There are so many reasons to celebrate Omaha in the fall and we found 26 events and festivals that will let you do just that! Picture this: the streets are lined with golden trees and red leaves reflected in our lakes and rivers while you and your family romp around a pumpkin patch or experience one of our area festivals.
Whether you want to celebrate different cultures, craft brews, or even bacon and horror movies, there’s something for everyone and every family. Pull your flannels out of storage and get out on the town this fall!
When: September 16 – 17
Where: German-American Society
Join the German-American Society in a celebration of German culture and the upcoming fall season with live music, authentic German fare and activities! The Society has a rich Omaha history and has been hosting these events for over 100 years. Click here to see the menus and music line-ups for Friday night and Saturday!
Photos courtesy of Omaha Restaurant Week
When: September 16 – 25
Where: Multiple Restaurants in Omaha
To benefit Food Bank for the Heartland, some of Omaha’s best restaurants will be offering three course meals for $20, $30, $40, or $50 per person. Click here to see the participating restaurants (there are over 50!). Many of them have been featured in our blog posts, including our list of Best Lunch Spots in Omaha and Top Places to Get a Steak.
When: September 17 – 18
Where: Ditmars Orchard, Council Bluffs
Ditmars Orchard and Vineyard in Council Bluffs is hosting the Midwest Winds Kitefliers Saturday and Sunday. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the orchard and see the sky filled with colors and kites of all shapes and sizes! Bring the whole family along and explore the corn maze and playground while you’re there.
Photos courtesy of El Grito Festival
When: September 17 – 18
Where: Plaza la Raza, Omaha
Join The Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in celebrating Mexican Independence Day and Hispanic Heritage Month. Their annual festival has rides, games, Mexican food, a parade, vendors and exhibits, fireworks, and so much more! The parade begins Saturday morning with festivities continuing through Sunday.
When: September 18
Where: Starting at TD Ameritrade Park, Omaha
Featured in our Omaha Races post, The Omaha Marathon has a little something for everyone and every skill level. Bring the kids for the Friends & Family Mile or race in the 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon or Marathon. All races require registration before race day so don’t delay. Don’t forget to go to the Pasta Party the evening before at The Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill!
Photo courtesy of BaconFest Omaha
When: September 18
Where: The Kroc Center, Omaha
Bacon lovers rejoice — it’s time for Omaha’s 4th Annual BaconFest! This event includes bacon tastings, chef competitions, bounce houses, pony rides and plenty of activities for the whole family. All proceeds benefit Kroc Center Scholarship Program and you get to eat bacon all day! Win. Win.
When: September 22 – 25
Where: Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha
Lauritzen Gardens Antique show is for collectors and hobbyists alike. You’ll have the opportunity to peruse antiques from over 30 exhibitors in a beautiful garden setting and learn from interior design and antique experts. Buy tickets in advance online!
When: September 22 – 25
Where: CenturyLink Center, Omaha
The Aksarben Stock Show has been a part of Omaha culture since 1928. With a youth competition, the nation’s largest 4-H stock show, and various community and rodeo events, it’s a can’t-miss event in the area. If you’re attending on Friday and Saturday, the Aksarben Foundation is partnering with Three Hills Rodeo to put on Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo. Don’t miss Mutton Bustin, when children ages 5 – 7 will see how long they can ride a sheep!
Photo courtesy of Vintage Market Days
When: September 23 – 25
Where: Chance Ridge Event Center, Elkhorn
Vintage Market Days brings Pinterest vintage perfection to your home. The upscale market features original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, home decor and so much more. If you love craft markets and vintage finds, don’t miss this event! Order tickets here.
When: September 23 – 24
Where: Crescent Moon and Huber-Haus
On Friday and Saturday nights, Crescent Moon and Huber-Haus are hosting the 15th Annual Oktoberfest. There will be live German music from The Barry Boyce Band and Bobby Z and Polka Joy, German food and lots (and lots) of German beer! No tickets are necessary, just show up at the pub to celebrate Oktoberfest!
When: September 24
Where: Metropolitan Community College, Omaha
This free powwow is returning to Omaha for its 25th year! Hosted by Metropolitan Community College, this event is always entertaining with food, dance and craft vendors. This year’s theme is “strengthening the circle” and will include a Gourd Dance from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., so don’t miss it!
Photo courtesy of ARTsarben
When: September 24 – 25
Where: Aksarben Village
Street performers, national artists, live music — ARTsarben has it all! A celebration of the community, this culture festival brings thousands of people in each year to shop, browse and create. It has events and attractions for both adults and kids so bring everyone along!
When: September 24 – 25
Where: Alpacas of the Heartland, Fort Calhoun
Alpacas of the Heartland has been participating in National Alpaca Farm Weekend for nine years and they’ve been growing ever since! This year, they’re expecting three baby alpacas and they’ll be providing carrots so everyone can have a chance to feed them. Pet alpacas, see yarn demonstrations, and shop for alpaca and wool items!
When: September 25
Where: Aksarben Village
The Fight for Air Cup is a fundraising event to benefit the American Lung Association and their research and care for those affected by lung disease. Once you register for the 10K or 2 mile walk/run you’ll be responsible for raising funds on behalf of yourself or your team. NP Dodge will have a team this year, and we would love for you to join us on race day! Register here.
When: September 30 – October 2
Where: Ramada Plaza Omaha Hotel and Convention Center
Nuke-Con is the Omaha Area’s premier gaming convention featuring board games, card games, role-playing games, and just about every other type of game! There will demonstrations, panels, an art show and opportunities to play all day. Get more registration information here.
Photo courtesy of Lauritzen Gardens / Larry Fasnacht
When: October 1 – 2
Where: Lauritzen Gardens
All weekend, the beautiful Lauritzen Gardens grounds will be celebrating autumn and Japanese culture. Most activities are free with garden admission and include Japanese calligraphy, origami, Japanese games and food tastings. No matter what day or time you go, you’re in for treat!
When: October 1 – 2
Where: Tour Map
Omaha North Hills Pottery Tour is an annual self guided driving tour just north of Omaha with three stops at nearby pottery studios in addition to a stop at Too Far North Wines and Wine Tastings. Each location has its own style of art and hospitality, and you’ll have an opportunity to meet the artists!
Photos courtesy of: Junkstock
When: October 7 – 9
Where: Sycamore Farms, Waterloo
Junkstock is a festival filled with premier junk — vintage finds, home decor, furniture and more! Celebrating it’s fifth year, it’s one of the best food, music and junk festivals across the country. You can expect around 150 vendors and 20 food trucks. Feel free to camp, bring the pets and the whole family! Read more about what to expect on their website!
When: October 8
Where: Earl May Nursery and Garden Center
Join Earl May for their free pumpkin festival where the whole family can paint their own pumpkin, play games, and shop for fall decor essentials. There will be refreshments available and locally grown pumpkins for purchase as well!
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When: October 14 – 16
Where: Westwood Cinemas 8, Omaha
Not for the faint of heart, this horror film festival shows short films, student films and feature films, all chosen via submission. Each film is up for an award, so check out the list of impressive films here before you go. For just one day of horror, you can purchase an individual day pass, but for horror movie lovers get a pass for the whole weekend!
Photos courtesy of Ditmars Orchard
When: October 15
Where: Ditmars Orchard and Vineyard, Council Bluffs
Ditmars in Council Bluffs is hosting its 3rd Pumpkin Festival celebrating fall and all things pumpkin! They’ll have pumpkins, pumpkin themed food, live music and (of course) their delicious fresh apples. Bring the family along to explore the corn maze and take a ride on the tractor!
When: October 26
Where: The Crescent Moon Grill
A celebration of all our favorite seasonal brews, Beer Corner USA and Crescent Moon Grill are hosting a Pumpkin Harvest Festival. You’ll be able to taste pumpkin and fall themed beers and food while playing a variety of different games (pumpkin bowling is must-try!).
When: October 28
Where: Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
The Bemis Center’s Benefit Art Auction brings national and local artists together with local art enthusiasts to raise money for the art center. The auction is an excellent way for community members to support creativity and art culture in Omaha. There will be a preview and open house on the 15th before Friday’s auction, so go ahead of time to browse the collection in anticipation of the event! We’re sure you’ll find the perfect art piece to adorn the walls of your home!
Photo courtesy of Arts & Crafts Affair
When: November 3 – 6
Where: Ralston Arena
This festival began from humble beginnings right here in Omaha 33 years ago. Since then, it has spread across the country and added Spring Festivals to the line-up. Each year, you’re guaranteed to find amazing arts, crafts and home goods for yourself or to give away as gifts! This year’s festival will be a great place to find one of a kind holiday presents.
When: November 12
Where: Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum
From 5 – 8 p.m. the SAC Aerospace Museum will stay open after hours to offer an engineering night at the museum. Kids and families can learn how to engineer and create things from ordinary household items while participating in games like giant Jenga and giant chess!
When: November 13
Where: Baxter Arena, Omaha
After voting for your Omaha favorites, you can join Omaha Magazine in celebrating them! Winning businesses from every category will be honored and you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about each one. There will also be live music, and food and drink samples! All proceeds benefit Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska so get over to Baxter Arena and celebrate the best of Omaha!
If we missed your favorite fall event, let us know. Share your plans with us and let us know festivals you’re planning to go to before winter rolls around!