Grow Omaha
Arts & Culture

Habitat Omaha will hold the Pope Leo-Inspired Wall-Raising event at 6731 North 50th Avenue on Saturday, April 18th at 9:30 a.m. This multifaith youth-volunteer movement will raise the first wall of 20 homes to be built over the next two years as part of Omaha’s “Pope Leo Village” and the Bluestem Prairie Development. With 600 volunteers participating in this effort, it’s an effort to create more attainable and affordable homes for working families, inspired by Pope Leo’s call to put faith into action.

The Omaha Symphony, led by guest conductor Lina Gonzalez-Granados, will present Mozart & Dvořák on Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. at the Joslyn Art Museum. Resident Conductor of the LA Opera, Gonzalez-Granados is an internationally talented young conductor, with her powerful interpretations earning her recognition. She will conduct the Omaha Symphony for the first time with Dvořák’s rare gem: his Symphony No. 5 in F Major. Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz opens the program with her ode to Clara Schumann, while the Principal Winds tackle Mozart’s phenomenal Sinfonia Concertante.

There will be pre-concert activities such as an art tour around the Josyln at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m., Symphony staff members will share insights about the program from 1:15 to 1:45 p.m., and the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra ensemble will play music in the fountain court at Abbott Hall from 1:20 to 1:40 p.m. Visit their website for more information,

The Omaha Symphony and Opera Omaha will collaborate on stage with Applied Underwriters presents Beethoven’s Fifth & Bluebeard’s Castle on April 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Holland Performing Arts Center. The Omaha Symphony will open with one of the most famous works: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5., beginning with four of the most recognizable notes in history. Then Opera Omaha will join the symphony onstage for Bluebeard’s Castle, Béla Bartók’s psychological thriller. It follows Judith, newly wed to the enigmatic Duke Bluebeard, as she dares to open his castle’s forbidden doors, drawing her closer to a horrifying secret.

“From the compelling vocal performances to the immersive projections that transform the Holland Center stage, patrons will be swept into an evening that’s emotionally charged, visually stunning and musically electrifying,” according to Omaha Symphony president and CEO, Jennifer Boomgaarden Daoud. Visit their website for tickets and more information.

The RITMO Music Fest 2026 will be at the Riverfront at Heartland of America Park on Saturday, May 9 from 2 to 10 p.m. This one-day event will transform the city in a vibrant celebration of Latino music and culture. Guests can expect a mainstage with live performances blending reggaeton, Latin pop and more, with a lineup including Banda Los Recoditos, 3BallMTY, Chimbala, Don Chezina, Maday, Adán Rodríguez, plus high-energy sets from DJ Jpeg and DJ Revo.

There will also be food trucks with bold, authentic Latino flavors, as well as a VIP section experience with elevated views and comfort – all with Omaha’s skyline as the backdrop. Visit HERE for tickets and more information.

The Maha Festival is coming back to Omaha at the Heartland of America Park this summer on August 8. The headliner is British Indie rock breakout Wet Leg, known for their 2021 viral hit “Chaise Longue” and a self-titled debut album that topped the U.K. charts. Other acclaimed and high-requested acts are Omaha’s own Bright Eyes, Grammy-winning rapper Killer Mike, rising alternative artist Blondshell. Omaha-based musician David Nance & Mowed Sound and emerging local artist Carver Jones. Tickets are now on sale HERE.

Omaha Performing Arts will feature Free Community Day at the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free, drop-in event will have several fun activities, performances and family friendly experiences designed to lift the creativity and community spirit, as well as showcase what the newly-built Tenaska Center has to offer. Activities include:

• Live performances and demonstrations by Omaha Performing Arts artists
• Connect and meet with instructors and leaders of upcoming programs
• Bounce houses, food and other activities
• A chance to try hands-on instruments with no experience needed
• Sample real class offerings, and receive 50 percent off when registering on April 11

There will also be a Hip Hop Lab Block Party & Street Market at 7 p.m. at the Tenaska Center FNBO Garden.

The Rose Theater will feature the world premiere of The Great Race April 17 through May 3. This whimsical puppet play adapted from Chinese Mythology tells the story of three young neighbors getting into an argument, then being transported into the take of the Great Race, where a thrilling competition that determined the order of the zodiac takes place. Directed by Sesame Street’s Alan Muraoka and featuring stunning puppetry designed by What If Puppets, The Great Race was originally developed in The Rose’s Sharing Our Stories program to uplift underrepresented voices in Omaha. Regular admission is $20, and members get in for free. Visit the website for more information.

The Omaha Community Playhouse will present Dial “M” for Murder opening April 17 and running through May 10 on the Hawkes Mainstage Theater. When a suave husband discovers his wife’s affair and plots the perfect crime to murder her, things quickly spiral into a web of deceit, betrayal and unexpected twists. This adaptation by Jeffery Hatcher reimagines Frederick Knott’s original story through a modern lens, while keeping the suspense, betrayal and passion. There will also be a pre-show discussion on the 2nd Level of the Lobby area on April 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. for a deep dive into the creative process and inspiration behind Dial ‘M’ for Murder. For tickets and more information, visit here.

The Spring Gallery Walk is taking place across Fremont’s downtown district on Saturday, April 25th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The entire district will be open for guests to stroll and explore businesses, artists and products. There will be 21 participating businesses, some of which will host happy hour specials or free refreshments, and more than 30 artists selling their work. There will be performances by musicians and live painting artists as well as a scavenger hunt happening at the Fremont Area Art Association. Visit here for more information.

The Waiting Room will feature Struggle Jennings, country-rap star, performing his Last Name album tour April 28 at 7 p.m. The American rapper from Nashville is the grandson of Waylon Jennings, and an RIAA Certified Gold-selling artist known for blending country and rap in his music.

By sharing his story with honesty and passion, he has developed a large and loyal fanbase who relate not only to his music but also to his journey. Since being released from prison in 2016, where he served a five-year, drug-related sentence, Struggle has performed for sold-out crowds across the country and released multiple projects. Visit here for tickets and more information.

The Culxr House will host Art Battle Omaha on April 4 at their venue on 3014 North 24th Street at 5 p.m. With live painting featuring local talent, participants will watch as masterful artists craft stunning pieces in 20 minutes per round and vote for the ultimate champion. In addition to the competition, there will be a Kid’s Art Booth, other interactive painting stations and music performances.

The Joslyn Art Museum will host Nights at the Joslyn on April 9 starting at 5 p.m. This month’s free event offers activities including live performances by Omaha Street Percussion, curator conversations with Karin Campbell, Phil Willson Curator of Contemporary Art, and others, as well as creating art and stopping by the shop for beautiful art items. Visit their website for more information.

The Omaha Symphony will perform “Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown & the Philly Sound” on April 11 at 7:30 p.m. and April 12 at 2 p.m. at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Maestro Ernest Richardson will lead the symphony featuring guest vocalists: Broadway superstar Chester Gregory, vocal powerhouse Crystal Monee Hall and Brik Liam. With hit pop, soul and R&B songs such as “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” “You’ll Never Find A Love Like Mine,” “Love Train,” “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me,” and “I’m Coming Out.” Visit their website for more information.

The Omaha Parks Foundation, along with the City of Omaha, announced the 2026 Memorial Park Concert, featuring headliner Smokey Robinson as well as special opening guest CAKE, on Friday, June 26th. The popular summer concert will kick off with the National Anthem at 6:30 p.m. and end with a fireworks show at 10 p.m.

Smokey Robinson is a legendary singer, songwriter and former frontman of the Miracles, receiving numerous awards such as GRAMMY Living Legend Award and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States. He has also been inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriter’s Hall of Fame.

CAKE is an American rock band formed in the early 90s, where they seamlessly blend many genres and influences into their music such as alternative rock, country and funk. They are currently working on their 9th album, due to release later this year.

The CHI Health Center will feature Benson Boone, who just announced his “Wanted Man” tour, coming to the venue on September 1. Boone is an American singer and songwriter who rose in popularity in the last five years. He competed on American Idol in early 2021 and gained more recognition on TikTok with singing videos and snippets of his original music. His 2024 breakout hit “Beautiful Things” topped charts in multiple countries and became the most-streamed song of the year. Presale access has begun, and general access begins April 3 at 11 a.m. Visit here for more information.