They say the best things in life are free, and after exploring the incredible lineup of free summer concerts in Omaha this year, we have to agree! There’s nothing better than laying out a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy a talented local act on a warm summer night outside. We rounded up all of the one-time lawn shows and weekly series you can expect to enjoy this summer that are completely free. So leave your money (and your worries) at home, and get ready to dance your way through the season!
Free Community Events
When: June 29, 6-10:30 pm
Where: Memorial Park, Omaha
Pair a free fireworks show with a free concert at the largest Independence Day celebration in Omaha! This year’s live music performances include Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, the Survivor Band and the Confidentials. More than 60,000 people are expected to attend this year, so don’t miss out on the fun!
When: July 13 and August 17, 7 pm
Where: La Vista Public Library, La Vista
The nearby community of La Vista definitely knows how to celebrate summer! Come by the La Vista Public Library to enjoy a free concert followed by an outdoor movie. On July 13, Eckophonic will play at 7 pm, and the movie Coco will play directly after. The event on August 17 will feature Blue House followed by a showing of Jumanji.
When: July 14 and August 25, 3:30 pm
Where: Midtown Crossing Pavilion, Omaha
Photo courtesy of John Gieruszczak via Playing With Fire
This premier free concert series at the Midtown Crossing Pavilion will return in 2018 with two fantastic shows, each featuring four different brilliant artists from near and far! The series was established in 2004 to bring people together, and in its fifteenth year, will draw more people than ever before! Music will include blues, rock, funk, R&B and soul music alike, so sit back on the lawn, soak in the summer air and enjoy the show! The lineup for both days can be found here.
Concert Series
TUESDAY NIGHTS
When: Tuesdays, June 12-July 24, 6-8 pm
Where: The Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha
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 on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8 pm at the Lauritzen Gardens and are included with garden admission or membership.
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
When: Wednesdays from June 13 to August 8, 6:30-8 pm
Where: Bayliss Park, Council Bluffs
Photo courtesy of PACE
Celebrate being halfway through with your week at these free Wednesday concerts at Bayliss Park! Every week welcomes a new local musician and genres include jazz, rock, country, pop and more. The park also hosts free movies every Friday night during the summer and you can find the schedule for those here.
THURSDAY NIGHTS
When: Thursdays, May 31-August 9, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Village Pointe Shopping Center, Omaha
You’ll only find good vibes at this summertime concert series! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, and kick back to enjoy live musical performance ranging from country and bluegrass to latin fusion, disco and funk! And don’t worry, there are several rock ‘n’ roll artists, as well. Find the complete Vibes schedule here.
When: Thursdays from June 14 to July 12, 7 pm
Where: Washington Park, Bellevue
People of all ages can come to enjoy the free concerts in Bellevue’s Washington Park this summer! The shows are held every Thursday at 7 pm and will last approximately one hour. Genres include master singers, big band, concert band, standards, classical and ragtime.
When: Thursdays, July 5-August 9, 6:30 pm (gates open at 5 pm)
Where: Midtown Crossing Pavilion, Omaha
Photo of the Pine Leaf Boys courtesy of Midtown Crossing at Turner Park
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!
FRIDAY NIGHTS
When: Fridays from June 1 to August 31, 7-8 pm
Where: Rockbrook Village, Omaha
This family-friendly concert series covers a wide range of genres, including rock, jazz, pop, blues and Latin! Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and let the music from local talent sweep you into the weekend.
When: Fridays from June 8 to August 10, 6:30 pm
Where: Shadow Lake Towne Center, Omaha
The Sounds of Summer Concert Series has returned for 2018, featuring an incredible local lineup, bites and beverages from local eateries, and plenty of chances to dance your way into the weekend. You can find the full lineup and schedule on the Shadow Lake Towne Center events page.
When: Fridays from June 29 to August 17, 6-9 pm
Where: The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, Omaha
Photo courtesy of Bridge Beats
The lineup for Bridge Beats is, well, unbeatable! From R-Style to Lemon Fresh Day to Taxi Driver, Omaha Parks and Recreation has curated a perfect list of local and regional bands for us to enjoy for free this summer. Bring your entire family to take part in the fun as you enjoy live performances set against the scenic Missouri River.
SATURDAY NIGHTS
When: Saturdays in June and July, 7-10 pm
Where: Stinson Park, Omaha
Face painting, food and drink vendors, balloon artists, and free live music await you at Stinson Park this summer. Come enjoy a different artist every week on Saturdays during June and July. A complete schedule can be found on the Aksarben Village calendar.
When: Saturdays through June and July, 7-10 pm
Where: Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, Council Bluffs
Graphic courtesy of Rock on the River
Every Saturday night during the months of June and July, bring a blanket and the entire family to enjoy a free live concert in the park. In addition to the music, there will be food and drink vendors, face painting, balloon artists and the stunning backdrop of the river.
SUNDAY NIGHTS
When: June 3, July 1, August 5 and September 2,
Where: Narrows River Park, Council Bluffs
This summer, come enjoy a free concert at Narrows River Park in Council Bluffs on the first Sunday of every month! While no tickets or advance reservations are needed, the first 75 guests to arrive will be treated to complimentary food provided by HyVee, so try to get there early!
Enjoy your summer!
What shows will you be attending this season? Share your plans with us in the comments and make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date information on these shows and other fun events this summer.
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