Omaha, Nebraska, boasts a dynamic arts and culture scene, offering residents and visitors a plethora of festivals and events that celebrate the city’s diverse heritage and creative spirit. Here are some notable events that highlight Omaha’s commitment to the arts:
One Community Cultural Festival
Founded by the Nebraska Chinese Association and presented by The RiverFront, the One Community Cultural Festival stands as the city’s largest multicultural festival, celebrating and highlighting Omaha’s rich and robust diversity. The festival features performances from various community groups, including the Omaha Symphony, and offers family-friendly activities, food vendors, and merchant displays. Attendees can enjoy singing, dancing, and various forms of interpretive art on the Performance Pavilion stage, including salsa, belly dance, flamenco, lion and dragon dance, martial arts demonstrations, and more. The event is free to attend, and lawn chairs and blankets are welcome for this all-day experience.
New American Arts Festival
Organized by BFF Omaha, the New American Arts Festival takes place annually in the Benson Creative District. This festival celebrates the arts and cultures of Omaha’s immigrant, migrant, and refugee communities through art, music, performance, and more. The event provides paid opportunities for artists to showcase their work while building professional and economic skills through exhibitions, performances, and on-street artisan markets. By embedding the festival within First Friday, NAAF expands audiences, strengthens professional networks, and supports artists in sustaining their creative practices beyond the event.
Run for the Roses Music & Arts Festival
Hosted by The Brokedown Palace, the Run for the Roses Music & Arts Festival is an annual event that brings together local and regional musicians, artists, vendors, families, and music lovers for a weekend built around creativity, connection, and good vibes. The festival features multiple bands across indoor and outdoor stages, professional full-scale production, local vendors, art, crafts, festival goods, food, drinks, and a one-of-a-kind community atmosphere. Whether you’re coming for the live music, the vendors, the art, or the Brokedown Palace experience, Run for the Roses is a three-night celebration of music, arts, and family you won’t want to miss.
These events are just a glimpse into Omaha’s vibrant arts and culture scene. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a visitor, there’s always something happening in the city to inspire and entertain.