Welcome to Omaha, you are going to find a surprisingly strong mix of Broadway tours, local theater, live music, comedy, and indie film. This guide to the Best Theaters & Performing Arts in Omaha was chosen based on local reputation, geographic spread, unique value, and newcomer-friendly details like parking, accessibility, and clear ticketing. Hours can be seasonal or show-based, so when in doubt, check the venue website before you go.
Holland Performing Arts Center
Website: https://o-pa.org/visit-our-venues/holland/
Address: 1200 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 345-0606
Hours: Mon-Fri 12 pm-5 pm (Ticket Omaha box office); Hours may change; check the website.
Omaha’s flagship concert hall for major touring acts, symphony nights, and special events. Great downtown location with garages and lots nearby, so it’s an easy “first show in Omaha” pick.
Orpheum Theater
Website: https://o-pa.org/visit-our-venues/orpheum/
Address: 409 S 16th St, Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 345-0606
Hours: Mon-Fri 12 pm-5 pm (Ticket Omaha box office); Hours may change; check the website.
The classic downtown theater for touring Broadway, opera, and big one-night performances. Arrive early if you want nearby street parking, or use a garage and enjoy a short walk through the Theater District.
Steelhouse Omaha
Website: https://steelhouseomaha.com/
Address: 1100 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 345-0606
Hours: Mon-Fri 12 pm-5 pm (Ticket Omaha box office); Hours may change; check the website.
A newer downtown venue that’s ideal for concerts and modern touring shows. Good choice if you like a high-energy crowd and want to keep the night going nearby after the show.
Omaha Community Playhouse
Website: https://omahaplayhouse.com/
Address: 6915 Cass St, Omaha, NE 68132
Phone: (402) 553-0800
Hours: Tue-Wed 10 am-5 pm; Thu-Fri 10 am-6:30 pm; Sat 12 pm-6:30 pm; Sun 12 pm-4 pm; Mon closed (during productions); Hours may change; check the website.
A must-know for newcomers because it blends local talent with a very polished, “big theater” feel. Easy parking on-site makes it especially friendly if you are still learning the city.
The Rose Theater
Website: https://rosetheater.org/
Address: 2001 Farnam St, Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 345-4849
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 am-4:30 pm; Sat-Sun closed (box office); Hours may change; check the website.
Perfect for families, visiting relatives, or anyone who likes smart, high-quality productions in a beautiful historic space. Downtown location makes it easy to pair with dinner before or after.
BLUEBARN Theatre
Website: https://bluebarn.org/
Address: 1106 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108
Phone: (402) 345-1576
Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am-4 pm; Sat-Sun closed (box office); Hours may change; check the website.
A great pick if you like contemporary plays and creative staging. It’s close to the Old Market, so it’s easy to turn a show into a full night out.
Shelterbelt Theatre
Website: https://www.shelterbelt.org/
Address: 4383 Nicholas St, Suite 204, Omaha, NE 68131
Phone: (402) 341-2757
Hours: Varies by performance schedule; Hours may change; check the website.
Known for original work and a local, community feel. If you want something different than touring productions, this is a solid starting point.
Benson Theatre
Website: https://www.bensontheatre.org/
Address: 6054 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104
Phone: (402) 991-4333
Hours: Varies by event schedule; Hours may change; check the website.
A historic venue in one of Omaha’s most popular neighborhoods for nightlife and food. Great for concerts, special events, and a “walk around Benson” evening.
Slowdown
Website: https://theslowdown.com/
Address: 729 N 14th St, Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 345-7569
Hours: Varies by event schedule; Hours may change; check the website.
A favorite live music stop with a laid-back vibe. Good downtown location, and it’s easy to combine with other North Downtown spots on the same night.
The Admiral Theatre
Website: https://admiralomaha.com/
Address: 2234 S 13th St, Omaha, NE 68108
Phone: (402) 346-9802
Hours: Varies by event schedule; Hours may change; check the website.
A longtime Omaha venue for concerts and big crowd nights, including multiple room setups. Plan a little extra time for arrival since show nights can be busy.
Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater
Website: https://filmstreams.org/
Address: 1340 Mike Fahey St, Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 933-0259
Hours: Open daily; showtimes vary; Hours may change; check the website.
Ideal if you prefer indie films, documentaries, and thoughtful programming. It’s a simple, approachable way to plug into Omaha’s arts scene without needing to plan far ahead.
The Arts Center at Iowa Western
Website: https://artscenter.iwcc.edu/
Address: 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Phone: (712) 388-7140
Hours: Varies by event schedule; Hours may change; check the website.
Just across the river with a steady calendar of concerts, theater, and campus productions. Nice option when you want something close but not downtown.
Dreamland Theatre
Website: https://www.unleashcb.com/play/dreamland_theatre/
Address: 107 Broadway Street, Carson, IA 51525
Phone: (712) 484-2281
Hours: Weekend showtimes; Hours may change; check the website.
Another easy road-trip style option with a classic small-theater feel. Good if you want something different than the usual weekend lineup in Omaha.
Grist Mill
Website: https://www.unleashcb.com/play/grist_mill/
Address: 313 Main Street, Macedonia, IA 51549
Phone: (712) 486-2216
Hours: Performance schedule varies; Hours may change; check the website.
A small venue known for stage productions and community arts. If you like intimate performances and local flavor, it’s worth keeping on your radar for a weekend outing.
How to choose a theater or venue in Omaha
- Decide what you want first: touring Broadway, local theater, live music, comedy, or indie film all feel very different.
- Check parking before you buy tickets: downtown venues often have garages nearby, but show nights can fill up.
- Look for accessibility details: many venues list ADA seating, elevators, and drop-off options online.
- Plan around show-based hours: several venues only open close to showtime, so eat first if you want a relaxed night.
- If you have kids: start with The Rose for a smooth first experience, then branch out as they get older.
Neighborhood quick picks
- Downtown / Theater District: Orpheum Theater, Holland Performing Arts Center
- North Downtown: Slowdown, Film Streams’ Ruth Sokolof Theater
- Benson: Benson Theatre
- Midtown / Central: Omaha Community Playhouse
- South Omaha / Little Bohemia: BLUEBARN Theatre, The Admiral Theatre
If you are deciding where to live, being close to your favorite venues can make Omaha feel like home faster, especially in your first few months. For more ideas beyond the stage, explore https://movetoomaha.com/things-to-do/ and browse area guides at https://movetoomaha.com/neighborhoods/. You will find even more ways to enjoy the Best Theaters & Performing Arts in Omaha once you know which parts of town fit your day-to-day life.
