How do I get to Slowdown and where do I park?
Slowdown is just north of the Old Market in the downtown area of Omaha. It’s a quick drive from anywhere in the city with easy interstate access from all around. For exact directions, see the Locate tab on the site. Also see the Locate tab for parking info. There is plenty of parking around Slowdown. Don’t let it scare you! If you are under 21, be sure to check out our all ages policies below before you come down for a show!

Who are your neighbors?
Our immediate neighbors in the complex are Saddle Creek Records, Film Streams, Blue Line Coffee (opening soon), Urban Outfitters, American Apparel (opening soon), BBB Skateshop, Secret Penguin, What Cheer and some apartment dwellers. Nearby are the Tip Top apartments, InPlay, Qwest Center Omaha, Old Mattress Factory Bar and Grill, Hampton Inn and Suites, Homewood Suites, and a couple other hotels opening this summer.

What goes on at Slowdown?
Rock shows, socializing, dancing, going to the bathroom, sitting, standing, walking, pool, video games, board games, some light reading, etc.

What does Slowdown mean?
One of the early bands on Lumberjack Records (Saddle Creek before it was Saddle Creek) was Slowdown Virginia. We liked them a lot. They went on to become Cursive. We like them a lot, too. Slowdown Virginia got shortened to Slowdown as a sort of nickname for the band. We thought it was a cool homage to that band, the early Omaha music scene and where we come from. Additionally, we liked the dual meaning of the word, and the more literal definition.

What are your hours?
4pm to 1am daily.

Do you have shows every night?
We typically have shows 2 to 3 nights a week. All sorts of fun things happen on the other nights.

What sorts of fun things?
Sometimes you know, sometimes you don’t. Everyone likes surprises, right? Come down and find out.

Who can go to shows?
Shows are open to all ages unless noted otherwise. The following City of Omaha ordinance applies to those under the age of 21: For those 18, 19, or 20 years old, a valid drivers license, state ID or passport must be shown for admission.For those 17 and under, a valid Music Venue Parental Consent form must be on file at Slowdown. The form can be downloaded here or you can pick up a copy at Slowdown. Note the form has options for admission to any live performance until the person turns 18, or consent may be given for one show only. Either way, the form must be on file at Slowdown, signed by the parent/legal guardian, and notarized. Admission will only be granted if the form is on file and the person presents a valid ID. Slowdown does not have a notary on staff. Many places will notarize documents for a small fee. You may also want to check with your bank as they often notarize documents for free.For anyone under 21, admission cannot be granted until one hour before show time and they must leave following the performance.A full copy of the city ordinance may be downloaded here. On nights when there is not a show, Slowdown is still open as a bar, but is strictly 21+.

What time do shows start and end?
Shows typically start at 9pm and we try to have them done by midnight. Some of us have to work in the morning!

Does Slowdown have seats?
We have tables and chairs in the bar and balcony areas. The area in front of the stage is usually open for standing and dancing. All shows are general admission.

Non-Smoking? Really???
Yes, Slowdown is a non-smoking establishment. We do have an outdoor patio for those who wish to smoke.

But I thought smoking = rock ‘n roll?
You got us there. Not smoking is the new smoking?

Is there always a cover charge?
The is a cover charge when bands are playing, no cover when there are not.

How can I buy advance tickets for shows?
Tickets with no service charges are available at our box office during regular business hours. That’s right, no service charges. You can also pay a ‘convenience fee’ and buy advance tickets via etix.com for the shows at Slowdown.

What forms of payment do you accept?
Tickets at the box office are cash only. Don’t worry, we have an ATM. Drinks from the bar and Slowdown merch items inside may be paid for with cash or credit/debit card. Bands selling their own merchandise typically only accept cash.

What’s in your juke box?
The best of yesterday and today. For a complete list of the discs that are currently in our jukebox, click on the Jukebox tab of the site. And it’s FREE!

I have a band and we want to play a show at Slowdown. What do I do?
Val Nelson does all of the in-house booking for Slowdown. Feel free to send her a CD for consideration and follow up via email:
Val Nelson
Slowdown
729 North 14 Street
Omaha, NE 68102
val @ theslowdown.com