89.7 The River

River Chili Cookoff & Winter Market
2026-02-28 10:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Mid-America Center, 1 Arena Way, Council Bluffs, NE, 51501, United States
River Chili Cookoff & Winter Market
Think your Chili has what it takes??
REGISTER TODAY!
Registration deadline is January 31st, 2026. There are a limited number of spots available, do not stall, register today!
Local celebs from Fooligan Eats, and area Restaurants Association reps will be judging on multiple categories including most creative and spiciest!
All leftovers will be donated to Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue!

Schedule of events for 89-7 The River’s Chili Cook Off will be as follows:
7am – 8:30am: Set Up Booths Only (after 8:30, all entries that are late will be disqualified with no refund)
8:45am – 9am: Meeting with Team Captains.
9am – 9:30am: Professional Judging
10am: Public Doors Open
1:30pm: People’s Choice Voting Ends
2pm: Winners Announced
3pm: Event Ends/Load Out Begins

Chili Cook Off Rules:
A Must Prepare 5 gallons (2oz tastings for 500 people)
B Certified Piedmontese will be providing all beef. Other meat products will be the contests responsibility to provide.
(All contests are responsible to pick up their beef on Thursday, February 26th from The Mercato – Certified Piedmontese located in Maple Creek Office Park, 16250 Evans Plaza, Omaha, NE 68116)
C We will provide 1 table per team, supply outlets, tasting cups and spoons. Contestants are responsible for any additional tables needed and utensils.
D You will receive a jar for public voting. Clearly display this at your station for public voting.
E Professional judging will be done before doors open. People’s Choice votes will be tallied no later than 1:30pm, a winner will be announced at 2p.
F Judging will be based on: Visual Appeal, Aroma, Taste, Spice/Zip and Heartiness.
G At least one person from your team must be present during the chili cook off.
H Chili must be served from a crock pot or similar slow cooker.
I Awards: 1st Place – $500, 2nd Place – $200, 3rd Place – $100. Ribbons will be awarded for Best Booth display, Most Creative/Unique Chili, Spiciest Chili and People’s Choice.
J All left over chili will be donated to Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue.
K Failure to comply with rules will result in disqualification. Decisions of the officials are final. In the case of disqualification, the officials monitoring the event will immediately notify the captain of the team and give the reason for disqualification.
L Contact for any other questions – sophiajohn@897theriver.com; or reilyhiles@897theriver.com
M Deadline to register is January 31st. There are a limited number of spots available, do not stall, register today!

Between The Lines
2026-02-28 19:00 - 23:30, 2026-03-01 14:00 - 18:00, 2026-03-06 19:00 - 23:30, 2026-03-07 19:00 - 23:30, 2026-03-08 14:00 - 23:30 | Mills Masquers Theater, 56543 221st St., Glenwood, IA, 51534, United States
Mills Masquers Is Proud To Present: Between The Lines
Between The Lines is an empowering and enchanting story for anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world. An outsider in a new town and a new school, Delilah seeks comfort in the pages of her favorite book, where she feels heard and understood by the handsome Prince Oliver.
Show dates: 2/27, 2/28, 3/1, 3/6, 3/7, 3/8
Fridays: 7 pm
Sundays: 2pm

Strings Unleashed: A Rock Fusion Experience with Dallas String Quartet
2026-03-06 19:30 - 23:30 | The Arts Center at Iowa Western, 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs, IA, 51503, United States

Our Lady Peace
2026-03-06 20:00 - 23:30 | Whiskey Roadhouse, 2701 23rd Ave., Council Bluffs, IA, 51501, United States
30th Anniversary Tour

Our Lady Peace
The Verve Pipe

21+

Psychostick & Galactic Empire
2026-03-07 19:00 - 23:30 | The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St, Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
Fatali Tour

Psychostick
Galactic Empire
Narcotic Self
Hatricide

Doors: 6 pm. Show: 7 pm

Toto
2026-03-09 19:30 - 23:30 | Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St., Omaha, 68102, United States
An Evening With Toto

Toto

Hawthorne Heights
2026-03-11 19:00 - 23:30 | Slowdown, 729 N 14th St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Hawthorne Heights
letlive.
Creeper

Doors: 6 pm. Show: 7 pm

Jeff Tweedy
2026-03-11 20:00 - 23:30 | The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St, Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
Jeff Tweedy
Macie Stewart

Doors: 7 pm. Show: 8 pm

Descendents and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
2026-03-13 19:00 - 23:30 | Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St., Omaha, 68102, United States
US Tour 2026

Descendents
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls
Nobro

Doors: 6 pm. Show: 7 pm

That Arena Rock Show
2026-03-13 20:00 - 23:30 | Whiskey Roadhouse, 2701 23rd Ave., Council Bluffs, IA, 51501, United States
That Arena Rock Show
21+

Chasing Chance
2026-03-14 20:00 - 23:30 | Reverb Lounge, 6121 Military Ave, Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
Chasing Chance
Wicked Me
Beyond The World Ahead
The Losing Formula

Doors: 7 pm. Show: 8 pm

Harlem Globetrotters
2026-03-17 19:00 - 23:30 | Pinnacle Bank Arena, 400 Pinnacle Arena Dr, Lincoln, NE, 68508, United States
The 100 Year Tour

Harlem Globetrotters

Two Feet
2026-03-18 20:00 - 23:30 | Slowdown, 729 N 14th St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
The Next Steps Tour

Two Feet

Doors: 7 pm. Show: 8 pm

Lateralus (A Tribute To Tool)
2026-03-20 20:00 - 23:30 | The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St, Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
Lateralus (A Tribute To Tool)
Twistercult
Mindflight

Doors: 7 pm. Show: 8 pm

Hardy
2026-03-21 19:00 - 23:30 | CHI Health Center, 455 N 10th St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
The Country! Country! Tour!

Hardy
Cameron Whitcomb
McCoy Moore

The Impulsive
2026-03-21 19:00 - 23:30 | The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St, Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
The Impulsive’s Battle Worn Anniversary Show

The Impulsive
Virgin Mary Pistol Grip
The Absent

Doors: 6 pm. Show: 7 pm

Bob Dylan
2026-03-21 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-03-21 20:00 - 23:30 | Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St., Omaha, 68102, United States
Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour

Bob Dylan

Boys Like Girls
2026-03-22 19:00 - 23:30 | Steelhouse Omaha, 1100 Dodge St., Omaha, 68102, United States
The Soundtrack Of Your Life 2026 Tour: Celebrating 20 Years of their Self-Titled Album and 17 Years of “Love Drunk”

Boys Like Girls
iDKHOW
Arrows In Action

Doors: 6 pm. Show: 7 pm

Nick Hexum
2026-03-25 20:00 - 23:30 | The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St, Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
Nothing But The Truth Tour 2026

Nick Hexum
Water Tower

Doors: 7 pm. Show: 8 pm

Springfest at River's Edge
2026-03-28 11:00 - 2026-03-29 16:00 | Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, 4200 Ave B, Council Bluffs, IA, 51501, United States
Springfest at River’s Edge
3/28 & 3/29, 11 am – 4 pm both days
FREE

Great American Kites with their colorful, record-breaking size kite show
Live music
Food trucks
Family friendly activities

Guests can join the fun by bringing their own kite or purchasing one on site from Great American Kites. A designated hobbyist area will be available for flying kites, giving families and kids a hands-on way to take part in the event. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, water bottles, and snacks, and a water bottle refill station will be available on site. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Parking is available in the 700-space garage at 4250 River’s Edge Parkway, as well as on-street parking in nearby neighborhoods. For those looking to skip the parking hassle, bicycle parking will also be available. Plus, the first 100 people who arrive by bike will receive a free Council Bluffs T-shirt.

Clarion
2026-04-01 20:00 - 23:30 | Slowdown, 729 N 14th St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Clarion
Forest
Bed

Doors: 7 pm. Show: 8 pm

Rittz
2026-04-02 19:00 - 23:30 | The Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St, Lincoln, NE, 68508, United States
Rittz
Dropout Kings

Doors: 6 pm. Show: 7 pm

Devil In The Details
2026-04-04 19:00 - 23:30 | Slowdown, 729 N 14th St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Devil In The Details
LGHTBRNGR
Ex Nihilo

Doors: 6 pm. Show: 7 pm

Magnolia Park
2026-04-07 19:30 - 23:30 | The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St, Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
Nights After VAMP Tour

Magnolia Park
Silly Goose
Pinknoise

Doors: 6:30 pm. Show: 7:30 pm

Tiffany
2026-04-07 20:00 - 23:30 | Barnato, 225 N 170th St Suite 95, Omaha, NE, 68118, United States
Tiffany

21+
Doors: 6 pm. Show: 8 pm
