Legends in the Moonlight – Live at Pinewood Bowl

by Sriyani Tidball 

Embark on a scenic drive to Pioneer Park and immerse yourself in its natural beauty. As you stroll through this charming park, make your way to the Pinewood Bowl for an evening concert. Spanning 668 acres, Pioneer Park is a testament to the Work Progress Administration’s efforts from the 1930s. It features 440 acres of lush native tall-grass prairie, eight miles of winding hiking trails, various outdoor animal exhibits, and beautifully curated gardens, all leading up to the outdoor performance venue.

The Pinewood Bowl, with its seating capacity of just over 4,000 for reserved seats and around 5,000 for general admission events, has been a cherished part of the community since its construction in 1947. Originally built to accommodate open-air church services for airmen stationed at Lincoln’s air base, the venue was a response to the need for a larger space for worship and community gatherings.

Before Pinewood Bowl’s establishment, services were held on the Capitol steps, but as the congregation grew beyond 1,000, the new venue was designed to offer a dedicated space for both spiritual and entertainment events. Today, Pinewood Bowl continues to host Easter services each year, welcoming the public in all weather conditions, preserving its role as a vital community hub.

Every year, Lincoln’s music enthusiasts eagerly await the announcement of the Pinewood Bowl amphitheater’s concert season, ready to snap up tickets before they sell out. The venue’s lineup often features the artists we’ve longed to see live for years. It feels as though iconic bands and musicians, passing through on their way between Chicago and Denver, choose to make a special stop in Lincoln, delivering unforgettable performances to a grateful audience right in the heart of the Midwest.

The roster of performers typically includes some of the most beloved names in music, which explains why tickets vanish so quickly. With affordable prices and the chance to fulfill lifelong dreams, it’s no wonder these shows are in such high demand. Set amidst towering pine trees and bathed in moonlight, the Pinewood Bowl offers a truly magical experience. This open-air venue, nestled within the lush, wooded expanse of Pioneers Park, provides the perfect backdrop for a night of music under the stars.

Originally, Pinewood Bowl was known for hosting a single local musical production each summer. However, in 2012, the venue began expanding its offerings by introducing a few summer concerts. This unique addition quickly gained popularity, transforming the Pinewood Bowl into a must-visit destination for live music. Today, the summer concert series has become a key part of Lincoln’s vibrant music scene, featuring a wide range of performers and drawing large crowds.

Serving the city’s 300,000 residents, Pinewood Bowl can accommodate up to 5,000 attendees per show, making it a beloved venue for outdoor concerts. The Bowl has become a cherished tradition in Lincoln, with many locals considering it the best place to enjoy live music under the open sky.

Each summer, Lincoln’s music lovers eagerly anticipate the lineup of artists set to perform at Pinewood Bowl, and year after year, the concerts exceed their expectations. Everyone is excited to discover which favorite musicians will take the stage in the upcoming season.

The atmosphere at Pinewood Bowl is unmatched. Whether you’re enjoying the warmth of a summer day or the refreshing coolness of an evening, the venue invites you to relax in casual attire, sip on a cold beer, and lose yourself in the music. The experience is further enriched by the breathtaking surroundings — the deep blue skies, the soft glow of the moon, and the twinkling stars overhead — all of which combine to make every concert an unforgettable event.

Over the past 13 years, Pinewood Bowl has hosted an impressive array of performances that have become hugely popular with Lincoln audiences. The lineup has featured an eclectic mix of artists, from the ’60s folk rock of Crosby, Stills & Nash to the indie sounds of My Morning Jacket and the timeless classics of Chicago. Country legends like Dwight Yoakam and Willie Nelson, rock icons like ZZ Top, the Steve Miller Band, and the Moody Blues, along with artists such as Steely Dan, Peter Frampton, Sara Bareilles, Allison Kraus, Bonnie Raitt, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Martin Short, and even Weird Al and the Beach Boys, have all graced the stage.

The venue also offers a variety of food and beverages, enhancing the festive atmosphere and ensuring a memorable experience with every visit. Following a highly successful 2024 season, organizers, led by manager Tim Savona, are hard at work planning an equally exciting lineup for the summer of 2025.

Tickets can be purchased online or in person at Pinnacle Bank Arena in downtown Lincoln once they go on sale. For updates on the upcoming shows, be sure to visit pinewoodbowltheater.com and secure your tickets early to avoid missing out.