Lincoln's Arenas, Theaters and Venues: What Each One Hosts

Lincoln's live entertainment scene runs from arena tours and Broadway shows to independent film, community theater and club concerts. Most of the major venues sit within walking distance of each other downtown and in the Haymarket, which makes a night out easy to plan.

This guide covers the main venues, what each usually hosts and where to find its schedule. Lineups change constantly, and each venue sets its own bag, ticketing and age policies, so always check the official site for the specific show you plan to attend.

Pinnacle Bank Arena

Pinnacle Bank Arena, at 400 Pinnacle Arena Drive, describes itself as a venue "hosting concerts, sporting events, family shows, Husker Basketball and more" in downtown Lincoln. Its calendar also includes volleyball championships, university commencement ceremonies and combat sports events.

Before you go:

• Read the arena's bag policy and prohibited items list, which is separate from the policy used at Husker football games.
• Check the arena's directions and parking page before you go.
• Buy through the arena's own site or its ticket office page; Husker basketball has its own page on the arena's site.

Lied Center for Performing Arts

The Lied Center for Performing Arts, at 12th and R streets on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's City Campus, is part of the university. Its stated mission is "to educate, inspire and entertain the people of Nebraska through the performing arts." Its seasons usually include touring Broadway productions, ballet and other dance, jazz, theater and music.

The center offers education programs and discounted tickets for UNL students. Its website lists upcoming shows along with visitor information, including directions and parking.

Historic downtown theaters: the Rococo and the Bourbon

The Rococo Theatre, at 140 North 13th Street, hosts live concerts, from local bands and tribute acts to classical and holiday performances. It also rents its space for weddings and private events. Upcoming shows are listed on the theater's events page.

The Bourbon Theatre, at 1415 O Street, books concerts across rock, country and electronic music, along with comedy, tribute acts and themed parties. Age rules vary by show, with some events open to all ages and others limited to 18 and over, and each listing shows a door time ahead of the show. The Bourbon posts its full calendar on its official site, and it offers a mailing list for advance announcements.

Film and community theater

The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, at 313 North 13th Street, describes itself as Lincoln's independent film theater. Its ticket information includes a discount for UNL students. Besides films, the Ross presents opera and theater screenings and special events. Showtimes are posted on its website, and the box office can answer questions.

The Lincoln Community Playhouse, at 2500 South 56th Street in southeast Lincoln, has been staging community theater for more than eight decades; its current season is its 81st. Seasons mix popular musicals and plays, including youth productions. Beyond the main stage, the Playhouse runs:

• A theatre arts academy for youth education
• The Penguin Project, an inclusive theater program
• The RadioActive Players, a senior theater group
• Costume rentals

Outdoors: Pinewood Bowl

Pinewood Bowl, in Pioneers Park on the city's southwest side, is an outdoor amphitheater that the City of Lincoln says was formally dedicated in 1947 to the men and women of World War II. It can hold up to 5,500 people. Pinewood Performing Arts, a nonprofit that says it has provided family entertainment to Lincoln since 1949, stages a musical there each summer and announces the next production on its website. The Pinnacle Bank Arena site also lists a Pinewood Bowl Theater summer concert series, presented by Legends Global and Mammoth Live.

Picking the right venue for your night

Each venue suits a different kind of outing. For a big touring act or a Husker basketball game, Pinnacle Bank Arena is the place, and you should plan for crowds, security screening and a longer walk from parking. For a polished stage production in a dedicated performance hall, look at the Lied Center's season. For a closer, more casual concert, the Rococo and the Bourbon put you near the stage. For something quieter, the Ross offers film, and the Lincoln Community Playhouse offers neighborhood theater with plenty of family-friendly titles. In summer, Pinewood Bowl adds the option of a show under the open sky.

If you need accessible seating, assistive listening or other accommodations, contact the venue's box office when you buy your tickets rather than on the night of the show.

Husker football and volleyball have their own campus venues, with game day rules, gate times and parking plans that differ from the arts venues above. For those, see our guide Husker Game Day in Lincoln: Getting There, Parking and Tips.

How to find schedules and buy tickets safely

1. Start with the venue's official website. Most list every upcoming show and link to their authorized ticket seller.
2. Check the venue's policies page for bag rules, age limits and accessibility before you buy.
3. Buy through the venue or its listed ticketing partner whenever possible. If you buy resale tickets, read the terms carefully first.
4. Plan parking. Several downtown venues draw on the same garages and street meters, so allow extra time when more than one event happens on the same night.
5. Join mailing lists for the venues you like. Many announce shows to subscribers before general sales.

Key takeaways

• Pinnacle Bank Arena hosts arena concerts, family shows and Husker basketball, with its own bag policy.
• The Lied Center, part of UNL, presents Broadway, dance, music and theater.
• The Rococo and Bourbon theaters host concerts and more in downtown Lincoln.
• The Ross shows independent film, and the Lincoln Community Playhouse runs a full community theater season.
• Pinewood Bowl in Pioneers Park hosts an outdoor summer musical; check each venue's official site for current schedules.

Sources - Pinnacle Bank Arena, official site — https://www.pinnaclebankarena.com/ - Lied Center for Performing Arts, About the Lied — https://www.liedcenter.org/about-lied - Rococo Theatre, official site — https://rococotheatre.com/ - Bourbon Theatre, official site — https://www.bourbontheatre.com/ - Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, official site — http://theross.org/ - Lincoln Community Playhouse, official site — https://www.lincolnplayhouse.com/ - City of Lincoln Parks and Recreation, Pioneers Park — https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks-Facilities/Parks-A-to-Z/Pioneers-Park - Pinewood Performing Arts, Pinewood Bowl — https://www.pinewoodbowl.org/