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.

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!

Nestled among the trees and trails of Fontenelle Forest, stories take flight! Join OPL at Fontenelle Forest for a special storytime celebrating birds, nature, insects, and more. We’ll explore the wonders of nature through stories, songs, and movement. While this program is geared toward preschoolers, children of all ages are welcome.

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.

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.

The event will begin with a brief evening hike on dirt-packed trails through the prairie and forest. Then as night falls, we will watch for shooting stars together while learning about meteor showers, seasonal constellations, and general astronomy. Members of the Omaha Astronomical Society will be available to share their expertise (and telescopes) during the program.

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!

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.

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.

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. This program does not require registration.

Get ready to be a scientist AND an artist! In this workshop, you’ll meet a special soil bacteria called Streptomyces that makes a super cool color-changing pigment. Your mission? Use water and a set of tools to figure out how to pull the color out of the bacteria’s jelly-like home. Once you’ve cracked the code, the real fun begins! You’ll mix and experiment in test tubes to see the color shift and change right before your eyes. Then you’ll use your very own “bacteria ink” to paint a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to take home.

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

Sushi with a twist! Come hang out and make your own sushi using Rice Krispie treats and candy. Learn about different types of sushi, test your skills with some chopstick games, and enjoy a fun (and tasty) challenge. Registration is required.

Are you an adventurous night owl looking to explore new trails? Join us in this unique opportunity to see Camp Wa-Kon-Da at night! Don’t miss your chance to learn about the nocturnal creatures who call Wa-Kon-Da home while exploring new trails. 

Let's make some music! Brains will grow and smiles will shine as kids work together to make some awesome music with Miss Kerry from Kindermusik with Overton Music Studios!

STEM has never been so sweet! In this hands-on program, kids will explore science and engineering using tasty treats as their tools. From building with snacks to experimenting with edible creations, learning is fun when you can eat your experiments at the end! This is a free event for kids 6-10. Registration is required

Join fellow book lovers from across Omaha for a quiet reading party with Omaha Public Library! This nontraditional book club meets on the second Thursday of each month. This month at The Joslyn in the Fountain Court

The Villain's Alliance is looking to add one new member from a host of infamous evildoers. In the midst of chaos, one villain will meet his/her doom. The rest will be left to investigate the murder. Prepare for a night of dark deeds, deadly secrets, and delicious deception. When villain’s gather, no one is safe.

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.

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.

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 10-12. Children under the age of 10 will not be admitted into this program. Registration is required.

Are you looking for outdoor activities for the whole family? Then join for an afternoon of family fun at Archery Adventure Day! Please note this program is for ages 8+ only. A waiver must be completed for each family member before participating in the program activities.

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.

Come and celebrate the great outdoors! The brave and beautiful Miss Jill is going to take us on an adventure with a camping-themed storytime and an exciting craft activity. Everyone will go home with a new love of the wilderness!

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.

In order for curious minds to bloom, it is essential to plant a love of reading at a young age. Join OPL at Lauritzen Gardens for stories that celebrate gardens, plants, insects and more, and discover the joys of nature, movement, music, and literature. Storytime is geared for preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. Lauritzen Gardens will offer free admission to families who attend this storytime.

STEM has never been so sweet! In this hands-on program, kids will explore science and engineering using tasty treats as their tools. From building with snacks to experimenting with edible creations, learning is fun when you can eat your experiments at the end! This is a free event for kids 6-10. Registration is required

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.

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!

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 10-12. Children under the age of 10 will not be admitted into this program. Registration is required.

STEM has never been so sweet! In this hands-on program, kids will explore science and engineering using tasty treats as their tools. From building with snacks to experimenting with edible creations, learning is fun when you can eat your experiments at the end! This is a free event for kids 6-10. Registration is required