Events

They’ve wandered the world, and now they’re headed to Omaha! TROLLS: Save the Humans, an outdoor exhibit by acclaimed artist Thomas Dambo, open through May 18, 2026 at Lauritzen Gardens. Crafted from reclaimed wood and full of wild wisdom, these six towering trolls are on a mission to help humans rediscover their connection to nature. Explore the gardens and meet these gentle giants — each with a story and a whole lot of personality.

Unofficial Galaxies, one of the largest fan-owned Star Wars collections ever assembled. It is a traveling exhibit built by fans who spent decades preserving the stories, characters, and creativity that shaped a generation.

This groundbreaking exhibition reveals the untold story behind the top secret mission. Step inside a world of Cold War intrigue, cutting-edge technology, and human determination as you: - Uncover hidden history once shrouded in secrecy - See real objects from the Titanic and Ballard’s daring expedition - Explore the breakthrough innovations that made the impossible possible - Relive the emotion of one of history’s most unforgettable discoveries.

Step into spring and explore fields filled with hundreds of thousands of blooming tulips in a wide range of vibrant colors and varieties—perfect for photos, date days, and family outings.

You Don’t want to Miss the 19th Annual Omaha Health Expo!  The Largest Health Expo in the Region is Now at The Oak View Mall where you can hear from Experts on ways to improve our lifestyles, live longer, better, and happier. This Show is scheduled for April 18th & 19th, 2026. Mark your Calendars to attend.   If you are interested in Exhibiting in this years Expo be sure to fill out the Application form and send it in.

Our Birding program provides educational and citizen science opportunities for all ages and skill levels to identify and observe the birds that live in our woods and wetlands. Take a guided walk through the woods to see and identify the birds that call Gifford Farm home, expand your birding skills and knowledge, and connect with nature! Adults $8, Children 2 and older $7; Pay day of; Cash or Check only. Cost includes price of admission to Open to the Public from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Lil Rosies Teaching Artist, Chloe Hug, from The Rose Theater will be visiting to lead an interactive reading of the book "Frozen." Children and families will get to enjoy the story, participate in fun theater activities, and get excited as we prepare for our spring show "Frozen." Don’t miss this lively morning of imagination, singing, dancing, and storytelling—all inspired by snow, princesses, and the magic of live theater! All are welcome!

Count Olaf is scheming again! He’s locked the key to the Baudelaire’s fortune in a box, and the three Baudelaire children need your help to get it back before Count Olaf can secure the fortune for good. Come solve clues and puzzles themed around the Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. Can you help Violet, Klaus, and Sunny in time? This is a free event for children ages 8-12. Registration is required.

Sharpen your chess strategy and outsmart your opponents at Checkmates! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, come play and have fun with fellow chess fans. This is a free event for adults and youth 6 years old or older.

Join at Cup & Cone in Bennington for an Out & About Storytime!

Stop by the library for a creative break! Craft supplies and instructions will be available for self-guided activities that families can complete at their own pace.

OPL's mascot, Scamper the Prairie Dog, will visit storytime to celebrate the opening of the new Central Library! Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. Explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking, and writing in each storytime. There will be opportunities to take photos.

Come and introduce your little one to their new favorite sport! Our friends from Soccer Shots will be here teach kids all about the thrilling game of soccer. Who knows? Maybe this will be their first step on their journey to the World Cup!

Learn about the sewing, embroidery and quilting machines at the new Central Library! Watch as they are used and take a few minutes to sew and embroider your own simple bookmark, while supplies last. This free event is open to all ages. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Stories in Motion with Circle Theatre is returning to Omaha Public Library storytimes! Families are invited to explore the sights and sounds of India through "The Festival of Colors" by New York Times bestselling authors Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal.

Learn about the sewing, embroidery and quilting machines at the new Central Library! Watch as they are used and take a few minutes to sew and embroider your own simple bookmark, while supplies last. This free event is open to all ages. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Explore the beauty of Indian culture! Join us for a drop-in exhibit led by the Gurukulam Center for Indian Arts to learn about Meenaki bead jewelry, Rakhi bracelet making, and Saree draping. Then, stay and enjoy a special dance presentation performed by the Gurukulam Center starting at 6:30 p.m.

Discover the beauty and meaning of classical Indian dance and music with the Gurukulam Center for Indian Arts. This program offers a demonstration and explanation of these traditions, covering elements like rhythm, gesture, and storytelling. Families are encouraged to attend and participate in rhythmic clapping, call-and-response, and basic movement exploration. Come early and explore more about Indian Culture from 4:00 to 6:00.

Learn about the sewing, embroidery and quilting machines at the new Central Library! Watch as they are used and take a few minutes to sew and embroider your own simple bookmark, while supplies last. This free event is open to all ages. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Stories in Motion with Circle Theatre is returning to Omaha Public Library storytimes! Families are invited to explore the sights and sounds of India through "The Festival of Colors" by New York Times bestselling authors Kabir Sehgal & Surishtha Sehgal.

Join for a magical puppet performance with Cheeky Rabbit Marionette Puppets! Enjoy an enchanting show full of music, storytelling, and beautifully handcrafted puppets brought to life. This fun and engaging performance is perfect for kids and families who love creativity, laughter, and a little bit of magic. Registration is required.

OPL's mascot, Scamper the Prairie Dog, will visit storytime to celebrate the opening of the new Central Library! Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. Explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking, and writing in each storytime. There will be opportunities to take photos.

Join OPL and Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project for a virtual interactive session! There will be a brief presentation on the significance of the lotus flower and the Lotus Lantern Festival, a step-by-step craft session where participants create their own traditional Korean lotus lantern, and a short documentary on Korea to close the event. This craft is suitable for ages 13+ and younger participants are encouraged to complete the craft with an adult caregiver. Registration is required.

Join OPL at different parks and places for storytime, featuring stories, creative movement, music and more. Storytime is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. Rain or shine, we'll be there!

Hold a wishing stone. Feels its presence. Ask yourself, what would I like to wish for today? Focus your energy into creating your own magical piece of art to carry into the summer. Visitors will be using watercolor pencils for control and liquid watercolor to let go. Feel the stillness when they set their intentions in “stone” (well, a painting of a stone). Meet at the Arrival Plaza next to the Discovery Playground! 

OPL's mascot, Scamper the Prairie Dog, will visit storytime to celebrate the opening of the new Central Library! Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. Explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking, and writing in each storytime. There will be opportunities to take photos.

Get ready for a super-powered story time! Join us for a special event with wrestling superstar, Latin Thunder. Latin Thunder will read a story, demonstrate some of his signature wrestling moves, and answer all your questions. After the story, it's your turn to unleash your inner hero! Decorate your very own luchador mask and then strike a pose with the champion himself!

Get ready for a super-powered story time! Join us for a special event with wrestling superstar, Latin Thunder. Latin Thunder will read a story, demonstrate some of his signature wrestling moves, and answer all your questions. After the story, it's your turn to unleash your inner hero! Decorate your very own luchador mask and then strike a pose with the champion himself!

Are you worn out after a busy work week? Do you need a "pick me up" to kickstart your weekend? Grab your friends, coworkers, or significant other and come wind down during our Sunset Hike! This hike will explore the gravel and dirt trails near the Nature Center, then head out to the third loop of the Boardwalk to watch the sunset over the Missouri River.

Cat Cafe: Coffee and Kittens at the Bennington Library

Get ready for a super-powered story time! Join us for a special event with wrestling superstar, Latin Thunder. Latin Thunder will read a story, demonstrate some of his signature wrestling moves, and answer all your questions. After the story, it's your turn to unleash your inner hero! Decorate your very own luchador mask and then strike a pose with the champion himself!

Calling all gamers! Have a blast learning how to code while building robotic games to test your code. You will learn about sequencing commands, value and sensor inputs, and loops.  This month, kids will create a Robo Spider. This is a free event for kids 10-12. Children under the age of 10 will not be admitted into this program. Registration is required

Conservation Day at Heartwood Preserve—a fun, family-friendly event focused on sustainability and simple ways everyone can help protect our planet. Stop by informational booths to learn practical tips on living more sustainably and how even small actions can make a big impact. Guests can also pot and take home their own vegetable plant, perfect for starting a garden at home. Bring along your old electronics for our free e-waste recycling station, and help keep harmful materials out of landfills.

Celebrate the world of Mario with fun activities for ages K-8.  Drop in anytime, no registration required.

Get ready for a super-powered story time! Join us for a special event with wrestling superstar, Latin Thunder. Latin Thunder will read a story, demonstrate some of his signature wrestling moves, and answer all your questions. After the story, it's your turn to unleash your inner hero! Decorate your very own luchador mask and then strike a pose with the champion himself!

Celebrate reading with a party all about bookmarks! Kids can decorate a variety of bookmarks using fun supplies and their own creativity. From colorful designs to imaginative patterns, everyone will leave with a collection of unique bookmarks to enjoy with their favorite books. All supplies are included while supplies last. This is a free event for kids ages 6-10, and registration is required.

Learn about designing and printing items on a 3-D printer! Watch as they are used and take some time to design and print a small item to take home. This free event is open to adults, teens and kids over the age of 11. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Grab your family and friends for a fun afternoon of canoeing on the lake!  Includes instruction and all equipment for a safe and fun canoeing adventure!  Participants must be at least 6 years and older and at least one adult is required for each canoe. $25/canoe (max 4 people). Register for a one-hour time slot: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm.

Local sewist Alejandra will introduce us to the basics of sewing, hemming, and upgrading clothes to give them new life. This series is open to beginner & advanced sewists who want to try a new project, meet other enthusiasts, and share project ideas. Bring your own machine or use a library machine. (limited availability)

Experience the energy of India through a dynamic showcase of student talent. Our program features a colorful blend of classical and folk dance, rhythmic percussion, and high-energy fashion acts. It’s more than a performance—it’s a journey through the rich, diverse traditions that define Indian culture.

Learn about designing and printing items on a 3-D printer! Watch as they are used and take some time to design and print a small item to take home. This free event is open to adults, teens and kids over the age of 11. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Join our Creative Movement Workshop! Perfect for all levels, this fun session explores expressive movement to boost confidence and unique style. Learn a simple dance routine from a teaching artist with Pear Tree Performing Arts. This is a free event for kids 6-12. Registration is required.

Get fit with fun as the Amazing Athletes guide you through a variety of active activities. Then, nurture your muscles and your mind with a healthy snack and a fun craft activity!

Join for a cozy evening of sweet treats and beautiful views at S'mores and Sunsets! Gather around the fire at one of our local parks, where we'll be making delicious s'mores while enjoying the breathtaking sunset. This family-friendly event is open to all ages, and no registration is required. Just bring your appetite for marshmallows and a love for the outdoors! We look forward to seeing you there for a fun and relaxing evening.

Learn about designing and printing items on a 3-D printer! Watch as they are used and take some time to design and print a small item to take home. This free event is open to adults, teens and kids over the age of 11. Registration is encouraged but not required.

The Young Playwrights Festival showcases the work of some of the best teenage writers in the Omaha area. Most of the scripts featured in this production are created as part of The Rose’s yearlong Young Playwrights class, which is led by The Rose’s award-winning Playwright-in-Residence, Brian Guehring. Written entirely by teens, the works are filled with comedy, tragedy, hopes, fears, romance and all-out fun.

Penelope the Dinosaur will visit for a special storytime! Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. We explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking, and writing in each storytime. There will be opportunities to take photos.

Learn about designing and printing items on a 3-D printer! Watch as they are used and take some time to design and print a small item to take home. This free event is open to adults, teens and kids over the age of 11. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Ages 0-12. Create a May Day Basket for a friend or relative. Don't forget to leave it for them without getting spotted!

Penelope the Dinosaur will visit for a special storytime! Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. We explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking, and writing in each storytime. There will be opportunities to take photos.

Have you ever wondered what the Forest looks like after the sun goes down? Now you can find out at our Full Moon Hikes! Come on an evening hike with us and experience the Forest under the light of the moon.  

Kids 5+ and their grandparents will have a fun morning at Hummel Day Camp participating in a variety of activities together including archery, games, and crafts. Then they will enjoy making their lunch over the campfire. Don't miss this opportunity to make lasting memories! $10 per person. Register online March 23- April 30.

OPL invites you to explore the city’s rich history within the sacred grounds of Bohemian Cemetery — one of Omaha’s historic cemeteries. Following a brief talk about the significance and history of Bohemian Cemetery, participants will have the opportunity to uncover stories in plain sight.

Penelope the Dinosaur will visit for a special storytime! Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. We explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking, and writing in each storytime. There will be opportunities to take photos.

Join OPL at The Joslyn for storytime, featuring stories, creative movement, music and exploration of a piece of art. Storytime is geared toward preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. This Storytime is part of The Joslyn's monthly Art-tastic Saturdays.

Calling all gamers! Have a blast learning how to code while building robotic games to test your code. You will learn about sequencing commands, value and sensor inputs, and loops. This month, kids will create a Catapult. This is a free event for kids 6-9. Children under the age of 6 will not be admitted into this program. Registration is required.

Come enjoy a cooking demonstration with No More Empty Pots to learn skills such as nutrition, teamwork, and food-safety. The session will feature local, seasonal and garden fresh foods. This free event is open to adults and children aged 5 and up. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Registration is required.

Enjoy a sip of spring at the 5th Annual Spring Cocktail Party! Each participating establishment is offering a signature spring cocktail sure to delight your tastebuds. Visit as many neighborhood establishments (all within walking distance of each other!) as you like, in any order you like, and cast your vote for the best cocktail in midtown! Food pairings and full menus also available. Sign the Rail! In between cocktails, take a moment to sign a rail section to be installed on the Omaha Streetcar line.

3rd Annual Derby Day Celebration. Grab your fanciest hat and sharpest bow tie and join for the 3rd Annual Derby Day! Experience the excitement of the 152nd Kentucky Derby while making a meaningful impact in our community.

Get to know the new OPL Do Space in our Skills Class! Each session will focus on learning a new skill, machine, or software. This session will focus on the introductory 3D modeling skills. Participants will be able to get to know the software Tinkercad and start their 3D printing journey!  Register now for this 2-hour, hands-on program.

Learn more about gardening from a NE Extension Master Gardener and plant your own seed to take home! This event will take place outside, weather pending. In case of bad weather, it will be held in the Large Meeting Room.

The Secret Life of Ants. Ants may be small, but they are mighty! Join us to get an up close look at the secret life of ants, how they live and survive, and learn about the special roles they have in maintaining our woodland ecosystem!

Penelope the Dinosaur will visit for a special storytime! Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. We explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking, and writing in each storytime. There will be opportunities to take photos.

Penelope the Dinosaur will visit for a special storytime! Children of all ages are welcome. Experience stories, creative movement, music and more. We explore the early literacy skills of singing, playing, reading, talking, and writing in each storytime. There will be opportunities to take photos.

Bring your imagination to life with stories and scrapbooks! In this creative workshop, participants will use a instant camera to take pictures (and/or bring their own pictures!) and turn them into colorful scrapbook pages using paper, stickers, letters, and more. It’s the perfect mix of storytelling and hands-on art—no writing or crafting experience needed!