The weather is changing, the days are shortening, and school is back on the calendar. Summer is almost over and while we’re looking forward to fall, we wish the season didn’t have to end so soon.
Luckily, now that events are happening once again, Omahans are putting together festivals to allow us to celebrate everything we missed over the past 17 months. From concerts to food festivals, to art shows and performances, there is no shortage of exciting events to help say goodbye to summer 2021 in style.
Below, we’ve rounded up a few of our most-anticipated end-of-summer events, beginning on August 5th all the way up to the last day of summer on September 22nd. Have fun!
Because of the rise of COVID-19 cases in the area, we recommend checking each website of the events for any changes or new COVID-19 policies. We also encourage you to wear masks and social distance when possible.
August
Where: UNO Theater & Big Canvas Theatre
The Omaha Fringe was created based on the long tradition of fringe festivals around the world. These interesting events are often unique experiences where performers put on small, self-produced and self-funded shows—and The Omaha Fringe Festival will be no different! This year, you can expect 36 performances from 12 companies at two venues around Omaha: The UNO Theater and the Big Canvas Theatre.
Where: Multiple Locations Across Omaha
When: August 5-7
Omaha Under the Radar is a contemporary performance and arts presenter in Omaha that organizes experimental performance events and educational workshops. They work to “create diverse artistic experiences featuring artists of different backgrounds, disciplines and philosophical inclinations.” Their 2021 festival will feature four different music and sound art events at different locations across town. Click here to see the full itinerary.
Where: City Hall Campus, La Vista
When: August 6, 3-10 p.m.
While La Vista‘s Salute to Summer Festival was held in abbreviated form this past Memorial Day, they plan to host an even bigger event this August! The celebration will kick off with a car show and beer garden and will be followed by a community cookout, live concert and fireworks.
Where: Downtown Benson
This annual street festival in downtown Benson works to highlight performance and visual arts from Omaha’s refugee and immigrant communities. This year, you can expect a hybrid of gallery-operated, in-person exhibits, featured artisans at local retailers, food trucks, satellite on-street stages, as well as virtual performances. Click here to learn more!
Where: Old Market
When: August 7
In the Market for Blues is the largest blues festival this side of Chicago! In 2021, the popular event will feature several venues around Old Market and Downtown, with one large outdoor venue in the Mammel Courtyard. Their official lineup features Ana Popovic and The Hector Anchondo Band as headliners, as well as a slew of other fantastic musicians all day.
Where: Bancroft Street Market
When: August 7-8, Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 12-4 p.m.
Celebrate the creative use of natural fibers and textiles at the 2021 Fiber Arts Festival! All weekend long, shop the Vendor’s Market for goods from local makers and creators. There will also be artist demonstrations from Jim Schalles of Tallgrass Hearth and Home as well as mini workshops the week after.
Where: EVEN Hotel
When: August 14-15, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
Kaiju is a Japanese genre of films and television featuring giant monsters. Godzilla and King Kong are great examples of this beloved genre. If you’ve found yourself interested in these monsters, you may want to check out Omaha Kaiju Con, a convention dedicated to these “gentle” giants. The convention will feature miniature modelers, artists, movie screenings, cosplaying and much more. Click here to get your tickets!
Where: Ta-Ha-Zouka Park, Elkhorn
When: August 20-21, Friday 5-11 p.m., Saturday 3-11 p.m.
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 Ta-Ha-Zouka Park to celebrate wine, balloons, and community for the first time since 2019.
Where: 602 Park Avenue, Omaha
When: August 20-22
Start wrapping up the season with a celebration like none other—complete with Greek food, Greek dancing, and plenty of family-friendly fun. There will be costumes, performances, dances, a traditional marketplace, pastries and so much more!
Where: Dundee
This year, the Dundee Merchants Association and the Dundee Memorial Park Association will be hosting their 29th annual Dundee Day street festival. Head to downtown Dundee on August 21st, and enjoy a fantastic parade, a 5K run, art and craft vendors, a book sale, a pancake breakfast, food trucks, live music and a beer garden!
Where: The Omaha Design Center
When: August 26-28
After over a year of virtual events, Omaha Fashion Week is returning to the runway for another season of fashion and glamour! Join them on August 26-28 for in-person showcases featuring the Midwest’s best designers. Click here for the full lineup and to purchase tickets!
Where: Falconwood Park, Bellevue
When: August 28, 12-7 p.m.
Hippie Fest is a grassroots festival where free-spirited people from across the country gather to celebrate peace, love, and all things groovy! This special event coming to Falconwood Park in Bellevue will feature live music, Bohemian shopping, a vintage hippie car show, DIY tie-dye, a giant bubble garden, cirque performers, kids’ activities, drum circles, delicious food, a tipsy-hippie cocktail bar, beer, dancing, and more. All ages are welcome and kids ages 10 and under get in for free.
Where: Little Bohemia
Infusion’s Little Bohemia Beer Hall is partnering with the Czech-Slovak Cultural Club to bring you their second annual Little Bohemia Czechfest! Head over to the adorable neighborhood on August 28th for a day of Czech street food, sweets, live performances, dancers, vendors selling a variety of Czech-inspired gifts, and much more. Afterward, head to Infusion for an after party and even more live music!
September
When: September 3, 4-9 p.m.
The Omaha Lit Fest is Omaha’s biggest literary event of the year. The 2021 festival will be slightly smaller than normal, featuring a half-day of panels, readings and talks with featured local and national authors who will also be doing book signings. Click here to purchase your tickets!
Where: CHI Health Center
When: September 3-6
SeptemberFest is our favorite way to say goodbye to summer in Omaha. What with an annual rib cook-off, a Labor Day parade, some live music, local vendors, exhilarating rides, and family-friendly games, don’t be surprised if you see most of Eastern Nebraska there that weekend!
Where: Stinson Park
The third annual African Cultural Festival promises to be the best one yet! In addition to showcasing live music, the event features performances of both traditional and modern dances, event organizers are excited to enhance the festival with educational components, a larger kids’ area, and more activities. Go out and learn about the different subsets of African art, history, culture and games—all the fun is happening in Stinson Park on September 4th!
Where: Millwork Commons
When: September 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hutchfest is a one-day community and artisan celebration at Millwork Commons 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 $10! P.S. you can pick up discounted early bird tickets on Made in Omaha‘s website for $7 before September 5th.
Where: Sterling Ridge Retail
When: September 9, 5-9 p.m.
Brew Haha is back and bigger than ever! Hosted by Habitat Omaha, Brew Haha offers attendees the opportunity to enjoy delicious tastings from the area’s best breweries and restaurants in a fun, relaxing atmosphere all while supporting Habitat’s cause.
Where: Lauritzen Gardens
When: September 9-12
Something wonderful is coming up September 9-12! The Lauritzen Gardens Antique Show is a one-of-a-kind cultural event bringing high-quality antique exhibitors, renowned designers and educational opportunities to the Omaha area. The 2021 show will feature hundreds of antique vendors as well as lectures and educational opportunities from national antiques and design experts.
Where: South 24th Street
Celebrate Latino Heritage Month by attending this three-day festival on the historic South 24th Street! Enjoy live music and entertainment, carnival rides, a parade, food, exhibitors, a queen coronation, games and much more.
Where: Rockbrook Village
When: September 11-12
The Rockbrook Village Art Fair has been a staple in the Omaha area since 1971, giving local creatives a place to showcase their unique talent and work. On the weekend of September 11th & 12th, head over to Rockbrook Village and enjoy perusing goods from over 100 artists from all across the country. In addition to fabulous art, there will also be a food court and specials at local fine dining restaurants.
Where: Restaurants All Over Omaha
When: September 13-22
Omaha Restaurant Week returns with 10 tasty days of food celebration! Explore Omaha’s vast culinary scene by visiting a different restaurant every night and enjoying exciting and innovative dishes, cocktails, desserts and more. Click here for more information as the event grows closer.
Where: La Vista
When: September 18
Join hundreds of other Omahans in La Vista on the evening of September 18th to watch thousands of lanterns fly through the sky. Each lantern will be filled with wishes, hopes and dreams for the future and will be paired with campfires, s’mores and, of course, family and friends.
Where: Midtown Crossing
When: September 18-19, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Omaha’s annual Chalk Art Festival will return to Farnam Street in Midtown Crossing this year! Throughout the September weekend, local artists will transform sidewalks into pastel chalk masterpieces. In addition to watching the artists work, you can also enjoy live music, grab some lunch, and browse your favorite neighborhood shops.
Have a great August & September!
We hope you have a fantastic couple of months! Did we miss your favorite end-of-summer event? Let us know in the comments below!