Past Events

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!

We are delighted to welcome composer and pianist Philip Daniel to the Red Cloud Opera House for a night of beautiful music and Willa Cather's most enduring literature. Join us for what promises to be a memorable concert including original compositions inspired by My Ántonia as well as music Daniel has written during his travels across the globe.

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This show is generously sponsored by Marion Arneson and Dan Deffenbaugh.

Join is for a special event as members of the fourth cohort of the Willa Cather Residency reflect on their time in Red Cloud and share excerpts from their works-in-progress. This event offers a unique glimpse into the creative process of emerging writers who have spent the past weeks immersed in the landscape that shaped one of America's greatest literary voices. Hear firsthand how the solitude of Red Cloud had informed their writing, and preview portions of work born of the residency experience.

Help us welcome two writers from our 2024 Willa Cather Residency for Writers cohort as they share recent publications! Margot Kahn and Hillary Behrman will read excerpts from their books as they reflect on their unique writers-in-residence experiences.

You voted, and we listened! 2026 Audience Choice winners Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal are performing their very first opera house show in what promises to be a foot-stomping Saturday night! Hoyer and his band leave it all on the stage, performing authentic funk, soul, and blues music across the country and the world.

For the first time, this popular one-day tour is being offered on two dates—including a Saturday option!

We are honored to welcome renowned author and historian Richard Norton Smith for a conversation about Willa Cather, My Mortal Enemy, and Cather's enduring place in American literature. You won't want to miss this engaging discussion!

Oglala Lakota and Navajo performer Garan Coons returns to the Red Cloud Opera House, this time with his Many Moccasins Dance Troupe! Join us for an unforgettable evening of dance and storytelling accompanied by beautiful music.