10 Things to Do in Omaha for Convention Attendees

After a day of connecting and hearing the latest in your industry, refresh with colleagues and friends after hours. Omaha is where work and play meet, so come ready to meet, relax and repeat.

Browse below and find more things to do in Omaha on our website.

1.  Stroll Omaha's Old Market Entertainment District. The historic area with cobblestone streets is a lively shopping, dining, and nightlife destination perfect for unwinding. Grab retro candies at Hollywood Candy, snap a photo at Old Market Passageway, enjoy a drink at The Berry & Rye, and indulge in a “Mud Ball” at Old Market Candy Shop.

2.  Stand in two states at once over the mighty Missouri River. The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, or Bob for short, spans the Missouri River, connecting Nebraska to Iowa. Walk to the midpoint, where you can stand in two states at once – we call it “Bobbing.” Take a selfie to share with Bob’s Instagram.

3.   Explore Omaha’s tri-park development, The RiverFront. Situated in the heart of Omaha’s downtown, The RiverFront offers riverfront views, a sculpture park, vast green spaces, walking paths and native plant gardens, with plenty of gathering spaces sprinkled throughout. Visitors can relax with sand volleyball or bocce, swing in a hammock, hit up the Skate Ribbon, or sit around a fire pit.

4.  Get wild at one of the world’s best zoos. See why Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium won the USA Readers’ Choice award for the best zoo in 2023. Visit North America’s largest indoor rainforest, and the world’s largest indoor desert and largest nocturnal exhibit. Watch baby elephants play, sea lions splash, and primates ponder, and rediscover your connection to the wild.

5.  Say cheers to Omaha’s craft brew scene. Beer lovers from all over have labeled Omaha’s craft brew scene a must-try. See what the buzz is about. We’ve made it simple to indulge in Omaha’s craft brew scene with the Craft Brew Penny Pack. Tell your meeting colleagues and go together. It might be the best “session” of your trip.

6.  Tour Omaha's unique neighborhoods. Each Omaha entertainment district is a window into the city's character, spanning from the historic charm of Little Bohemia to the contemporary cool of Midtown Crossing to the delectable delights of Dundee and so much more. Find your ideal match during your meeting in Omaha.

7.  Grab some beefy bites. Omaha is the steak capital of the world thanks to the state’s producers and the city’s steakhouse heritage and history as a packing town. Grabbing a fabulous steak dinner is a must, but don’t miss your chance to try Omaha’s equally delicious burgers and its classic homegrown sandwich, the Reuben.

8.  Immerse yourself in Omaha's vibrant art scene. KANEKO, a cultural beacon in a historic warehouse, hosts innovative exhibitions, performances, and workshops. Nearby, Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts champions artists with international residencies and dynamic exhibitions. For interactive art, explore Hot Shops Art Center, a 92,000-sq.-ft. space teeming with creative energy. s.

9.  Rock out to Omaha’s legendary live music. Catch a traveling indie music favorite at The Waiting Room. Find eclectic acts from folk to electronica at Slowdown or from bluegrass to punk at The Admiral. New in 2023, Steelhouse Omaha books Live Nation artists, including The Flaming Lips and Doja Cat. CHI Health Center Omaha brings top-name talent, like Aerosmith and Lizzo.

10.  Experience Omaha’s museums and attractions. Hands-on learning takes center stage at an array of area attractions. Kiewit Luminarium is the city’s new STEM-based discovery center with more than 100 interactive exhibits and a kaleidoscope of programming. Head to The Durham Museum in Omaha's former Union Station for art deco architecture and exhibits highlighting culture and history. Other Omaha-area museums and cultural attractions include Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum and Malcolm X’s Birth Site.

This is just the beginning! For more ideas on how to unwind after a day at the convention center, go to VisitOmaha.com.