October Events in the Omaha Area offer plenty of excitement! Check out events and festivals like Junkstock, Farnam Fest, and a beautiful rendition of Swan Lake at the Orpheum Theatre. As you get ready for Halloween and the spookiest season of them all, make sure to pack your month full of community events and gatherings to celebrate the fall season.
First Thursday Downtown Omaha Art Walk
Where? Old Market
When? October 3rd
During First Thursday Art Walks, attendees will visit participating galleries in the Old Market of Omaha. You’ll have the opportunity to meet artists and even purchase select pieces to take home with you! Participating venues in this event include the Artists’ Cooperative Gallery, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, KANEKO, Passageway Gallery, and the Old Market Artists Gallery. There is no admission fee or registration required, so just come on out and meet with fellow art lovers and peruse the vibrant art scene that Omaha has to offer. These walks typically take place between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM from Harney to Jackson Streets and 10th to 13th Streets.
Sleeping Bag Safari (21+)
Where? 3701 South 10th Street
When? October 4th
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium invites all animal lovers to book an unforgettable overnight experience filled with activities and opportunities to learn more about conservation and species protection. This October, check out an adult-only safari where you’ll be able to relax under the stars. The Safari Tent Camp Experience includes dinner and drinks, a guided evening tour, an outdoor movie & s’mores, a grab-n-go breakfast, and a morning tour with a truly unique serene ambiance. You’ll also be able to enjoy a free day at the zoo to explore at your leisure! The tents are measured 10′ by 12′ and feature a double cot or two single cots. Participants should bring their own bedding and comfortable walking shoes. Tickets are priced at $135 per person and $270 per tent.
Omaha Fall Home & Lifestyle Show
Where? 455 North 10th Street
When? October 4th-6th
The Omaha Fall Home & Lifestyle Show is a three-day event at the CHI Health Center. You can directly engage with industry experts, gain valuable insights, and even compare brands side by side. Whether you’re in the midst of renovations or you simply want to add some trendy decor to your home, this is a great expo to visit with abundant resources and connections that can bring your vision to life. Admission is free and there is a $10 parking fee. There will be both local and national exhibitors onsite, with some great opportunities to snag exclusive deals and discounts. Secure multiple quotes on products and services in the convenience of one place — which can result in you saving hundreds to thousands of dollars on upcoming projects!
Junkstock: Harvest Edition
Where? 1150 River Road Drive
When? October 4th – 6th
As sweater weather makes its appearance once again, as does Junkstock! There will be acres upon acres of curated vintage and artisan handmade goods. You’ll be able to spend hours perusing, exploring, and shopping! Whether you’re looking for that perfect vintage piece of furniture or a comfy hoodie to keep you warm all winter — Junkstock has something for everybody. You can even snack on a box of warm apple cider donuts and a pumpkin spice latte! There will be live music playing from 12 talented bands and musicians, as well as an array of food trucks. With over 200 small businesses in attendance, you’ll be able to support locals with ease! Kids 12 and under are free and pets are always welcome. Snap up your tickets for $15 per day or $25 for the full weekend pass!
Farnam Fest
Where? 3924 Farnam Street
When? October 12th
Make sure to mark your calendar for the Blackstone District’s largest annual event — Farnam Fest! On October 12th from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM, enjoy live music, food trucks, an outdoor bar, and more! Admission is $10 and there is a parking lot located behind Scriptown Brewing off of Farnam Street. The music lineup will be announced soon, so be sure to stay tuned to see if your favorite local bands are playing. If you want to get even more involved, volunteers are needed for set up, tear down, and throughout the event. Volunteers also get free entry, a t-shirt, and two drink tickets!
A Taste of Ireland
Where? 1200 Douglas Street
When? October 12th
Check out A Taste of Ireland at the Holland Performing Arts Center this October in Omaha. At 7:30 PM, this Irish music and dance sensation will take the stage hot off its “Off-Broadway” premiere. The performance features former World Irish dance champions, as well as dancers from the West End’s Lord of the Dance and Riverdance. Audiences will be transported through the story of Ireland’s history, all with a pint of classic Irish wit. These world-class performers will expertly blend melodic folk mash-ups, live acapella tap battles, and heartwarming storytelling that will have audiences laughing, crying, and jigging the night away. The lobbies at the center open 90 minutes before events and seating will begin 30 minutes before showtime. Holland Performing Arts Center is a cashless venue and there will be security scanners at the door.
Mid-America Fall Arts & Crafts Show
Where? Mid-America Center
When? October 12th & 13th
Hailing as one of Iowa’s largest arts and crafts shows with a whopping 200+ exhibitors, this should be on your October bucket list without a doubt! Make the short trip to nearby Council Bluffs to this all-ages craft event to shop thousands of unique, handmade products. You’re sure to find leather goods, wine barrel furniture, paintings and prints, ceramics, wall hangings, blankets, stained glass, garden art, pottery, purses, floral arrangements, soaps, and more completely original products that you won’t find anywhere else. There will also be exhibitors selling coffee cakes, salsa, barbecue sauce, soups, jams, cheese, wines, roasted nuts and more. Parking is free throughout the show and there is a small entry fee of $6. Children 10 and under are free! The hours of the show are scheduled for 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday. If you attend on Saturday, you’ll receive a two-day re-entry stamp!
Anime NebrasKon 2024
Where? 1 Arena Way
When? October 18th-20th
The Anime Nebraskan 2024 Convention will be held at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs. This is the largest and longest-running anime convention in the Omaha metro area, so you won’t want to miss out on all the fun. If you love all things anime, gaming, comics, or pop culture, this is a great event to meet like-minded community members. There will be over 100 activities scheduled across the three-day event, so you’ll never have a chance to be bored. Some of the highlights include a vendor and artist area, an extensive board game room, Q&A with celebs, karaoke, dances with live DJs, and more! Make plans to swing by and grab some awesome swag and meet some awesome people. At NebKon, fans are family! The convention hours are scheduled from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Friday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM on Saturday, and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday.
World Ballet Company: Swan Lake
Where? 409 South 16th Street
When? October 24th
The ballet of all ballets is making its way to Omaha this October! Check out Swan Lake at the Orpheum Theatre on the 24th for a truly magical, timeless performance featuring iconic music. The international cast is made up of handpicked dancers from premier dance institutions from Japan, Europe, the United Kingdom, Belarus, and more. Attendees will be amazed at the 150+ hand-sewn costumes and the hand-painted, artisan-crafted set. You’ll lose yourself to the captivating and fantastic choreography and it won’t be long before you see why Swan Lake is renowned as one of the most beloved and iconic ballets of all time. This is a memorable night out for the whole family. Tickets are priced at $111 and they’re likely to sell out — so grab yours while they’re still available!
Union Omaha Soccer
Where? 12356 Ballpark Way
When? October 2nd, 12th, 21st & 26th
Omaha is a soccer city and it’s time for YOU to join the party at Werner Park! Soccer is the fastest-growing pro sport and it’s right here in town! Bring the whole family and treat the kids to an electrifying atmosphere while they enjoy activities around the stadium.
Saturday, September 21 is our Oktoberfest celebration with free 33oz steins for the first 500 fans! Wednesday, October 2 is a great chance to enjoy midday soccer as we welcome Students & Educators to Werner Park, presented by Family Fare & Supermercado. Saturday, October 12 will be Hispanic Heritage Night presented by Centris FCU – we’ll have live pre-match music and host local businesses for table displays on the concourse. Saturday, October 26 will be Fan Appreciation Night and we’ve got some surprises in store. Visit tickets.unionomaha.com – we can’t wait to see you!
One City, One Club, One Means All!
Omaha Lancers Season Home Opening Weekend
Where? 7300 Q Street
When? October 12th & 13th
The Omaha Lancers are a Tier I junior ice hockey team and are official members of the Western Conference of the United States Hockey League. If you love watching hockey and cheering on the home team as they score a goal — come show your support for the Lancers during their home opener weekend for the 2024-2025 season. The opposing team will be the Chicago Steel and the games are scheduled for 6:05 PM and 4:05 PM, respectively.
Tours Coming to Omaha This October
Want to catch some live music or have a few laughs at a comedy show? Check out these tours coming to Omaha and snag your tickets now!
COIN: I’m Not Afraid Of Tour Anymore
Where? 1100 Dodge Street
When? October 1st
Kick-off October with a COIN concert at Steelhouse Omaha. Scheduled for the first day of the month at 8:00 PM, you can sing along with this Nashville-based band that seamlessly blends pop, rock, and synth influences. Their hit song, “Talk Too Much” was a radio hit in 2017 before reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 2022. Doors open at 7:00 PM and the show kicks off at 8:00 PM. Preorder parking so it’s a breeze and remember, clear bags and small clutches are permitted but double-check the measurements to make sure they’re up to regulations!
Chappell Roan: The Midwest Princess Tour
Where? 22984 US-6
When? October 3rd
Catch Chappell Roan on her groundbreaking Midwest Princess Tour at the Westfair Amphitheater in nearby Council Bluffs. Doors open at 5:00 PM and the concert starts at 8:00 PM. This is an all-ages event and there is a strict four-ticket limit to the show. From Chappell’s bold pop hooks and honest songwriting, she’s set to become the next multi-faceted force in pop music. The LA-based singer, songwriter, and performer has emerged as the rare star who is larger than life with two sold-out national tours in one year under her belt.
Judah & the Lion
Where? 1100 Dodge Street
When? October 6th
Don’t miss Judah & the Lion performing at Steelhouse Omaha this October. This American folk band formed in Nashville, TN back in 2011. They have since released four studio albums and five EPs, including top songs like Take It All Back and Beautiful Anyway. Upgrade your night and take advantage of happy hour pricing on food and drink in the Steelhouse Club Lounge. This package is added to your ticket and allows you to get inside 90 minutes before doors open.
Gabriel Iglesias: Don’t Worry Be Fluffy Tour
Where? 7300 Q Street
When? October 24th
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias is bringing his show to the Liberty First Credit Union Arena this October! As one of the world’s most successful stand-up comedians, he’s one of the most-watched comedians on YouTube with over 1.1 billion views! His unique and animated comedy style makes him popular with fans of all ages. This event is recommended for audiences ages 12 and up. Doors open at 7:00 PM and the show begins an hour later. Grab your tickets now, with prices ranging between $43.50 and $179.00.
Enjoy Your October in Omaha!
We hope you’ve found several events that you’re excited about in October! With the fall season quickly descending and temperatures cooling off, now is the best time to get outside and enjoy all that the city has to offer. Check out live music, ballet performances, downtown art walks, and more!