The first Labor Day was in 1882 and was organized by the Central Labor Union of New York. It was meant to honor the American Labor Movement and those who have contributed to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our great nation. (Fun fact: NP Dodge had already been around for 27 years!)
Since then, hard working Americans have taken full advantage of an extra long weekend to celebrate the national holiday and to commemorate the end of the summer. This year is no different! Omaha is offering a variety of weekend activities from relaxing yoga retreats to live music and festivals taking place throughout the city.
So with that said, here are our top 7 “must do’s” to get the most out of the holiday weekend. If you think something else should be on the list, let us know!
Friday, September 4, 2015
Friday Night Art Walk
6:00pm – 9:00pm
Old Market
Cost: Free!
Start your weekend off right by supporting local artists during First Friday in Old Market! Casually stroll through the beautiful streets of Omaha’s most historic neighborhood as live music plays softly in the background. Art lovers are sure to be inspired from the many exhibits of traditional and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, photography and more. Even better, you’ll have the opportunity to mingle with the artists who created the pieces you admire.
Free parking and free rides are available on Ollie the Trolley from 6pm – 9pm. Park in the lot behind the Creighton Physician’s Clinic and hop aboard the trolley to begin your night of artistry indulgence.
Photo Source: Imperchorstra
Saturday, September 5, 2015
A Salute to Labor | Septemberfest
12:00pm – Midnight
Century Link Center Omaha | 455 North 10th Street
Cost: $5, children under 5 are free
We couldn’t write about Labor Day in Omaha without mentioning Septemberfest! This annual Salute to Labor event is held all weekend long and offers a little something for everyone, including a Battle of the Bands competition, a Beer Garden, a family-friendly carnival in the Kiddie Kingdom, and arts, crafts, and food galore. You can also see the Omaha RollerGirls in action or participate in a BBQ Cook-Off Challenge. Now that’s my kind of Saturday!
Photo source: Septemberfest
Explore 100 miles of Urban Hiking
All over Omaha
Cost: Free!
Looking for a little relief from the hussle and bussle of the busy holiday weekend? Escape the city life without having to leave our own backyard! Whether a novice or an experienced trail hiker, Omaha’s Pathways of Discovery offers a different adventure with each twist, turn and wind through the city.
If you want an all day hiking adventure, we recommend the 27-mile long Keystone Trail. Although the busiest of the metro trails, the mostly flat trail winds through parks, farmland, residential and industrial areas offering a wide range of scenic beauty. The most scenic trail, West Papio, is a 7.5 mile trail along the West Papio Creek that leads you to Zorinsky Lake. And if you’re feeling really motivated, Zorinsky Lake offers several other trails that you can vear off on!
Photo Source: Chuck’s Adventures
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Yoga + Live Music
Registration: 3:30 p.m. | Class begins: 4:00 p.m.
Turner Park at Midland Crossing | 3102 Dodge Street
Cost: Free!
In it’s fifth season, Yoga Rocks the Park offers a weekly wellness, yoga and live music festival every Sunday throughout the summer. With only two more weeks left, yogis should jump at this opportunity to unwind from the busy weekend and to experience an exhilarating work-out from a unique perspective – the downward dog. With integrative therapy exhibitions, organic food and drink vendors, and live music, you can easily make a day of it!
Photo Source: Yoga Rocks the Park
Outdoor Summer Concert
Gates open: 1:00pm | Music begins: 4:30pm – 10:00pm
River City Star Pavillion | Miller’s Landing | 151 Freedom Park Road
Cost: Free!
After some much needed meditation, head to Miller’s Landing for more live music, food and drinks during the Playing with Fire free summer concert series. Live bands include Andria Simone and Those Guys, an unconventional blues band, that has won the Hennessey Talent Quest, a prestigious international competition for new musical talent; blues rock band, Freeway, whose Australian roots are sure to deliver a musical treat to any blues lover; and the beloved OK Sisters from Kearney, NE, who has been rocking the local music scene for over 25 years.
Photo Source: Playing with Fire
Monday, September 7, 2015
Labor Day Parade
10:00am – 12:00pm
Starts at 16th and Cass Streets
Cost: Free!
The grande finale of a spectacular Labor Day weekend wouldn’t be the same without a parade through the city. Join thousands of other parade-goers as flag carrying honor guards, marching bands, labor unions, businesses, animals, horses and clowns march down the city streets in honor of the national holiday. The show will go on, rain or shine, so grab a blanket and find a spot (preferably in a prime candy-catching zone)!
Photo Source: Septemberfest
Movie Night: The Godfather or Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown
Marcus Village Pointe Cinema’s Film Series
7:00pm, 304 North 174th Street
Cost: $5
Marcus Village Pointe Cinema just made you an offer you can’t refuse during their Retro Film Series. For only $5 immerse yourself in the Italian mob lifestyle while watching a maffia favorite, The Godfather.
For those wanting a more family-friendly experience, Village Point Cinema offers a Peanuts Family Film Series with showtimes at 10:00am, 12:30pm and 3:00pm. Travel to Europe with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts Gang during the cartoon classic, Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown.
Photo Source: Marcus Theatres