A Season of Concerts: Omaha Concert Venues

My brother-in-law told me the scariest statistic I had ever heard a couple years ago: 

We stop discovering new music at age 30.

Maybe we’re getting a little too old for bright lights at a concert!

What? 30?? That better be because I drop dead or I’ve lost my hearing in some freak accident. Chalk it up being a millennial or what have you, but I wanted to beat that statistic and so did my husband. And thus began what we now call “The Summer of Concerts”. By the end, we felt like we experienced almost every concert venue Omaha had to offer. I sure hope that you’re able to find your own season of concerts and relive your 20s (or 30s or 60s)!

CHI Health Center

Formerly the Century-link Center and before that the Qwest Center, this arena, whatever its name, has been the backdrop for major acts like Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, and Imagine Dragons. If you’re looking for something a little more mainstream, I highly recommend attending a concert here! One of my favorite memories at this arena was a Coldplay concert. We received these crazy wristbands that lit up with the music! Just a fair warning: with tightened security measures, you can’t bring in a bag larger than a wallet. Be sure to leave your purse at home and be ready to dance!

 

 

SumTur Amphitheater

I LOVE outdoor concerts. I personally think they’re the most fun environments since they’re out in the open. This amphitheater has limited physical seats, but we brought our lawn chairs to a concert here. The location of this concert venue surprised me the most since it’s right next Papillion-LaVista South High, but I think it serves as a great reminder that concert venues don’t have to be far from home. Even though it’s getting colder outside, keep the SumTur in your mind when planning your season of concerts in the spring. When you do, be sure to bring plenty of bug spray, a great lawn chair or blanket, and your friends and spouse for a fun show!

Sokol Auditorium

sokol concert venue
Ben Folds at Sokol

 

This is one of the oldest venues in Omaha for shows. I love the really interesting and historical backdrop as it creates a specific environment for many of the concerts here. We attended a Ben Folds concert and I don’t think it would have had the same effect had we attended the same concert elsewhere. It’s such a tiny concert hall and is more reminiscent of a high school gym. If you’re looking for intimacy in a concert experience, this venue certainly helps create that environment!

 

 

 

Harrah’s Stir Cove

I think it’s kind of funny, but this is actually one venue I haven’t attended even though it’s the closest to my house! I’ve heard so many good things about this place however. It’s also an outdoor stage (a bonus in my book), but it gives more of a Woodstock outdoor concert feel. Many more established groups come through this venue so it’s a great starting point for beginning your season of concerts. The Stir posts it’s year of concerts far in advance, so keep them in mind for next year. And if you do go before me, I would totally love to hear what you think!

The Slowdown

If you’re looking to beat that statistic about finding new music, this is the place to do it. The Slowdown is a bar that hosts a bunch of awesome indie bands and is totally the place where I find new acts to put into my playlists. It’s pretty tiny, but I’ve never been to an uncomfortably packed concert here. I really enjoy the smaller atmosphere. I’ve even been able to greet some of the bands that have played here!

I sure hope you can make your own memories at these awesome places. Omaha is a treasure trove of cool concert venues! Here’s hoping you get to enjoy all they have to offer!

Neidy
Neidy (pronounced "nay-dee") is a native Georgia girl, but moved to Omaha in 2012 and hasn't looked back. She lives in East Council Bluffs with her husband Zach, her sons Charlie and Eddie, and her daughter Tegan. Neidy met her husband while in college and married him while he was still serving active duty in the Marine Corps. After a brief stint living in San Diego, they decided to move back to her husband's native home in Omaha. Neidy finished her degree at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, pursuing Film Studies, which has cemented her love of Omaha. She's now a homeschooling mom and works at her church as the children's ministry site manager. She also loves a great cup of coffee, exploring various locally-based restaurants, indie movies, experimenting with new recipes, finding new ways to teach her children, and cheering on the Huskers.