The Women’s Bandura Ensemble of North America returns to Crossroads for its second festival appearance, following its memorable 2019 performance. This concert, featuring nine members of the ensemble, celebrates the bandura—a uniquely Ukrainian instrument whose sound carries centuries of history, identity, and cultural memory. Long a symbol of Ukrainian heritage, the bandura and its traditions endured repression under Soviet rule, making its continued presence today not only artistically powerful, but deeply meaningful.

Discover the fascinating process of fossilization! Join to explore the layers that entombed the dinosaurs and construct an edible model of their burial. This is a free event for children. Registration is required.

The original Cuban Mixed Harmony returns to Crossroads after a memorable performance at the 2024 Omaha Showcase, this time in a full-length concert in Omaha. Led by former Bandleader of the iconic Buena Vista Social Club, Humberto Raul Garcia Gonzales, and bringing together some of the best Cuban musicians of his generation from across the United States, it will be an evening you won’t want to miss. With a first-time partnership with Omaha’s beloved North Omaha Music & Arts (NOMA), we look forward to an evening to remember.

Ages 0-7. Join for storytime!

Get ready for a roaring good time! In this hands-on musical experience inspired by Dinosaurumpus!, kids become the musicians as they explore the many ways percussion instruments make sound—shaking, scraping, and striking along with the story. Guided by a staff member from the Omaha Symphony, young participants will stomp, chomp, and make music together while discovering how rhythm brings this dino-filled tale to life. In the event of inclement weather, this program will move to Library Meeting Room A.

Calling all aspiring artists and Bob Ross fans! Join Omaha Public Library and a Certified Ross Instructor to enjoy the joy of painting by learning to create a desert scene in Ross’s classic style. Come along to experience some ‘happy accidents’ and create your own artwork. All supplies provided. This is a free event for adults 19+. Registration is required

July Theme: Experiments! Get ready to get a little messy! This summer we’re keeping our STEM skills sharp and our hypotheses ready with kid’s experiments. Experiments will use simple household items, may vary depending on age range, and come with all necessary safety equipment. If weather allows, a portion of the program will take place outside.

Join at Omaha’s beloved BLUEBARN Theatre for an evening of love songs, our annual Heart to Heart performance featuring a revue of the festival’s artists performing in an intimate setting for a cozy evening of music of all kinds. Seating for this performance will be on the BLUEBARN Outdoor Greenspace, please bring your own chairs and blankets. Please contact the BLUEBARN prior to the event if you have any access needs for the show. Drinks will be available for purchase at the BLUEBARN bar. Expected run time: 90 minutes

Your little one is cordially invited to bring along their favorite stuffed buddy for a lovely pre-lunch snack of yummy cookies washed down with a refreshing cup of lemonade. Can you imagine anything cuter?

Ages 12-18. Register at Front Desk

Create scrapbook spreads of your fav moments. Bring photos from home or use supplies here.

Join for an interactive look into the world of wildlife rehabilitation with our friends from Nebraska Wildlife Rehab. Learn what the team at NWR does, what it takes to become a wildlife rehabilitator, and how animals end up needing care in the first place. Explore each step of the rehabilitation journey—from intake and treatment to release back into the wild. This engaging program is perfect for anyone curious about animal care and the important work of helping injured wildlife. This program is for patrons 6+. Registration is required.

Old-fashioned summer fun! The Council Bluffs Fire Department hosts hydrant parties on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. throughout the summer at various locations.

Our dinosaur friends laid eggs in the library's garden! Help us collection the eggs (watermelons), and join as they crack them open and enjoy a cool summer treat!

This month, teens will use a laser cutter to customize their own LED lamp to take home. All necessary supplies are provided. This is a free event for teens. Registration is required.

The clock strikes five and the savings begin! Every Tuesday evening this summer, enjoy a twilight look at our featured exhibition, Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume, for just $5 after 5PM. Whether it's a family quest or a fairy tale date night, it's a great time to explore the artistry behind some of your favorite Disney characters.

Come one, come all to create perfectly personalized pillows! This month, we are making throw pillows and stuffing them so you can take them home with you. All supplies are provided. This activity is suitable for ages 5+. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Discover the incredible world of bats in this engaging presentation for adults led by Nebraska Wildlife Rehab! Learn the basics of bat biology, explore common myths and misconceptions, and uncover the many surprising ways bats help and support human communities. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already a bat enthusiast, this program will leave you with a new appreciation for these fascinating nighttime creatures. This is a free event for adults 19+.

Teen Retreats at Bennington Library every Tuesday for grades 6-12

Grab a blanket or stuffed animal for a cozy family movie night at the library! This month we'll be watching: Charlotte's Web. Popcorn and a craft will be provided!

Step behind the scenes of La Folia Global and explore how the project came to life, the inspirations behind the music, and the collaborative process that brings these artists together. Featuring composer Valeri Tolstov and Crossroads Artistic Director Erik Higgins, this event offers an in-depth look at the music and the creative minds behind it.

Kids and teens who made their Summer Reading Program goals can redeem their Storm Chaser voucher for a free berm seat at an Omaha Storm Chasers game!

La Folia Global is a transcontinental musical journey that brings together Baroque repertoire and instruments with world music traditions whose roots intersect in the cultural crossroads of Renaissance Venice. At its center is Valeri Tolstov’s brilliant reimagining of Vivaldi’s La Folia, moving seamlessly between Armenian folk music, Hindustani classical raga, and Vivaldi’s original score.

Experience Omaha Children’s Museum’s most POP-ular program. Discover new tools to create bubbles, turn bubbles into smoke and even make bubbles big enough for a person to stand in. In the event of inclement weather, this program will move to Library Meeting Room B.

All Ages. Bring prehistoric fun to life in this hands-on dinosaur craft program for kids! Parent participation required.

Celebrate the end of summer with a fun magic show by Jeff Quinn.

Get ready for a roaring good time! In this hands-on musical experience inspired by Dinosaurumpus!, kids become the musicians as they explore the many ways percussion instruments make sound—shaking, scraping, and striking along with the story. Guided by a staff member from the Omaha Symphony, young participants will stomp, chomp, and make music together while discovering how rhythm brings this dino-filled tale to life.

Wildlife Encounters at the Bennington Library

Come celebrate HUMP DAY and take a selfie with a camel!!

A new chapter in outdoor entertainment is about to begin as Lauritzen Gardens unveils its new Oasis and Amphitheater—an open-air venue designed to blend music, nature, and community into one unforgettable experience. Set against a backdrop of vibrant gardens, winding paths, and seasonal blooms, the amphitheater offers a natural setting that elevates live performances beyond the traditional concert environment. Guests won’t just attend a show—they’ll be immersed in it, surrounded by the sights and scents of carefully curated landscapes that change with the seasons.

You've achieved your summer reading goal! Join for a celebratory pizza party. Enjoy complimentary pizza and drinks while supplies last. We'll also have some nostalgic crafts! This is a free event for adults 19+ only. Registration is required

July Theme: Experiments! Get ready to get a little messy! This summer we’re keeping our STEM skills sharp and our hypotheses ready with kid’s experiments. Experiments will use simple household items, may vary depending on age range, and come with all necessary safety equipment. If weather allows, a portion of the program will take place outside.

Unearth A Story: Animals from the Past: Journey back in time this summer as we look at how modern-day animal adaptations can help us uncover the truth about our past!

Join our community partners from Papio NRD for an interactive program all about insects! Kids will explore real specimens, learn fun facts, and discover why insects are essential to healthy ecosystems. This is a free event for kids. Registration is required.

Free Movies at the Bennington Library

Old-fashioned summer fun! The Council Bluffs Fire Department hosts hydrant parties on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. throughout the summer at various locations.

Give your favorite stories some sparkle! In this creative program use colorful gems and rhinestones to decorate dazzling book covers. Add a little shimmer and personality to your books while exploring your artistic side. Feel free to bring your own book or use one of ours! All supplies are provided, just bring your imagination! This is a free event for Teens 13+. Registration is encouraged.

Every Thursday join in the Curiosity Lab, as we explore science with hands-on activities and experiments. *Participants should be prepared to get messy*

Warm nights. Cool grooves. Get ready to wrap yourself in another season of Jazz on the Green at Midtown Crossing presented by Omaha Performing Arts.
Thursdays, July 9 - August 13
Park Opens for Seating at 5PM
Pre-Show Starts at 6:30PM
Music Starts at 7:30PM

Jeff Quinn is roaring into our library with "Jurassic Magic", a dinosaur-themed Summer Reading Program magic show that's fun for all ages

Ages 10-18. Register at Front Desk

Get ready to soak up the sun and feel the rhythm at the Summer Vibes Concert Series, your weekly dose of live music, good vibes, and unforgettable summer nights! Join us on select Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm for an exciting lineup of local and regional talent—featuring everything from rock and pop to funk and soul. Vibes concerts are located in the Village Pointe Amphitheater. Bring your lawn chairs, grab your favorite treats from a variety of Village Pointe restaurants, and gather your crew for this FREE outdoor concert series that’s perfect for all ages! Seating is FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. Seating area opens up at 4pm day of concert.

Concerts begin at 7:00PM and are free and open to all ages. Community members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, enjoy downtown Council Bluffs, and experience a wide variety of live music performances in the heart of the city.

Stay Wild after hours. On select Thursday nights this summer, guests ages 21+ can explore the Zoo in a new way, bringing guests closer to animals, nature, and each other, at a slower pace.

Stay Wild after hours. On select Thursday nights this summer, guests ages 21+ can explore the Zoo in a new way, bringing guests closer to animals, nature, and each other, at a slower pace.

Each week, Quasar pairs up a local business with a local charitable cause, to present a “Classic” retro title for a “Free-to-the-Public ” event to raise awareness and support. This is a great way for your organization to educate and interact with an eager audience. Solicitation of free-will donations or mission-specific item donations can be part of pre-event, advertising co-op.

Celebrate the end of summer with us by crafting to your hearts content. All leftover crafts from the prior year will be available. Located in the Youth Area.

Calling all dino-designers; get ready for an adventure millions of years in the making! Unleash your inner sculptor and join us to make a clay dinosaur. After your prehistoric pal is built, you can give them a voice by writing a thrilling mini-adventure about their life in the wild! No experience needed—just bring your imagination! All materials are included, while supplies last. This is a free event for children ages 8-12. Registration is required.

Test your creativity!

Get ready for a roaring good time! In this hands-on musical experience inspired by Dinosaurumpus!, kids become the musicians as they explore the many ways percussion instruments make sound—shaking, scraping, and striking along with the story. Guided by a staff member from the Omaha Symphony, young participants will stomp, chomp, and make music together while discovering how rhythm brings this dino-filled tale to life. Developed for preK-3rd graders, this story time will adapt well for younger kids with adult support.

You will be "locked" in a room with puzzles, clues (and a few hints) to see if you have the smarts to figure out how to get out of our escape room! This escape room is based on the best-selling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.

Professor Pippy P. Poopypants has captured best friends Harold and George! Captain Underpants needs your help to save them. You’ll have to work together to solve clues and puzzles themed around the Captain Underpants series by Dav Pikey to save Harold and George before time runs out. Do you have what it takes to be a hero like Captain Underpants? Registration is required.

Learn the basics of how to use plants to support your summer health and see a live demonstration of how to make an herbal salve with City Sprouts. All participants will go home with a small salve to use for cuts, burns, bug bites, etc. Suggested ages 13+.

Grab a lawn chair, your cooler, and join at Zorinsky Lake for a relaxing evening of live music from One2Go! One2Go is a crowd-pleasing dance and party band, playing a continually-changing mix of current and classic hits from the rock, pop, and country charts.

As the sun sets and the warm summer breeze rolls in, Omaha’s original Night Market transforms Turner Park into a vibrant evening celebration. Join us for one of the city’s favorite summer traditions, where music, local makers, and community come together under the lights. Featuring BluesEd from 6-8pm and more from 8-10pm

Join for another night of live music at the Texas Roadhouse Amphitheater! Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy a relaxed summer evening outdoors.

It’s an old-fashioned whodunnit in a magnificent setting! Solve clues, look for evidence, and break the case while mingling with new friends.

Alacranes Musical, Los Príncipes, Montez de Durango, K-Paz de la Sierra coming to Liberty First Credit Union Arena on Friday, July 31, 2026!

Free In-Store Kids Workshops. Join at 9 a.m. the First Saturday of Every Month. While Supplies Last.

Saturday mornings belong to the kids. Heartwood Kids Club is a free weekly program filled with hands-on fun designed especially for children ages 4–8. Activities can include crafts, demonstrations, creative projects or interactive experiences each week brings a new surprise. Kids must be accompanied by an adult, so the whole family can enjoy a playful start to the weekend together. Happening every Saturday morning June 13th through September.

Step back in time and build your own prehistoric world! Create a dinosaur terrarium with the perfect mini habitat for a dino friend. Bring your imagination and get ready for a roaring good time! This is a free event for kids ages 5 and older. Registration is required 

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 you will create a robo kangaroo. Registration is required

The Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival returns to The Joslyn for another year of Art-Tastic Saturday. This year, festival artists Oscar Rios Pohirieth and Amado Espinoza will perform music from the Andean mountain region of South America, with a special program inspired by the world of animals and The Joslyn’s animal-themed exhibition. Enjoy Oscar and Amado’s performance from 12–1 PM, and explore all other Art-Tastic Saturday activities from 11 AM–2 PM.

Something went wrong on a paleontology dig, and your team has been transported back to the age of the dinosaurs! You’ll need to work together to solve clues and puzzles hidden in the cave and your field gear to activate the portal device and “return home”. Can you escape the prehistoric world or will you be stuck with the dinosaurs forever? Registration is required.

Join the murder and mayhem for our “A Villain’s Vendetta” murder mystery on Halloween night! Space is limited, tickets required.

Grab your friends, bring the family, and come enjoy a fun-filled evening for the whole family. Pack your chairs, blankets, and coolers and settle in for a great night of music. Come hungry, come ready to dance, and most importantly — come have fun at Stinson Park!

With Gary Allan and Josh Abbott Band.

Bring the whole crew—family, friends, and neighbors—and settle in for a cozy night of laughter, fresh air, and community fun. Firepits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. FREE to the public!