Omaha Area Community Celebrations 2025

Omaha Area Community Celebrations and Festivals.  Celebrate with many surrounding communities and enjoy fun activities. Many of the events are free – and definitely fun!

Even though the celebrations will look a little different this year, organizers have been busy planning a variety of fun activities! 

**Please Note: It is always a good idea to verify event information as they are subject to change. 

2025 Festivals, Community Celebrations and Parades

Outside Omaha Metro

Find more Helpful Resources:

Join our growing community and keep updated on Omaha family-friendly events and activities and Sign up for our Free Email Newsletter!

Past Events

May 6th-12th – Celebrate CB

• This annual event is a way for the community to get together. Activities include a Scavenger Hunt, carnival, parade, a Farmer’s Market, kid’s activities, and more!
• Location: Bayliss Park – 100 Pearl St., Council Bluffs, IA

May 18th – Fish Fest at The C – 10:00am-2:00pm – FREE

• Free beginner and family-friendly fishing event at beautiful Lake Cunningham in Omaha, NE!  This special event will celebrate family, fishing and friends at Lake Cunningham on Free Park and Free Fishing Day, which means adults and kids can fish without a permit this day.  Event attendees can enter to win prizes, including a free youth lifetime fishing permit (Nebraska residents only); $100 SCHEELS gift cards (must be 18 or older); and be eligible for other great prizes such as a Zebco fishing rod and reel; or an “Fish Fest at the C” hat.  Food and refreshments will be provided 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. or while supplies last.
• Location: Lake Cunningham – 8965 State St, Omaha, NE 68122

May 18-19th – 2024 Renaissance Festival of Nebraska – Tickets Required

• THE FIRST THREE WEEKENDS IN MAY!  Grab a turkey leg and step back in time when royalty ruled and knights really were in shining armor. Full contact equestrian jousting, six unique performance stages featuring local, regional, and national talent, over a hundred costumed characters, and many one-of-a-kind artisans await you at this majestic festival.
• Three differently themed weekends, featuring three different adventures!
  • Weekend-3 / May 18-19 – Minions of Misrule
• Location: Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch – 2710 Bluff Point Cir, Papillion, NE 68133

May 25th – Festival of Trains In The Park – 10:00am-6:00pm – $10-$13/Tickets

• Come and enjoy a delightful day of excitement at Festival of Trains In The Park. Experience train rides suitable for both children and adults, marvel at the operating model trains, let the kids frolic in the bounce house, engage in entertaining yard games, and prepare for an array of additional activities to make the day memorable. Mark your calendars and be ready for a fun-filled event!
• Location: Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park – 4200 Avenue B, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

May 25th – Rock the C! Community Concert – 5:00-8:00pm – FREE

• An unforgettable evening at the Rock the C Concert on Saturday, May 25th, from 5-8 pm!  Finest Hour – band, a phenomenal 9-piece band, will be rocking the stage singing a little bit of everything to have you up and dancing!  Get ready for a fantastic time with FREE live music, delicious food trucks, and family fun for everyone!  Save the date and bring your friends and family for an epic celebration! Let’s make it a night to remember!
• Location: Lake Cunningham – 8965 State St, Omaha, NE 68122

May 31st-June1st – La Vista Days 2024

• A new take on the La Vista annual community festival.  
• Friday – Free concert, Fireworks, & Drone Show
• Saturday – Parade, car show, community cookout, and family fun festival

May 31st-June 2nd – Bennington Daze – Times of Activities Vary

• Friday – Community Picnic & Fireworks
• Saturday – Parade, BBQ Contest, Street Dance, Farmers Market
• Sunday – Fire Station Food & Fun

May 31st-June 2nd – 27th Annual Taste of Omaha

• Live Music, Featuring Performance for the Kids with Continuous Comedy, Balloons, Magic, Exotic Animals & Fun!  Face-Painting throughout the Festival.
• Location: Heartland of America Park – 800 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102

June 6-9th – Elkhorn Days 

• Elkhorn Days is an annual celebration of the Elkhorn, NE, area that takes place the 2nd weekend of June each year. The event includes the area’s largest parade, live music, vendor booths, kids and family activities, Corn Hole and 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, a car show, and much more!
• Friday – Fantasy Drone Show
• Saturday – Parade

June 6-9th – Bellevue Rocks The Riverfront

• Thursday – Family Discount Carnival Night night will feature music from popular local bands (Dysfunction & Red Delicious) and the first night of the fabulous, large and family friendly, Heart of America Carnival
• Friday – Amazing music from two nationally known tribute bands: Resurrection, A Tribute to Journey will kick off the evening followed by The Ultimate King of Pop, A tribute to Michael Jackson closing out the evening.
• Saturday – If you like Country Music, this is your night
• Location: American Heroes Park – 41°08’23.”N 95°53′.”W, County Hwy H10, Bellevue, NE 68005

June 6-9th – Blair’s Gateway to the West Days: Beach Party 

• Full Schedule
• Saturday: Car Show, Craft & Vendor Fair, Carnival, and Parade
• Location: Washington County NE Chamber of Commerce – 1646 Washington St., Blair, NE

June 7-9th – 50th Annual Omaha Summer Arts Festival 

• All of your favorites return with 135 artists from throughout the U.S. AND from right here in Omaha; a stage featuring dozens of talented local musicians; a huge, hands-on Children’s Fair and Young Artist Exhibition; and some of the best food in Omaha. Plus, don’t miss the return of the mural cubes!
• Location: Aksarben Village – 67th & Center, Omaha, NE

June 7-9th – Springfield Days

• Hometown parade, kiddie parade, kid’s games, beer garden, and fireworks!

June 8th & 9th – Omaha Potter Faire – 11:00am-6:00pm – $12-$30/Ticket

• What can you expect? -Butterbeer! The Garbled Owl Butterbeer Shoppe will be on site serving their very own Butterscotch Beer (non-alcoholic), on tap! -Vendors offering wands, stuffed owls, and so much more! See the Vendor Page for details -Delicious food served by the Bellevue Berry Farm -Costumed characters roaming the Faire and teaching classes, courtesy of the Great Hall Players -Children’s activities including licensed Harry Potter coloring pages, giant bubbles, board games, and more, hosted by the Pirates of the Black Flag -Costume contests for both children and adults, with fabulous prizes -Fabulous circus performances -Unicorn rides.  The Omaha Potter Faire is cooperatively organized by the Omaha Nerd Society and the Nerd Empowerment Society.
• Location: Bellevue Berry Farm – 11001 S 48th St, Papillion, NE 68133

June 8th & 9th – Midwest Fest! – 10:00am-4:00pm – $10-$18/Ticket (12 and under FREE)

• Formally known as HutchFest, which started in 2016, Midwest Fest is an annual maker fair created out of the passion to provide local makers with a marketplace to sell their goods. Teri and the Made in Omaha team have grown this event over the last 7 years, and are excited about what 2024 has in store: a NEW name + new look, new event location, multiple dates and exciting community partnerships.
• Location: Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront – 800 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102

June 12-16th – Papillion Days 2024

• The 77th Annual Papillion Days celebration! Register to be a vendor, purchase carnival wristbands, or view a full schedule of events through the link below.  2024 Parade Theme: Red, White, & Blue

June 15th – Juneteenth Joyfest – 12:00-4:00pm – FREE (Donations Welcome)

• Juneteenth Joy Fest is a family-friendly Arts & Cultural Festival honoring the history of Juneteenth while supporting Black artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses in North Omaha.
• Location: 24th & Ohio Street

June 15th – Juneteenth Omaha Freedom Festival – 12:00pm-12:00am

• 10:00am: Parade – The parade route is North 24th Street, Lake to Sprague.
• Noon-5:00pm: Kidz Zone / Family Activities, Educational / Community Info, Free Health Screenings, Vaccine Station, Local Artists / Musicians, Food & Beverage Vendors Available.
• 7:00-Midnight: Concert
• Location: 3448 Evans St, Omaha, NE 68111

Jun 22nd – Heartland Hope Mission Block Party – 11:00am-2:00pm – FREE

• Come celebrate with Heartland Hope at Heartland Hope Mission’s annual Block Party on Saturday, June 22nd from 11 am – 2 pm at 2021 U Street. This free event includes waterslides, a bounce house, music, outdoor games, delicious free food, giveaways from local vendors, firetruck tours, a sports camp for kids and so much more! Come with your family and invite your friends. Take the cue, it’s true, there are lots of fun things to do at the Heartland Hope Mission Block Party! 
• Location: Heartland Hope Mission – 2021 U St, Omaha, NE

July 12-14th – 36th Annual John C. Fremont Days

• Parade, Balloon Glow and Watermelon Feed, Car Show, Rodeo, Beer Garden, BBQ Contest and more!

July 13th & 14th – Douglas County Fair – FREE

• Fun for the whole family at the Liberty First Credit Union Arena located in Ralston, NE.  Discover the rich history of the Douglas County Fair. Explore our educational exhibits, enjoy delicious food, and create unforgettable memories with the whole family!
• Location: Liberty First Credit Union Arena – 7300 Q St, Ralston, NE 68127

July 24-28th – Gretna Days 2024

• Friday – Fireworks
• Sunday – Community Picnic in the park
• Saturday Night – dance in Village Square

July 26th – SummerFest at River’s Edge – 6:00-10:00pm – FREE

• Fourth annual SummerFest at River’s Edge it is FREE and packed with summery fun you won’t want to miss!
• The Drone Show: At dark (around 9:30 p.m.) Fantasy Drone Shows will light up the sky with 200 drones for a dazzling display unlike anything you’ve seen before!
• Drone Show, Live Music, Foam Party, Face Painting, Giant Bubbles, and more
• New This Year: The Kiewit Luminarium will be at SummerFest! Play with interactive ‘exhibits’—portable versions of exhibits inside the Luminarium.
• Location: Tom Hanafan Park – 4200 Avenue B, Council Bluffs, IA 51501

July 27-28th – Benson Days

• Saturday – Pancake Feed, Parade
• Sunday – Benson Bike Ride, Yoga in the Park, Kickball Tournament
• More Activities & Full Schedule are TBD

May 24-25th – Annual Tivoli Fest 2024 – Elk Horn, IA

June 12-15th – Ice Cream Days – Le Mars, IA

June 12-22nd – NEBRASKAland Days – North Platte, NE

June 15th – Kinderfest 2024 – Manning, IA

June 19-23rd – Homestead Days 2024 – Beatrice, NE

June 28-30th – Des Moines Art Festival – Des Moines, IA

July 12-14th – Annual Wayne Chicken Show – Wayne, NE

July 17-22nd – Pottawattamie County Fair – Avoca, IA

July 27th – Kites and Castles at Lake MacConaughy – Ogallala, NE

July 24-29th – West Pottawattamie County Fair 

• Location: Westfair Fairgrounds and Amphitheater – 22984 US-6, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

July 26-31st – Washington County Fair

• Location: 23656 US Hwy 30 Arlington, NE 68002

July 31st-Aug 4th – Sarpy County Fair – Tickets Required

• Truck & Tractor Pull, Bull Riding, Music, Rodeo and more!
• Location: Sarpy County Fairgrounds – 100 Main Street, Springfield, NE 68059

Aug 6th – National Night Out La Vista – 6:00-9:00pm – FREE

• Gather in Central Park to celebrate La Vista’s community and its first responders. This safety-focused event features “touch-a-truck” with first responder vehicles, a greeting from Mayor Kindig, face painters and activities, free treats, plenty of safety information and demonstrations. The event will conclude with a community walk around the small pond.
• Location: Central Park & Clubhouse – 8305 Park View Blvd, La Vista, NE

Aug 1-10th – Lancaster County Super Fair – Tickets Required

• The 2024 Lancaster County Super Fair returns Aug 1-10 with the 4-H/FFA livestock and static entries, fan-favorite carnival, motorsports, free music, fair foods, fairgoer competitions and more!

Aug 9-10th – 2024 Fremont Hispanic Festival

• The Fremont Hispanic Festival is a celebration of the culture and heritage of peoples native to Spanish-speaking countries. During this festival, we are honoring and celebrating the independence days of our neighbors who have cultural roots in Latin America.
• Location: John C Fremont City Park – 106 E 8th St, Fremont, NE 68025

Aug 9-11th – Valley Days

• Friday – Street Dance
• Saturday – Pancake Breakfast & Parade
• Sunday – Car Show, Craft & Vendor Show

Aug 15-17th – Arrows to Aerospace (Bellevue, NE)

• Saturday – Parade
• This multi-day community event typically includes a parade, Pancake Feed, children’s activities, pony rides, bounce houses, music, food, and more!
• Location: Washington Park, Franklin St., Bellevue, NE.

Aug 15-17th – Omaha’s Original Greek Festival – Admission $5 – Kids under 12 free

• Enjoy great food, and experience music, culture, and traditions at Omaha’s Original Greek Festival. 
• Location: 602 Park Ave., Midtown Omaha, NE.

Aug 20-25th – Millard Days

• Carnival, Beer Garden, and Live Music
• Saturday – Parade
• Sunday – Family Fun Day: Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Kids Tractor Pull, Ice Cream Social
• Location: Andersen Park – 13625 Cottner St., Omaha, NE

Aug 24th – Dundee Day

• A family-friendly street festival celebrates and highlights the Dundee neighborhood with a parade, 5k run, art and craft vendors, book sale, pancake breakfast, food trucks, live music and spoken word, live art drawing, and beer garden.
• Full Schedule

Aug 30th-Sept 2nd – Ralston Days 2024

• Ralston Days in the parking lot of the Liberty First Credit Union Arena Friday, August 30- Monday, September 2.  Carnival rides, games, food trucks, beer garden, live music and more!  Admission is Free!
• Location: Liberty First Credit Union Arena – 7300 Q St, Ralston, NE 68127

Sept 5-8th – Plattsmouth Harvest Festival

• Now in its 93rd year, the Plattsmouth Harvest Festival is the oldest, continuous harvest festival in Nebraska.  Fun for the whole family, the 4-day event begins with the Coronation of the King and Queen on Thursday evening. Friday includes carnival rides, Kiddie Parade, Pep Rally, Talent Show, Little Tuggers contest and Bingo. Saturday includes Bike Races, Little Tuggers, Music & Entertainment, Cake Walk, Cow Drop contest, and the Grand Parade. Sunday features Fly-In Breakfast, Horseshoe Tournament and, to close out the event, a free Community Picnic. Lots more to see and do the first weekend after Labor Day in September on and around Plattsmouth’s Historic Main Street

Outside Omaha Metro

Aug 7-10th – 10th Anniversary Old West Balloon Fest – Mitchell, NE 

Aug 8-11th – Columbus Days, 50th Anniversary – Columbus, NE

Aug 8-18th – Iowa State Fair – Des Moines, IA

Aug 16-18th – Kool-Aid Days: 2024 Sharkleberry Fun – Hastings, NE

Aug 23-Sept 2nd – NE State Fair – Grand Island, NE

Sept 20-21st – Tri-City BBQ Fest – Denison, IA

Sept 20-22nd – Pufferbilly Days – Boone, IA