All dates for events taking place in August 2022 (will be updated for 2023 when dates available.)*

50+ Things to Do Around Omaha in August

Farmers Markets – All Summer Long

There are dozens of farmers markets all around Omaha that normally run from May – October. Each one has its own personality and unique atmosphere for a totally memorable afternoon. You can buy homegrown produce, support local vendors, or grab food from one of Omaha’s unforgettable food trucks! 

The biggest farmers markets are the Omaha Farmers Markets, the Village Pointe Farmers Market, and the Night Market. No matter where you live around Omaha, though, you’re probably not far from one of the local markets!

StoryWalk at Lauritzen Gardens – All Summer Long

Lauritzen Gardens joins with other local businesses to bring Omaha children a totally unique summer reading program! Kids will hike through the beautiful flower gardens, read books about nature, and participate in all sorts of crafts and outdoor activities. This is a super healthy and fun way to get moving and get reading this summer season! 

Kids FunFare – July and August

Methodist Hospital hosts a summer long Kids FunFare at The Regency Shopping Center. Each week is a different theme and presents different entertainers! Everything from magicians to princess parties makes this weekly event a great time for young kids looking for some fun and social time. It’s every Thursday from 10:00 – 11:00 am in July and August. If you have young kiddos, it’s a great way to spend the morning! 

Spring Fling Market – All Summer

The Blackstone District holds the Spring Fling Market once a month from June – October! (August 13th is the date for this month’s fair!) It’s a huge market full of local vendors, makers, and artists. Not to mention the great food, hands-on activities, and live music! There’s a beer garden too, and a dance party after dark. Don’t miss out on all the free fun! (Though bring cash for all your goodies.)

Jazz on the Green – July and August

Each summer, Omaha Performing Arts hosts “Jazz on the Green” at Turner Park in Midtown Crossing. It’s every Thursday from July and August, and it’s totally free! Each week there’s live music and local vendors in a beautiful outdoor atmosphere. Grab lawn chairs and bring your friends, family, and fur babies to Jazz on the Green this summer!

Sarpy County Fair – August 3rd – 7th

There are few events in the Midwest more legendary than county fairs. Many in the Midwest grow up going to these events and looking forward to them all year! The Sarpy County Fair is no exception. The main event is five days long and hosts new excitement every hour from bull riding and livestock judging to parades and big bands. And, of course, there are fair rides, carnival games, and classic concessions. It’s sure to be a blast! 

Turner Park Pop-Up Market – August 4th

The Turner Park Pop-Up Market is a combination event! The Night Market and Jazz on the Green fuse for one night only. Shop local vendors, listen to live jazz music, and enjoy the beautiful park and warm August evening. It’s totally free and family friendly. 

New American Arts Festival – August 5th 

The New American Arts Festival is a celebration of culture through immigrant artists in Omaha! There’s really nothing quite like the New American Arts Festival. It’s an empowering presentation of heritage that’s a window into the rich culture behind Nebraska’s amazing immigrant and refugee families. 

The New American Arts Festival is a street festival in downtown Benson. At the festival, there are in-person exhibits, local artisans, vendors, food trucks, street performers, and more! Learn about traditions from all over the globe and have an enlightened experience at the New American Arts Festival.  

Ice Cream Cruise – August 5th – 7th

One of the coolest car shows around Omaha is the annual Ice Cream Cruise in Pacific Junction, IA! This event is three days long and not only hosts over a thousand incredible cars, but it also has racing, burnout competitions, dyno tuning showcases, live music, and a puppy party.

Wild, right? If that wasn’t enough, the event has tons of food vendors and a die hard community. What are you waiting for? Speed right down to the annual Ice Cream Cruise!

Touch-a-Truck at Ditmars Orchard – August 6th

Ditmars Orchard in Council Bluffs brings out big vehicles and equipment for kids to climb and play on in their annual “Touch-a-Truck” event! Beyond real life playground equipment, there are vendors, live music, and food trucks for the grown-ups. The first 50 kids receive free hard hats. And, this year, they’re hosting a blood drive along with it! Get half a dozen of Ditmars’ legendary apple cider donuts when you donate blood. A great cause, a great event, and a great location! 

Youth Fishing Derby – August 6th

Big Lake Park in Council Bluffs is the site for the annual Youth Fishing Derby. Young anglers can show their fishing prowess in a friendly fishing competition. There are three age categories for 7-9, 10-12, and 13-15. They have 75 minutes to reel in the longest fish for the win. (Fish will be released after catching and no fishing licenses are required.) 

Family Fun Carnival – August 6th 

The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum hosts an annual Family Fun Carnival to celebrate the return to school and mark the end of summer. Of course, the SAC museum has plenty for kids to see with their massive airplanes and spacecraft exhibits, but this event has something a little extra special. They have big activities planned like face painting, carnival games, bounce houses, treats, and wildlife encounters. 

Omaha Blues Festival – August 6th

Omaha is known for its fantastic live music scene. From local musicians to big names, Omaha is always full of unforgettable performances. The “In the Market for Blues” event is Omaha’s blues festival, and it’s in the city’s historic downtown district. 

There are over 40 bands and artists performing in both indoor and outdoor venues around the Old Market. This year, the big names are Curtis Salgado and Hector Anchondo. If you’re into blues music, these two need no introduction. And, if you’re into blues music, you won’t want to miss this event. 

Root Beer Float Day at the Durham Museum – August 6th

Every year, the Durham Museum celebrates one of America’s favorite holidays. Christmas? No. Easter? Nope. Independence Day? Not that either. I’m talking about Root Beer Float Day! For this annual event, the Durham gives out free root beer floats to anyone who visits the museum. But, they’ve got more than a free snack!

There’s root beer ring toss, puzzles, games, and crafts! Plus, there’s live entertainment that’s totally family-friendly. Plus, the comedic superhero scientist Dr. Oxygen will entertain guest this year with science and humor. It’s a great time!

Fiber Arts Festival Omaha – August 6th 

Crocheting, weaving, sewing, bookmaking, paper making, dyeing, knitting, and basket-making are all forms of fiber arts. This festival not only highlights the beautiful, archaic natural materials used in fiber arts, but also the manual labor and culture surrounding each technique.

This festival shares its site with the Bancroft Street Market to host dozens of vendors ready to showcase their craft, sell their work, and show you some ropes. Let’s get crafty!

MudBlast for CP – August 6th

MudBlast is an annual charity mud volleyball tournament that raises money for cerebral palsy research. The event also celebrates the life of Bradley Walde, an Omaha child who passed away in 2012 from CP. Along with the tournament, there is drinking, relay races, and sandcastle competitions! All of this is hosted at Papillion’s Sinnott’s Sand Bar, which is a one-of-a-kind mud volleyball bar. 

Fringe Festival – August 6th

The legendary tradition of fringe festivals is celebrated here in Omaha with our very own Fringe Festival! Here, you can see self-produced, self-funded, and performance-based plays with local playwrights, actors, and directors. It’s a free space for artists in the community to appreciate local theater, but it also provides an opportunity to showcase your big theater dreams! (Even if Broadways isn’t in the cards). 

Each year, they select a few submitted plays at random. Then, they get to work preparing for the festival. They put on 10-12 different plays during the festival. It’s hosted at the University of Nebraska Omaha on their performance stages! 

Fishing for Families – August 6th 

Fishing For Families is a charity event to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha. This event is for anyone who likes to fish, whether you’re a regular fishing tournament competitor or just like to go out on the boat once in a while. In addition to fishing, there will be food trucks, craft beer, live music, and prizes!

Open Omaha – August 6th – 7th

When you drive around Omaha and the neighboring cities, you’re taken aback by the beauty of the cities’ architecture and design. Whether historic or ultra-modern, there are structures that stand as true pieces of art shaping the Omaha skyline. But, what’s inside these establishments of architectural artistry? Well, Open Omaha gives you the chance to see the beauty that lies within! 

For one weekend a year, Omaha by Design takes Omahans on a tour around the metro, showcasing the hidden architecture and design mastery within the walls of our magnificent buildings and historic landmarks.  

Sts. Peter & Paul Annual Church Festival – August 7th

For over a century Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Omaha has hosted “The Greatest Festival in Town.” They pride themselves on being Omaha’s largest and longest running church festival. In all the years they’ve been open, 2020 was the only year they missed! 

The event has live music all day long, beer, ethnic food, big prizes, kids’ activities, games, and carnival rides! Let your kids take part in a classic cake walk or grab yourself lunch at one of the food trucks. Whatever you do, your whole family will have a blast at this age old festival.

Cruisin’ for a Cure – August 7th

Cruisin’ for a Cure is another charity event. This one is raising money and awareness for prostate cancer! Each year, the event does free screenings on hundreds of men. This helps catch cancer early and reminds men to get tested regularly after 55-years-old. The Cruisin’ for a Cure event includes the screening, the car show, and a people’s choice award ceremony. 

The Pinnacle Bank Championship – August 8th-14th

If you like golf, the Pinnacle Bank Championship is a stop along the Korn Ferry PGA Tour! You can watch pro golf all week long. And, when the tournament closes each night on the 11th – 13th, country music stars will take stage to entertain guests and golfers. It’s a two-for-one that’s sure to please. 

Summer Bean Fest – August 10th

Each year Infusion Brewing Co and The Pie Whole host Bean Fest! There will be pie, of course, and Infusion’s legendary Vanilla Bean Blonde beer. Beyond that, there’s live music, local vendors, food trucks, games, more beer, and more pie. AND, it’s totally family and dog friendly. It’s gonna be a good time!

REIA & Omaha Real Estate Meetup Charity Golf Event – August 10th

Would you rather play golf than watch it? Then this charity golf event is for you! Assemble your team and prepare for the Omaha Real Estate Meetup! The tournament raises money for the Omaha Home for Boys, which helps bring education, housing, employment, transportation, and healthcare needs to families in need. The tournament is at the Stone Creek Golf Course in West Omaha. 

Heartland Music Fest – August 12th – 14th 

Barrel & Vine is a rooftop pool bar and live music venue that’s right on the border between Omaha and Elkhorn. The spot is a local favorite with premier cocktails, beer on tap, and a choice selection of wine. They also host the annual Heartland Music Fest! 

It’s 3 days of fun in the Barrel & Vine parking lot. The event has over a dozen country music artists. The 2022 lineup includes Callista Clark, Maddie & Tae, Andrew Jannakos, and so many more! Come dance, have a beer, and enjoy the last few drops of summer.

Playing with Fire – August 12th – 13th 

If you’re looking to enjoy some more live music this summer, check out Omaha’s free blues concert series, “Playing with Fire.” It’s hosted twice a summer, once in July and once in August! Local, national, and international bands travel to Turner Park at Midtown Crossing to play the free show. It’s totally family and leashed-pet friendly, so bring everyone to the Playing with Fire Concert Series. 

Valley Days – August 12th – 14th 

Valley is a small community just outside of Omaha, and its annual community wide celebration is in August! It’s a 3-day event that includes a street dance, a citywide BBQ, a fun run, a parade, a car show, a craft and vendor show, a tractor pull, live music, and so much more! It’s a great way to spend your weekend soaking up the sun and making lasting family memories. 

Omaha Thrift Tour – August 13th

Who doesn’t love bargain hunting? Omaha has thrift stores all over town, and this tour takes you to all the best ones! You’ll ride the trolley from place to place, having drinks, socializing, and getting some great deals. Could you think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon?

Water Lantern Festival – August 13th

Be a part of something beautiful with Omaha’s water lantern festival. Admission gives you everything you need to create a beautiful rice paper lantern. This lantern can be decorated to commemorate the end of an era, the beginning of a new journey, the memory of a lost loved one, or anything else heavy on your heart.

The lanterns are lit with an LED candle that will be recycled after the event. Additionally, the whole event is sustainable and totally cleaned up after the festival. Once your lantern is ready and the sun is setting, the crowd will release their lanterns on Council Bluffs’ Big Lake. It’s an unforgettable site full of hope and healing! 

Omaha Bourbon Fest – August 13th

Elkhorn Shores (formally RiverWest Park) is the home of the annual Omaha Bourbon Fest! Over a dozen distilleries from across the metro will be there to showcase their spirits. There will be other food vendors as well, and admission gets you five souvenir shot glasses. Come down for a great afternoon with friends or your significant other! You’ll have a great time and probably find your new favorite bourbon! 

Petfest – August 13th

Petfest is not a furry friend meet and greet, but it is just as fun! Did we mention how great Omaha’s live music scene is? Well, this is another one-of-a-kind festival packed with incredible local artists. This festival features over 20 rock bands for a wicked evening of heavy metal fun. (Don’t worry, there’s some softer stuff too). 

The event is at the Petshop in Benson, which is an artist collaboration space that holds many independent art events. Spend the evening at Petfest partying hard and exploring Benson’s youthful and creative community. 

Sunnyside Art & Craft Show – August 13th

Many craft fairs are also vendor fairs. This isn’t to everyone’s liking. So, if you’re all about supporting local makers specifically, this fair is the right fit for you! Come browse the work of woodworkers, fiber artists, ceramists, photographers, glassblowers, painters, jewelers, and more! If you get hungry, High Voltage BBQ will be parked out front of the Westside Community Center where the event is held. 

Industrial Bar & Grill Jeep Run – August 13th

Do you have a Jeep? If you do, you know all about the exclusive Jeep community. This beer run is all for you! You’ll make stops in Gretna, Springfield, and Yutan while wearing your Jeep Run t-shirt, sporting your Jeep Run koozie, and rocking your Jeep Run decal right there on the driver’s door. It’s a great time for comradery and community! 

Papillion Car Show – August 14th

Gralley’s Creamery & Confections in Papillion hosts an annual car show that features hundreds of vintage vehicles! If you have a classic car of your own, register it, bring it on down, and meet other local car enthusiasts and compete to win best in show. The event also includes a beer garden, ice cream, raffles, and live music. 

Omaha Wedding Expo – August 14th

If you or someone close to you are getting married soon, the Omaha Wedding Expo is a great one-stop shop to check lots of wedding to-dos off your list. Everything you need is right there in the ballroom of the Embassy Suites in La Vista! There are tons of vendors, a wedding dress fashion show, and prizes at every station. Before you walk down the aisle, say “I do” to Omaha’s Wedding Expo. 

Omaha Business Hall of Fame Gala – August 17th

Local businesses are the backbone of our community. The dreadful circumstances of 2020 showed us that clearly! The Greater Omaha Chamber honors incredible local businesses that make Omaha an amazing place to live. They’ll offer awards and inductions into Omaha’s Business Hall of Fame, which is a permanent exhibit in the Durham Museum. In addition to the awards, there will be hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and a dessert reception. 

Arrows to Aerospace – August 18th – 20th

Arrows to Aerospace is Bellevue’s annual community celebration! There’s a parade, a pancake feed, pony rides, bounce houses, music, kids’ activities, crafters and vendors, bike drawings, a quilt exhibit, and more! Spend all day in Bellevue’s Washington Park for a full schedule of family fun. 

Opera Outdoors at Turner Park – August 19th 

Turner Park in midtown is the hub of so many unique Omaha events, including Opera Outdoors! Yes, this is the same venue where you can catch regular Jazz on the Green, so no surprise they’d also host an event celebrating this enduring art form. Along with opera music, there are balloon animals, arts and crafts, and lawn games. It’s totally free and previews Opera Omaha’s upcoming season! 

Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival – August 19th – 20th

The Nebraska Balloon and Wine Festival allows attendees to see hot air balloons up-close while tasting award-winning wines and enjoying the night air. The balloons will launch around 7:00 pm and light up for a breathtaking scene just after dark. 

At this event you’ll also see skydivers, paramotor gliders, and more outdoor fun. Food, crafts, a vendor village, live music, and a dedicated KidZone along with the amazing balloon experience, makes this a favorite event in the Omaha metro! 

Omaha’s Original Greek Festival – August 19th – 21st

Omaha’s Greek community puts on an annual Greek festival! It’s a totally immersive and fun cultural experience that Omaha enjoys each year. You can expect Greek food, pastries, drinks, dancing, vendors, music, and more! The event is hosted at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, and it’s one day only. So, mark your calendars, and come on down to grab a frappé and dance the sirtaki! Opa! 

Dundee Day – August 20th

Dundee Day is an annual festival in the Dundee/Happy Hollow neighborhood that has been active for almost 30 years! It includes a parade, 5k run, art and craft fair, a book sale, a pancake breakfast, food trucks, a bear garden, and great live music. This year, the event even stretches into the evening for the first ever “Dundee Night!” You won’t regret spending the day at this exciting annual event. 

Hot Cars Under the Stars Car Show – August 20th

The Midwest Camaro Club hosts “Hot Cars Under the Stars,” an annual car show at Dillon Brothers. They accept all types of cars, trucks and bikes. While the car show is going on, you can grab food from an array of food trucks or you can participate in the charity raffle. They’ll be raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project. 

Midlands Renaissance Revel – August 20th – 21st

Twice a year, Council Bluffs hosts the Midlands Renaissance Revel! It’s once in May and once in August, so you can start and close your summer with a classic Renaissance Fair experience. The fair is located at the beautiful Ditmars Orchard and features on-theme stage acts, cosplayers, live historical encampments, and a massive vendor village. Dress up, sport your best accent, and come down to the Midlands Renaissance Revel! 

Miss Omaha and Miss Douglas County Beauty Competition – August 20th 

Every year the Miss America program crowns Miss Omaha and Miss Douglas County! These winners compete to show their beauty, talent, and intelligence in this prestigious event. Winners will advance to the next stage of the Miss Nebraska competition and will receive a scholarship package toward their continuing education! Watch the competition or participate at the Miss Omaha and Miss Douglas County Scholarship Competition at Marian High School Performing Arts Center. 

Nebraska Epilepsy Run, Walk, and Roll – August 20th

It seems like every weekend in the Spring and Summer season you could walk or run for a cause. In August, the Midwest YouCan Foundation hosts a 1-mile walk or 5k run at Chalco Hills. The event raises money for Camp YouCan, a summer program for kids with epilepsy, while raising epilepsy awareness. It’s a memorable event, at a beautiful location, benefiting a great cause! 

Hippie Fest – August 20th – 21st

Take in all the good vibes at Bellevue’s Hippie Fest! It’s a family-friendly event that features music, art, food, a car show, and a groovy vendor village. Hippie Fast travels all over the country to bring peace and joy to patrons everywhere! The Bellevue festival is at Falconwood Park, if you’re looking to stop by. Dress totally retro, and come ready to relax, rewind, and revel in all Hippie Fest has to offer. 

Bags for Bags Cornhole Tournament – August 21st

Bags of Fun is an incredible organization that gifts backpacks and totes of activities to kids fighting life-threatening diseases or conditions. The cornhole tournament at The Barn in Bennington raises money for this charity! In addition to the tournament, there will be family fun activities, food, music, and a silent auction. Come play cornhole and impact the lives of children facing the ultimate obstacles. 

Millard Days – August 23rd – 28th

The Millard annual celebration is at the end of August—the perfect time for an end of summer bash! The entire nearly week-long event takes place in Andersen Park, and there are a ton of things to do. They have a carnival, a parade, a beer garden, kids’ activities, and live music. And, of course, they have great fair food and drinks. Make one more summer memory before the season is over with Millard Days!

Omaha Fashion Week’s Fall Showcase – August 24th – 28th 

Omaha’s fashion week is one of the biggest in the country! It showcases new talent in the fashion world and fosters a positive outlet for creative growth. Omaha Fashion Week is an unforgettable fashion show experience that you can enjoy with over 10,000 other guests and designers. It’s one of Omaha’s most extravagant local encounters!

Safe Haven Golf Tournament – August 26th

If golfing is your game, Omaha is your town. The summers are FULL of golf tournaments—from amateur fundraisers to big stops on the PGA tour. The Safe Haven Golf tournament is at Eagle Hills Golf Course in Papillion, and it raises money for Heartland Family Service. This organization helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault regain their lives and humanity. Gather a team of four and come out to golf at the 29th annual Safe Haven Golf Tournament! 

Midwest Pirate Fest – August 27th – 28th 

The Midwest Pirate Fest is a roleplaying event that takes place each year at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch. It’s a ton of fun with interactive pirate play, prizes, daily treasure hunts, live entertainment, scavenger hunts, kid-friendly activities, costumed characters, themed games, and tons of live entertainment. Come in your best pirate garb and enjoy the immersive experience that is the Midwest Pirate Fest. 

As summer comes to an end, soak up those last sunrays at one of the Omaha area’s premier annual events!

There’s no shortage of things to do around Omaha in August—or any other month! This city is hopping with creative people ready to entertain, educate, and engage the community with unforgettable events and experiences. Don’t miss out on the fun, and make your list of must-see events this season!