Events

Let’s find out! Participants will smell various spices in their native state and then attempt to identify each spice by smelling the oil of the spice, which has a high concentration of the scent molecules. The structure of the scent chemicals impacts how our neurons detect its scent, and models will be available so participants can connect the microscopic molecular structures to the macroscopic scents.

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.

Get your geek on! Pick up free comics; make your own superhero mask; and get free character sketches done by artists Rylie Blum, Robb Blum, Matt Haney, Tracey Mauk, and Bruce McCorkindale. Featuring special guests The Ghostbusters, members of the 501st and Rebel Legions, and more. Sponsored by the Gretna Community Fund, Krypton Comics, and Dave & Lisa Bell.

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.

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.

Learn about the many amphibians that call Nebraska home in a lecture-style presentation in the Schramm Education Center Classroom and view live examples of many of Nebraska's frog, toad, and salamander species. Then, with the supervision of a professional scientist, learn and practice catching and identifying frogs outdoors at a pond. Register in Advance

Join for a special presentation of A Japanese Fable: Monkey and Crab told by Dr. Sharon Ishii-Jordan! Dr. Ishii-Jordan will not only read the beautifully illustrated book but will also teach children a few simple Japanese words along the way. Through lively storytelling, participants will learn new vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and discover how language brings stories to life. This event is best suited for kids ages 6-10.

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.

They’re turning Main Street into the ultimate outdoor party—complete with a large-screen viewing of the Kentucky Derby, and plenty of ways to celebrate with friends, family, and the community!

Join for culture, storytelling, and community with The Japanese American Citizens League-Omaha Chapter (JACL). The JACL Dance Troupe will perform multiple dances that honor Japanese dance culture. At the end of the presentation, the dancers will teach audience members “Bon-Odori,” a traditional dance used in community gatherings to honor and memorialize ancestors.

Learn to identify Nebraska amphibians by their calls through a quick classroom presentation followed by a walk down to the park (roughly 1 mile round trip) to hear frogs calling. We recommend bringing a head lamp or flashlight.

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.

Experience an interactive, sensory-filled drop-in program led by Renee Sans Souci, Umoⁿhoⁿ educator. She will have a variety of materials to touch and talk about, including buffalo hide, items made from buffalo, and samples of bison bites from Riverview Bison (while supplies last).

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.

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.

Explore Filipino culture! Join us for a drop-in exhibit led by the Filipino-American Organization of Metro Omaha to learn about Filipino culture and crafts. In addition, this group will perform traditional Filipino dances from 3:30–4 p.m.

Join for “Sayaw sa Cuyo” and “Pandanggo sa llaw,” traditional folk dances performed by the Filipino-American Organization of Metro Omaha. An exploratory table featuring Filipino crafts and information will be available before and after these special dances!

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.

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.

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.

From the soulful swing of Wynton Marsalis to the rich lyricism of Dvořák and the timeless grooves of Stevie Wonder, the Omaha Symphony Forte String Quartet brings a vibrant, genre-spanning program to life. This free event is perfect for all ages and is a great opportunity to enjoy an incredible performance and connect directly with musicians in your community.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.