We can’t believe it’s August already, as the summer has been flying by right in front of our eyes. But don’t worry! There are several events planned in the Omaha area during the month of August to make sure you maximize the next 31 days.
Take note of these exciting community events — several of which are free! — that provide live music, entertainment, food, and much more.
Week of August 1–6
Music in the Park: The Confidentials
Wednesday, August 3
Photo courtesy of the Bluffs Art Council
Enjoy live music in the park at the Bluffs Arts Council’s Music in the Park each Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs! Bring your blanket, lawn chairs, and friends and family to enjoy party music from The Confidentials.
Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing: Davina and the Vagabonds
Thursday, August 4
Don’t miss the last two installments of the Omaha Performing Arts’ Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing on Thursday, August 4 and 11. Head to Turner Park at Midtown Crossing on August 4 to hear Twin Cities-based Davina and the Vagabonds who will bring their mix of New Orleans charm and Memphis soul swagger to the Omaha stage. The lawn opens at 5 p.m. and the main act starts at 7:30 p.m.!
Arena-Que Barbeque Championship
Friday, August 5–Saturday, August 6
Omaha Steaks presents the Greater Omaha Barbeque Society’s 24th Annual Arena-Que Barbeque Championship at the Ralston Arena on Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6. This outdoor event is free and open to the public, featuring live entertainment, a kids’ area, food trucks, a beer garden, and a collection of the greatest barbecue competitors from around the country!
First Friday Old Market
Friday, August 5
On the first Friday of each month, the Old Market area comes to life with First Friday Old Market, a free event celebrating local creativity in Omaha’s most historic neighborhood. Stroll the cobblestone streets, enjoy live music, and ride Ollie the Trolley for free between participating art galleries and venues, where you can mingle with local artists.
Bridge Beats Concert: Peace, Love, Etc.
Friday, August 5
Photo courtesy of Gerald Glaza via Bridge Beats
Twice a month during the summer, the City of Omaha Parks & Recreation hosts Bridge Beats, featuring live music and food from local food trucks, along the beautiful Missouri River near the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. On August 5, rock out to the danceable mix of classic pop and rock music from Peace, Love, etc., and enjoy delicious food from the La Casa food truck!
Journey and the Doobie Brothers
Saturday, August 6
Hear world-renowned bands Journey and the Doobie Brothers come together for a special performance during their “San Francisco Fest 2016” tour at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha. Get your tickets while you still can!
Fairytale Ball at the Omaha Children’s Museum
Saturday, August 6
Photo courtesy of Visit Omaha
Take your little princess to the Fairytale Ball at the Omaha Children’s Museum for an enchanted evening with Princess Poppy, Lily, Daisy and Rose, and a fairy godmother! At the ball, you’ll dine on finger foods and desserts fit for royalty, dance, decorate swords, make crowns, and get your face painted! Little princesses are encouraged to wear their finest gowns and tiaras. UPDATE: This event is sold out!
Vibes at Village Pointe: Disco MCs
Saturday, August 6
Hear retro disco, funk and dance music from Disco MCs at Vibes at Village Pointe from 6:30–8:30 p.m. This summer-long music series is the perfect opportunity to enjoy warm summer evenings and hear live music from the best local bands in West Omaha — all for free! Grab a glass of wine or cold beer while you relax on your lawn chair or picnic blanket, and let the kids get their faces painted at this fun family-friendly event.
Week of August 7–13
Music in the Park: Blues Agent
Wednesday, August 10
Enjoy live music in the park at the Bluffs Arts Council’s Music in the Park each Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs! Bring your blanket, lawn chairs, and friends and family to enjoy rock and blues music from Blues Agent.
Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing: Kim Waters
Thursday, August 11
Photo courtesy of Visit Omaha
Don’t miss the last installment of the Omaha Performing Arts’ Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing on Thursday, August 11. Head to Turner Park at Midtown Crossing to hear saxophone superstar Kim Waters bring his soul-imbued melodies and seductive grooves to the Omaha stage. The lawn opens at 5 p.m. and the main act starts at 7:30 p.m.!
10th Annual Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival
Friday, August 12–Saturday, August 13
Make the short trip to Elkhorn to witness the exciting launch of hot air balloons, sample exceptional wines, enjoy delicious food, and hear music from some of the best area bands. The Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival will meet for two days of unique summer fun at the ACI Worldwide Coventry Campus to celebrate the festival’s 10-year anniversary! The festival runs from 5–11 p.m. on Friday and from 3–11 p.m. on Saturday. Admission with tastings cost $14 in advance or $17 at the festival, general admission is $9, kids 12 and under cost $7, and kids under 5 are free!
The 2016 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship
Saturday, August 13–Sunday, August 14
As you may have noticed, Omaha is a major hub for sporting events — from the Collegiate Baseball Championship to the Olympic Swim Trials, and tons of events in between. The 2016 USA Triathlon Age Group National Championship will take place on August 13 and 14, featuring a 1500-meter swim, 40K bike ride and a 10K ride that will qualify athletes for the 2017 Olympic/Standard Triathlon World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Sweet Corn Festival
Saturday, August 13–Sunday, August 14
Head to Lauritzen Gardens for the Omaha Sweet Corn Festival, featuring samples of homegrown sweet corn, live musical performances, antique farming exhibitions, hay rides, arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, and more! It’s just not summer until you’ve indulged in some corn-on-the-cob smothered in butter. This event is free with regular garden admission.
hutchFEST
Saturday, August 13
Photo courtesy of hutchFEST
hutchFEST is a one-day community and artisan celebration in Midtown Crossing at Turner Park featuring 100+ highly curated vendors from across the Midwest. This vibrant gathering cultivates and showcases the best in modern maker design, quality handmade goods, relevant found objects, local bites and brews, and live music. Head to the park to spark your creativity from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for just $5!
Vibes at Village Pointe: eNVy
Saturday, August 13
Hear classic and modern hits from eNVy at Vibes at Village Pointe from 6:30–8:30 p.m. This summer-long music series is the perfect opportunity to enjoy warm summer evenings and hear live music from the best local bands in West Omaha — all for free! Grab a glass of wine or cold beer while you relax on your lawn chair or picnic blanket, and let the kids get their faces painted at this fun family-friendly event.
Week of August 14–20
Music in the Park: Bluegrass Playground
Wednesday, August 17
Enjoy live music in the park at the Bluffs Arts Council’s Music in the Park each Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. at Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs! Bring your blanket, lawn chairs, and friends and family to enjoy Americana music from Bluegrass Playground.
2016 Greek Festival
Friday, August 19–Sunday, August 21
Photos courtesy of Greek Festival Omaha
The 2016 Greek Festival is a three-day celebration of Greek culture featuring authentic live Greek music, folk dancing in full cultural attire, homemade Greek cuisine, a boutique, tantalizing pastries, pony rides, face painting and more! Tickets are only $3 for adults at the gate and free for children ages 12 and under, military and students.
Bridge Beats Concert: Prairie Gators
Friday, August 19
Twice a month during the summer, the City of Omaha Parks & Recreation hosts Bridge Beats, featuring live music and food from local food trucks, along the beautiful Missouri River near the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. On August 19, go on an accordion-fueled virtual trip through Cajun country and French Louisiane music history with music from The Prairie Gators, and enjoy delicious food from the Smokin’ Lefties food truck!
Maha Music Festival
Saturday, August 20
Photo courtesy of Maha Music Festival
Don’t miss the 8th Annual Maha Music Festival from noon to midnight on August 20 at Aksarben Village. The exciting collection of musical artists performing at this one-day festival include Passion Pit, Grimes, Vince Staples, The Joy Formidable, Matthew Sweet, Jay Farrar Trio, Diarrhea Planet, Car Seat Headrest, Diet Cig, See Through Dresses, Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal, and CJ Mills. Tickets cost $55 for general admission or $185 for the VIP Package.
NORTHfest
Saturday, August 20
Join the masses at Levi Carter Park Pavillion for NORTHfest on August 20, an inaugural all-day celebration of the North Omaha community. This free family-friendly event begins with a 5K walk/run, and features a Kids’ Zone, pancake and food vendors, a beer garden, and live entertainment throughout the day.
Vibes at Village Pointe: eNVy
Saturday, August 20
Hear ‘70s, ‘80s and modern fun rock from The Personics at Vibes at Village Pointe from 6:30–8:30 p.m. This summer-long music series is the perfect opportunity to enjoy warm summer evenings and hear live music from the best local bands in West Omaha — all for free! Grab a glass of wine or cold beer while you relax on your lawn chair or picnic blanket, and let the kids get their faces painted at this fun family-friendly event.
Week of August 21–27
Omaha Fashion Week
Monday, August 22–Saturday, August 27
Photos courtesy of Kathy Rae Photography via Omaha Fashion Week
Omaha Fashion Week is celebrating 9 years this year, having grown significantly during that time as the nation’s fifth largest fashion event, supporting more independent fashion designers than any other organization in the region. Join them for this exciting celebration of fashion and the arts by getting tickets for any of the Designer Showcases scheduled throughout the week!
2016 Great Nebraska Beer Fest
Saturday, August 27
The 2016 Great Nebraska Beer Fest is back at Werner Park for their third year of celebrating regional beers, and was recently recognized as one of the Top 5 Midwest Beer Fests by Paste Magazine! Discover new breweries and their amazing craft beers as you sample from 45+ regional brewers at this exciting one-day event. Get your tickets, costing $44 for general admission or $10 for designated drivers.
MudZillaRun Mud Run
Saturday, August 27
The MudZillaRun Mud Run is a thrilling mud-filled 5K taking you through 120 acres of unique trails and tons of challenging obstacles at Mt. Crescent Ski Area. All fitness levels are welcome to participate, and everyone is encouraged to wear costumes during the run. Don’t miss the after-party at the MudZilla Stock Celebration featuring beer, barbeque and awesome music!
Rundee 5K: Environmental Hazard Run
Saturday, August 27
Photos courtesy of Dundee Rundee
Participate in the Rundee 5K: Environmental Hazard Run, a fun run that supports Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance and its mission to improve children’s health through Healthy Homes. The 5K and 1-mile run will take you from historic Dundee through Memorial and Elmwood Parks to Dundee for an awards ceremony and all the festivities that Dundee Day has to offer!
Styx Live at Baxter Arena
Saturday, August 27
The legendary rock band Styx is performing live at Baxter Arena on Saturday, August 27! Enjoy a night filled with the band’s massive hit singles that have become some of rock’s most beloved songs of all time. Ticket prices range from $35–175.