10 Things to Do in October in Omaha

The region’s favorite vintage festival takes place on an old horse farm. Named as an “unforgettable fall festival worth traveling for” by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Junkstock features 200+ vendors from across the country who sell their one-of-a-kind wares, from vintage finds and antiques to fashions and repurposed relics. Also part of the fun: live music, tasty food, pumpkins galore, plentiful photo ops and all the fall feels to kick off the season.

Cozy autumn attractions await you in Omaha. Navigate corn mazes or snuggle with loved ones on hayrack rides before picking the perfect pumpkins. Vala's Pumpkin Patch has 50 themed attractions, seasonal eats, and train and hayrack rides. For a rural-rustic autumn adventure, check out Skinny Bones with its 10-acre corn maze and 20 old-fashioned fun attractions. At Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch, catch the fall breeze on a giant bounce pad and careen around a wrecked pirate ship.

From "Game of Thrones" to "How to Train Your Dragon," dragons have entered the pop culture and people of all ages adore their magical allure. The Lost World of Dragons exhibit at Durham Museum delves into the histories and cultures that revere them, offering a custom, interactive experience.

For a big taste of local art (and the perfect souvenir), head to Artists Cooperative Gallery. The artist-run gallery features the for-sale work of more than 30 artists in the heart of Omaha’s Old Market Entertainment District. Sales go directly to the artist – who you can often meet because they’ll be working the front desk.

Omaha Dog Bar is a watering hole for dogs and their owners with 15,000 square feet of play space indoors and out. Bonus: They serve a lovingly crafted menu of drinks and eats for pups and people. Order from sandwiches, snacks, sweet treats, coffee, and of course, cocktails. A daily, monthly or annual membership is required to visit, and vaccination records are required, so visit their website to upload them before you arrive.

Sign up, get your pass on your phone, then redeem to enjoy buy one, get one for a cent beer at each of the participating craft breweries with the Omaha Craft Brew Penny Pack. This pass is your exclusive opportunity to sample award-winning beers on your self-guided beer tour in the Omaha area. Bonus: Get a free souvenir flight glass at the Omaha Visitors Center after completing your “tour.”

Take in the beauty of Holy Family Shrine. The stunning glass chapel, with its unique glass architecture and curved wooden arches, was created for travelers as an oasis for peace and tranquility and is the ideal setting for a faith-filled experience. Located conveniently off Exit 432 on Interstate 80.

The beloved slides in Omaha’s Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront have been an Omaha staple since their installation in the early ’80s. The brand new RiverFront park has mostly new amenities, but this former favorite feature stayed with the park’s redesign and reopening. Tip: Bring a piece of wax paper to work up some speed

From the rolling Ponca Hills in Nebraska to the scenic Loess Hills across the river in Iowa, there are plenty of hiking opportunities to explore in the Omaha area. Plus, many of these same trails offer other recreational fun like snowshoeing, mountain biking and birding. So lace up your sneakers and hit one of the area trails/parks for some good old-fashioned hiking. Bonus: After a hike at Fontenelle Forest, head to TreeRush Adventures for more thrills.

Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead remembers departed loved ones through offerings, such as flowers, candles, incense, candy, and bread called pan de muertos. Throughout October, El Museo Latino is holding special workshops to paint a skull to take home or to make a decorative sugar skull. Call in advance to register.