Spring officially kicks off this month and there are a multitude of events in and around Omaha to celebrate the beginning of the season! Whether you’re interested in attending a crafting event or you want to shop local artisans for that one-of-a-kind piece of decor — there’s something for everybody. Enjoy junk market days, spring painting classes, color runs and so much more this springtime in Omaha!
Spring Festival: An Arts & Crafts Affair
7300 Q Street
Many local crafters eagerly await the Spring Festival each year. This Omaha event is held at the Liberty First Credit Union Arena on April 5th, 6th, and 7th. Paid admission is good all weekend, so make it a three-day event and enjoy the 500+ artists from 30 states that showcase their work.
The Spring Festival was voted one of the top 100 shows in 2023 by the Sunshine Artist Magazine, so if you didn’t get the opportunity to check it out last year — now is your chance! Huffman Productions has promoted over 250 shows across the Midwest, so the event is run professionally and attendees will be wowed with an array of artistry across a multitude of media types. There are food and drink options available for purchase, as well as aisles of one-of-a-kind home decor and gifts for your loved ones. Parking is free and admission prices are set at $10 for adults and $9 for seniors. Little ones 10 and under get in free!
Holi Run 2024
13136 Faith Plaza
On Saturday, April 6th, the Holi Run is coming to Tri-Faith Initiative in Omaha. This exciting event is not only colorful, it’s fun for the entire family. RSVP for free and wear something you don’t mind getting messy! This is the most vibrant event of the year and participants can expect to be immersed in a spectrum of rainbow colors that will leave their clothes, shoes, and friends looking like a kaleidoscope! There will be live music to keep the energy high, as well as food and refreshments to recharge after the run. Hit up one of the photo booths to commemorate the event and don’t forget to sign up for the prizes and giveaways.
Spring Fling Market
3924 Farnam Street
Omaha’s Spring Fling Market is a great way to kick off the beginning of spring. Held on April 8th, 2024, families can shop from local makers and artisans while enjoying bites from food vendors. Parents will enjoy the outdoor bar and there will be plenty of children’s activities and games to keep the smallest members of the family occupied. Live music will be provided by Cubby Phillips and Nic Hermsen and there will even be a dog show for those looking to get their four-legged family member involved in the fun! Festivities will be held on 29th Street beginning at Farnham from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Vendors at the event include Artemis Tea & Botanical, Dundee Popcorn, Meadow and Charm Permanent Jewelry, Tasty Good Toffee and Zobel Family Farms.
Spring Break Camp
8708 Countryside Plaza
This filmmaking camp is back by popular demand at McGuigan Arts Academy. Kids will enjoy a week-long camp where they can explore storytelling through movies, culminating in a screening for friends and family at the end of the camp. Pricing begins at $300 for student registration or a discounted $250 per camper for families registering two kids in the same household. An optional after care program is available for $75. There are three camp slots, including an April 8th through 12th session.
Hello Spring! @ Painting with a Twist
3525 North 147th Street #101
On April 13th, say hello to spring with a beautiful 16×10 painting of a colorful bouquet on a moped scooter. The class runs from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and tickets start at $39. If you’ve never participated in a Painting with a Twist event, make sure to register for the class before arriving. Payment is due at the time of reservation and painting will begin promptly at 4:00 PM. Guests can arrive 15 minutes early to start sipping and get ready to let their creativity flow. Nebraska requires a liquor license, so guests are not allowed to bring their own drinks. There is a bar on property that sells beer and wine with a valid photo ID.
Spring Ephemerals Tour
100 Bancroft Street
On Thursday, April 13th Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha invites guests to stroll through the blooming gardens, featuring ephemerals such as bloodroots, shooting stars, and bluebells. These blooms only show off for a short time, so timing is key. The tour is set to begin at 5:30 PM and wrap up around 7:00 PM. Pre-registration for this event is required and ticket prices include a tram ride. Members of Lauritzen Gardens can snag discounted admission! Check out other upcoming events at the gardens this spring, such as Dinos at the Disco on April 5th and the Bonsai Exhibition in early May.
Journey: Freedom Tour 2024
455 North 10th Street
Journey is coming to the CHI Health Center in Omaha this April. The concert will feature special guest Toto on April 15th at 7:30 PM. The famous band is excited to celebrate its 50th anniversary during their 2024 touring season and you won’t want to miss out on an evening of rock and roll spanning five decades of music, including all of your favorites like “Don’t Stop Believing, “Any Way You Want It,” and “Faithfully.” CHI Health Center has a clear bag policy, so attendees should double-check the requirements to ensure they’re leaving prohibited items at home.
Junkin’ Market Days
23656 US-30
Junkin’ Market Days is coming to Omaha on April 19th and 20th. Head to the Washington County Fairgrounds in Arlington, NE to explore this uniquely curated market for a range of small businesses. The operation is female-owned and operated and the weekend-long pop-ups are hosted across the Midwest, including Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, and Nebraska! Each market features one-of-a-kind products, such as boutique clothing, jewelry, home decor, furniture, candles, and even gourmet food products. Junkin’ Market Days was founded by Kerry Bamsey with the mission of connecting small businesses with customers through craft markets and since launching in 2021, these pop-ups have been a well-loved event throughout the Midwest territories. The hours for Friday run from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday’s hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Spring Cleanup
Multiple Locations
While not the most traditional event, the Spring Cleanup hosted by the Omaha Waste Program is an important date to mark on your calendar. The Spring Cleanup program allows residents the convenient opportunity to recycle those pesky bulky items that you may have collected over the year. For the 2024 season, the cleanup will take place over five consecutive Saturdays beginning on April 20th and ending on May 18th. Locations will be made available as the dates get closer, so check back on the website to find the one nearest to you. Examples of acceptable items include small tree limbs, furniture, televisions, auto parts, drywall, and lead-acid batteries. The program does not accept rocks, concrete, tree stumps, propane tanks, or commercial waste.
Tails n’ Trails
8901 South 154th Street
Tails n’ Trails is hosting an upcoming springtime race on April 27th, 2024. With participation options ranging from the half marathon to a 10K, 5K, and 1-mile walk — everyone is invited to come out and participate. Hosted at the Chalco Hills Recreation Area, the half marathon is set to start at 8:00 sharp, with the other courses kicking off every five minutes afterward. Of course, pups are encouraged to join in on the fun. All breeds are welcome, though there is a one dog per runner rule and pups should be accustomed to large crowds and physical activity. There will be water provided at each aid station, for both humans and their furry companions.
Junkstock
1150 River Road Drive
If you’ve never heard of Junkstock, make 2024 your year to check out this one-of-a-kind festival. The event kicks off May 3rd through 5th and continues to run on select dates through October. You’ll find a little bit of everything at the festival, including antique and junk vendors, as well as local makers and artisans, food trucks, and live music. Since the inception of Junkstock when it began with under 30 vendors, the festival has since blossomed into a destination for junk connoisseurs all over the country. Now with over 200 vintage, antique, and junk vendors — Junkstock has found a forever home at Sycamore Farms in nearby Waterloo.
Omaha Farmers Market
Old Market & Aksarben Village
Springtime ushers in the Omaha Farmers Market season, which many locals eagerly anticipate each year. Beginning on May 4th, the Old Market location on 11th and Jackson Streets will run on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM. On Sundays, the Aksarben Village pop-up will take place between 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on 67th Street and Mercy Road. Whether you’re searching for locally grown produce, organic protein, or even just a coffee and a stroll with a friend — the farmers market is a great weekend destination that also helps to support the local economy. With so many handmade goodies to choose from, it’s difficult to leave the farmers market empty-handed. Bring your favorite reusable bag to boost sustainability and fill up on ingredients for the week!
Arts for ME! Spring Exhibition
1111 Jones Street
From May 9th through June 7th, 2024, KANEKO is presenting its Arts for ME! exhibition on Thursdays through Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The event is free for all museum members, as well as free to the public on Fridays. The mission of this event is to empower marginalized communities and showcase the importance of their work. All programming is designed with the collaboration of special education teachers, occupational therapists, and public partners. Children will have their artwork displayed in a gallery at KANEKO, which allows increased visibility throughout the local community.
Sip Nebraska Festival
28500 West Parkway Highway
Drink in the colorful springtime atmosphere at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland for the annual Sip Nebraska Festival. Returning for the 11th year on May 10th and 11th, this festival is a great way to enjoy a day outdoors with your crew while sampling wineries, breweries, and distilleries from across the state. Tickets include unlimited tastings of wine, craft beer, hide cider, and spirits. Find something you enjoyed? Grab a glass or a 6-pack for home. There will be live music, as well as artisan vendors, a food truck alley, lawn games, and even a trolley ride! Consider making a “staycation” out of the event and reserve a cabin, lodge room, or campsite at the state park. Tickets run between $55 and $85. Designated drivers can enjoy all the entertainment, albeit sober, for just $15!
Happy Spring from Us to You!
The team at NP Dodge is excited to welcome the spring season and we hope you are as well. Hopefully you’ve found a handful of spring events that caught your eye and they’re marked on your calendar. What are you most looking forward to this spring?