Events

Do you love art but don't make any yourself? Would you like to explore a new creative outlet with friends? In this program series hosted by the Red Cloud Opera House and National Willa Cather Center in conjunction with the Red Cloud Creative Arts District, adults learn the basics of drawing through sketchbook exercises. Under the guidance of professional artist and art educator Yelena Khanevskaya, participants will be introduced to drawing techniques and prompts that encourage observational and expressive drawing.

The evocative and impressionistic prairie landscapes of Yelena Khanevskaya will light up the Red Cloud Opera House gallery this autumn! Based out of her Wildcat Hills studio in western Nebraska, Khanevskaya uses her paints and canvases to translate commonplace occurrences into stunning glimpses of natural beauty. Whether it's a cloud formation, a long-abandoned homestead, or the outstretched shadows of a winter dawn, Khanevskaya both documents and elevates the subjects of her work.

Have you ever wondered what inspired some of the most morbid and disturbing moments in Cather's fiction? Are you curious about 19th century funeral practices and medical treatments? Do you want to know more about Red Cloud residents past true crime experiences? Join us for a night of exploring the dark history that animates Cather's work!

Have you ever wondered what inspired some of the most morbid and disturbing moments in Cather's fiction? Are you curious about 19th century funeral practices and medical treatments? Do you want to know more about Red Cloud residents past true crime experiences? Join us for a night of exploring the dark history that animates Cather's work!

Have you ever wondered what inspired some of the most morbid and disturbing moments in Cather's fiction? Are you curious about 19th century funeral practices and medical treatments? Do you want to know more about Red Cloud residents past true crime experiences? Join us for a night of exploring the dark history that animates Cather's work!

Inspired by our visits to other galleries across the country, the Red Cloud Opera House is excited to launch the inaugural Tiny Art Market! Our team envisions this exhibit as a place where patrons can discover new artists, encounter both beauty and whimsy, and make local art a part of their daily lives and holiday traditions. We hope to make Tiny Art Market a fun and approachable show that features tiny pieces from familiar names and brand new artists! 

We hope you'll join us in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a 3-day, 3-night excursion, November 10–13, 2026! We’ll explore the vibrant city center and the best of its historic and arts offerings, while learning about Cather’s time in New Mexico.

In honor of Veteran's Day and America 250, join us for a FREE concert featuring Offutt Brass, the premiere ensemble of the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band! Offutt Brass is stationed at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Comprised of two trumpets, French horn, trombone, tuba, and percussion, Offutt Brass showcases the Air Force's excellence and precision in every performance with a diverse repertoire that features classical selections, patriotic favorites, jazz and popular music, new compositions, and distinctive arrangements. 

Celebrate the holiday season with a Celtic flair! Switchback is the award-winning duo of Brian FitzGerald and Martin McCormack. We are delighted to welcome these talented musicians back to the Red Cloud Opera House, and you won’t want to miss their setlist of holiday favorites, Irish classics, and Switchback originals.

"Where there is great love, there are always miracles." – Death Comes for the Archbishop

Mark your calendars for the 72nd Annual Willa Cather Spring Conference! Details about speakers, programs, and performances are forthcoming.