Joe Bonamassa and Gov't Mule to Play Pinewood Bowl Theater
Blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa announced a stop in Lincoln on his 2026 U.S. Summer Tour, scheduled for Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Pinewood Bowl Theater with a co headline set from Gov't Mule. The announcement matters to Lewis and Clark County residents who may travel for live music, as it raises questions about ticket access, travel costs, and public health for those planning long distance events.
Joe Bonamassa, the blues rock star, announced on December 8, 2025 that he will bring his 2026 U.S. Summer Tour to Lincoln with a stop at Pinewood Bowl Theater on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The show will include a co headline set by Gov't Mule, the GRAMMY nominated rock band led by Warren Haynes. The performance is part of a nationwide amphitheater run that begins June 26 in New York and concludes in late August at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado.
Ticketing details released with the announcement say a fan presale opened on Tuesday, December 9 at 10 a.m., and general public tickets go on sale Friday, December 12 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster and the Pinnacle Bank Arena Ticket Office. The Lincoln show is scheduled to start at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. More information is available at pinewoodbowltheater.com.
For residents of Lewis and Clark County who follow national touring acts, the announcement highlights practical concerns. Attending a concert in Lincoln will require planning for travel and lodging, and demand for seats could push ticket prices and hotel rates higher for the dates surrounding the event. Those who rely on limited incomes or who face mobility barriers may find access constrained when sales are concentrated through large online platforms and a single box office.
Public health implications are relevant as well. Large outdoor venues draw crowds from multiple regions, and events can accelerate the spread of respiratory infections. Residents planning to attend should consider vaccination status, monitor local health guidance, and avoid traveling if they are ill. Pinewood Bowl Theater lists venue details and accessibility information on its website for patrons who need accommodations.
Beyond individual planning, the tour stop underscores broader issues about who benefits from touring cultural events. Major concerts can bring economic activity to host cities, but they can also expose inequities in access to transportation, ticketing and affordable lodging. Local leaders and community organizations may need to consider how to support equitable access to regional cultural life as touring schedules return to pre pandemic scale.
