Looking for something to do this weekend? Pick pumpkins at a fall festival, hear stories from the Vietnam War or meet astronaut Clay Anderson.
Fall festivals
Celebrate the harvest season at two events. Pick pumpkins and flowers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lanoha Nurseries, 19111 West Center Road, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21-22. Guests can decorate pumpkins, and hayrack rides are 1 to 3 p.m. both days. Dire Lion, an English-style food truck, Thunderhead Brewing and Omaha Coffee Truck will sell food and drinks. Also Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m., drink apple cider and listen to music at The Big Garden, 5602 Read St. There will be games and pony rides. Food and drink are available for purchase. Admission is free to both events.
Shop from more than 150 local and Midwestern crafters, designers and producers on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way in Council Bluffs. This event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. features modern-style handmade goods, live music and food and drink available for purchase. Admission is $5 and free for ages 12 and younger. For more information, go to hutchfest.co.
Historical programs
Omaha Public Library will host two programs regarding the Vietnam War. Retired lieutenant colonel Jeff Flagg will share memories, photos and memorabilia during the program “My Vietnam Experience” at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Willa Cather Branch, 1905 S. 44th St. Veterans are invited to bring mementos and share stories; a commemorative lapel pins will be presented to Vietnam veterans in attendance. University of Nebraska Lincoln history lecturer Thomas Berg will speak about the war’s start and women’s involvement during the program “Beverly Deepe Keever: An Unconventional Woman for An Unconventional War” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, at W. Dale Clark Main Library, 215 S. 15th St. Clips from PBS’s “The Vietnam War” will be shown. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free to both events.
Beer and wine walk
Walk downtown Papillion and sample wine and beer at local businesses during “Spook and Sip” Saturday, hosted by Historical Downtown Business Association. Start at the First Street Plaza, First and 84th Streets, to receive a sampling glass starting at 5:30 p.m. Finish at Twisted Vine, 123 N. Washington, for live music and a costume contest at 9:30 p.m. Cost is $30 at the door. For more information, go to papilliondba.com.
Stage performance
See The Florentine Players present “Trapped! – A Night of One Acts,” a series of three spooky plays, at Florence City Hall, 2864 State St., on Saturday, Oct. 21. Dress in costume; a costume contest will occur during intermission. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets, $10, are available at the door. For more information, go to florencetheater.org.
Night at the Museum
Hear NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson speak on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, 28210 W Park Highway in Ashland, Nebraska. Guests can see a planetarium show, a spacesuit and black holes exhibit from 5 to 8 p.m. Anderson will speak at 5 p.m. and an autograph session will follow. Cost is included with general admission: $12 for adults, $11 for senior or military and $6 for children ages 4-12.
Guided night hike
Bring a flashlight and walk the trails of the Loess Hills in the dark from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. The guided hike will begin at the Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop in Honey Creek, Iowa. Registration is requested. To register, call 712-545-3283 or go to bit.ly/2yMQJVL. Admission is free; a $2 daily park entrance pass is required.
Outdoor movie
Grab a few blankets and a cup of hot chocolate to see Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” play on an outdoor screen on Sunday, Oct. 22. Blue Barn Theatre, 1106 S. 10th St., will the the showing of the 1963 film about a group of terrorizing birds in a small, Northern California town, starring Tippi Hedren and Rod Taylor. Beer, wine, warm beverages and pizza from Via Farina will be available for purchase. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Home and garden expo
Get new home remodeling and decorating ideas at the Fall Home and Garden Expo on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21, at CenturyLink Center in downtown Omaha. There will more than 100 vendors showcasing the latest trends in interior and exterior design. Doug Wilson of “Trading Spaces” will give presentations on the main stage at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Expo hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $9 for adults and free for children 12 and younger.
Benson Oktoberfest
Eat brats and pretzels and dance to live polka music on Maple Street and Military Avenue from 2 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21. Food and drink will be available for purchase, and the first 500 people will receive a souvenir mug. Entrance is free.
