Fun, festive, and full of seasonal spirit—beyond just pumpkins!
Autumn in Omaha brings crisp air, golden leaves, and a jam-packed calendar of fun. From pumpkin patches and haunted houses to Oktoberfest celebrations, concerts, cultural exhibitions, and scenic fall hikes, Omaha and surrounding areas (like Papillion and Bellevue) turn into an autumn playground. Whether you’re in the mood for spooky thrills, cozy family outings, or artistic inspiration, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.
Key Takeaways:
- Omaha offers a vibrant mix of pumpkin patches, haunted attractions, concerts, and fall festivals, including Oktoberfest and cultural celebrations.
- Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, AppleJack Festival, and Junkstock highlight the season’s best traditions.
- Explore cultural and natural beauty at Lauritzen Gardens, Joslyn Art Museum, and Henry Doorly Zoo.
- Papillion and Bellevue extend fall fun with Day of the Dead, community fall festivals, and local events.
- Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fall hikes at Bob Kerry Bridge, Chalco Hills, and Fontenelle Forest.
Pumpkin Patches in Omaha
Pumpkin patches are a fall staple, offering corn mazes, apple orchards, and photo-perfect moments. Great for all ages, Pumpkin Patches are a great way to celebrate fall and enjoy the crisp sunny weather!
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard
Omaha’s most famous fall destination with 50+ attractions.
- When: Daily: Sept 5- Nov 2, 2025, 9 AM – 9 PM (Sun-Thu), 9 AM – 10 PM (Fri-Sat)
- Activities: Corn maze, Cider & Sunflower Festival, haunted trails, hayrides, live shows
- Dog Friendly? Dogs not allowed; service dogs welcome
- Cost: ~$25+ per person; season passes available
Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch
Known for its giant corn maze and charming, old-fashioned feel.
- When: Sept 5–Nov 1, 2025; 9 AM – hours vary by day
- Activities: Corn maze, hayrides, tree houses, games
- Dog Friendly? Pets not allowed, except on doggy day
- Cost: ~$15–20 per person; season passes available
Fall Activities in the City
Autumn in Omaha is alive with cultural and community events. It’s truly amazing how many community events are in and around the Omaha area. Mark these on your calendar!
Pumpkin Prowl, presented by Bloc Fitness
- Where: Midtown Crossing
- When: Sat, Sept 20, 2025, 3 – 6 PM
- Cost: Free entry, pay-as-you-go at each stop
- Highlights: Pumpkin-themed food and drinks crawl, vote for your favorite stop, full menus available
Woofstock
- Where: Midtown Crossing
- When: Sun, Oct 5, 2025, 10 AM – 3 PM
- Cost: Free entry
- Highlights: Pop-up fenced dog park, local vendors, outdoor games — all things dog
Farmers Markets & Fall Finds
- Where: Old Market, Aksarben
- When: Through October weekends
- Cost: Free entry, pay vendors directly
- Highlights: Seasonal produce, pumpkins, cider, artisan crafts
Florence Fall Festival
- Where: Florence City Hall
- When: Oct 4–5, 2025, 10 AM – 4 PM
- Cost: Free entry
- Highlights: 50+ vendors, raffles, food, kids’ activities
Papillion Fall Festival Fundraiser
- When: Sat Oct 4, 2025, 9 AM – 2 PM
- Where: Papillion, NE
- Highlights: Crafts, games, pumpkin bowling, music, kids’ zone, and flu shot clinic
Day of the Dead at Bellevue Berry Farm
- Where: Bellevue Berry Farm (Papillion area)
- When: Sat, Nov 2, 2025, 11 AM – 8 PM; Sun, Nov 3, 2025 11 AM – 6 PM
- Cost: 2$ per person (all ages)
- Highlights: Mariachi music, folkloric dancing, food, cultural altars, catrina contest
Oktoberfest at German-American Society
- Where: Omaha, NE
- When: Fri, Sept 19, 2025, 5 PM – Midnight; Sat, Sept 20, 2025, 12 PM – Midnight
- Cost: $7 entry at the gate
- Highlights: German beer, bratwurst, live music, cultural dancing
Junkstock Fall Edition
- Where: Waterloo, NE
- When: Oct 3–5 and Oct 10–12
- Cost: ~$15+
- Highlights: 200+ vintage vendors, pumpkins, live music, photo spots, food trucks
Haunted Houses in Omaha
For those who like spooky thrills, Omaha’s haunted houses deliver.
Bloodrush Forest of Terror
- Where: Waterloo, NE (15 minutes west of Omaha)
- When: Sept 26–Nov 1, 2025; Fri–Sat: Dusk – 11:30 PM; Weekdays: Dusk – 10 PM
- Cost: General Admission $20.99; VIP Fast Pass and Immediate Access available for an additional fee
- Highlights: One-mile haunted forest walk, party bus, fire pits
Dungeon of the Damned
- Where: Downtown Omaha
- When: Sept 26–Oct 31, 2025; Thurs and Sun: 7 PM – 11 PM; Fri and Sat: 7 PM – Midnight
- Cost: General Admission $18 (Thurs/Sun), $20 (Fri/Sat); VIP Admission $25 (Thurs/Sun), $30 (Fri/Sat)
- Highlights: Scary labyrinth-style haunted house, with optional “no scare” tours
Haunted Corn Maze Nights
- Where: Local pumpkin patches (varies)
- Highlights: Haunted actors, flashlight-free mazes, costume nights, dog-friendly days.
Cultural & Natural Fall Highlights
Lauritzen Gardens – Fall Exhibits
Events:
- Antiques & Design Show: Sept 25–28, 2025
- Tempo of Twilight: Evening concert on Sept 3, 2025, 6 – 8 PM
- Japanese Ambience Festival: Cultural celebration on Oct 4–5, 10 AM – 4 PM
- Highlights: Model Railroad Garden, seasonal StoryWalk®, fall workshops
Joslyn Art Museum – Exhibits & Symphony
The Josyln Art Museum offers many ooptions for all ages. Check out our guide for more in-depth information.
- Exhibits: Henry Payer: Appliqué sur le terrain and Lucas Samaras: Polaroids
- Event: Symphony Joslyn – Oct 12, 2025 (Schubert’s Great C Major and gallery talk)
- Highlights: Free admission, extended evening hours on Wednesday and Thursday; concert tickets required
Henry Doorly Zoo – Fall Events
Henry Doorly Zoo is great for the family. Check out our in-depth guide about visiting the zoo!
- Highlights: Zoo landscapes in fall colors, indoor pavilions, member events
Concerts & Live Music in Fall
Sounds of the City – RiverFront Concert
- When: Sept 12, 2025
- Cost: Free
- Highlights: Omaha Symphony and local artists at The RiverFront.
Omaha Concerts This Fall
At CHI Health Center Omaha and local venues:
- Jonas Brothers – Oct 6, 2025
- Franz Ferdinand – Oct 7, 2025
- Tate McRae – Oct 9, 2025
- Ziggy Marley – Oct 10, 2025
- Burning Spear – Oct 10, 2025
- All Time Low – Oct 11, 2025
- Lord Huron – Oct 23, 2025
- Mumford & Sons – Oct 26, 2025
Hiking in the Fall Near Omaha
Fall colors and crisp air make these trails shine. Make sure and stay active and enjoy all the beautiful scenery in and around Omaha!
Bob Kerry Pedestrian Bridge
An iconic, accessible walk across the Missouri River with fall skyline views.
Chalco Hills Recreation Area
Rolling trails, wildlife, and lakeside views—ideal for a crisp October hike.
Fontenelle Forest
Hardwood trails rich with autumn colors, perfect for quiet, reflective walks.
Fall is here. Time to enjoy!
Omaha in fall is more than pumpkins—it’s festivals, music, haunted nights, Oktoberfest, gardens, cultural celebrations, and hikes. From Papillion’s community events to concerts at the CHI Center, and from the artistic vibes of the Joslyn to the golden trails of Fontenelle Forest, autumn here is unforgettable. Pair it with a day at Midtown Crossing for dining, entertainment, and city views—your perfect fall day in Omaha awaits.
