Minden Opera House ANNOUNCES 2025-26 SEASON
(Minden, Nebraska) With the start of a new school year just around the corner, the Minden Opera House is also preparing for another year. They will open their 2025-26 Season with The Women of Rock on Saturday, September 20 at 7:30 pm. The show is a tribute to some of the most well-known and influential female rock artists of the 1970s and ‘80s such as Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Janis Joplin, Blondie and Heart. Backed by some of Kansas City’s best musicians, they have opened for national acts like Grand Funk, Blue Oyster Cult, 38 Special, The Little River Band, The Guess Who, Electric Light Orchestra, and others. This premier tribute performs all the hits, including Hit Me with Your Best Shot, Barracuda, I Love Rock and Roll, and more, with extreme attention to detail so you’ll hear the songs you remember – exactly as they were recorded. Travel back in time to some of the greatest years of rock and roll with the Women of Rock! Tickets are $35.
The remainder of the season includes regional favorites Flatwater Jazz Orchestra, as well as the return of Nebraska native Lucas Hoge, a family-friendly science show in the spring and the Missoula Children’s Theatre in the summer of 2026. Details below
NOVEMBER 8 – Flatwater Jazz Orchestra 7:30 pm Tickets $20
The Flatwater Jazz Orchestra is a local jazz ensemble featuring 16 of the area’s finest musicians. FJO was started out of a need to get together and play music, but everyone soon realized that this was a ton of fun and they needed to play it in front of people. The group has been playing since 2015 and have had the chance to play for a variety of events ranging from the MONA summer concert series to the annual Wine and Jazz Festival in Kearney.
DECEMBER 19 - Lucas Hoge 7:30 pm Tickets $35
The No. 1 Billboard-charting artist can craft a song, cast a line, or call in a turkey. As a warm, engaging television host on hit Sportsman Channel, Heartland Network, and American Country Network show Hoge Wild, Hoge found himself in over 155 million households annually. The Hubbell, Nebraska native, population 44, loves animals and is a passionate supporter of the U.S. military, performing for troops throughout the Middle East and beyond for more than 13 years as a part of the Wrangler National Patriot Tour. In July of 2025, Hoge released Book About Me. The lead single, “When A Cowboy Prays,” features actor Forrie Smith from hit Paramount show Yellowstone.
APRIL 24 – Let’s Go Science Show 7:00 pm Adults $20 / Students $5
Get ready to laugh and learn. Trained as jugglers and comedians, Todd Victor, aka Professor Smart, and Lizette Guy, aka Dr. Knowitall, bring science to life with storytelling and cool demonstrations. Watch out because things will be flying! The duo has performed for millions of people nationwide, entertaining and educating audiences of all ages.
JUNE/JULY – Missoula Children’s Theatre Dates, times, and prices TBD
Missoula Children’s Theatre sends a team of two directors armed with costumes, set pieces, and lots of energy to spend 6 days creating an amazing hour-long production with up to 65 local children.
Originally constructed in 1891, the Opera House building housed three separate businesses on its first floor, each with street-level access until its renovation in 1997. The Kearney County Community Foundation acquired the building that year through generous bequests from the Estates of Vane and Alta Nied and Nels & Lucille Winther. Opting for a complete overhaul, the Foundation undertook a complete renovation, introducing a stunning stairway, Gift Shop, Art Gallery, and meeting rooms. The grand opening of the renovated Minden Opera House took place over Memorial Day weekend in 2000, celebrating its return to being a vibrant hub for the arts and events in South Central Nebraska. They celebrated their 25th anniversary over Memorial Day weekend in 2025.
The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported this season through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Visit artscouncilnebraska.org for information on how the Nebraska Arts Council can assist your organization, or how you can support the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.