Omaha’s summer festivals are heating up. Find uplift with hot air balloons, bright sunflowers, farm-fresh food and inspiring cultural showcases.
Hot Air Balloons
Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival (Aug. 16-17)
Taste award-winning wines, see hot air balloons launch and watch a balloon glow in the evening (weather permitting) in the beautiful Ta-Ha-Zouka Park. There will be vendors selling food and live entertainment. A kids zone will feature pony rides, inflatable bounce houses, face painting and more.
Seasonal Food and Flowers
Watermelon Festival at Nelson Produce Farm (Aug. 3-4; Aug. 10-11)
Visit the farm where over 1 million watermelons are produced each year. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat watermelon buffet, or save your appetite for a friendly watermelon-eating (or seed-spitting) competition. Afterward, ride the watermelon bus, or sit back to enjoy live music and face painting. Don’t forget to try a watermelon slushie before you go. Who knew summer could be so refreshing?
Sunflower Festival at Nelson Produce Farm (Aug. 16-31)
Experience the beauty of 100,000 sunflowers. This two-week event on the 22-acre farm will feature various exciting activities for all ages. Spend the day picking sunflowers and creating your own bouquets, playing various outdoor games, or relaxing.
Cider and Sunflower Festival at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch (Aug. 31-Sept. 8)
Enjoy freshly pressed apple cider made with Vala's apples. There is sweet cider for everyone and hard cider for those 21+. Plus, festival entertainment, acres of sunflowers, gorgeous free photo opportunities, butterfly releases, flower picking, limited-time food specials, and a unique opportunity to experience a guided apple orchard tour at sunset.
Cultural Festivals
Santa Lucia Festival (Aug. 1-4)
It’s the 100th Annual Santa Lucia Festival in Little Italy, and you better come hungry. A Bocce tournament and live entertainment keep things lively.
Omaha Greek Festival (Aug. 15-17)
Visitors to Omaha will Greek out at this vibrant festival, which features local and nationally renowned dancers, live bands, authentic Greek street food, and a Greek taverna. There will also be church tours and a boutique selling Greek-themed items. Opa!
Afro Fest at The RiverFront (Sept. 1)
Afro Fest Omaha is the Midwest's largest celebration of African and Afro cultures. Check out the children's and educational village, which offers fun activities from robots to language learning; visit the African Market and Food Row, which features clothing vendors, arts, crafts, and cuisine; and watch electrifying performances by local and international acts.
Summer lasts until Sept. 22 this year, so don’t delay. Head to VisitOmaha.com to book your hotel and plan the rest of your stay.