Omaha’s Fringe and New American Arts Festivals Kicking Off

Omaha Fringe Festival, Thursday, August 5 to Saturday, August 7: 
The Omaha Fringe Festival is two weekends of live theater created, produced, directed, and performed by Omaha artists. This year’s festival will take place August 5-7, and August 12-14 at the Weber Fine Arts Building and Big Canvas Theatre. The lineup consists of multiple performances throughout the festival. In the true tradition of fringe festivals, Omaha’s Fringe weekend allows anyone to apply, and chooses performers by lottery, so everyone has an equal shot at the stage. Get your tickets to this celebration of our city’s various talents here.

Natural by Christina Narwicz Grand Opening, Friday, August 6: 
A new exhibition by Christina Narwicz is opening this weekend, with a grand opening from 5-8 p.m. at Anderson O’Brien Fine Art. This collection of paintings reflects a changing perspective the artist has gained toward the natural world, one that is more intimate, that reinforces a focus on reducing size while maximizing energy. The organic themes reference botany, the Caribbean Islands, and even Narwicz’s own garden. Her show at Anderson O’Brien runs August 6 through September 7. More information available here.

Bach Mai Album Release Show at The Slowdown, Friday, August 6:
This local indie pop-punk band leans on lyrical content, pop-punk tropes, and percussive nuance to garner the attention of their listeners. Celebrate their latest album What You’re Given and enjoy performances from Bach Mai, as well as other artists such as J. Crum and Steady Wells for a show that The Slowdown has dubbed “what Friday nights were made for.” Get your tickets here.

New American Arts Festival, Friday, August 6:
BFF Omaha and Lutheran Family Services present the 2021 New American Arts Festival, celebrating the performance and visual arts talents of Omaha’s refugee community. This year’s festival will be a hybrid of gallery-operated in-person exhibits, featured artisans at local retailers, food trucks, satellite on-street stages, and virtual performances. The weekend will include performances from Nepali dancers, the Umoja African Gospel Choir, and others, as well as galleries showcasing Day Eh Karen Textiles, Afghan weavings by Mohammad Seddiqi, and more. RSVP on the festival’s Facebook event page here.

National Root Beer Float Day at The Durham, Saturday, August 7: 
Celebrate an iconic American treat with The Durham Museum by indulging in a free root beer float with admission to the exhibits. Every ticket holder on Saturday will receive a voucher for a complimentary float, provided by the Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation. Guests will also have a chance to participate in fun activities at the museum’s platform including puzzles, crafts, and games all themed around the delicious, foamy treat. Book your tickets to enjoy the floats and the variety of exhibits currently on display here. 

Want to receive weekend updates? Subscribe to our newsletter here.