The final weekends of summer meet the first weekends of fall to provide opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Here are 10 ideas for making the most of September in Omaha.

 

Search for a lovable local troll who wanders Omaha.

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OMAI at Lauritzen Gardens

Families are invited on a citywide adventure to find OMAI, an elusive troll on an Omaha adventure. (She is also sister to OMAR, who lives under Bob the Bridge.) Here’s how it works: At each of 11 participating attractions, including Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Omaha Children’s Museum and The Durham Museum, look for OMAI’s blue footprints with a QR code that tells you more about her. Then, ask a staff member for a free button to commemorate your visit. At any time during your journey, stop by the Omaha Visitors Center for your free backpack to show off the buttons you’ve collected. Can you collect all 11? 

Enjoy al fresco dining in beautiful Omaha weather.

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La Buvette

Cooler days and still warm enough evenings provide prime conditions for enjoying your meal outside. Popular patios for outdoor dining in the Old Market include La Buvette, a quaint European-style wine bar, Gather in Omaha with its vertical garden and two patios, and Jams Old Market. Enjoy rooftop dining with a view at Upstream Brewing Company or a backyard with lawn games at Rathskeller Bier Haus. Bärchen Beer Garden serves guests meaty bites and mighty brews at shaded picnic tables. Click here for more ideas.

Check out one of Omaha’s artsiest neighborhood gatherings.

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BFF -- use once on blog

Benson First Friday offers a firsthand glimpse into Omaha’s robust arts scene. The monthly gathering of the neighborhood, community, artists, and businesses features hand maps, poster maps, pink chalkboard signs, and event signs to keep visitors on track with all that's happening each time, from live performances and art shows to drink and food specials throughout the historic neighborhood.

Experience opera outdoors at a beloved Omaha park.

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Opera Outdoors

Opera Omaha starts its 2023-2024 Season with Opera Outdoors at Midtown Crossing’s Turner Park. This free concert features highlights from the coming season and many of opera’s greatest hits. Bring your kids and friends for an evening that will hit all the right notes.

Lace your sneakers and race through Omaha’s scenic streets.

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Heartland Marathon

Omaha Running Club’s signature event, the Heartland Marathon, is back. If 26.2 miles feels too ambitious, consider a marathon relay, 10K or half marathon. Or just show up and cheer on the crowd. The course begins on the Riverfront Trail at Miller’s Landing and heads south, crossing the Missouri River via the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge to Council Bluffs’ Indian Creek and back. The marathon is a two-lap course.

Travel through time on an Omaha trolley.

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River City History Tour by The Durham Museum

Take a history tour aboard Ollie the Trolley on The Durham Museum’s River City History Tours, based on themes like jazz musicians, millionaires and mansions, and notable – or notorious – local women.

Make tracks to celebrate local railroad history.

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Union Pacific Railroad Museum

Railroad Days is an annual celebration of all things train and track across the river in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Celebrate Council Bluffs’ rich railroad heritage and place in history as historic Mile Zero for Union Pacific Railroad. Check out numerous train-themed activities at attractions like Union Pacific Railroad Museum, the Historic General Dodge House, and RailsWest Railroad Museum for one low flat fee per family.

Shop for treasures at two curated September markets.

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HutchFest by Ariel Panowicz

Support local artisans and vintage dealers at HutchFest 2023 in North Downtown happening Sept. 3. Play lawn games, jam out to live music and sip on local coffee, beer or cocktails. Next, Sept. 29 - Oct. 1 is the first of two Junkstock Harvest Edition weekends in nearby Waterloo. Find unique treasures and devour homemade food. 

Saddle up for an Omaha tradition with big thrills.

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Aksarben River City Rodeo

Omaha’s River City Rodeo brings the Western tradition to CHI Health Center Omaha’s arena, where world-champion cowboys compete at the rodeo for their official entry into the National Finals Rodeo. Two nights of high-caliber PRCA rodeo feature all seven rodeo events including steer wrestling, team roping and bull riding. This is a must-see event for the entire family!

Devour freshly fried comfort food with a breezy river view.

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The Surfside Club

The Surfside Club is a local favorite on the river serving up an intimate menu of fried goodness: catfish, pork tenderloin, chicken, corn fritters and a cheeseburger. Open since 1952, Surfside welcomes people with or without their boats.

For more great Omaha ideas to bring color to your fall, head to VisitOmaha.com.