Now that the kids are out of school, the fun can begin! Check out these exciting Omaha-area events, festivals, and an assortment of summertime activities to make the most of these warm and vibrant months.
Omaha’s Original Greek Festival
Where? 602 Park Avenue
Omaha’s Greek Festival is scheduled for the weekend of August 15th through 17th. This popular city festival has been bringing Greece to Nebraska since 1978, providing tons of delicious food options and cultural experiences. Attendees will find refreshing imported drinks at the Taverna, as well as live Greek dance performances and music. The festival also features an on-site boutique and a multitude of child-friendly activities and historic church tours. There’s something for everyone at the Greek fest — so make sure you mark your calendars so you don’t miss out on authentic baklava, loukoumades, and loaded roasted lamb gyros!
50th Annual Summer Arts Festival
Where? 2117 South 67th Street
Omaha’s annual Summer Arts Festival is celebrating 5 decades this summer! From June 7th through the 9th, head to Aksarben Village to check out this iconic event that features local art, performances, food vendors, and more. The event will feature 135 artists from across the United States, including talented local musicians performing across several stages. The music lineup includes Daniel and the Deliverance, Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal, and Midwest Dilemma. Designed to promote equity and inclusion within the community, there will also be a Children’s Fair and Young Artist Exhibition to provide everyone with an opportunity to get hands-on experience and to promote creativity.
Heartland Pride Festival
Where? 455 North 10th Street
Heartland Pride Festival is scheduled for July 13th, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 10:00 PM at CHI Health Center. The event will include over 150 vendors and local organizations, as well as karaoke, national entertainment, and even an exclusive 19 and up area. Heartland Pride is also hosting a Pride parade and a youth Pride event to help kick off a weekend of inclusion and a celebration of love and acceptance. Attendees can opt for general admission tickets or upgrade to the VIP experience, which includes meet & greets with artists, complimentary snacks, reserved seating, and lounge access.
Taste of Omaha
Where? 808 South 60th Street
Taste of Omaha returns from May 31st through June 2nd for their 2024 season. Attendees can expect all of Omaha’s best restaurants, as well as riveting live entertainment each day. All stages during the three-day festival will be free to attend, with performances from local bands and musicians. Participating restaurants this year include Boxer BBQ Company, Jones Bros. Cupcakes, Red Barn Cafe, Maharani Indian Kitchen, Heavenly Body Bakery and so many more. Expect the specialty dishes that you’ve come to know and love, as well as unique additions that are sure to make your mouth water. There will be a little something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Polish, or even just some homestyle American cuisine.
Water Lantern Festival
Where? 1001 Douglas Street
On June 29th, get ready for one of Omaha’s most unique and stunning festival displays. The Water Lantern Festival features thousands of floating lanterns as they reflect soft light across the water and make for a beautiful ambient setting for all those in attendance. There will be food trucks, music, and time to design your lantern before the lantern launch at 9:00 PM. Each ticket comes with a floating lantern kit, an LED candle, conversation cards, and a commemorative drawstring bag. Ticket prices also cover the cost of retrieval and water clean up, so you can rest easy that organizers are ensuring that the environment isn’t harmed by the festivities. Tickets are on sale for $35.99 until June 21st when they’ll increase in price as the day of the event approaches.
Midwest Fest
Where? 800 Douglas Street
Midwest Fest, previously known as Hutchfest, is scheduled for June 8th and 9th at the Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront. Attendees will enjoy over 200 talented artisans, makers, and vendors from across the Midwest region, making this the perfect opportunity to get a head start on some holiday shopping. Swing by the Food Truck Alley for street-style brunch options, as well as cuisine that suits a diverse range of palates. Sip on gourmet cocktails, local brews, and artisanal craft coffees while the kiddos enjoy activities such as coloring and lawn games. There will be music provided by local acts, as well as plenty of spots to hang out, catch up, and enjoy the tunes. Daily passes are $10 and a weekend pass is priced at $18! This event is free for kiddos ages 12 and under.
Nelson Produce Farm’s Summer of Festivals
Where? 10505 North 234 Street Valley
Nelson Produce Farm has a summer full of events and activities to keep your family busy! The season kicks off with the Strawberry Fest on June 8th & 9th and June 15th & 16th where families can pick their own fruit, enjoy live music, and catch a glimpse of the ladybug release. 4th on the Farm is on July 28th from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and will feature flag making, strawberry shortcakes, and a salute to America firework show. The Corn Festival is on July 13th & 14th and kiddos can enjoy hay rides, scavenger hunts, and face painting — while also chowing down on all-you-can-eat corn. The farm’s Watermelon Festival is scheduled for the first two weekends of August and will have exploding watermelon, seed spitting contests, and the famous watermelon slushie to cool off in the summer heat!
To close out the summer, the 5th annual Sunflower Festival will run from August 19th through September 4th. Attendees can craft their own bouquets, play outdoor games, and stroll through the striking beauty of over 100,000 sunflowers in bloom.
Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival
Where? 905 Elkhorn Drive
You won’t want to miss the 17th annual Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival in nearby Elkhorn this summer. On August 16th & 17th, head to Ta-Ha-Zouka Park and check out this iconic event and sample award-winning wine and beer while you watch the hot air balloons launch into the sky. There will be live entertainment and plenty of food options to satisfy even the pickiest eater. General admission tickets can be picked up at the door for $15 and kiddos ages 5 to 12 get in for $8. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed so you’ll have to leave your furry friend at home.
Peruse the Omaha Farmers Market
Where? Old Market & Aksarben Village
Kicking off in early May and running through mid-October, the Omaha Farmers Markets are a staple weekend activity for many locals. The Old Market location takes place at 11th & Jackson Streets every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the Aksarben Village market runs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sundays at 67th Street & Mercy Road. Help support local farmers and producers by grabbing ingredients for the week, such as freshly picked produce and homemade bread, cheeses, and even specialty baked goods like donuts and croissants. Don’t forget your reusable tote bag!
Listen to Jazz on the Green
Where? 3110 Farnam Street
Jazz on the Green is one of the most beloved summer traditions in Omaha. This free concert series is hosted in Turner Park at Midtown Crossing and everyone is invited. Bring your friends, family, leashed pups, and plenty of snacks to share. You can even bring your own beer and wine — just no liquor! Admission is always free. The 2024 season kicks off on July 11th and is set to run through August 15th. The park opens for seating at 5:00 PM, giving you a chance to set up your lawn chairs and blankets before the pre-show at 6:30 PM.
Snag Tickets to a Summer Concert
Where? Various Locations
Want to rock out to some live music this summer? Plenty of national acts are touring through Omaha across the next few months — so make sure to invite some friends and grab your tickets so you can cross a few of your favorite artists off the bucket list.
Tim McGraw: June 7th @ CHI Health Center
Lionel Richie: June 9th @ CHI Health Center
Charles Wesley Godwin: June 26th @ Steelhouse Omaha
Walker Hayes: July 18th @ Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel
AJR: July 21st @ CHI Health Center
Maren Morris: July 23rd @ Steelhouse Omaha
Luke Bryan: July 26th @ CHI Health Center
Hozier: August 14th @ Pinnacle Bank Arena
Dierks Bentley: August 24th @ CHI Health Center
Cross Some State Parks Off the Bucket List
Where? Various Locations
Summer is the perfect opportunity to do some exploring. Luckily, there are a handful of state parks and recreational areas within an hour’s drive of Omaha. Check out Eugene T. Mahoney State Park for biking, camping, disc golf, fishing, and even trail rides! Platte River State Park is conveniently located between Lincoln and Omaha and provides a state-of-the-art campground, as well as beautiful waterfall hikes, a spray park, and observation tours that provide picturesque views. Lake Manawa State Park features 1,500 acres of peace and relaxation, as well as boating, camping, hiking, and Iowa’s largest ADA-accessible playscape for kiddos.
Make Sure to Beat the Heat This Summer in Omaha!
With summer temps ranging from the mid to high 80s, you’ll want to cool off on especially sunny days. Luckily, Omaha is home to the largest waterpark in Nebraska! Fun-Plex Waterpark features rapids, slides, a lazy river, and the Motion Ocean Wave Pool! Looking for additional spots to take a dip and enjoy a day spent lounging poolside? Here are some of the city’s best public pools!
Remember, when you’re spending time outdoors in the heat of the summer — it’s integral to dress appropriately and to bring the proper supplies such as sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of water! The risk of dehydration can greatly increase while doing summer activities.
On days when you want to feel the cool breeze of the AC on your face, check out some of Omaha’s best indoor activities. Explore the Joslyn Art Museum, catch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse, or swing by the Omaha Children’s Museum for an afternoon of learning and play!
Planning a Family Getaway?
As the school year winds down, many families are planning cross-country road trips or booking flights to tropical destinations. However, you don’t have to go far to experience a memorable getaway! Check out these unique staycations near Omaha.
Kimberley Creek Retreat — escape the stresses of daily life in nearby Ashland, where you’ll find serene solitude on over 20 acres of forested land, with hiking trails, picnic tables, fire pits, and activities for guests of all ages.
Lied Lodge — enjoy this Nebraska City getaway with 140 guest rooms and suites, as well as amenities like an Olympic-sized pool, on-site restaurant, spa, and plenty of nearby golf courses.
Graduate Hotel — this unique boutique hotel located in Lincoln has rooms inspired by local history and university legends while being conveniently located in the historic Haymarket District.
Ameristar Casino Hotel — boasting the largest riverboat casino in Iowa, the Ameristar hotel features comfortable rooms and suites with panoramic views of the Missouri River and 38,500 square feet of gaming and gambling excitement.
Magnolia Hotel Omaha — originally designed to mimic a palace in Italy, the Magnolia Hotel is one of the best boutique hotel stays in downtown Omaha, close to the Orpheum Theatre, Holland Performing Arts Center, Century Link Center, and the Henry Doorly Zoo.
So Many Ways to Celebrate the Summer Season!
The team at NP Dodge is just as excited as you are that summer is finally upon us. What are some of your family’s favorite activities and getaways during the summer in Omaha?