Summer Events in Omaha, NE

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Omaha, Nebraska is a summer gem hidden in the Heartland of America.  Activities abound for those living in the metro area or looking for a weekend get-away.  Great food, outdoor activities, baseball, and culture are just some of the options open to those who wish to soak up the summer sun and dive into “The Big O.” 

The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the most heralded zoos in the country and Omaha’s premier family destination. Offering state of the art exhibits and an array of animals from around the globe, a trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo is a memory that is sure to stay with any visitor, young or old. 

The Omaha Farmer’s Market occurs throughout the summer on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Customers stroll among the outdoor stands and are able to peruse and choose from the freshest fruit and vegetables from America’s Breadbasket. The annual Taste of Omaha showcases the best food in the area right on the scenic Missouri River waterfront.

Every June, college baseball teams and their fans travel from coast to coast to witness collegiate athletics in its highest form for the NCAA College World Series.  Known as “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” the CWS was played annually at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium for 60 years.  Last year, the tournament moved to a new 21st century facility named TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha’s North Downtown, or NoDo, region.  Children will enjoy the excitement on and off the field as well as an ice cream cone from the world famous Zesto’s. For adults looking to enjoy a night on the town, there is no bigger week than the CWS.  The bars right around the baseball park, in the Old Market, or on Leavenworth Street are always packed with enthusiastic locals and tourists having a great time and making new friends. 

This year, Omaha will host the 2012 Olympic Swim Trials.  Some of the most famous American Olympians will be coming to Omaha to start their quest for the gold. The 8 day event will be showcased live on primetime television, bringing Omaha into the nation’s spotlight before the London Games.  

The Cox Classic at Champions Golf Course brings in some of the brightest up and coming stars in the PGA-Nationwide Tour.  Before the exciting weekend conclusion to the tournament, lessons and camps are offered to youngsters looking to get on the links and improve their budding golf game.   

The Omaha-metro area offers any outdoor lover numerous opportunities to get out and enjoy the sun.  Boating and jet-skiing are available at Carter Lake, Lake Manawa, and the Missouri River for the aquatic enthusiast. Mahoney State Park,DeSoto Wildlife Refuge and Fontenelle Forest offer miles of hiking trails for those looking to get off the beaten path.  Dozens of events geared toward the runner and cycler are taking place all summer in the metro area at places like the Wabash Trail and Big Papio Trail. The Joslyn Art Museum, Durham Western Heritage Museum and the Omaha Children’s Museum offer fun and educational exhibits to all.  Shakespeare on the Green performs the playwright’s great works in the comfortable night air. TheOrpheum Theatre brings in some of the hottest acts from Broadway such as Wicked and Jersey Boys. 

From critically acclaimed local bands to the biggest tours on earth, Omaha will not disappoint the music lover.  In addition to concerts at Omaha’s best indoor venues such as The Waiting Room Lounge, The Slowdown and the CenturyLink Center arena, Omaha has added two music festivals to its arsenal of shows (The Maha Music Festival and The Red Sky Music Festival) in addition to the already popularJazz on the Green and Playing with Fire concert series.