Things to Do in Omaha: City-wide Guide

May 1, 2025

Discover the best things to do in Omaha!

As the weather warms and Omaha’s neighborhoods come to life, the city becomes a hub for outdoor fun, cultural celebrations, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly outings, date-night adventures, or ways to soak in the city’s culture and food scene, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your ultimate guide to the biggest, best, and most talked-about events happening in Omaha in 2025.

Jazz on the Green at Turner Park

One of Omaha’s most iconic summer traditions, Jazz on the Green brings thousands together every Thursday evening for free, high-energy jazz performances in Turner Park at Midtown Crossing. It’s perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a relaxed evening under the stars with great music.

Date and Time: Thursdays, July 10 – August 14, 2025 | Park opens at 5 PM, Music at 7:30 PM
Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
Parking: Free 3-hour garage parking with validation at Midtown Crossing
Other Info: Food and drink available from nearby restaurants; bring lawn chairs and blankets
Link: https://midtowncrossing.com/event/jazz-on-the-green-4/2025-07-31/

Dundee Day (Dundee Neighborhood)

Dundee’s biggest neighborhood celebration includes a parade, street festival, local vendors, food trucks, and live music. It’s one of Omaha’s most charming and community-driven events.

Date and Time: August 23, 2025 | All day
Pets Allowed: Yes (on leash)
Parking: Street parking in Dundee and nearby neighborhoods
Other Info: Free to attend; ideal for families and longtime Omaha locals
Link: https://www.dundeeday.org/#/

Papillion Days (Papillion City Park)

A beloved annual celebration in one of Omaha’s fastest-growing suburbs, Papillion Days features a carnival, parade, fireworks, and beer garden. A great option for families and anyone looking for a community-centric event.

Date and Time: June 11–15, 2025
Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
Parking: Designated event parking areas
Other Info: Includes a vendor market and community stage performances
Link: https://www.papillionfoundation.org/papillion-days

MAHA Festival (Heartland of America Park)

Omaha’s premier music and innovation festival brings national headliners and regional talent together for a high-energy, community-centered weekend. Great for music lovers, trendsetters, and people looking for something fresh and modern.

Date and Time: August 2, 2025
Headliner: Pixies (alternative rock)
Parking: Paid lots and street parking available
Other Info: Tickets required; includes nonprofit and innovation showcases. VIP Packages sold out. General admission tickets available. Children 10 and under are free.
Link: https://mahafestival.com/

Live on the Lawn

Check out the live music this summer season presented by the City of Omaha Parks and Recreation Department. Family friendly, warm nights and live music. A great way to celebrate summer with friends and family.

Dates include: July 11 at Gene Leahy Mall, July 18 at Zorinsky Lake, July 25 at Miller Park and August 1 at Seymour Smith Park
Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
Parking: Free on-site parking
Other Info: Food trucks, free goodies and fun for all
Link: https://parks.cityofomaha.org/summer-concert-series/

Nebraska State Fair (Grand Island, but draws from all of Omaha)

Though outside the city, the State Fair is a huge regional draw that offers traditional fair fun—from carnival rides to livestock shows and national music acts. Perfect for families and nostalgic fair-goers.

Date and Time: August 22 – September 1, 2025
Pets Allowed: Service animals only
Parking: On-site parking
Other Info: Admission fees apply; multiple concert stages and food vendors
Link: https://www.statefair.org/

Heartland Pride Festival & Parade (Downtown Omaha)

A vibrant, inclusive, and joyful celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride featuring a massive parade, music stages, drag performances, and community events. Great for all ages and anyone who wants to support and celebrate love and equality.

Date and Time: July 12, 2025 (parade), 12:30 pm to 10 pm
Pets Allowed: Yes, on leash
Location: To be announced
Other Info: Free and open to the public; family zone and food vendors included
Link: https://heartlandpride.org/event/2025-heartland-pride-festival/

RiverFront Parks Series (Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, Lewis & Clark Landing)

The newly revitalized RiverFront offers weekly events, fitness classes, concerts, and open-air movie nights all summer long. Perfect for active families and anyone looking for downtown energy.

Date and Time: May–October 2025 | Varies by event
Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
Parking: Nearby paid garages and street parking
Other Info: Many events are free; check website for updates
Link: https://theriverfrontomaha.com/

Lauritzen Gardens Events

As Lauritzen Gardens transforms into a beautiful botanical escape, check out the many events throughout the spring and summer. This is ideal for families with young kids and nature lovers looking for beautiful spring and summer outings.

Date and Time: May through September 2025
Pets Allowed: No
Parking: Free on-site parking
Other Info: Admission required
Link: https://www.lauritzengardens.org/Calendar/index.asp

Midtown Crossing Night Market

Held monthly in Midtown Crossing, this popular outdoor urban market features dozens of artisan vendors, live music, food trucks, and games. Perfect for a relaxed evening stroll and shopping. As the sun sets and the warm evening breeze rolls in, Omaha’s Night Market sets the stage for unforgettable summer nights in scenic Turner Park. Thanks to presenting sponsor Veridian Credit Union.

Date and Time: May 30, June 27, July 25 and August 29 | 6–10 PM
Pets Allowed: Yes, leashed
Parking: Free 3-hour garage parking with validation
Other Info: Free to attend; kid- and date-night friendly
Link: https://midtowncrossing.com/event/night-market-2025/2025-05-30/

Cinco de Mayo Parade & Festival (South Omaha)

South Omaha’s historic Mexican-American community hosts one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the Midwest. Expect a vibrant parade, live mariachi, authentic food, and family activities.

Date and Time: May 9 –11, 2025
Pets Allowed: Yes (leashed)
Parking: 24^th Street and lot parking in South Omaha
Other Info: Free entry; concerts, parade, best tacos and tamales in town
Link: https://www.cdmomaha.com/

Ralston’s 65th Independence Day Celebration

This massive Fourth of July bash includes a parade, community picnic, live music, and one of the best fireworks displays in the area. Family-friendly and packed with patriotic pride.

Date and Time: July 4, 2025
Pets Allowed: Yes, leashed
Parking: Event-designated parking available
Other Info: Bring blankets and chairs; festival booths open all day
Link: https://www.cityofralston.com/community/pages/ralston%E2%80%99s-65th-annual-independence-day-celebration

College World Series (Charles Schwab Field)

Celebrating 75 years of the College World Series in Omaha! Omaha’s biggest national event, the College World Series brings in tens of thousands of baseball fans each summer. Whether you catch a game or just enjoy the atmosphere, this is a signature summer experience.

Date and Time: June 13–23, 2025
Pets Allowed: No
Parking: Paid lots and garages nearby
Other Info: Tickets required for entry; fan zones and local bar events nearby
Link: https://cwsomaha.com/

Find your Omaha Adventure

Omaha is bursting with energy and opportunities from May through fall. Whether you’re catching a jazz set under the stars, browsing a local market, dancing at a music festival, or walking through flower-filled gardens, there’s always something happening. Make the most of this season—and share your favorites with friends and family across the metro!

Stay tuned for even more event listings as fall approaches, and be sure to check local sites for real-time updates.