The only thing better than a concert is a summer concert. And the only thing better than a summer concert is a free summer concert.
Check out some of the free concerts happening in and around Omaha this summer — some putting on one big show, and several occurring on a weekly basis. This is a fun (and cost-effective!) way to enjoy those warm summer nights and take in the sweet sounds of talented local musicians.
La Vista Concerts and Movies
Friday, June 24, July 15 & August 12
We’ve found the perfect summer activity the whole family will enjoy! Take the kids to any of the three La Vista Concerts and Movies series happening outside the La Vista Public Library. On June 24, hear live music from Blue House, followed by a showing of “Minions”. Charm School Dropouts will play on July 15, followed by “The Good Dinosaur” movie. And on August 12, Grease Band will play before a showing of “Pan”. Each night, Mama’s Pizza will be there providing pizza for purchase.
Bank of the West Celebrates America
Friday, July 1
Kick off the weekend before Fourth of July with a bang at Bank of the West Celebrates America, featuring a free concert and a fireworks show after the performance! Hear from headliner Kenny Loggins, in addition to the Lincoln-based Dylan Bloom Band and an Omaha-based band called Finest Hour. This free community event at Memorial Park is the perfect way to celebrate our country’s freedom and the amazing local talent we have in our backyard.
Playing With Fire at Midtown Crossing
Saturday, July 2 & Saturday, August 27 at 4:30 p.m.
Head to Turner Park at Midtown Crossing on either July 2 or August 27 — or both days! — for a fun night of blues, rock, funk, R&B, and soul music at Playing With Fire. Hear from headliner Sugaray Rayford on July 2 and the Walter Trout Band as they headline the August 27 show. Get there when the area opens at 3:30 p.m. to make sure you get a good seat!
Photos Courtesy of Bank of the West Celebrates America
Concerts on a Weekly or Biweekly Basis
WEDNESDAYS
Music and Movies in Bayliss Park
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
June 15 – August 17
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, snacks, family, and friends to Bayliss Park every Wednesday night this summer for Music and Movies in Bayliss Park. This Council Bluffs community event allows you to enjoy the beauty of Bayliss Park and hear local talent from a myriad of musicians. Check out the 2016 lineup to see what you can expect to hear each Wednesday!
THURSDAYS
Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing
Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
July 7 – August 11
Relax in the lively yet laid-back setting at Turner Park for Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing each Thursday night starting July 7. The concert series’ central location at Midtown Crossing allows you to grab a bite to eat before or after the show — plus, several restaurants offer special deals on concert days! Arrive as early as 5 p.m. to claim your seat.
Bellevue Music in the Parks
Thursdays at 7 p.m.
June 2 – July 14
Head to Washington Park in Bellevue for seven consecutive weeks of Music in the Parks. Hear a variety of genres throughout the series, including pop, jazz, big band, concert band, classical, and ragtime.
Photo Courtesy of Sounds of Summer Concert Series
FRIDAYS
Sounds of Summer Concert Series at Shadow Lake Towne Center
Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
May 27 – August 19
Shadow Lake Towne Center in Papillion presents their Sounds of Summer Concert Series, a summer-long Friday night series featuring a wide range of musical styles. Bring your chair or blanket, some friends and family, and enjoy live music while you sip on beer, wine, and soft drinks for sale and enjoy food from Shadow Lake’s finest eateries. Kids can get their faces painted or get a special balloon art creation, in addition to a special giveaway for children each week!
Friday Night Concerts in Rockbrook Village
Fridays at 7 p.m.
June 3 – August 26
Grab the lawn chairs and the kids and head to the Friday Night Concerts in Rockbrook Village. You’ll hear local musicians put on quite the show, featuring jazz, pop, blues, latin, and everything in between! Rockbrook Village is home to over 60 locally owned specialty, food and drink, and neighborhood businesses — so you’ll have lots to see and do before the show starts at 7!
Bridge Beats Friday Night Music Series
Every Other Friday at 6 p.m.
June 10 – August 19
Make your way to the head of the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge on the Nebraska side for Bridge Beats Friday Night Music Series, happening every other Friday night throughout the summer. Listen to free live music as you enjoy breathtaking views of Bob the Bridge and the Missouri River with the whole family!
Photo Courtesy of Aksarben Village
SATURDAYS
Saturdays @ Stinson Concert Series
Saturdays at 7 p.m.
May 7 – August 27
The Saturdays @ Stinson Concert Series in Aksarben Village is the place to be every Saturday night during the summer. You’ll get the opportunity to hear some of the best local Omaha bands — for free! Grab some food and drinks during the show, while the kids play in the fountain or on the playground, get their faces painted, and receive a special balloon artist creation. This is the perfect summer night activity for the entire family!
The Vibes at Village Pointe
Saturdays at 6:30 p.m.
May 28 – August 30
Pick up good vibes at The Vibes at Village Pointe, a summer-long series of music each Saturday night at Village Pointe. Tap your boots to country or bluegrass music, dance to latin, disco, and funk music, or nod your head to rock and roll or classic rock. Whatever you do — don’t miss these free concerts!
Photos Courtesy of Yoga Rocks the Park Omaha
SUNDAYS
Yoga Rocks the Park at Midtown Crossing
Sundays at 3:30 p.m.
May 8 – June 26
End each weekend with a unique and relaxing way to enjoy live music. Yoga Rocks the Park at Midtown Crossing is an enormous gathering of yogis (and soon-to-be-yogis) who meet at Turner Park for an outdoor 60-minute yoga class accompanied by live music. Performers include top and emerging artists from all over the country! While this event is free, a donation of $5 is encouraged.