Events

Railroad Days is an annual celebration of all things train and track, and this year, all the fun will be happening in Council Bluffs! Celebrate CB's rich railroad heritage and place in history as historic Mile Zero for the Union Pacific Railroad. Between 12 PM and 6 PM on May 9 and May 10, 2026, there will be numerous train-themed activities and locations to visit.

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.

Celebrate Star Wars with an out-of-this-galaxy party filled with themed crafts and activities. Whether you’re Jedi, Sith, or somewhere in between, join the fun and channel the Force with fellow fans.

Experience the soul of West Africa through an hour of traditional dance, drumming, and storytelling by the African Culture Connection. This authentic performance invites audience participation, weaving together education and vibrant artistry for a truly memorable cultural celebration.

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.

Shimmy Mob is an annual "flash mob" event, creating awareness of emotional abuse and domestic violence. Shimmy Mob raises awareness of and funds for victims of domestic violence. They will be raising money for WCA Omaha.

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. 

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 6-11 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! May Theme: Bees and Other Pollinators! Stop by to learn about the important role pollinators play in our environment! Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

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

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 sewing machine basics, including the parts of the machine, getting set up, and basic stitches. After learning the basics, participants will work on creating a pillowcase! Register now for this 2-hour, hands-on program!

Play pub trivia with La Vista City staff on the second Wednesday of the month. Teams of up to six players are welcome. Top teams win prizes.

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 6-11 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! May Theme: Bees and Other Pollinators! Stop by to learn about the important role pollinators play in our environment! Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

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

Soccer Shots is bringing the fun to The RiverFront with a free, 30 minute soccer experience for children ages 2 to 5. Kids will run, play, and explore through exciting games while building confidence and learning basic soccer skills in a fun, positive, and energetic environment. Sign up on their site!

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 actor Cary Elwes, who played the iconic role of Westley, for a behind-the-scenes look at the production of this classic film, The Princess Bride. First, relive the magic of the movie, then participate in a discussion revealing never before shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics!

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.

Join on Saturday, May 16, at E.T. Mahoney State Park’s James Family Conservatory and Nature Center from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to learn all about irises! The Sass Memorial Iris Garden on the grounds of Mahoney State Park displays and preserves over 300 iris cultivars. Learn to appreciate irises in a new way after discovering the rare and award-winning flowers of the collection. Join the Greater Omaha and Lincoln Iris Societies for an educational program and garden tour.

URB is partnering with Sarpy County Emergency Communications & Marino Bicycle Clinic to share about bike safety and get a free bike check.

This fun and energetic dance class combines elements of ballet and hip-hop. Join Metropolitan Community College at the 8th Street Plaza to learn this exciting dance style and perfect your moves! Some dance experience is required.

This presentation is a short journey through the origins and development of Freemasonry in Nebraska, tracing its roots from the 1850s to its establishment and growth in Omaha, highlighting the leadership of prominent Masons and the role the fraternity has played in shaping civic, charitable, and cultural life in Omaha. 

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.

The Dragon Boat Festival will be on June 19, this year. We are celebrating early at the library with live guzheng music provided by the Nebraska Chinese Association Guzheng Players! Come listen to the wonderful music and learn about this traditional Chinese festival.

Join the National Parks Service to commemorate Sacajawea's birthday in May with some birthday games you might not have played before.

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.

The principal drummer of Kokyo Taiko, the only performance taiko group in Nebraska, will share a basic introduction to Japanese culture and Wadaiko, a style of Japanese drumming that is dynamic, thunderous, powerful and "can be felt in your soul." The group will learn a piece which they will perform at the end of the workshop. Stay for a taiko performance after the workshop ends. This workshop is appropriate for ages 5 and up. Registration is required and open now.

The City Council will be declaring the third Sunday of May as an annual Day of Commitment to Inclusive Water Safety to change perception, provide education, and increase accessibility!​​ Join us to celebrate this amazing declaration with a fun-filled day of games, crafting, and meeting community organizations!

Kokyo Taiko, based in Lincoln Nebraska, will perform Wadaiko, choreographed Japanese-style drumming. Wadaiko has been described as dynamic, thunderous, and powerful; the sound can be felt in your soul. Bring ear plugs if you prefer!

Come listen to the classic Nebraska-Czech sound of European-inspired music known as dechovka (Czech), blasmusik (German) or simply, polka music! You’ll hear vocals sung in Czech and English with a little German as well.

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.

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 2-5 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! May Theme: Bees and Other Pollinators! Stop by to learn about the important role pollinators play in our environment! Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

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.

Join for a fun storytime at Cup & Cone in Bennington

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 2-11 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! May Theme: Bees and Other Pollinators! Stop by to learn about the important role pollinators play in our environment! Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

Join OPL at “Once Upon a Time at the Castle,” a storytime and wildlife adventure in the enchanted gardens. Storytime will feature stories, creative movement, music and more. After storytime, learn about the real creatures we read about through live wildlife interactions and activities. This month we will learn about turtles.

Experience the vibrant rhythms and joyful spirit of West Africa with the Adanu Heartland Ensemble in an engaging performance of music, dance, and cultural tradition. The group will perform “Funga Alaafia” song and dance and the “Banuwa” song with a clapping game. All audience members will be invited to participate in “Wya Wya” with the performers as your teachers!

Curiosity Crew is a one-hour, hands-on STEM program for children ages 2-5 that blends play, exploration, and early learning! May Theme: Bees and Other Pollinators! Stop by to learn about the important role pollinators play in our environment! Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

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

Test your sleuthing skills at the library! 🕵️ Follow the clues to find hidden objects and earn stamps. Turn in a full stamp card and receive a prize! Don't worry, the fun doesn't stop there... 🔍 You can grab a new card and keep playing! This activity is aimed at children ages 6-11, but younger siblings and parents can play along too. See you there, super sleuths!

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 intermediate 3D modeling skills. Participants will be able to ask detailed questions and design more complex items for print. Registration 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!

Gather a group of friends or family members to explore the Florence branch and neighborhood! Stop by the Florence Branch to pick up a zine detailing locations to explore. Try to see as many of the sights as you can before heading back to the library for a prize! All groups will begin and end at the Florence branch. This is a free event for adults 19+. Teen groups and families with children are welcome to participate.

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.

Flock on by for some feathery fun! The fine folks from Fontenelle Forest will be visiting our store to show off their wild collection of feathered friends. See them up close. Learn all about 'em. Then, stick around for a cute craft activity.

Join us for this all-ages workshop and help support the future of threatened monarch butterflies! We will be joined by Nancy Crews, Director of the nonprofit Milkweed Matters(opens in a new tab). Nancy will provide an overview of why pollinators are threatened and what we can do to help. Guests can get their hands dirty and help create milkweed seedballs, which will sprout into the essential host plant used by the butterfly.

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