NOMAFest 2025
2025-08-09 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-08-10 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Turner Park, 3110 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE, 68131, United States
OMAHA – North Omaha Music and Arts (NOMA), a non-profit focused on developing the next generation of musicians, will be taking its annual NOMAFEST event to Turner Park, and this year’s concert lineup is sure to be one of the best music events of the summer.
Hitting the stage for the fourth annual festival on Saturday, Aug. 9, will be Eric Gales, Ghost-Note and Lakecia Benjamin. Renowned singer Heidi Martin and Dana Murray & Manifesto will perform at NOMA Sunday, Aug. 10.
“When we started NOMAFEST four years ago one of our goals was to bring top caliber performers to the NOMA stage, while also celebrating the rich history of the jazz musicians who entertained on 24th Street,” said Murray, executive director of NOMA. “I know we’ve accomplished that – but this year’s lineup is really something special. These artists are some of the most talented in the blues, funk and jazz genre. People who love brilliant musicians and incredible music should make their way to Turner Park.”
As both an African-American, left-handed guitarist of extraordinary ability and an expressive vocalist, it is natural for people to compare Eric Gales to the great Jimi Hendrix. But he has developed a unique hybrid blues/rock style, weaving in the flare of Albert King and Frank Gambale into his performances. Gale’s guitar prowess, reminiscent of the 1960s and 70s, is unmatched and is sure to entertain.
Bringing the funk to the stage, Ghost-Note features the Grammy-winning percussion duo of Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth. They’ll be joined by musician extraordinaries who’ve shared their talents with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Toto, Justin Timberlake, Herbie Hancock, Prince and many more. Prepare to get on your feet and groove to the sounds taking funk music to the next level.
Ready for a little R&B, jazz and funk? Then look no further than Lakecia Benjamin. With five Grammy nominations to her credit, she has played for the likes of Gregory Porter and Theo Crocker, while also being featured on “Everything’s Beautiful” with Robert Glasper and Stevie Wonder. Her most recent release “Phoenix” has already garnered worldwide acclaim. Alongside Benjamin, “Phoenix” also features Dianne Reeves, Wayne Shorter, Sonia Sanchez, Angela Davis and many more.
Sunday, August 10 at NOMA will feature singer Heidi Martin, whose original voice and artistry is both authentic and defiant of genre, and Dana Murray & Manifesto. Murray’s musical journey began in Omaha and was honed while performing with such greats as Wynton Marsalis, Jimmy Witherspoon, Roy Hargrove, Aloe Blacc and Norah Jones. NOMA is his vision for respecting the deep jazz history of North 24th Street, while developing and showcasing the musical dreams of artists throughout the community.
More details about NOMAFEST will be announced soon, but you can also check here.
Media Contacts:
Dana Murray, Executive Director
dmurray@northomahamusic.org
(402) 598-2693
Andrew Bailie, Executive Assistant
abailie@northomahamusic.org
(414) 491-6270

North Omaha Music and Arts Weekly Music Sessions
2025-08-11 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-08-13 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-08-18 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-08-20 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-08-25 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-08-27 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-01 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-03 19:00 - 22:00 and 8 more dates | North Omaha Music Academy, 2510 N 24th St, Omaha, NE, 68110, United States
North Omaha Music and Arts hosts free weekly gatherings with live band performances, followed by open sessions where all musicians, MCs, and vocalists are invited to participate or sit in.
At our sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with other local artists who share your passion for music. Our live shows kick off the evening, setting the tone for a night of creativity and collaboration. After the show, we open up the floor for jam sessions, where you can showcase your skills and improvise with other talented musicians.

Mondays are devoted to jazz, and whether you’re a seasoned jazz player or just starting to explore the genre, our sessions are the perfect place to hone your skills and connect with other jazz enthusiasts.

On Wednesdays, we shift our focus to contemporary, cutting-edge music, providing a space for musicians and vocalists to explore and experiment with new sounds and styles.

Benson Theater Happy Hour
2025-08-12 15:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-19 15:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-26 15:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-02 15:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-09 15:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-16 15:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-23 15:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-30 15:00 - 19:00 | Benson Theatre, 6054 Maple St, Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
Benson Theatre is leading the way to a new community space with doors open more frequently, ideas flowing more freely, and communities colliding for fun, innovation, and celebration. Bring your friends, coworkers, dates, or clients to our beautiful space for conversation, relaxation, collaboration, and creation every Tuesday 3-7pm. Featuring cocktails and mocktails you won’t find anywhere else in Omaha curated by our incredible Lead Bartender, Jenna Lacy. We look forward to hearing your ideas, perspectives, and dreams!

PACE INTERACTIVE - Spellbound - The Magic of the Arts
2025-08-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, 1001 South 6th Street, Council Bluffs, IA, United States
Join PACE INTERACTIVE: Spellbound – Magic of the Arts – an evening of wonder and wizardry! Wander the halls of the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center and experience spell binding performances, captivating visual art, and flavorful culinary creations. This one-of-a-kind open house invites guests to celebrate the arts and the magic of community.

September 5th First Friday
2025-09-05 17:00 - 2025-09-06 02:00 | Benson Creative District Downtown Benson Omaha, NE 68104, 5603 NW Radial Hwy, Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
September FURst Friday
Benson Creative District
Friday, Sept 5 | 5–2 AM
FREE & Open to All
BFF Omaha’s September First Friday goes to the dogs — literally!
Bring your pups to stroll Benson’s dog-friendly businesses, join in a dog painting activity , and celebrate art, music & community at the final Artist Market + UNLEASHED show of the summer. One last party before pumpkin spice season!
PETSHOP UNLEASHED: VOLUME 4 – Summer Finale
Behind Petshop (2725 N. 62nd St.)
6–10 PM – FREE
The final chapter of our outdoor concert series closes with a bang! Expect bangers only from these local legends:
Conny Franko w/ Betty (KCMO)
Soli
Mr. Bomb
Uriah w/ Randall & Roam
BFF Summer Artist Market – Season Finale!
75+ vendors, handmade goods, DJs, and family-friendly vibes.
Highlight: Dog painting activity at the market!
At Nebraska AIDS Project: treats for dogs, cats, and humans + bandana-decorating station!
Youth Artist Market
Benson Community Center (6008 Maple St.)
6–8 PM
A youth-led market in collaboration with The Bay, powered by the Omaha Community Foundation + Omaha Parks and Recreation. Support the next generation of artists + entrepreneurs!
Tilt23 Showcase @ Ted & Wally’s (6023 Maple St.)
Live music by ROCKIANA, Amphibaphobia, Melo Vi8e5 & Ris
Friends of BFF = FREE ice cream scoop!
Gallery + Exhibition Highlights
BFF Gallery (5901 Maple St.)
Hunter Parry: Self-Titled – Painter + draftsman Hunter Parry debuts a new exhibition showcasing refined technique + quiet intensity.
Petshop Gallery (2727 N. 62nd St.)
Lidwina by Sheila Talbitzer – Embroidered MRI scans transformed into floral meditations on resilience, fear & beauty.
MaMO (2725 N. 62nd St.)
April Vendetta – DREAM BABY DREAM – Exploring labor, surveillance & cultural memory through archive + performance.
Full map + schedule: bffomaha.org
Thank You to Our First Friday Sponsors!
Mutual of Omaha · Ted & Wally’s Ultra-Premium Homemade Ice Cream · Union Pacific · Park Omaha
Friend of BFF Business Members:
ASL Interpreting Services · Blue Line Coffee · Central Skate Shop · Dahlia House · Gregg Grossman, Inc. · Heather Tedesco, Realtor, BHGRE · Jake’s Cigars · Maven Social · Metropolitan Community College · Ming Toy Gallery · Nebraska AIDS Project · Omaha Roller Derby · RAIL + STEAM · SET the Bar · Shaheen’s Afghan Cuisine · Shipment Vintage · Slowdown · Snowy Sundaes · Star Deli · StudioDaze Omaha · Taco Co. · The Garage by the Grey House · The Sydney
BFF Omaha: Building Community Through Arts Engagement!

Story Weaver: Reviving the Art of Nature-Focused Storytelling
2025-09-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, IA, 51542, United States
Join us in the beautiful Loess Hills at Hitchcock Nature Center.
“Story Weaver” is for people who want to tell and/or listen to stories told in and about the natural world. It is also for musicians, poets, and thinkers. Participants are welcome to tell or read stories, share a poem, or perform a song related to the natural world. Attendance is welcome whether you wish to partake or just listen.

October 3rd First Friday
2025-10-03 17:00 - 2025-10-04 02:00 | Benson Creative District Downtown Benson Omaha, NE 68104, 5603 NW Radial Hwy, Omaha, NE, 68104, United States
October First Friday + Handmade Parade
Benson Creative District
Friday, Oct 3 | 5 PM–Late
FREE & Open to All
BFF Omaha + Giant Joy Collective present the first-ever Handmade Parade — a community celebration where art takes to the streets! Giant puppets, DIY floats, costumes, and banners will transform Benson into a moving work of art created by neighbors, families, schools, and YOU.
Pre-Parade Fun (Free & Family-Friendly!)
Rosehill Elementary Blacktop | 4–6 PM
Creation Station – Mask & prop making
Collaborative Faces Mural – Add your mark
Face Painting – by Liudmyla Levinson
Benson Community Center | 1–3 PM
Schools Out Craft Day – kid-friendly DIY projects
Handmade Parade
Rosehill Elementary | Lineup 6 PM | Parade Start 6:30 PM
Neighbors, artists, and organizations bring UNITY THROUGH CREATIVITY to life with puppets, costumes, floats, and people-powered magic!
Post-Parade Party
Petshop Gallery & Backlot | 7:30–10 PM
The Cruel Idiots (7:00)
Root (7:30)
Hair Person (8:00)
The Mercurys (8:30)
PLUS: Puppet theatre, skateboarding, face painting, library fun, DIY junk wall, photo ops & more along 62nd Street!
Benson Bolt .5k: The Race for People Who Hate Running
Starts at St. Andrews Pub (6102 Maple St.)
Check-in at 5 PM | Race at 6 PM
Run (or stumble) .31 miles through Benson’s favorite haunts with shots, swagger, and costumes encouraged. Finish line lands you right at the Handmade Parade!
Register here: https://checkout.page/s/ltp9SNYWpWntO
BFF Artist Market
Benson Theatre (6054 Maple St.)
6–9 PM
30+ vendors featuring handmade goods, art, music, and food inside the historic Benson Theatre. Shop local, grab a drink, and enjoy the heart of First Friday.
Gallery + Exhibition Highlights
BFF Gallery (5901 Maple St.)
Nebraska Art Teachers Association Art Educator Exhibition
Petshop Gallery (2727 N. 62nd St.)
Amoral City Folk – Three New York artists bring new work to Omaha.
MaMO (2725 N. 62nd St.)
Nebraskans for Palestine present Breathing Occupation
Star Deli Gallery (6114 Military Ave)
Off – Shift: Joslyn Staff Group Show
Ming Toy Gallery (6066 Maple St.)
FACES | Danielle Emsick
Radial Arts Center (5915 Maple St)
“There’s More To See” — Baylee Bennett
Nebraska AIDS Project (6220 Maple St)
5:00–6:30 PM — Carve Out Hope Pumpkin carving & decorating (free!)
8:00–10:00 PM — KINKTOBER (19+)
Spooktacular Performances $5 suggested donation
The Sydney (5918 Maple St)
Neva Dinova’s Jake Bellows w/ Violenteer, The Sun-Less Trio, Custom Catacombs, Ashley Rayne Boe
Full map + schedule: bffomaha.org/events/october-3rd-first-friday
Thank You to Our First Friday Sponsors!
Mutual of Omaha · Ted & Wally’s Ultra-Premium Homemade Ice Cream · Park Omaha
Handmade Parade Sponsors
Dundee Bank · WP Engine · Rose Hill PTO · Montessori Co-Op School · Central Skate Shop · The Nebraska Arts Council & Cultural Endowment
Friend of BFF Business Members
ASL Interpreting Services · The Bay · Blue Line Coffee · Central Skate Shop · Dahlia House · Gregg Grossman, Inc. · Heather Tedesco, Realtor, BHGRE · Jake’s Cigars · Maven Social · Metropolitan Community College · Ming Toy Gallery · Nebraska AIDS Project · Omaha Roller Derby · RAIL + STEAM · SET the Bar · Shaheen’s Afghan Cuisine · Shipment Vintage · Slowdown · Snowy Sundaes · Star Deli · StudioDaze Omaha · Taco Co. · The Garage by the Grey House · The Sydney
BFF Omaha: Building Community Through Arts Engagement!
