With so much going on across Omaha this month, it may feel overwhelming trying to figure out which events you want to participate in! We’ve curated a convenient collection of some of the area’s best happenings, so you can pick and choose between artisan markets, art walks, turkey runs, and even a chili cook-off!
Wildlife Safari Park Campouts
Where? 16406 North 292 Street (Bison Overlook)
When? November 2nd & 9th
Experience Nebraska like never before with one of the campout events at the Wildlife Safari Park! Campers will learn about native North American animals, eat s’mores by the fire, and gaze at the stars away from the bright city lights. Take a deep breath of the fresh air while you listen to the sounds of birds and crickets all around you. There will be two Wildlife Safari Park Campouts in November, with the first one being a Bison Conservation Campout and the second a Cold Weather Campout. Both events will be held at the Bison Overlook with tent and car camping options available. Available tent sizes range from 10×10 canvas tents to 16×24 extra large family canvas tents. The program includes park admission, an overnight stay, a guided evening hike, an educational Nature Watch program, an evening snack, and a grab-and-go breakfast. Guests are also welcome to bring additional food and drink.
First Thursday Downtown Omaha Art Walk
Where? Downtown Omaha
When? November 7th
On the first Thursday of the month, explore Downtown Omaha from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and celebrate the vibrancy of the city. These walks were first established back in 2000, making them a longstanding staple of the community. Participating galleries in First Thursday art walks include the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts (724 South 12th Street), the Passageway Gallery (417 South 11th Street), the Old Market Artists Gallery (1034 Howard Street), KANEKO (1111 Jones Street), and more! Attendees will explore curated selections at the galleries, with each one offering a unique glimpse into the imagination of both local and regional artists. You’ll find contemporary masterpieces, as well as avant-garde installations along the walk. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or an amateur art enthusiast, there’s something for everybody and First Thursdays are a great way to engage with like-minded community members.
2024 Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair
Where? 7300 Q Street
When? November 7th-10th
This four-day Autumn Festival will be held at the Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Omaha! Free parking is available with paid admission and tickets are priced at $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, and free for kiddos under 10. Paid admission is good all weekend with a hand stamp. If you purchase online, you can use promo code “afshow2024” for a $1 discount! The arts and crafts show will be brimming with row after row of handcrafted home decor and gifts, making this the perfect weekend activity if you’re looking to get a head start on your Christmas shopping. Make sure to register for an hourly $30 gift certificate drawing. There will be plenty of food and drink options, so come hungry and enjoy the selection of eats! Hours vary by day, with Thursday and Friday kicking things off from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday scheduled for 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Snag last-minute deals on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
BFF Ball and Art Auction
Where? 5901-5903 Maple Street
When? November 8th
The BFF Fur Ball and Art Auction is a MANE event on Friday, November 8th from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The ball and auction will be hosted at the BFF Gallery and the Mercer Masonic Lodge and everyone is invited! There will be live music from Parfait, which is a trio that blends genres to create a one-of-a-kind sound. The event includes free food, free drinks, special performances, photo ops, and more! This year’s theme is FUR! Show up in your fiercest (faux) furs and feel your furry fantasy! Tickets are priced at $40, so grab yours now while they’re still available! The ball and art auction are made possible thanks to partners including Benson Brewery and the Nebraska Arts Council. Make sure to catch the crowning of the Benson First Friday Royalty at the ball! If you’re a member of BFF, the ball is free for all Friend of BFF members — so you can email info@bffomaha.org for your special discount code. Selected artists at the event will receive a free 1-year Friends of BFF membership and free entry to the ball.
Omaha Holiday Boutique
Where? 455 North 10th Street
When? November 8th-10th
The Holiday Boutique is a festival marketplace complete with a variety of vendors offering holiday decor, apparel, jewelry, toys, gourmet treats and so much more! You’ll have a three-day weekend to explore the Boutique and get all your holiday shopping done. On Friday, November 8th, there is a Girl’s Night Out event at the boutique from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Invite out your best gal pals to enjoy music, drinks, and a fun evening of shopping. Each hour of the show, enter to win Boutique Bucks, and make sure to head over to the Relaxation Lounge for a drink and a break so you can get re-energized for your shopping spree. Local talent will be performing on the Holiday Entertainment stage, so enjoy the sounds of your favorite festive songs. Plus, don’t miss the chance to meet Bravo star Craig Conover who will be kicking off the holidays at the show on Friday & Saturday, and visit with Santa throughout the weekend! Buy tickets online and save, with 2 tickets for $14 at OmahaHolidayBoutique.com. Also, all military personnel, veterans, firefighters, police and other first responders, as well as medical professionals will have FREE entry on Sunday, Nov. 10th with valid ID.
Blackstone District Chili Cook-Off
Where? 3618 Farnam Street
When? November 9th
Blacksone’s Chili Cook-Off is back this year, with the annual competition being scheduled from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Kamp on Farnam Street. The price is set at $5, so make sure to swing by and try a variety of chilis and vote for your favorite one! There will be over 20 chilis to try, ranging from a variety of establishments in the Blackstone District. This is a family-friendly event, as well as a budget-friendly option for lunch! Previous participants have included Scriptown, Oliver & Tate, Dundee Bank, Sports Hall, Red Lion, Crescent Moon, and more. The winner will be crowned by a popular vote, so make your voice heard.
Turkey Trails
Where? 6802 Harrison Street
When? November 16th
You won’t want to miss out on this year’s Turkey Trails 5K and 10K! This fun, Thanksgiving-themed event is great for the whole family. Registration includes chip-timing with live results, free photos, and delicious treats waiting for you at the finish line! There is even a virtual race option if you can’t make it out to the event. For the kiddos who don’t want to participate in the main races, there is also a 1-mile event and a kid’s dash, which is untimed for ages 10 and under. There is also an awesome swag pack bundle, which includes a festive headband, running gloves, and running pie socks! Don’t want to run but still want to be involved? There are volunteer opportunities, such as course monitors, finish-line photographers, or lead bikers! You’ll receive a free shirt (based on availability) and race entry into a future event. If you don’t want a free race registration, you can opt for a $20 Amazon gift card instead!
Kids Night Out
Where? 3701 South 10th Street
When? November 16th
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is hosting a Kids Night Out Event from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Saturday, November 16th. This is sure to be a wild night for all. Parents can take advantage of a free night while kiddos ages 5 to 12 discover awesome new ways to appreciate wildlife. The event will be hosted by trained educators and each unique program will include pizza, snacks, animal experiences, movie time, and an array of engaging activities. The cost per child is $50 and there is limited space available, so reserve your spot ASAP! On November 16th, attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite animal shirts. Exciting exhibits and animals at Omaha’s zoo include the Owen Sea Lion Shores, the Asian Highlands, the Hubbard Orangutan Forest, and the Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion. The zoo is great for year-round adventure, so dress warm in November and enjoy the sights and sounds of your new animal friends.
The Nutcracker
Where? 1001 South 6th Street
When? November 23rd & 24th
You’ll want to grab your seats now for this must-see 15th anniversary season of the Nutcracker performed by the American Midwest Ballet. The beauty of this classical ballet is something that can be appreciated by guests of all ages. On November 23rd and 24th, The Nutcracker will be presented at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center before heading to the Orpheum Theatre in mid-December. Attendees will be delighted by the visual splendor and brilliant dancing on stage, which highlights the versatility of the American Midwest Ballet’s cast of professional artists and student dancers. November 24th doubles as a sensory-friendly performance, which is presented in collaboration with the Autism Action Partnership. Tickets range in price, depending on where you’re sitting. Select yours from a convenient online chart and get ready to enjoy this classic holiday performance.
Omaha Turkey Trot 5K
Where? 1200 Mike Fahey Street
When? November 28th
If running isn’t your favorite thing but you want to get out and participate in a traditional community event on Thanksgiving Day, just know that LaMar’s Donuts will be waiting for you at the finish line! The 8th annual Omaha Turkey Trot is sure to be one for the books, with a chip-timed race, fun run, and kid’s categories, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate if they so choose! Thanksgiving is the biggest running day of the year, so pick up that 5K in the morning to make plenty of room for your holiday feast. The kid’s dash starts at 8:45 AM before the 5K start time, which is scheduled for 9:00 AM sharp. The time limit for the course is 1 hour and 20 minutes. There is parking at Charles Schwab Field, which costs $10.
Holiday Lights Festival Lighting Ceremony
Where? 1001 Douglas Street
When? November 30th
The annual Holiday Lights Festival Lighting Ceremony, produced by The RiverFront, is scheduled for the last day of November at 6:00 PM. Come on out to celebrate the beginning of the holidays with a beautiful “kick-off” event in the Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront. There will be a short performance preceding the program and the mayor will lead the Omaha community in a countdown to the lights that signify the holiday season. The ceremony will include color-changing lights, video projections, thematic videos, and holiday music throughout the park, all provided by The RiverFront. Afterwards, the public can explore Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing, then wander over to the Old Market to view their holiday lights and celebrate Small Business Saturday.
Tours Coming to Omaha This November
Want to check out some cool musical acts and comedy shows? These are the best tours making their way to Omaha this November!
Kidz Bop Live 2024
Where? 409 South 16th Street
When? November 1st
Surprise the kiddos with a trip to the Orpheum Theatre to see the Kidz Bop Tour! This live performance is a spectacular experience for attendees of all ages and is the ultimate pop concert sung by kids and for kids. Get ready to dance the night away to kid-friendly renditions of today’s biggest hits.
Jeff Arcuri: The Full Beans Fall Tour
Where? 1200 Douglas Street
When? November 16th
Catch comedian Jeff Arcuri at the Holland Performing Arts Center this November. Frequently referred to as “a joke machine,” audiences will laugh all evening as Jeff does crowd work in between his Full Beans Fall set. Jeff Arcuri has appeared on The Late Show, Comedy Central, and across a range of comedy festivals and nightly appearances at The Comedy Cellar in New York.
Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour
Where? 455 North 10th Street
When? November 17th
Billie Eilish is coming to the CHI Health Center in Omaha with special guests, Nat & Alex Wolff. The Hit Me Hard and Soft tour is dedicated to her highly anticipated third studio album. Grab your tickets now to catch the Grammy and Academy-award-winning singer as she captivates audiences across the globe.
Enjoy Your November in Omaha!
We hope you are looking forward to that Thanksgiving Day feast as much as we are! Before the holidays, take advantage of these awesome Omaha area events such as touring musicians, holiday boutiques, and ballet performances!