Ahh sweet summer! The sun is high, the days are long, and outdoor cookouts are becoming a regular weekend occurrence. But before you raise your glass to the fun weeks ahead, we need to do a little bit of planning.
In our region, there are plenty of festivals during the summer months to keep you entertained all season long. From beer bonanzas to free concerts, and renaissance festivals to fireworks shows, we rounded up our favorite upcoming local events that we think deserve a save-the-date. So grab your calendars and make this a summer to remember!
Jump Ahead:
MAY
Cinco de Mayo | May 4-6
Photo courtesy of Cinco de Mayo Omaha
To honor its rich Mexican heritage, our local Latino community has been hosting cultural events for decades, but Cinco de Mayo is by far the biggest festival annually! Festivities include a grand parade, live mariachi music, dancing performances, delicious street food, a carnival, a kids’ area, and lots of colorful decorations.
Sip Nebraska: A Wine and Craft Beer Festival | May 11 & 12
Celebrate local wine and beer culture at this fabulous two-day event from Blur Parties. There will be wine tastings from local vineyards, craft beer from nearby breweries, locally distilled spirits, delicious bites, vendor booths, live music and more. Purchase tickets here.
Celebrate CB | May 11-12 & May 19
Sometimes you don’t need a reason to celebrate other than the fact that you love where you live! Come out and celebrate the Council Bluffs community at Celebrate CB. The event spans two weekends with the first being Celebrate at the River on Friday May 11 at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park. Dance along to a free concert featuring the Clean and Easy Band, enjoy great food and explore the beer garden. Thursday, May 17 marks the beginning of festivities at Bayliss park in Downtown Council Bluffs, and kicks off with a carnival, farmers; market and the Super Hero event with Spider Man and Wonder Woman. The time honored Celebrate CB parade is on Saturday May 19, concluding with a free Children’s Faire in Bayliss park.
Renaissance Festival Nebraska | May 5-6 & May 12-13
Photo courtesy of the Renaissance Festival Nebraska
Don your best medieval attire and head over to the 10th Annual Renaissance Festival at Bellevue Berry Farm. There will be jousting, historical and fantastical creatures, fire throwing, a majestic parade, 200 costumed characters, and pageantry to be enjoyed by nobles and peasants alike — plus turkey legs and funnel cakes to fuel your adventures.
La Vista Salute to Summer Festival | May 24-27
There’s no better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than with this annual La Vista festival! The event kicks off with a grand parade (complete with dancing and local marching bands), and will be followed with a community cookout, live concert and fireworks.
Loessfest | May 25-28
Loessfest originated just five years ago in 2013, but has already grown into one of the largest and most highly anticipated music festivals in the region. It takes place annually on Memorial Day Weekend at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, and serves as a celebration of Council Bluffs and the surrounding area! Check the website for updated information and a lineup as the event gets closer.
JUNE
Elkhorn Days | June 1-3
Hot air balloon rides, family-friendly games, a casino night, a grand parade and a spectacular fireworks display set this community event apart from the rest — and that’s just the beginning. Don’t miss out on this hometown tradition!
Benson Beer Fest | June 3
Photo courtesy of the Benson Beer Fest
Benson is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Omaha due to its incredible dining scene, fun venues and colorful shop fronts, but this festival gives you the chance to see it all from another angle. On June 3, it’s all about the beer. The Benson Beer Fest will be hosted by Jake’s Cigars & Spirits alongside Krug Park, The Waiting Room and Beercade. Attendees will get access to unlimited beer tastings and food for purchase, and each beer presented is chosen from local breweries and home-brewers with careful attention to quality and flavor!
Taste of Omaha | June 1-3
It’s no secret that Omaha has an incredible dining scene. Our city is filled with delicious farm-to-table restaurants, luxe steakhouses, brunch nooks and more! Come celebrate the flavors of Omaha at this food-centered festival, which will celebrate its 21st year in 2018. You’ll enjoy free live performances throughout the festival and food from the top local restaurants!
Omaha Summer Arts Festival | June 8-10
The Omaha Summer Arts Festival showcases all forms of artwork — from canvas painting to face painting, and live music to sculpture. For its 44th year, the event will welcome more than 135 of the nation’s finest artist to present their work. Don’t miss it!
The Tempo of Twilight Outdoor Concert Series | June 12-July 24
This outdoor concert series brings a spectacular lineup of local entertainment to the garden for a harmonious blend of music and nature. Weekly concerts are held from 6 to 8 pm at the Lauritzen Gardens, and are included with garden admission or membership.
Metro Credit Union Celebrates America | June 29
Celebrate America’s birthday in style at this annual event at Memorial Park. Traditionally held one week prior to July 4th, the event features free concerts on the lawn and a mind-blowing fireworks show!
Heartland Pride Festival | June 30-July 1
The Heartland Pride Festival is one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride festivals in the region. Wear your rainbow apparel and come celebrate love in all its forms!
JULY
Ralston Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration | July 4
The community of Ralston definitely knows how to throw a good party, as evidenced by the annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration! The parade is the largest Independence Day parade in the state, and the post-parade festivities will go back in time with fun booths, costumes, and a family street dance.
Omaha Beer Fest | July 6-7
The 8th Annual Omaha Beer Festival will be held at Horsemen’s Park, and will feature hundreds of craft beers and ciders from all over the country! Ticket holders will get unlimited two-ounce samples as well as a tasting glass.
Playing With Fire | July 14 and August 25
Photo courtesy of John Gieruszczak via Playing With Fire
This premier free concert series at the Midtown Crossing Pavilion features blues, rock, funk, R&B and soul music alike — all performed by brilliant artists from all over the region. The series was established in 2004 to bring people together, and in its fifteenth year, will draw more people than ever before! Sit back on the lawn, soak in the summer air, and enjoy the show!
Jazz on the Green | July 5-August 9
Every Thursday during July and early August, locals have the opportunity to enjoy warm nights alongside cool grooves from talented jazz bands. The concerts are completely free and take place at the Midtown Crossing Pavilion. All you have to bring is yourself, a blanket or a chair, and an appetite for the local food vendors!
Omaha Railroad Days | July 14-15
For almost two centuries, railroads have provided a backbone for American commerce and transportation, and with the Union Pacific headquarters in Omaha, we are largely responsible for that tradition! Come celebrate all things train and track at this family-friendly celebration, which will take you through the Lauritzen Gardens, the Durham Museum, the RailsWest Railroad Museum, the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, and the Historic General Dodge House for the low price of $15 per family.
AUGUST
Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival | August 10-11
Photo courtesy of the Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival
The 13th annual Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival will feature multiple colorful balloon launches, nighttime balloon glows, live performances, wine tastings and delicious bites! There’s a reason this is one of the most highly anticipated festivals of the year.
River’s Edge Taco Fest | August 4
Live music, a chihuahua beauty pageant, and 20 of Omaha’s best taco restaurants — need we say more? This event will be a celebration of everything that makes Omaha and Council Bluffs great. The River’s Edge Taco Fest is new this year, but is bound to be a hit.
Omaha Beer & Bacon Festival | August 4
Two of our favorite indulgences, beer and bacon, will collide at this delicious annual festival! Enjoy your choice of sizzling bacon along with a sipper from your favorite local brewery. There will also be a food competition showcasing bacon-themed dishes, so make sure to show up hungry!
SeptemberFest | August 31-September 3
Featuring a rib cook-off, a fabulous Labor Day Parade, live music, vendors, games and more, SeptemberFest is the perfect way to send summer off with a bang! The event will celebrate its 41st year in 2018, and is expected to be bigger than ever before.
Happy Summer!
Looking for more seasonal inspiration? Check out our kid’s guide to summer in Omaha and our round up of summery road trip destinations. Also, make sure to follow us on Twitter to stay in the know about upcoming events, homes for sale, local restaurant recommendations and more!