10 Things to Do in August in Omaha

It's hard to believe, but Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront and Lewis and Clark Landing at The RiverFront both reopened this August a year ago. We can't imagine life in Omaha without them--and Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront. This vibrant reimagining of Omaha's downtown green space provides recreational and relaxation opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Try sand volleyball, bocce ball, or roller skating. Or relax on hammocks, in front of firepits and on riverside benches. Spread out for a picnic at a covered table or one of the wide green lawns. Scramble after your kids on destination playgrounds or catch a breeze on Farnam Pier and the boardwalk. 

Enjoy a refreshing treat at several area old-fashioned soda fountains. August 6 is National Root Beer Float Day, and Omaha’s The Durham Museum celebrates with special activities. Or slurp a handmade soda or phosphate at Graley’s Creamery & Confections, a Victorian ice cream parlor. For an adult-only experience, Fizzy’s Fountain & Liquors in Little Bohemia serves ice cream cocktails, floats, and comfort food favorites like nachos and fried bologna sandwiches.

The latest fashions light up the runway during Omaha’s semiannual Omaha Fashion Week, Aug. 22-25, 2024. This year’s event celebrates 16 years of runway showcases with a theme drawing inspiration from the natural world and exploring themes of community and cultural heritage. Make sure to attend the final day, when you can shop the runway fashions. August in Omaha is haute!

A treasured summer favorite, the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival features a delightful hot air balloon glow and tastings of the region’s best wines and spirits. It's an event the entire family will enjoy.

Experience one of the world’s best zoos from a unique vantage point. The Skyfari aerial tram transports guests with an unobstructed view of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, specifically the zoo’s African Grasslands exhibit, where you’ll see wildlife like white rhinos, cheetahs, lions, and elephants.

Discover 12 stops with classic games made new by a beautiful natural setting at Lauritzen Gardens. Pick up a round of croquet on the festival garden lawn. Start a larger-than-life game of Connect Four in the rose garden. Play I-Spy and see how many pollinators you can spot. There is also badminton, giant chess, checkers, cornhole and more. 

For a leisurely water experience unique to the area, try tubing or tanking down the Elkhorn River west of Omaha. To choose which, determine how wet you’re willing to get. Tanking entails riding in an 8-foot diameter stock tank complete with custom-made picnic tables, while tubing is more of an all-in experience involving sitting in commercial-grade inner tubes and floating in the river. That’s just the start of the water fun in Omaha; find more area water adventure options here.

Omaha’s most beloved troll is taking it easy under the city’s most beloved bridge. Take a selfie with OMAR the Troll, interact with OMAR through videos scannable on the bridge, and even turn yourself into OMAR using a special Snapchat filter. Can’t get enough of the troll sculpture? Read about OMAR's adventures in his book “OMAR Finds a Home.” It’s a colorful keepsake and a terrific souvenir from your Omaha trip.

Omaha has an illustrious golf history. Check out the city's many area courses for an action-packed afternoon.  

In West Omaha, Heron Haven is a spring-fed wetland sanctuary tucked away in the city. It has trails, nooks for relaxing, and a butterfly garden. Admission is free.