BoDeans

In honor of the 40th anniversary, BoDeans will perform two-and-a-half-hour shows featuring a video retrospective that will include songs from their 14 studio records covering five decades of music – the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and the 2020s. Founded and led by original frontman, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Kurt Neumann, the band’s catalog consists of generational anthems such as “Good Things,” “You Don’t Get Much,” “Idaho,” and “Closer to Free,” to name a few. BoDeans emerged out of Waukesha, WI, in 1986 with the seminal debut, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, produced by T Bone Burnett. Followed by Outside Looking In [1987], Home [1989], and Black and White [1991], Go Slow Down [1993] yielded “Closer to Free,” which famously served as the theme song for the smash-hit television series, Party of Five. Meanwhile, they transformed into a proven live phenomenon by supporting the likes of U2, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, The Pretenders, and David Bowie, in addition to gracing the bills of Farm Aid, Summerfest, and ACL. Member pre-sale begins Thursday, May 21st at 10 A. M. Public tickets on sale Friday, May 22nd at 10 A. M. August 13, 2026 PL 1, 2, 3 BUY TICKETS Tiny Tots is a weekly program for toddlers (ages 2 and under) to encourage children’s early science exploration. Tots and grown-ups will use song, movement, art and sensory explorations of different topics in a developmentally appropriate environment. INFO & TICKETS Little Learners meet September through May, and is designed for children aged 3-6. Sharpen science process skills and experiment, read, explore, sing, and create! Learners will have time for structured weekly themed activities. INFO & TICKETS Meet one of the most charming animals at Whitaker Center in a guided 30-minute Sloth Encounter designed for small groups. This member-exclusive experience gives guests (up to 6 per group) the chance to get closer, learn more, and enjoy an unforgettable moment with support from the Animal Care Team at Whitaker! INFO & TICKETS Get hands-on with different STEM topics. These engaging activities will allow parents and kids to explore STEM topics together, learning as a team. Enjoy activities and design challenges with Ozobots™ , Spheros™, 3Doodler™ 3D printing pens, tangrams, K'NEX® and much more! EXPLORE Wings Over Water tells the story of the epic journeys of three amazing bird families – the Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler and the Mallard Duck – with extraordinary footage of their fascinating behaviors. INFO & TICKETS Solar Federation, an American RUSH tribute band, brings its award-winning interpretation of the iconic progressive rock band’s music to Whitaker Center on Saturday, November 29. INFO & TICKETS Relive the magic of Labyrinth with a special 40th anniversary event featuring the film with a live musical score on September 22, 2026! INFO & TICKETS Funded by The Alexander Grass Foundation, Backstage Studio features fascinating exhibits that reveal the science and technology behind movies, TV, music, and theatre. Create your own stop-action film, put yourself into the movies in the Foley Studio, and explore the creation of different sound effects in this interactive gallery. EXPLORE