Looking for new experiences this May in Omaha? Start gearing up for summer just around the corner with these awesome area events, including the beloved Renaissance Festival and the annual Cinco de Mayo Festival and Parade! Lace up your running sneakers and head to Stinson Park for the Hometown Half Marathon or check out the abundance of treasure waiting to be discovered at Junkstock.
First Thursday Downtown Art Walk
Where? Old Market
When? May 1st
Every First Thursday in Downtown Omaha, locals and visitors alike partake in the monthly Art Walk from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Celebrate the city’s vibrant and diverse art scene and pay a visit to the participating galleries. Attendees range from art fanatics to casual aficionados, so you’ll never feel out of place. Indulge your senses as you peruse works from avant-garde installations to contemporary masterpieces. Downtown Omaha is the place to be for art lovers of all varieties, so help transform the city on First Thursdays into a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for visitors of all ages, interests, and backgrounds to enjoy the magic of the arts! Participating locations in and around Omaha include the Gallery 1516, Hot Shops Art Center, Passageway Gallery, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, which will be offering a curator-led tour of their current exhibits on May 1st at 7:00 PM and a performance by Kalia Vandever at 8:00 PM.
Junkstock 2025 Spring Edition
Where? 1150 River Road Drive
When? May 2nd-4th
Junkstock 2025 is coming back for its second weekend as part of the spring season! May 2nd through 4th, discover the best of vintage, antique, and junk vendors in the country. Junkstock also features mouthwatering food truck options, live music, and of course, the signature Bloody Marys that have everyone raving! Order your tickets online to skip the line or pick yours up at the gate. General admission passes are priced at $15 or you can snag a three-day weekend pass for $25! The farm is located on Omaha’s western edge, right off 228th and West Dodge in Waterloo. Parking is free and there is an abundance of spaces available, including handicap-accessible spots. Parking attendants will be available at the entrance to guide you to the designated lots.
Heartland Bike Share Slow Race & Bicycle Swap Meet
Where? 1229 Millwork Avenue
When? May 3rd
The Slow Race & Swap Meet will be held in early May for National Bike Month! Join Heartland Bike Share for this awesome community event that places a spotlight on all things bicycling and nonprofit bike sharing. The slowest time down the 40-foot track wins a lifetime membership to Heartland Bike Share. So if you think you have what it takes to win the slowest race in America, then throw your hat in the ring and give it a go. Remember, you can’t stop and you can’t put your foot down! The Swap Meet will feature individuals, nonprofits, and bike shops looking to sell/trade/barter their new and used bike gear. Of course, attendees will also be able to enjoy some of the best brews in Omaha with nearby Kros Strain Brewery and Archetype Coffee. There are also several eateries in the area, so meet some new friends, swap some bike gear, and enjoy a lively afternoon in Omaha!
Omaha Symphony — The Little Mermaid in Concert
Where? 1200 Douglas Street
When? May 3rd & 4th
Surprise the family with a trip to see The Little Mermaid in Concert with the Omaha Symphony this May! Watch as the musicians pour new life into this Disney-animated classic in a special live event at the Holland Center. The film will play on the big screen while the symphony performs the film’s Oscar-winning and Grammy-nominated score synchronized to the beloved family classic. There will be two chances to catch the show — one at 7:30 PM on Saturday, May 3rd, and the second at 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 4th. Tickets range in price from $20 to $93, allowing families to find seats that match their budget! Whether you sit on the balcony, orchestral level, or the first or second tier, you’re sure to be delighted by this family-friendly performance that’s led by Maestro Ernest Richardson.
2025 Renaissance Festival of Nebraska
Where? 11001 South 48th Street
When? May 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th
The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska is back in nearby Papillion across the first three weekends in May! Whether you’re excited to dig into a turkey leg or you want to experience what the world was like when knights in shining armor roamed the land, the Renaissance Festival is a family-friendly event that you won’t want to miss. Tickets are priced at $18 for adults ages 13 and older, $9 for kids ages 12 and younger, and free for little ones ages 2 and under. Prices are subject to a $1.25 fee when purchased online. Each weekend is set to showcase a new adventure, kicking off with a May Day celebration on the 3rd & 4th. Experience one-of-a-kind characters straight out of history, such as Queen Elizabeth I, the Royal Court, the Hoof Troupe, and more! Free parking with shuttle service is available, as well as $5 parking at the entrance.
Cinco de Mayo Omaha Festival
Where? Historic South 24th Street from Q to U Streets
When? May 9th-11th
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Omaha with this annual family-friendly festival. In fact, 2025 marks the 105th year of this iconic celebration! Locals and visitors alike are invited to partake in this historic milestone and honor the richness of Mexican traditions, history, music, food, art, and more. You can even register to walk in Omaha’s largest parade, which will take place on May 10th at 9:30 AM! Each entry allows one vehicle and unlimited walkers. Float prizes will be awarded for Best Float, Best Car, Best Entertainment, and Most Extravagant Display. Visit The STEM Hub to explore robotics, VR/AR experiences, and 3D printing or jam out to live music from the Banda Los Sebastianes, La Fiera de Ojinaga, and Nortenos de Ojinaga.
Omaha Home & Lifestyle Show
Where? 1 Arena Way
When? May 16th-18th
The Omaha Home & Lifestyle Show will be hosted at the Mid-America Convention Center this May, with hours ranging across the three show dates to ensure everybody has a chance to swing by! Attendees will benefit from direct engagement with local and national experts in industries spanning lighting, roofing, heating, and so much more! Explore the latest trends, such as solar power, home automation, security, design, and more. If you’re looking to renovate, decorate, or even build this spring, summer, or beyond — a visit to the Omaha Home & Lifestyle Show is an absolute must! Admission is free, so make plans to come on out and see how to make your home the oasis of your dreams.
Indie Authors United 2025
Where? 1616 Dodge Street
When? May 17th
Network with your fellow book lovers at May’s Indie Authors United. From 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, May 17th, book lovers can mingle at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Downtown Omaha for this thrilling event celebrating the creativity and passion of indie authors. Not only does this provide a unique opportunity for aspiring writers, avid readers, and industry professionals alike, but it also welcomes families to enjoy light bites, speakers, and a fun-filled day focused on all things books! Attendees can gain valuable insights and practical advice from experienced authors, as well as learn about the latest trends, techniques, and strategies in the world of self-publishing, marketing and information on curating an engaged, loyal readership. Use code “NPDODGE” at checkout on Eventbrite to receive a 20% discount!
Hometown Half Marathon/10K/5K
Where? 1920 South 67th Street
When? May 24th
Stretch your legs this May at Omaha’s Hometown Half Marathon & 5K/10K. The event takes place at Stinson Park and will kick off bright and early at 7:00 AM. The run is a local-themed event that’s perfect for participants of all ages. The fun will include free photos, awesome swag, chip-timing with live results and awards, as well as delicious treats waiting for you at the finish line to celebrate your accomplishment! There’s even a virtual race option for those who can’t make it out to the park on race day. Registration for all races includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and a finisher medal. The kid’s dash is an untimed “race” for kids ages 10 and under and registration will include a mini bib, a youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal that the little ones will love.
Taste of Omaha Festival
Where? 800 Douglas Street
When? May 30th-June 1st
The 28th Annual Taste of Omaha Festival is the place to be for food lovers across the region! The festival showcases an array of tasty restaurants and awesome entertainment each year, as well as kid-friendly activities like magic, carnival rides, face painting, comedy, and even exotic animal visits! All stage shows during the three-day festival are free to attend, so check out top national entertainers and popular area bands and musicians that will be taking the stage continuously throughout the event in the Heartland of America Park. Hours for the event kick-off from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Friday and continue through 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Saturday before wrapping up at 8:00 PM on Sunday. Admission is free!
Tours Coming to Omaha This May
There’s never a better time than the present to snag your tickets to these tours making their way through Omaha this May. Catch live music, comedy acts, and even your favorite WWE wrestlers as they enter the ring at the CHI Health Center.
Monday Night Raw
Where? 455 North 10th Street
When? May 5th
Monday Night Raw is coming to Omaha! Snag your tickets to the 6:30 PM live show and cheer on your favorite stars as they take the ring. The current card features Seth Rollins, Gunther, Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, Xavier Woods, and many more. Keep in mind, the card is subject to change before the event. Only clear, uncolored plastic bags are permitted into the CHI Health Center or guests can opt for one opaque clutch-sized purse or wallet that matches the allowed dimensions. Signs and banners may not exceed 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
Megan Moroney: Am I Okay? Tour
Where? 8302 City Centre Drive
When? May 16th
Emo Cowgirl Megan Moroney is making her way to The Astro Amphitheater in nearby La Vista. The MULTI-PLATINUM Country singer is best known for hits like “Tennessee Orange,” “Girl in the Mirror” and “I’m Not Pretty.” With over 2.5 BILLION total global streams to date, the Georgia-bred singer/songwriter will be taking her critically acclaimed sophomore album Am I Okay? on a 50-date North American headline tour. The 2024 CMA Awards New Artist of the Year has sold out three consecutive headline tours, played stadiums across the country in support of Kenny Chesney, and has performed at high-profile festivals like Stagecoach, Lollapalooza, and more.
David Spade: I Got A Feel For It Tour
Where? 8302 City Centre Drive
When? May 29th
Actor and comedian David Spade is hitting the road on his I Got A Feel For It tour. The stand-up is known for his unique style that combines sarcasm, self-deprecation, and dry humor. Spade has secured parts in movies such as Grown Ups and Tommy Boy and in TV sitcoms like Rules of Engagement and Just Shoot Me! Spade is set to perform at The Astro Theatre in La Vista before continuing on to Des Moines, Saint Louis, Cincinnati, and beyond. Spade was also a writer and cast member on Saturday Night Live for six years.
Shane Gillis Live Tour
Where? 455 North 10th Street
When? May 30th
Shane Gillis is a stand-up comic, actor and writer hailing from Pennsylvania. 2019 was a breakout year for the rising comedian when he was named one of the “New Faces” at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal. In 2021, Gillis released his debut comedy special titled Shane Gillis: Live in Austin on YouTube and it has since garnered over 6 million views. Catch Gillis at the CHI Health Center at the end of May, with prices starting at $39.50 for standard admission.
Enjoy Your May in Omaha!
Enjoy the last of the spring season in Omaha this May with a range of exciting events. Whether you want to catch a comedy show or you want to indulge in the best of what Omaha’s restaurant scene has to offer — there’s a little something for everyone this May!