The biennial Native Omaha Days Festival returns for its 25th celebration, bringing thousands of Native Omahans and friends together for a weeklong homecoming packed with history, live music, family fun and food. Running July 28 through August 4, this vibrant festival honors the legacy of North Omaha while celebrating its future.
Founded in 1977 by Vera Johnson and Bettie McDonald, Native Omaha Days is a powerful gathering that blends tradition with revitalization. Events stretch across North Omaha, centered around historic North 24th Street. Whether you're reconnecting with old friends or experiencing this homecoming for the first time, Native Omaha Days offers a chance to celebrate Black culture, explore North Omaha and join in a joyful community celebration.
History
Start your weekend with Stroll Down Memory Lane, a free historic trolley tour of North Omaha on Friday, Aug. 1 from 4 to 8pm. Pick up the trolley at 24th and Lake Streets and enjoy live music, food and a goodie bag as you explore revitalization efforts along one of Omaha’s most historic corridors.
Then, on Friday at 3pm, celebrate the grand opening of the North Omaha Visitors Center at 2205 N. 24th Street. The new center is designed to showcase the area’s rich history and vibrant culture year-round.
The Great Plains Black History Museum, located in the historic Jewell Building at 2221 N. 24th Street, will host a Black Author Book Signing from August 1–3, offering a chance to meet local authors and explore new works by Black voices.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bryan Bell
Music
Live music is at the heart of Native Omaha Days. On Friday, August 1, the Dreamland Park Concert Series brings together some of the city’s most beloved performers from 4pm-10pm at 24th and Lake. Catch sets by Ed Archibald, Nate Bray, R-Style and Black Swan.
Return on Sunday, August 3 for the Dreamland Park Biannual Jam Session from 2pm-10:30pm. The free outdoor concert features Enjoli and Timeless, Nate Bray, Tyi Hakeem and Brown Sugar, and R-Style with Jamie Robinson and Mario Corbino.
Parade
The signature event of the weekend is the Native Omaha Days Homecoming Parade, happening Saturday, August 2 at 10am. The parade kicks off at 30th and Lake and winds north to 30th and Sprague, bringing marching bands, floats, dancers, drill teams and a fleet of Corvettes through the heart of North Omaha. This year’s Grand Marshal is Ruth Thomas, a Diamond Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and the Honorary Grand Marshal is Hazel Kellogg, former president of the Native Omahans Club. Expect big energy, deep pride and a true community celebration.
Family Fun
Bring the whole family to Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 2, from noon to 5pm at 2766 N. 24th Street. The event is free and includes bounce houses, music, food and costumed characters — plenty to keep kids and adults entertained.
More to Explore
While you're in North Omaha, make time to visit cultural institutions like the Malcolm X Birthsite, The Union for Contemporary Art, Culxr House, North Omaha Music and Arts Academy and B&B Sports Academy, the gym founded by world champion boxer Terence “Bud” Crawford.
And don’t leave without sampling the flavors of North Omaha — visit favorites like Big Mama’s Kitchen, Jackson’s Fair Deal Cafe, Get N Go Fish, Time Out Foods and Ital Vital Juice Bar. For more local dining, visit VisitOmaha.com/dining.
