Museums
Amplify Arts
Located at 1419 S. 13th St., Suite 103. Amplify Arts promotes unity, innovation, and progress in the arts to build strong and vibrant communities. They support works by local artists and span ideas from political to progressive. Admission: Free. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 402.996.1092.
Anderson O’Brien Fine Art
Located at 3201 Farnam St., Suite 6109. New works (sculptures, paintings, pottery, blown glass, jewelry, etc.) from Midwest regional artists are continuously on display. Admission: Free. Monday-Saturday:10 a.m-5.30 p.m. 402.884.0911.
Artists’ Cooperative Gallery Ltd.
Located at 405 S 11th St. Omaha’s original fine art cooperative gallery, part of Omaha’s historic Old Market since 1975. Everything in the gallery is changed at the beginning of each month with a special rotating display in the “featured exhibit” area that highlights new or experimental work by the artists. Admission:Free. 7 to 9 p.m. 402.342.9617.
Garden of the Zodiac
Located at 1024 Howard St. An art gallery and sculpture garden containing the 22 bronze sculptures representing the signs of the zodiac and planets. The center of the small pool in the garden, which is filled with many flowers and plants in the summer, is the theoretical position of the earth in relation to the other celestial bodies. The Garden is maintained and made available to the public by the Old Omaha Association. Admission: Free. 402.341.1877.
Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens
Located at 3202 Woolworth Ave. The ornate Victorian home was one of the finest in Omaha. The three-story, 14 room house reflects the wealth of its occupants, the King family. Admission: Free. 7.30 a.m.-9 p.m. 402.444.5940.
Hot Shops Art Center
Located at 1301 Nicholas St. A 92,000-square-foot art center with four hot shops featuring working artists in glass blowing, pottery, bronze casting and blacksmithing. See the 50 individual studios and two art galleries, the artwork and the creative process. Artwork includes watercolors, oils, acrylics, fiber art, photography, pastels, jewelry, printmaking, stained glass, fused glass, metal and wood sculpture, furniture restoration, lampworking, ceramics, mixed media and more. Admission: Free. 9 a.m -6 p.m. Weekends: 11a.m.-5 p.m. 402.342.6452.
Joslyn Art Museum
Located at 2200 Dodge St. Joslyn Art Museum has a vast array of exhibits and sculptures to explore including Claude Monet’s The Meadow (1879), The Maximilian Journals, the beautiful sculptures of Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden, the interactive outdoor Discovery garden and other outdoor sculptures. Admission: Free. Wednesday through Sunday: 10 a.m.- 4p.m. 402. 342.3300.
Maple St. Construct
Located at 5912 Maple St. This Benson area gallery looks to bridge the discourse between artists from Los Angeles and the Midwest through local and West Coast exhibitions. Admission: 402.525.0330.
Malcolm X Birthsite
Located at 3448 Evans St. The birthsite of one of the most important figures in Civil Rights history. The site includes stunning gardens and a greenhouse. Admission: Free. Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Summer Hours: Open Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday. 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday: by appointment. 800.645.9287.
Modern Arts Midtown
Located at 3615 Dodge St. Modern Arts Midtown has evolved from a tradition of museum style presentation to a studio-like mix of hanging and stacked art of inbound and outbound projects by artists: a “behind the scenes” approach to seeing more in an informal setting. Viewing is available by appointment. 402.502.8737
Landlock Gallery
Located at 4011 Farnam St. A new art gallery and shop in the Blackstone District that focuses on supporting Nebraska creatives, and features artwork that encourages interaction by new and emerging local artists. Admission: free. Wednesday-Saturday: 2-7p.m. Sunday: 12-5 p.m. 402.658.1332.
Museum of Shadows
Located at 3615 Dodge St. Recently voted one of the most haunted museums in the world, this museum hosts as many as 3000 different haunted artifacts, from the US and multiple countries around the world. Admission: $15. Wednesday-Friday: 5-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 2-10 p.m. 402.885.7557.
Passageway Gallery
Located at 417 S. 11th St. A cooperative arts gallery established in 1981, featuring the works of 21 local artists. Oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, drawings, pottery, fused glass, blown glass, jewelry, photography, woodcarving and more. First Friday openings occur each month at the gallery featuring one of their artists. Admission: Free.Monday-Tuesday: 11a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday: 11a.m.-9p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m. 402.341.1910.
Project Project
Located at 1818 Vinton St. Project Project is an experimental space that focuses on promoting and enhancing the experience of art, music, and lectures in the Omaha community. 402.680.6737.
RBRG
Located at 1806 Vinton St. RBRG places an emphasis on fine art prints, and aims to encourage and support the growth and understanding of fine art prints and fine crafts as vital contemporary art forms. Admission: free. Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. -6 p.m.402.496.4797.
Springfield Artworks
Located at 183 Main St., Springfield. A contemporary boutique, studio and gallery that aims to appeal to collectors, designers and students of glass, fiber art and millinery. The gallery specializes in glass art, fascinators, Derby hats and accessories. All artworks are available for purchase. Admission: Free. Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.. Sunday-Monday: By appointment. 402.301.9162.
Exhibitions
Juan de Dios Sánchez
Through May to July 1 at KANEKO, 1111 Jones St. The first American exhibit by Mexican ceramicist Juan de Dios Sánchez, featuring images and stories that live “in the blood of all Mexicans.” This collection represents the evolution of a Raku fire technique. Admission: Free. 11 a.m-7 p.m. 402-341-3800.
Photo Provided by Lauritzen Gardens
Fantastical Folklore
Through May 1 to May 9 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. A recurring exclusive exhibit, set in the garden’s plant kingdom, highlighting legends from around the world and celebrating the link between the natural and mythical worlds. The exhibit features stories of dragons, mermaids, fairies, trolls, and a range of other extraordinary creatures, created by garden staff and local artists. Admission: $10 adults, $5 children ages 3-12, and free for members and children ages 2 and under. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 402.346.4002.
Undesign the Redline - Community Conversation | Virtual Tour
May 11 hosted online by The Union for Contemporary Art The interactive Undesign the Redline exhibit goes in depth into the foundations of structural racism and the lingering effects of Redlining in Omaha and across the country. Attendees are encouraged to first view the pre-recorded tour of the exhibit on the website and then engage in a community dialogue about the importance of this history and how it may be overcome. Admission: Free. 11 a.m-1 p.m. 402.933.3161.
James Cameron - Challenging The Deep
Starting May 22 at Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St. The exhibition follows explorer and filmmaker James Cameron’s achievements in deep-ocean science, engineering, and exploration and features his record-breaking dive to the bottom of the earth in his Deepsea Challenger submersible. Admission: $11 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $7 children ages 3-12, and free for members and children ages 2 and under. Tuesday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-4p.m., Sundays: 12-4 p.m. 402.444.5071.
Photo Provided by Omaha Children's Museum
Game On!
May 29-Dec 31 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S 20th St. This interactive children’s exhibit brings well-known board games and popular video games to real life adventures. Admission: $14 nonmembers, adults, and children ages 2-17, $13 seniors (60+), and free for members and children under 24 months. 9 a.m.-3p.m. 402.342.6164.
Virtual Tour
Ongoing online, created by Boys Town Hall of History, 14100 Crawford St. Anyone can view the sights of the iconic Boystown from the comfort of their own home. The Hall of History virtual tour includes stops such as Relics of the Past, Art and Symbolism, and The Dream Continues. Admission: free. 531-355-1111.
Concerts
Canaan Cox
May 1 at Barnato, 225 N 170th St. Country singer and songwriter Canaan Cox performs at Barnato, in an event presented by JSP productions. 21+ event. Tickets: $15-$250. 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. 402.964.2021.
Adelita’s Way
May 8 at Barnato 225 N 170th St. A performance by the independent alternative rock band from Las Vegas, presented by JSP productions. 21+ event. Tickets: $20-$400.8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m. 402.964.2021.
Andy William & The Nebraska All Stars
May 8 at The Jewell, 1030 Capitol Ave. Andy William and The Nebraska All Stars perform Latin music celebrating “El Dia Del Son Cuban.” Tickets: $15. 6.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m shows. 917.748.4337.
Photo Provided by Omaha Performing Arts.
Omaha Symphony: Pink Martini
May 8- 9 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. The orchestra group Pink Martini will perform an exciting around-the-world musical celebration that is part big band, part classical ensemble, and part salsa troupe. Admission: $20-$89. Saturday: 7:30 p.m. Sunday: 2 p.m. 402.345.0202.
Bria Skonberg
May 12 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. 2017 JUNO Winner for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year, Bria Skonberg will perform live at the Holland Performing Arts Centre. A pre show curtain warmer session will be held in the theatre lobby one hour prior to the show, with one of the UNO Jazz Festival combos, led by Darren Pettit. The group will showcase their talent and talk about the creative process. 7.30. p.m. 402.345.0202.
Jackal
May 15 at at Barnato 225 N 170th St. An EDM set displayed by DJ Jackal and presented by JSP Productions. 21+event. Tickets: $20-$350. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. 402.964.2021.
David Archuleta
May 17 at Slowdown, 729 N.14 St. The singer-songwriter and American Idol star will be bringing his OK, All Right tour to Slowdown. Tickets: $25 advance, $30 day of the show, $40 reserved pit-side seats, and $140 VIP add-ons. 8 p.m. 402.345.7569.
Brian Stokes Mitchell
May 21-22 at Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200 Douglas St. Dubbed “the last leading man” by The New York Times, two-time Tony Award-winner Brian Stokes Mitchell will perform in Omaha as part of his tour. Tickets:$20-$89. 7:30 p.m. 402.345.0202.
Kari Jobe
May 22 at Orpheum Theatre, 409 S. 16th St. Musician Kari Jobe will make an appearance to perform. Jobe is a well-respected worship leader, using her gifts to lead people into the presence of God for nearly two decades, She began leading worship at age 13 and since then has been nominated for a GRAMMY®, won multiple Dove Awards, had a RIAA Gold Certified single and been praised by the New York Times. Admission: $32.50-194.50 . 7.30 p.m. 402.661.850.
Performances
Jeff Dye
April 30-May 1 at Omaha Funny Bone, 17305 Davenport St. Jeffrey Dye, comedian and actor of NBC’s new series Better Late Than Never, will present his routine at Omaha’s premier comedy club.Tickets $17-$68. 7.30 p.m. (402) 493-8036.
Hal Sparks Omaha
May 1 at The Waiting Room Lounge, 6212 Maple St. Actor and comedian Hal Sparks, known for his role as inventive scientist Donald Davenport in Disney XD’s “Lab Rats,” and star of the Showtime comedy special, “Charmageddon,” will present his comedy routine. Admission: $20. 8 p.m. 402.884.5353
Vitaly: An Evening of Wonders
May 8 at Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St. Vitaly Beckman, referred to as “one of the most unique and innovative illusionists in the world” by the Chicago Tribune, displays his signature illusions. Admission: Tickets start at $20. 7.30 p.m. 402.661.8501
Family & More
Yoga for Beginners
Through May 19 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Lauritzen Gardens invites all those interested to engage in calming yoga exercises to slow down, reconnect with their bodies, and be one with nature. Perfect for both beginners and regular Yoga practitioners. Attendees are requested to bring their own mat or towel. Admission:$15 Non-members, and $10 Members. 6-7:30 p.m. 402.346.4002.
Joslyn Castle Public Tour
Thursdays through May at Joslyn Castle, 3902 Davenport St. Joslyn Castle is a Scottish Baronial mansion in the heart of Midtown Omaha, first opened to visitors in 1903. Visitors get a tour of the mansion, which was once the home of Nebraska’s first millionaires George and Sarah Joslyn. The tour includes a 10 minute video and a 45 minute walking tour of the three levels of the Castle. An elevator is available for guests with mobility issues. Masks are required to enter and there is a guest limit of 10 guests. Admission: $10 Adult, $8 Student, Senior (60+) & military personnel with ID. Thursday at 2 p.m. 402.595.2199.
Midwest Collectible Toy Show
Starting April 25 at Omaha Firefighters Union, Local 385, 6005 Grover St. Pop culture collectibles showcased by local vendors. Includes Star Wars, Star Trek, LEGO and Marvel superhero comics, posters, action figures, vintage toys, books, games and more. Free parking is provided with the event. Admission: free. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 402.650.6129.
Photo Provided by Junkstock
Junkstock, Spring Edition
April 30-May 2 & May 7-9 at Sycamore Farms, 1150 River Rd. Dr. Omaha’s own vintage festival featuring vintage, antique and junk vendors, along with makers, bands and food trucks. Admission: $30 Early Bird, $20 Three Day Pass, $10 General Admissions and $105 Season Pass. Early Bird: 9 a.m.-11 p.m. General: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Friday), 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. (Saturday) and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Sunday). 402.765-8651.
Maifest
May 1 at German American Society, 3717 S. 120th St. The annual German spring festival celebrating the local cultures within Germany, as well as the arrival of warmer weather, and Bock Beer. Attendees will be regaled with musical and dance performances, live bands, and German food. Admission: free. 11 a.m.-11p.m. 402.333.6615.
Omaha Red Devils vs. Austin Sound
May 1 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. Football icon Mike Ditka kicks off his new league, the X League nationally and in Omaha at the Ralston Arena. Watch a live 7-on-7 full-contact tackle football game featuring prominent female athletes. Admission: $19-$54. 7 p.m. 402.934.9966.
The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska
May 1-May 2 & May 8-May 9 at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S. 48th St. This event features full contact equestrian jousting, six unique performance stages with local, regional, and national talent, more than 100 costumed characters, and many one-of-a-kind artisans. Two different themes over two weekends. May 1-2—Dragons and Myth; May 8-9—Celts ‘n’ Kilts. Admission: $14 adults, $8 children (ages 3-12), and $10 groups (10 and more). 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 402.331.5500.
Leashes at Lauritzen
May 3 and May 10 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Lauritzen Gardens invites attendees to walk their dogs and explore 100 acres and miles of trails with their families and their dogs. Two dogs are permitted per adult, and the dogs must be leashed, up-to-date on their vaccinations, and have a current rabies tag attached. Water and treats will be provided. Tickets may be purchased on-site or reserved online. Admission: $10 + tax and free to members. 5-8 p.m. 402.346.4002.
Cinco de Mayo
May 5 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S 20 St. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the OCM with festive stories, music and activities. Activities are included with regular museum admission and free for members. $14 Non-Members and Adults and Children ages 2-59, $13 Seniors 60+, and free for Members and Children under 2. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 402.342.6164.
Cinco de Mayo Virtual Expo
May 5 hosted by Mundo Latin Network and Cinco De Mayo Omaha. A virtual half-day exposition showcasing 15 prominent guest speakers talking about various aspects of Latino community & culture in Omaha will mark this Cinco De Mayo. The exhibition features four tracks in Community, Business, Health/Education & Culture, and has David L. Coronado, Senior Communications Officer at Smithsonian Latino Center delivering the keynote speech on “Making Latino History at the Smithsonian.” 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Lil’ Sprouts: Insect Safari
May 5 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Lil’ Sprouts encourages children ages 3-5 and accompanying adults to come together to learn about nature through a safari to find insects that build their home throughout the garden. Admission: $18. 10-11:30 a.m. 402.346.4002.
Benson First Friday
May 7 at Benson, Military Ave. & 60th St. A once a month gathering of the Benson neighborhood, community, artists and businesses. Features hand maps, posters maps, and chalkboard signs to help visitors navigate the area as well as live performances, art shows, and food and drink specials. Admission: free. 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
First Friday at the Bar
May 7 at Brownie Bar Omaha, 1217 Leavenworth St. Enjoy Katrina Swanson’s open art exhibit while digging into $2 Naked Brownies. Admission: Free. 6 p.m.-8 p.m. 402.506.4337.
Mother’s Day Mimosas!
May 9 at Poppin’ Bottles n’ Brushes, 1551 Indian Hills Dr. Celebrate mother’s day with a free mimosa (or non-alcoholic beverage) while painting on a 16” x 20” canvas, paint, tools, and step by step instructions that will be provided as part of a painting party! Admission: $32.50. 2-4 p.m. 712.259.4188.
Superhero Family Fun Weekend
May 14-May 16 at Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20 St. Enjoy meeting your favorite superheroes while taking part in superhero science with the OCM’s Steam cart and create your own superhero identity. Admission: $14 Non-Members Adults and Children ages 2-59, $13 Seniors 60+, and free for members and children under 2. 402.342.6164.
Photo Provided by Fontenelle Forest
Family Adventure Days at Neale Woods
May 15 at Fontanelle Forests, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N. Spring styled-games and a hike for families to partake in. After the competition, join a naturalist and explore Neale Woods on a guided hike for an hour and a half, during which you will learn basic hiking, camping and survival tips. Maximum of 18 participants allowed and social distancing guidelines will be enforced. Admission: $15. 1-4 p.m. 402.731.3140
Spring Pop Up Wedding
May 15 at Joslyn Castle, 3902 Davenport St. Joslyn Castle’s spring elopement wedding package that includes planning, photography, flowers, officiant, music, venue and much more. Admission: $2500. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. 402.300.3112.
2021 Drive-thru Omaha Funfest
May 15 at Baxter Arena, 2425 S 67 St. A drive-through carnival and parade featuring characters, mascots, car-games, food trucks, and event sponsors. Only one registration per car required. Admission: $15. 11 a.m.-1p.m. 402.554.2001.
Learn to: Archery
May 21 at Narrows River Park, 2500 N. 25th St.
A beginner archery lesson offered to participants aged 8 and over. Guidance, bows and targets will be provided. Admission fee also includes equipment rental fee. The event is not pet- friendly. Admission: $5. 6.30 p.m. 712.545.3283
Omaha Burger Battle
May 22 at Stinson Park, 2285 S. 67th St. Top burger makers will face off in a burger battle at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village. Each competitor provides a 2 oz. burger with up to 5 toppings for you to judge. The event will have burgers, music, games and beer. Limited to 21+ visitors. Admission:$20. 12-3 p.m. 402.496.1616.
Mud Factor Seriously Fun, 5K Obstacle Run
May 23 at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, 11001 S. 48th St. A 5K obstacle mud run. Spectators invited to watch. All participants must print and sign a waiver of liability and bring a photo ID to the event. Admission: $35 select adult waves, $29 kidz family waves (ages 4-13), spectators $10, parking $15. KIDZ Family Waves: 10 through 10:30 a.m. Adult waves: 11:30 a.m. through 1 p.m. 402.331.5500.
Full Moon Hike
May 28 at Fontenelle Forests, 1111 Bellevue Blvd N. A hike around Fontenelle Forest after it gets dark, including a bonfire, s’mores and a discussion of nocturnal animals found around the forest. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced, and hikers will be required to wear masks when they are not maintaining the 6-foot distance. A maximum of 30 people are allowed and pre-registration is required. Admission: $10 members and $20 non-members. 7.30 p.m. 402.731.3140
Omaha Fantasy Faire
May 30 at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Omaha Downtown, 1616 Dodge Street. Presented by Magical Moments Entertainment, this event features fairies, queens and superheroes. Enjoy multiple events with up to 15 different beloved characters such as Cinderella or the Snow Queen. Admission: $20 adult, $30 child, $40 VIP . 12.30- 3 p.m. 402.346.7600.
–hilton.com/en/hotels/omah-dt-doubletree-omaha-downtown
Farmers Market
Gardening season is open in Omaha, and those desiring fresh produce will find plenty of options in the area, along with artisan cheeses, farm-raised meats, freshly baked breads, assorted treats, and craft items.
- Council Bluffs (Bayliss Park) 4:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays starting May 6.
- Old Market (11th and Jackson streets) 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays starting May 1.
- Village Pointe (168th and Dodge streets) 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays starting May 1.
- Aksarben Village (67th and Center streets) 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays starting May 2.
Event times and details are correct as of presstime, but are subject to change. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many events are canceling and/or changing dates/time/places as needed.
Omaha Magazine encourages readers to visit venues' websites and/or calling ahead before attending an event or visiting a museum.
This calendar originally appeared in the May issue of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
