Omaha is brimming with excitement this September, with fun festivals, a bridal expo, and even the long-awaited Joslyn Museum reopening! With so many September events in the Omaha area, you can enjoy art walks, baseball games, and live music, making this month one to remember.
Afro Fest Omaha
Where? 800 Douglas Street
When? September 1st
Afro Fest 2024 will be at a new festival site but expect all the same energy! On September 1st from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, get ready to have fun at the Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront. The 6th annual iteration of this celebration is expected to be the best one yet and is hailed as the largest celebration of African and Afro cultures in the Midwest, with thousands of attendees expected. There will be an African market and food row, with vendors selling African clothing, arts, crafts, jewelry, and authentic cuisine, and electrifying performances by local and international acts. Make sure to visit the children’s and educational village, with lots of interactive activities such as working with robots, a virtual trip to Africa, and learning new works in different African languages.
First Thursday Downtown Omaha Art Walk
Where? Downtown Omaha
When? September 5th
On the first Thursday of each month from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, make a plan to spend the evening in downtown Omaha to celebrate the vibrant art scene in the city. Participating galleries this month include the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, the Passageway Gallery, and the Old Market Artist Gallery. Attendees will have the chance to explore a curated selection of work, each one showcasing unique local and regional artists. As you wander from gallery to gallery, you’ll have the chance to engage with these passionate artists and your fellow art enthusiast community members. Omaha’s Old Market neighborhood has a unique history in the city of Omaha and is arguably one of the most entertaining districts. Tourists and locals alike will enjoy the cobblestone streets that feature a diverse mix of shopping, galleries, restaurants, and even taverns!
Joslyn Art Museum Reopening
Where? 2200 Dodge Street
When? September 10th
Art lovers will rejoice when they hear that the Joslyn Art Museum is reopening on Tuesday, September 10th. Across three buildings, there will be 100 new works added to the collection on view and three outstanding exhibitions. The new building is sure to impress and as always, there is free general admission for all! Make a plan to swing by with your family or meet up with a group of like-minded art aficionados to check out what’s new and to support the museum in its updated form. The museum’s shortened moniker, The Joslyn, is just one feature of the reimagined brand. Explore the revamped identity at The Joslyn this September, complete with a new website and updated digital platforms. After a two-year construction closure, the Museum is excited to reopen as an expanded, restored, and transformed version of itself.
Truck & Tractor Days
Where? 10505 North 234th Street
When? September 14th & 15th
Visit the Nelson Produce Farm for the annual Truck & Tractor Days, where you’ll get an up close and personal look at the impressive machines that make up Nebraska’s agriculture industry! From antique tractors to modern-day farming equipment, attendees will love getting a glimpse into how heavy-duty machinery works. Kids and adults alike will love the chance to take a ride on a tractor or a semi-truck. Other highlights of the day include The Farmer Phil Show, which is a popular agricultural magic show that is sure to wow audiences and delight little farmers. The Truck & Tractor Days run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM both Saturday and Sunday. If you have a little kid who’s impressed by tractors and all things farm life, consider entering them into the state-qualifying kids’ pedal tractor pull!
Fall Festival at Nelson Produce + Farm
Where? 10505 North 234th Street
When? September 16th – October 27th
The Autumn season means that Nelson Farm is welcoming back its Fall Festival celebration! This annual tradition builds up the excitement leading up to Halloween — kicking off on September 16th and running through the Sunday before the spooky holiday. The event features pumpkin picking, hayrack rides, and a giant hay pyramid! Attendees can brave the corn maze or dive into one of the famous apple cider slushies or an order of apple nachos! Sip on a warm drink from the Coffee Barn located in the market while you peruse the field of pumpkins, which is set to feature classic jack pumpkins or the more whimsical pink Cinderellas that are waiting to go home with you! With over 50 varieties of pumpkins to choose from, you may have a hard time deciding on just one.
Omaha River City Rodeo
Where? 455 North 10th Street
When? September 20th & 21st
The 2024 Omaha River City Rodeo is coming to the CHI Health Center this September. The event features two nights of high-caliber PRCA rodeo action, featuring all your favorite rodeo events such as steer wrestling, team roping, and bull riding. Fans will enjoy nonstop action, including rock music and family-friendly entertainment. Tickets can be purchased for $30-$50, with season ticket packages available as well. If you’re looking for ways to participate, there are volunteer opportunities and mutton bustin’ and rough-n-ready rodeo events for kids and youth with special needs. Saturday afternoon will feature the Invitational High School Champions Challenge Rodeo, where contestants from six states qualify to compete for $16,500 in scholarship prize money!
Gifford Farm Fall Festival
Where? 700 Camp Gifford Road
When? September 21st
This annual fall festival is a great way to gather with the local community and help fundraise for the Gifford Farm. Attendees can partake in a good “old fashioned day at the farm,” where they’ll experience animal presentations, play games, and explore the Outdoor Natural Classroom. Kiddos will love the hay rides, as well as the clowns and food trucks. Make sure to visit the farmers market vendors and shake a leg to the live music! Drop by anytime from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Nebraska Bridal & Wedding Expo
Where? 455 North 10th Street
When? September 22nd
This one-of-a-kind event is a party before your wedding party. There will be a fantastic selection of wedding professionals on hand to help you select your bakeries, bands, bridal accessories, bridal gowns, caterers, and even ceremony officiants! There will be vendors on hand to help you learn more about destination weddings, dance lessons, florists, guest accommodations, and even honeymoon and travel options! The expo is hosted from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the CHI Health Center in Omaha. Admission is priced at $10 for adults and children under the age of 16 are free.
Heartland Marathon
Where? Downtown Omaha to Council Bluffs
When? September 22nd
The 10th annual Heartland Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier and a USATF-certified course. Presented by the Omaha Running Club, this race is a signature community event and is sure to draw a crowd. The unique route has runners beginning at the riverfront just north of downtown Omaha and taking them across the border into Council Bluffs. Registration prices will increase as the event draws closer, so snag your spot now for a discount! The marathon and marathon relay kick off at 7:00 AM on the 22nd, with the half-marathon following a staggered start 20 minutes later. The 10K will follow at 7:40 AM. There will be aid stations every 2-3 miles, approximately.
Disney On Ice: Mickey’s Search Party
Where? 400 Pinnacle Arena Drive
When? September 27th-29th
Make the quick trek to nearby Lincoln and check out Disney On Ice at the Pinnacle Bank Arena. You’ll have multiple opportunities to catch the show this September, with evening and afternoon showtime options! Tickets start at $25 and families can upgrade for awesome character experiences. The Wayfinding with Moana immersive experience takes families on a journey celebrating water, waves, and wind as they sail to Motunui with Moana! Don’t forget to snag a photo with her special guest, Mickey Mouse! All guests ages 2 and up are required to have a ticket. Disney On Ice productions can vary in length but guests should schedule between an hour and a half to two hours for the full experience.
Omaha Whiskey Fest
Where? 1001 Cass Street
When? September 28th
The Omaha Whiskey Fest is coming to the Hilton Omaha this September. Circle the 28th on your calendar from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and snag your general admission ticket! Tickets include access to 400 samples from over 65 brands, a boxed lunch of your choice, access to the Havana Garage and Cigar and Whiskey Lounge, and an Omaha Whiskey Fest 2024 swag bag and custom glassware. Splurge on a VIP access ticket for an additional hour of the fest, as well as exclusive VIP bottle sampling and access to the Spirit World/BRICKWAY VIP Lounge. Consider making a night of it and booking a room at the Hilton so you don’t have to worry about designating a driver or calling a rideshare to get you back home. Brands at this year’s fest include Johnnie Walker, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Jack Daniel’s, Westland Whiskey and so many more!
Union Omaha Home Games
Where? 12356 Ballpark Way
When? September 7th & 21st
You’ll have two opportunities to cheer on Union Omaha at home this September! They’re matched up against Greenville Triumph SC on the 7th and One Knoxville SC on the 21st. Both games take place at Werner Park at 7:00 PM. The Greenville game will feature a bobblehead giveaway presented by the Nebraska State Soccer Association, as well as a celebration of hometown heroes! The Knoxville game is Oktoberfest Night and fans will have a chance to get a free stein as part of a giveaway! Snag your tickets now and get excited to cheer on your favorite soccer team.
Omaha Storm Chasers Home Games
Where? 12356 Ballpark Way
When? September 1st, 10th-15th, 24th-26th
There are lots of chances to cheer on a home run this month as the Omaha Storm Chasers take on various teams at home. The September 1st game caps off a home stand against St. Paul and is also a Family Funday and a Kids Run the Bases game, where children ages 12 and under can run the bases after the final inning! The September 10th-15th games are against Toledo and include activities such as senior bingo, Cornival Wednesday, Bark in the Park, and even a murder mystery night where attendees can search for clues around the ballpark! The final home series is against TBD, as they’re set to be games 1, 2, and 3 if necessary as part of the championship.
Tours Coming to Omaha This September
If you love all things live music, you’re in luck! September has a range of musical acts swinging through town, such as Cage the Elephant on their Neon Pill Tour and Teddy Swims!
Teddy Swims
Where? One Harrah’s Boulevard
When? September 12th
Teddy Swims is coming to Harrah’s in Council Bluffs this September This American singer-songwriter is known for blending music across R&B, soul, country, and pop. You may be familiar with singles such as Lose Control, The Door, or Hammer to the Heart. The show begins at 8:00 PM.
Cage the Elephant: Neon Pill Tour
Where? 455 North 10th Street
When? September 16th
Cage the Elephant is coming to the CHI Health Center with a special guest, Bakar. The GRAMMY award-winning rock band is celebrating their sixth studio album, Neon Pill. The concert begins at 6:30 PM, so pick up some tickets and enjoy a night of live music!
Dashboard Confessional
Where? 1100 Dodge Street
When? September 24th
The Dashboard Confessional concert at Steelhouse Omaha is presented by 89.7 The River. Joining the performance are Boys Like Girls and Taylor Acorn. Doors open at 6:00 PM and music kicks off at 7:00 PM. Upgrade your experience with the Happy Hour Package and enjoy discounted prices on food and drinks in the lounge.
For King and Country: Unsung Hero Tour
Where? 455 North 10th Street
When? September 27th
For King and Country is celebrating their Unsung Hero Tour at the CHI Health Center this September. This four-time GRAMMY award-winning duo is known for their songs such as The Proof of Your Love and Burn the Ships. The show begins at 7:00 PM and tickets are on sale now at the box office and online via Ticketmaster.
Enjoy Your September in Omaha!
There’s so much to do in Omaha this month! Make sure you mark your calendar for your favorite events and snag your tickets now. Whether you want to catch a sporting event, a concert, or attend one of Nelson Farm’s festivals — you’re sure to have an awesome time around town this September!