{"id":88954,"date":"2016-05-18T06:00:14","date_gmt":"2016-05-18T06:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.npdodge.com\/blog\/?p=2437"},"modified":"2016-05-18T06:00:14","modified_gmt":"2016-05-18T06:00:14","slug":"things-to-do-in-omaha-and-council-bluffs-over-memorial-day-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/npdodge.blog\/2016\/05\/things-to-do-in-omaha-and-council-bluffs-over-memorial-day-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do in Omaha and Council Bluffs Over Memorial Day Weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

Note: We hope you’re gearing up for a fun Memorial Day weekend! This post was written in 2016. Please click here<\/a>\u00a0to see our 2018 post.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Memorial Day stands for the unofficial start of summer, a long weekend, and an extra day to spend time with the family. But above all, it is a significant holiday designated to honor the lives lost while serving in the country\u2019s armed forces.<\/p>\n

This is also a celebration of the freedom we have because of the selfless sacrifice of veterans. There are several things you can do in Omaha and Council Bluffs this Memorial Day weekend to celebrate, have fun, and most importantly, honor and remember those brave men and women.<\/p>\n

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2016 Big Ten Baseball Tournament<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Wednesday, May 25 \u2013 Sunday, May 29<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

The 2016 Big Ten Baseball Tournament<\/a> is becoming a staple on Omaha\u2019s annual calendar of events since its debut in 2014. This is a prequel of sorts to the Collegiate Baseball Championship, in which the legendary Big Ten compete to return in June. In fact, the tournament takes place in TD Ameritrade Park \u2014\u00a0the very same stadium where the Collegiate Baseball Championship will be held a few weeks later!<\/span><\/p>\n

Visit the Farmers\u2019 Market<\/b><\/h2>\n

Saturday, May 28 & Sunday, May 29<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n

Many say that Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. It is, in fact, the day you can legally start wearing white pants, according to the Fashion Police! So what better way to welcome summer than with a visit to a local farmers\u2019 market?<\/p>\n

Check out the many farmers\u2019 markets in Omaha and Council Bluffs<\/a> throughout the spring and summer \u2014\u00a0paying special attention to the ones that fall on Saturdays and Sundays. To simplify this list a bit, let\u2019s draw your attention to a couple of our favorite weekend markets. With an extra day added to your weekend, Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to gather fresh produce and make a farm-fresh, homemade meal for the entire family!<\/p>\n

Visit the Omaha Farmers\u2019 Market at the Old Market<\/a> on Saturday between 8 a.m. and\u00a012:30 p.m. This is one of the more popular markets in the area, as it located in a central and bustling area within Omaha and features 100+ vendors to shop from! This market is actually considered the best farmers\u2019 market in all of Nebraska<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you sleep in on Saturday and miss out on produce shopping at the Old Market, you\u2019ll have another chance on Sunday! The Omaha Farmers’ Market at Aksarben Village<\/a> is happening from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring over 100 vendors in one of the most happening areas around<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Omaha<\/p>\n

Photos Courtesy of Omaha Farmers’ Market<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Take the Kids to the Zoo<\/b><\/h2>\n

Saturday, May 28 \u2013\u00a0Monday, May 30<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n

Omaha\u2019s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium<\/a> is hosting a special Memorial Day weekend celebration<\/a>. Between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the whole family can experience wild entertainment, including bounce houses, airbrush tattoos, and special animal presentations for all ages. All of the Memorial Day activities are completely free for zoo members<\/a> and free with regular paid admission<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Make sure to get there early! Not only will you beat the crowds and get a headstart on the festivities, but the first 1,000 people to walk through the gates will receive a special patriotic gift from Oriental Trading Company.<\/p>\n

This is a fun way to kick off summer, enjoy the best zoo in the world<\/a>, and spend time appreciating nature with the family!<\/p>\n

\"Omaha<\/p>\n

Photos Courtesy of Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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Go to Loessfest 2016 in Council Bluffs<\/b><\/h2>\n

Saturday, May 28 \u2013\u00a0Sunday, June 5<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n

If you don\u2019t remember one thing we suggest, remember this: Loessfest 2016<\/a>. This annual festival celebrates all of the great things happening in Council Bluffs, the unique landscape of the Loess Hills alongside the Missouri River, and the unofficial start to summer on Memorial Day weekend.<\/p>\n

This event was established in 2013, and attracted more than 66,000 people from all over the region in its first two years. The week-long festivities take place at Tom Hanafan River\u2019s Edge Park<\/a> on the Iowa side near the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. This festival has a large number of events<\/a> happening from Saturday, May 18 all the way through Sunday, June 5.<\/p>\n

The weekend kicks off with the Run Loess Half Marathon and 5K<\/a> on Saturday at 8 a.m. Register in advance<\/a> to be a part of this exciting run starting and ending in Tom Hanafan River\u2019s Edge Park!<\/p>\n

The fun continues at the Riverfront Block Party<\/a> that afternoon. This family block party on the river features a live concert performance by Imagination Movers<\/a>, food, music, bounce houses, and a screening of Disney Pixar\u2019s \u201cInside Out\u201d at dusk!<\/p>\n

On Sunday night, enjoy a free concert at the park with headliners Kool and the Gang<\/a>, a jazz, R&B, soul, funk and disco group that has influenced generations since 1964.<\/p>\n

On Memorial Day, head back to the park for a special concert performance called \u201cFireworks for Freedom\u201d from The Omaha Symphony<\/a>, honoring America and its veterans. The concert will be followed by a beautiful fireworks display. Admire the spectacular artwork in the sky and the Omaha skyline on your lawn chairs and blankets.<\/p>\n

The party continues the day after Memorial Day with Bike the Bluffs<\/a> on Tuesday, May 31.\u00a0Grab your bikes and meet up at Tom Hanafan River\u2019s Edge Park at 6 p.m. to enjoy a fun ride through the park to beautiful Council Bluffs trails and back again. This is a fun opportunity to take in the gorgeous and ever-changing landscape of Council Bluffs via bike with hundreds of fellow bikers. And the best part? This ride is completely free and requires no registration! <\/span><\/p>\n

Check out the full event schedule<\/a> for Loessfest to see what other fun activities are happening throughout the week! This is a celebratory and festive community event you and your family will not want to miss.<\/p>\n

\"Loessfest<\/p>\n

Photos Courtesy of\u00a0Loessfest 2016<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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Witness the Special Ceremony at Memorial Park<\/b><\/h2>\n

Monday, May 30<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n

Each Memorial Day, there is a special ceremony that takes place at Memorial Park<\/a> to honor our veterans. This year is no different. Head to Memorial Park to witness this inspiring ceremony<\/a> at the park created as a memorial for all men and women from Douglas County who have served in the armed forces. The service starts at 11 a.m. and is hosted by the Heroes of the Heartland Foundation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\"Memorial<\/p>\n

Photo Courtesy of Panoramio<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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An Omaha High School Band is Marching in the D.C. Memorial Day Parade!<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While this won\u2019t be held on Omaha soil, this is certainly worth mentioning. The marching band at Omaha South High Magnet School<\/a> is heading to Washington, D.C. to march in the Memorial Day parade<\/a>! The band reached their goal on their\u00a0GoFundMe campaign, raising a total of $127,000 \u2014 including donations from two competing bands. We are so proud of these students and thankful that the community rallied around their campaign to help them have the experience of a lifetime at the nation\u2019s capital!<\/span><\/p>\n