How do I get to Slowdown and where do I park?
Slowdown is just north of the Old Market in the North 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 policy before you come down for a show! Unless listed otherwise, all shows are all ages.

Who are your neighbors?
Our immediate neighbors in the complex are Saddle Creek Records, Film Streams, Blue Line Coffee, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, Inclosed Studio, Wag, and some apartment dwellers. Nearby are the apartments at 22 Floors, Greenstreet Cycles, Goodnights Pizza,Tip Top apartments, Barley’s Grill and Bar, The Union Pizzaria, Qwest Center Omaha, Old Mattress Factory Bar and Grill, Hampton Inn and Suites, Homewood Suites, Holiday Inn, and the new TD Ameritrade Stadium.

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?
Monday through Saturday we are open from 4pm to 2am. We are closed Sundays unless there is a show. On those Sundays, we open one hour prior to show time.

Do you have shows every night?
We typically have shows about 3-4 nights per 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. Be sure to check out the all ages policy before coming to a show.
On nights when there is not a show, Slowdown is still open as a bar, but is strictly 21+. Note that everyone who enters Slowdown must have an ID.

What’s an ID?
An ID is an unaltered, unexpired, government issued document with your picture on it. It could be a drivers license, state ID, or passport. You must have one of these ID’s whether you are 17, 47, or 97. We are serious about this and reserve the right to refuse admission if you do not have one. And yes, it’s a complete bummer if you lost yours, but frankly that is your problem and not ours.

What time do shows start and end?
Shows typically start around 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, available on a first come, first served basis. The area in front of the stage is open for standing, dancing or bobbing your head. All shows are general admission.

Non-Smoking? Really???
Yes, Slowdown is a non-smoking establishment. First by choice and now by law. 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? Oh yeah, and it’s the law now, too.

Is there always a cover charge?
On nights we have shows there is almost always a cover charge that is used to pay the bands. We are open as a bar from 4pm, but anyone wishing to stay for the show is required to pay the cover charge. The typical “door time” for a show is an hour before the show time.
On nights where there is not a show, there is never a cover charge.

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 or at any local Homer’s store.

What does sold out mean?
Sold out means that we have sold all available tickets for the show. We do not “release” extra tickets on the day of the show or at the door. Once tickets are gone, Slowdown is considered full and you unfortunately have to look forward to the next show. Advance tickets are always a good idea…if you see a show you want to check out, pick up a ticket right away!

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?
What juke box? It died. That’s the bad news. The good is that we have a wireless iTunes system you can connect to with your iPhone or iPod Touch and pick from more songs than the old juke could even fathom. Ask a bartender about it the next time you are in and get ready to play DJ.

I have a band and we want to play a show at Slowdown. What do I do?
Check out the booking page for more info.

Is Slowdown available for private events?
Yes. Check out the booking page for more info.