Omaha Summer Events 2013

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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.”

On April 27, USA Swimming announced that the Olympic Swim Trials would be heading back to Omaha for a third consecutive trip. Omaha beat out bigger venues such as St. Louis and San Antonio to solidify its status as one of the hubs of American swimming. Last year’s event was showcased on prime-time network television, giving our city terrific national exposure.

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, this year taking place from June 15 to June 25.  Known as “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” the CWS was played annually at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium for 60 years.  Two years, 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.

The Cox Classic at Champions Golf Course brings in some of the brightest up and coming stars in the PGA-Nationwide Tour. The annual tournament, held this year from August 19 to August 25, is Nebraska’s longest running PGA sponsored event. 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. In addition to the Cox Classic, Omaha looks forward to welcoming some of golf’s greats for this year’s Senior Open (July 7-July 14). Held at the Omaha Country Club, Omahans can expect to see some of the games masters up-close and personal.

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. The Orpheum Theatre brings in some of the hottest acts from Broadway such as The Lion King 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, The Maha Music Festival, the Stir Cove Concert Series, Jazz on the Green and Playing with Fire concert series have become staples of the Omaha music scene.