Grow Omaha
Arts & Culture

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts has announced “From the Great Lakes to the Great Plains: The Visible Currents of Climate Change,” an immersive multimedia group exhibition on view from June 13 through September 14. Curated by Rachel Adams, chief curator and director of programs, the exhibition brings together 21 artists and an artist collective to examine the environmental, cultural and political implications of water in two vital North American regions. Their contributions range from film and installation to weaving, sculpture and sound—together offering imaginative responses to the urgent global water crisis.

The Omaha Mobile Stage Youth Talent Show program is holding its series opener May 31st. The outdoor amateur talent competition series has dates throughout the summer for ages 3 through graduating high school seniors, and is open to music, bands, dancing, singing, drama, musical theater, comedy, improv, poetry, spoken word, opera, illusion and more. Participation is free.

Omaha Performing Arts and Culxr House are partnering for Hip Hop Lab Block Party II this Friday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. Join for music, performances, vendors and good vibes along 24th Street as they wrap up another season of Hip Hop Lab! Featuring performances by local artists DJ Ivan Alferez and DJ Mista Soull and national performers DJ Mell Star, Mista Lawnge of Black Sheep, ED O.G., and CL Smooth.

The Nebraska Theater Academy, an O-pa Education program that celebrates the power of the arts and supports high school and middle school theater programs, is celebrating the best in Nebraska theater by announcing their outstanding 2024/2025 Nebraska Theater Academy award winners. These schools and students will be honored at the Nebraska Theater Academy Showcase on May 31 at the Orpheum. Celebrating its 12th year, the Tony Awards-inspired showcase will be hosted by Broadway star Kevyn Morrow.

The Joslyn Art Museum is hosting a special Omaha Symphony concert this Sunday, May 18, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The concert will be held in Witherspoon Hall, with repertoire ranging from exciting new works to established gems. Arrive early to stroll the galleries, enjoy lunch in The Cafe, or make a stop in The Shop.

Amplify Arts has announced RE-WORK, their next Generator Series project, which opens Friday, May 9th at Generator Space, located at 1804 Vinton Street. Organized by Alternate Currents cohort member John Paul, the show examines past as prologue with work by artists who borrow, reassemble and remix history.

Run For The Roses Music and Arts Festival takes place this week at Brokedown Palace at 88th & Maple Street, from Thursday, May 8 to Saturday, May 10. The festival features 14+ bands over three days, five cover bands, local vendors, artists and more. Tickets and more information can be found at https://runfortherosesfestival.com/

The Omaha Community Playhouse will hold auditions May 12 and 13 from 6:00-10:00 p.m. for their upcoming play, The River Bride, written by Marisela Treviño Orta and directed by Alex Rodriguez. To sign up for an audition, fill out the form at https://omahaplayhouse.com/get-involved/upcoming-auditions/

Culxr House is hosting Soulful Freestyle Friday on May 10 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The free event is meant to gather together and embrace freestyle Hip Hop and Poetry.

Garden Party Omaha, a free music festival featuring an all-women lineup of local and regional musicians, has announced that it’s leveling up in its 4th year. Garden Party has grown out of its 100 percent D.I.Y, Benson roots into a larger stage at Sonny’s in Aksarben, thanks to support by Noddle Companies. The event takes place on May 10 from 2:00 to 11:00 p.m.

The Omaha Symphony will be performing with composer, singer-songwriter, and pianist Ben Folds for two nights of exceptional performances on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10. Widely regarded as one of the major musical influences of our generation, Folds’ enormous body of genre-bending music includes pop albums with Ben Folds Five, multiple solo albums, and numerous collaborative records. https://www.omahasymphony.org/concerts/ben-folds

Luli Creative House has announced their first Mama Made Market just in time for Mother’s Day. The free event will take place on May 3 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and will feature local handmade jewelry, clothing, baked goods, photography mini-sessions by local photographer Ali Champion0 and more. The event will take place at Luli at 1901 Howard Street, Suite 401.

Opera Omaha, Wicked Raven Productions and Joslyn Castle & Gardens invite artists 18 and younger to join a special youth art show celebrating the enchanting bond between humanity and the natural world inspired by Opera Omaha’s new production of Fantastic Mr. Fox. The art will be on display from May 15 to June 10. wickedravenproductions@gmail.com

Omaha Mobile Stage announces Crooner’s Corner, a new outdoor event debuting on Friday, May 2, at 6 p.m. Crooner’s Corner is an intimate evening of smooth vocals and soulful storytelling, celebrating the rich legacy of Black crooners who paved the way for generations of vocalists. This showcase uplifts Black musical excellence and brings the community together through the power of voice, storytelling, and timeless sound. The event is free and open to the public and takes place at the intersection of 61st & Maple Street during Benson First Friday.