La Calavera Catrina
2025-09-04 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-05 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-06 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-07 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-08 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-09 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-10 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-11 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) and 3 more dates | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
On display from August 17 through November 8
Discover the rich history and iconography of La Catrina, one of the most recognizable figures of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), through eight larger-than-life skeleton sculptures by Los Angeles artist Ricardo Soltero. An elegant female skeleton and an icon of Mexican heritage, La Catrina approaches death not through sadness, but as a colorful celebration of life. See these colorful and joyful works, with accompanying signage in both English and Spanish.
About the Artist: Born in Nayarit, Mexico, Ricardo Soltero is the set designer for the largest Día de los Muertos celebration in the United States, which takes place annually at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. Both a sculptor and a costume designer, Soltero’s projects include works and design for Semblanza Latinoamericana dance and music festival, Metropolitan Fashion Week, UNICEF’s annual gala and the Autry Museum in Los Angeles, CA.
Exhibition organized by Denver Botanic Gardens
Included with paid garden admission. Free for garden members.

Cacao Ceremony Meditation
2025-09-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
The use of ceremonial cacao is designed to help bring you to the present day, relax and renew your mind, body and spirit. We encourage participants to lean into this experience and detach from the tasks and programs that may keep you feeling limited.
The ceremony is a spiritual and meditative event lasting 90 minutes, with a focus on releasing negative energy to increase relaxation, creativity, and focus. It is centered around the consumption of ceremonial grade cacao, a gentle plant medicine (think hot chocolate) that is full of essential minerals and rich in antioxidants like flavonoids that help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. During the ceremony the cacao is chopped and melted into a drink to be sipped on, accompanied by a combination of guided meditation, breath work, and journaling.
Please note: Cacao intake is not recommended if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have a heart condition or complex medical condition. Tea will be provided upon request.
Cost: $25 | Garden members: $20
What to bring:
– Come to the event in comfy clothes. We will be sitting on the floor or in the grass, so please bring a yoga mat or blanket if that will make you more comfortable.
– A small item/token that reminds you of love/joy
– Water bottle
– A journal will be provided, but if you have your own that is special to you please bring it with you
Programs are designed for ages 16+

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!

Dragons Love Tacos: The Musical
2025-09-05 18:30 - 19:30 | The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Script by Cristina Pippa and Music and Lyrics by Sharon Kenny
Adapted from the best-selling book, Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
Art © 2012 by Daniel Salmieri
The only thing dragons love more than parties are TACO PARTIES! If you want dragons to come to your party, serving tacos is the way to go. But do not, under ANY circumstances, serve dragons spicy tacos.
Join Robbie and his dog Kodi as they throw the biggest party of the year, with tacos that have NO spice…or do they? Featuring catchy original songs, vibrant characters, and a slew of dragons, this show brings Adam Rubin’s hilarious book to the stage. Will Robbie succeed in throwing the ultimate taco party without any fiery mishaps?
This is a Weekly Recurring Event
Runs from Sep 5, 2025 to Sep 21, 2025 and happens every:
Fridays: 6:30pm – 7:30pm Timezone: CDT
Saturdays: 11:00am – 12:00pm Timezone: CDT
Saturdays: 2:00pm – 3:00pm Timezone: CDT
Sundays: 2:00pm – 3:00pm Timezone: CDT

Poetry Reading
2025-09-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Pageturner’s Lounge, 5004 Dodge St, Omaha, NE, 68132, United States
Omaha poets Todd Robinson, Miles Waggener, and Craig Finlay will celebrate the release of their poetry chapbooks, each of which contain ten haibun, a 17th century Japanese poetic form.

Jitterbugs' Night Out
2025-09-05 20:00 - 23:59, 2025-09-12 20:00 - 23:59 | Eagles Ballroom, 201 S 24th St, Omaha, NE, 68102, United States
Jitterbugs’ Night Out, or as we like to call it, JNO, has been home to Omaha Jitterbugs’ since 2001.
On average 130 people come to JNO each week, and it’s one of Omaha’s longest-running weekly events.
Masks are optional at JNO.
You don’t need to bring a partner. The weekly beginning dance lesson is from 8:15 – 9:00 and you can choose to rotate partners throughout the lesson or stick with the partner you came with. Then the DJ plays swingin’ tunes for social dancing from 9 p.m. until midnight, so ask people to dance! Check our calendar for nights with live music. Our instructors and DJs are volunteers with JIVE who have completed training.
Dressing sharp is encouraged! But you’ll see people in t-shirts, jeans, dresses, and suits. For special events and live music nights, people tend to dress nicer.
We’ve created a diverse and welcoming community: smoke-free, drug-free, and all ages are welcome. Children younger than 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Most nights more than 100 people attend. While the highest percentage of people attending are aged 19–39, dancers range from middle and high school students to retirees in their 70s and above. Check out our Code of Conduct.
You can bring in your own food and bottle for water. We provide free water because you WILL get thirsty. A full bar is available downstairs.
Join us for the Birthday Jam! After the announcements, around 10:15 pm, we gather in a circle on the dance floor and those who have a birthday (or graduation, or are newly engaged, or any special occasion!) stand in the middle. A song is played and different partners jump in to dance with you for a bit.
If you’d like to have a party during JNO, you are welcome! We suggest showing up at 8:00 pm if you need to set up a table for your party.
No party fees are charged.
For discounted entrance, learn about volunteering with JIVE!

Rockbrook Village Art Fair
2025-09-06 10:00 - 18:00, 2025-09-07 10:00 - 17:00 | Rockbrook Village, 2800 S 110th Ct, Omaha, NE, 68144, United States
Join us for the 54th annual Rockbrook Village Art Fair. Shop all mediums of art from over 120 artists around the country. Enjoy live music on the plaza and art activities for the kiddos from Doodle Art Studio. Don’t miss this 2 day, outdoor Art Fair! It’s fun for the whole family!
Special thank you to our Presenting Sponsors Eyman Plumbing and Security National Bank and our Community Sponsors Jordan Brothers and Leaf home.
Happens on the following Dates:
Sep 6, 2025, 10:00am to 6:00pm Timezone: CDT
Sep 7, 2025, 10:00am to 5:00pm Timezone: CDT

TarBaby at North Omaha Music and Arts
2025-09-07 19:00 - 22:00 | NOMA, 2219 2510 N 24th St, Omaha, NE, 68110, United States
Masterclass and Concert with TarBaby featuring Orrin Evans, Eric Revis and Nasheet Waits

North Omaha Music and Arts Weekly Music Sessions
2025-09-08 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-09-10 19:00 - 22:00 | 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.

All-European Show and Shine
2025-09-09 12:00 - 15:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
See fine European cars and motorcycles on display. Imagine models of Jaguar, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Ducati, BMW, Ferrari, Pantera, Alfa Romeo, Austin Healey and others surrounded by the beauty of the fall garden.
The café will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and snacks and J’s Coffee will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Please note that during the All-European Show and Shine, cars are exhibited to the northwest of the rose garden (the furthest part of the garden away from the visitor and education center) and the show ends promptly at 3 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive at the event early enough to account for walking times to reach the show site (the staging location takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to reach by foot, depending on the speed of the walker).
Admission to the event is included with paid garden admission or membership. To expedite the admissions process, you can reserve tickets in advance at lauritzengardens.org/tickets.

Benson Theater Happy Hour
2025-09-09 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!

Yoga in the Garden
2025-09-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Breathe, get grounded, and enjoy gentle balancing & stretching movement in this Hatha Yoga class that honors the seasons. Take the time to unwind and treat your senses to the beauty of Lauritzen Gardens — a wonderful mid-week break for body, mind, and spirit. All levels and everybody welcome.
Bring whatever props (i.e., pillow, mat, cork blocks, bolster, eye-mask, blanket) that you feel are necessary in making your practice the most comfortable it can possibly be.
$15, $10 for garden members. Pre-registration is required.
Happens on the following Dates:
Apr 2, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
Apr 9, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
Apr 16, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
Apr 30, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
May 7, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
May 14, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
May 21, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT
May 28, 2025, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Timezone: CDT

Annual Book Sale
2025-09-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Ave, Council Bluffs, IA, 51503, United States
Build your home library with a wide selection of books at excellent prices. Plus, your purchase helps support the library.
BOOK SALE HOURS:
Thursday September 11th
5-7p.m. ~ Friends of the Library Members ONLY Pre-Sale
*Become a member at the door for only $10 + receive a free book
Friday, September 12th
9 a.m.-5 p.m. -Open to FOTL members + the public
Saturday, September 13th
9 a.m. 4 p.m. ~ Open to FOTL members + the public
12-2 p.m.~ FILL A BAG FOR $10
2-close – FREE BOOKS!

Zoofari 2025: Under Wild Stars
2025-09-12 17:30 - 22:30 | Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE, 68107, United States
Zoofari 2025 is like you’ve never experienced before. This reimagined celebration is more than a party, it’s one of the Zoo’s most important fundraising events, raising vital support to conserve, nurture, and sustain all life that roams under our glittering night sky.
Gala guests will embark on an unforgettable journey on foot through the Zoo, exploring themed event zones brought to life with immersive entertainment, gourmet food, up-close wildlife encounters, and a truly special silent auction.

The Moanin' Frogs
2025-09-12 19:00 - 21:30 | Presbyterian Church of the Cross, 1517 S 114th St, Omaha, NE, 68114, United States
Bending genres and uplifting spirits, The Moanin’ Frogs offer an electrifying approach to chamber music. Conservatory trained and entertainment minded, their dynamic and technically precise performances of classical, ragtime, jazz, and pop delight fans across the world.

Poetry Writing Workshop
2025-09-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
6/28/25 – Rhyme and Rhythm
Bring a notebook, your favorite pen, and get ready to play with words in a whole new way! Come explore rhyme and rhythm with instructor Julie S. Paschold as we will make your poetry “sing” verbally and explore the musicality of language and discover how to make your poems come alive with sound both on the page and out loud.

8/2/25 – Intro to Poetry
Join instructor Julie S. Paschold for an engaging exploration of the fundamentals of poetry. This class will guide you through both form and free verse poetry, revealing how structure can shape the voice of your work. We’ll also dive into creative techniques for playing with free verse to enhance the rhythm and impact of your poems.
Whether you’re new to poetry or a seasoned writer, this class is open to all. Come with a notebook, your favorite writing utensil, and any questions you have about the art of poetry!
9/13/25 – The Short Poem:
In this class, Julie S. Paschold will share ways to say more with less. If you’ve ever struggled with shorter poems, or love writing them, this class is for you. We will learn a few short form poems and have a few fun prompts. Please bring a notebook and writing utensil.
Pre-registration is required. $20, $15 for garden members.

Needle Felting: Pumpkin
2025-09-13 12:30 - 16:30 | Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE, 68108, United States
Join Rhonda Berman of Zipply Art to create an art piece adding a new twist to needle felting. In this class, participants will create a pumpkin.
An outline design is made when a zipper is sewn onto wool felt. Wool roving is added using the technique of needle felting. Then the piece is adorned with embellishments as desired. Students will learn also how to prepare a zipper, apply a pattern, embellishment tips and finishing options.
Pre-registration is required. $40, $30 for garden members.
