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.
Jump directly to Outside Omaha Metro to plan a road trip around a festival
2026 Festivals, Community Celebrations and Parades
Events
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38th Annual John C. Fremont Days
Downtown Fremont Fremont, NE, United StatesThe John C. Fremont Days festival is an award winning three day celebration of Fremont, held the second full weekend of July each year. This family oriented citywide festival began in 1987 and has events throughout the City of Fremont with something for everyone!
Parade, Balloon Glow, Kids Activities, Rodeo, and more! -
Homegrown Festival at Nelson Produce Farm
Nelson Produce Farm 10505 N 234 St, Valley, NESunshine, sweet corn, and flavorful melons—it doesn’t get more summer than this. Join for their Homegrown Festival, a celebration of the crops we grow right here on our farm: sweet corn, watermelon, and cantaloupe. This summer favorite brings together fresh flavors, hands-on farm fun, and all the traditions you know and love.
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Douglas County Fair 2026
Liberty First Credit Union Arena 7300 Q St., Ralston, NEDiscover the rich history of the Douglas County Fair. Explore our educational exhibits, enjoy delicious food, and create unforgettable memories with the whole family! Free Entry, Youth Livestock Show, Educational Exhibits & Entertainment
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Mandela Fest 2026
Miller Park 30th & Redick, Omaha, NE, United StatesMandela Fest is the annual end of year community festival of the Nelson Mandela Campus. It is celebrated as close to July 18th as possible to celebrate the birthday of Nelson Mandela. Scholars and families from both the Early Childhood Development Center and the Elementary School, as well as from the community, are able to enjoy scholar performances while participating in budget-friendly, family-friendly activities and a community resource fair.
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Gretna Days 2026
City of Gretna Gretna, NE, United StatesFriday: Outdoor Movie, Fireworks. Saturday: Pancake Breakfast, Parade. Sunday: Community Picnic, Carnival Rides, car show and much more!
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Gretna Days Fireworks Show
Gretna High School 11335 S 204th St, Gretna, NEJoin for another great Gretna Days Fireworks Show by Gretna’s own Peters Pyrotechnic Productions! Time is Approximate! Could start a little earlier or later based on the timing of darkness and weather. BIG THANK YOU to our sponsor Culver’s! Located East of the Gretna High School. Join us before fireworks for movie nite in the football stadium, or come later to view fireworks show from the stadium.
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Ditmars Sweet Corn Festival
Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard 19475 225th St, Council Bluffs, IA, United StatesJoin for our first-ever Sweet Corn Festival! 🌽 More details coming soon…but for now, mark your calendar and start dreaming of summer sunshine, sweet corn, and the indescribable magic you can only find at the orchard…something delicious is in the works!
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Carter Lake Days 2026
Carter Lake Ball Fields 1701 Avenue Q, Carter Lake, IACarter Lake’s Annual Parade & Festival on July 25th for a full day of fun, community, and celebration! The parade kicks off at 11 AM, followed by the festival, kids zone, and vendor fair starting at 12 PM. Enjoy the beer garden at 1 PM, live music at 4 PM, and end the night with fireworks at 10 PM.
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Dodge County Fair
Dodge County Fairgrounds 201 Fairacres Rd, Scribner, NEExperience small-town summer fun at the Dodge County Fair! Families can enjoy exciting carnival rides, live entertainment, delicious fair food, 4-H exhibits, livestock shows, competitions, and activities for all ages. It's the perfect way to make lasting summer memories with a day full of classic fair fun.
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La Vista National Night Out
Central Park East 7702 Edgewood Blvd, La Vista, NEGather in Central Park to celebrate La Vista’s community and its first responders. This safetyfocused 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.
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Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival 2026
Ta-Ha-Zouka Park Elkhorn, NEBalloons launch Friday and Saturday Evening 7 PM. Gates open at 5:00 pm to give spectators an early glimpse at the hot air balloons as pilots assemble them for their flights.
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Flower Festival at Nelson Produce Farm
Nelson Produce Farm 10505 N 234 St, Valley, NEWith over 450,000 sunflowers overlooking the stunning Elkhorn River bottom, our Flower Festival is a breathtaking celebration of the changing seasons and the beauty of farm life. Alongside sunflowers, guests can explore colorful zinnias and other blooms that make this time of year so special.
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Zinnia Flower Festival
Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard 19475 225th St, Council Bluffs, IA, United StatesCelebrate Summer in Full Bloom! U-Pick Zinnias, Bubble Fairy (August 15th & 16th only until 2pm!), Photo Ops & Flower Backdrops
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Annual Chalk Art Festival
Midtown Crossing 32nd and Farnam, Omaha, NE, United StatesGet ready to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant color and creativity! The 8th Annual Chalk Art Festival invites local artists to transform the sidewalks around Turner Park into breathtaking chalk masterpieces.
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Fremont Hispanic Festival 2026
John C Fremont Park Fremont, NE, United StatesThe Fremont Hispanic Festival is a celebration of the culture and heritage of peoples native to Spanish-speaking countries. During this festival, they are honoring and celebrating the independence days of our neighbors who have cultural roots in Latin America. Parade starts at Noon.
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Dundee Day 2026
Dundee 5011 Underwood Ave, Omaha, NE, United StatesParade Time TBD
Dundee Day began in the 1950’s as a sidewalk sale and became an official day of events in 1992. Over the years, the event has included a ‘prettiest baby’ contest, appearances by local artists such as cartoonist Jeffrey Koterba, and the celebrated relocation of the Dundee Dell from Dodge Street to Underwood Avenue. Today, presented by Dundee Bank and Dundee Pediatrics, this 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, live art drawing, and beer garden. -
CRCC Big Dreams
Stinson Park 2285 S. 67th St, Omaha, NE, United StatesGet ready, Omaha — Big Dreams is taking over Stinson Park this August! Hosted by CRCC – Connected Roots Care Center, Big Dreams is a high-energy, family-friendly festival packed with live music, hands-on fun, and community celebration. This year's featured headliners include Peppa Pig and her brother George, along with the wildly energetic KOO KOO, bringing unforgettable entertainment to families across the region. Add in incredible local and regional performers, interactive activities, food, and community experiences, and you've got a day filled with big fun and even bigger dreams.
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Millard Days 2026
Andersen Park 136th and Q St, Omaha, NE, United StatesMillard Days traditions; including the carnival, parade, & beer gardens.
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Nebraska Renaissance Faire & Midlands Pirate Festival
Elkhorn Shores 233rd & West Maple Road, Elkhorn, NEStep back in time at the Nebraska Renaissance Faire! Join at Elkhorn Shores on August 29th and 30th, 2026, for a full weekend of legendary medieval merriment. Conveniently located for families in West Omaha, Elkhorn, and Bellevue, our outdoor summer festival brings fun & festivities for the entire family!
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La Festa Italiana 2026
Il Palazzo 132nd & Fort, Omaha, NE, United StatesCelebrate one of the Omaha area’s most beloved festivals this Labor Day weekend. Take home authentic Italian food, wine, beer, from the American Italian Heritage Society home, Il Palazzo on 132nd and Fort Streets. Kids 14 and Under Free with an Adult
Outside Omaha Metro
July 10-12 – The Wayne Chicken Show – Wayne, NE
July 26th – Kites and Castles at Lake MacConaughy 2026 – Ogallala, NE
July 30th – Aug 3rd – Dodge County Fair 2026 – Scribner, NE
Aug 6-9th – Columbus Days – Columbus, NE
Aug 7-17th – Iowa State Fair – Des Moines, IA
Aug 14-17th – 10th Anniversary Old West Balloon Fest – Mitchell, NE
Aug 15-17th – Kool-Aid Days: 2026 Grape Escape – Hastings, NE
Aug 22-Sept 1st – NE State Fair – Grand Island, NE
Sept 19th & 20th – Tri-City BBQ Fest – Denison, IA
Sept 18-20th – Pufferbilly Days – 50th Anniversary – Boone, IA
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