook page. The diversity-striving, volunteer-ran community station is the ideal force to take over this community tradition that values live music from a variety of performers.
Check their Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/stranskyconcerts
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[title size=”1 to 6″ style=”options: default, sidebar”]Jazz in June[/title]
Every Tuesday in June
Sheldon Museum of Art, Lincoln
Free
Lineup TBA
Each year, the Sheldon Museum of Art and University of Nebraska in Lincoln kick off summer with some relaxing jazz. Every Tuesday for the entire month of June, people can stroll onto the UNL campus and enjoy great jazz music, all for free. The event also includes a special market before each show, featuring a variety of vendors, food producers, and others looking to sell their wares. Go ahead and buy some great local food, find a cozy spot at the Sheldon Museum of Art, sit back and let the sounds of jazz soothe your soul.
http://www.jazzinjune.com/
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[title size=”1 to 6″ style=”options: default, sidebar”]Farmers’ Market[/title]
Every Saturday, May 3 – mid-October, 8am – noon
7th Street, Lincoln’s Haymarket
Free
In 2007, Lincoln’s Farmer’s Market expanded into an additional block and this year, it is possible that the market will expand even more due to the onset of the new additions in the Haymarket area. The Lincoln farmer’s market is home to around 200 vendors providing all locally grown, and handmade items. From baked goods and baklavas, windchimes, and jewelry, to outdoor furniture, the market’s winding path of tents has just about everything you need. In addition to the artwork, home goods, and food, the farmer’s market provides live performances from local bluegrass, jazz and swing groups all morning, rain or shine. You can find more information on their Facebook page, or the Lincoln Haymarket website.
Find updates on the Farmers’ Market Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/farmersmarketlincoln
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[title size=”1 to 6″ style=”options: default, sidebar”]Pinewood Bowl concert series[/title]
June 7 – August 25
Pinewood Bowl Theater, Pioneer’s Park, Lincoln
Prices Vary
Upcoming Shows: Ben Folds, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Boston & The Doobie Brothers
In the last couple of years, The Pinewood Bowl has completely amped up its game, seeking out top notch musical acts to bring large audiences into the large, scenic park every summer. The series has become a staple of Lincoln and patrons look forward to sitting under the stars and listening to a variety of different bands. Camping isn’t allowed, the venue remains the perfect place to tailgate with friends.
http://pinewoodbowltheater.com/
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Other local summer events include:
- First Friday art walk
Every first Friday of the year, multiple art studios and other venues show off newly presented work by local artists. Find more information about First Fridays on the Haymarket’s website and the Downtown Lincoln Association’s website.
- Lovefest in the Midwest
A music festival in western/central Nebraska
http://lovefestinthemidwest.com/ - Pinnacle Bank Arena concerts
The Pinnacle Bank arena are continuing to pump out big concerts and events. Perhaps the biggest concert yet is Paul McCartney. This was announced Apr. 21 and tickets go on sale Apr. 28.
www.pinnaclebankarena.com - Capital City Beerfest
Speaking of the Pinnacle Bank Arena, the apparently first Beerfest in Lincoln will be held May 3 at 6 p.m. the Arena. ” The event will feature over 100 domestic and imported craft beers, education seminars, local food fare prepared by area restaurants and live local music.” For more information visit, http://www.pinnaclebankarena.com/tickets/event/2014/05/03/2014-capital-city-beerfest