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Omaha Offers Travel-Worthy Playgrounds
Omaha’s commitment to family-friendly amenities is on full display in its creative, inclusive playgrounds. From the imaginative rope forests and water features at The RiverFront’s Gene Leahy Mall and Lewis and Clark Landing to ALLPLAY’s fully accessible design at Seymour Smith Park, these spaces are investments in quality of life for residents and visitors. Nature takes center stage at Sofia’s Play Garden in Lauritzen Gardens and Acorn Acres in Fontenelle Forest, encouraging kids to explore, imagine and connect outdoors. Meanwhile, indoor options like We Rock the Spectrum, KIPP, Playful Pines and Kiewit Luminarium’s Geometry Playground ensure that the fun doesn’t stop when the weather isn’t cooperating. For developers, hospitality pros and civic leaders, these playgrounds — and so many more throughout Omaha — highlight how thoughtful design can attract families, strengthen neighborhoods and elevate Omaha’s visitor appeal. After all, a city that makes room for play is a city focused...
Celebrate Omaha’s Sweet Ice Cream Scene on National Ice Cream Day
National Ice Cream Day is Sunday, July 20. It’s the perfect excuse to explore Omaha’s growing ice cream scene. From heritage soda fountains to inventive small-batch shops, the city’s ice cream makers are building destination-worthy experiences that support local jobs, attract visitors and add character to our neighborhoods one treat at a time. Old-school favorites like Graley’s Creamery & Confections and The Durham Museum’s Soda Fountain and Candy Shop preserve the timeless joy of floats in authentic vintage settings. Ted and Wally’s is a magnet for locals and tourists alike, drawing crowds with its daily-changing roster of ultra-premium flavors. Innovation thrives in spots like Coneflower Creamery, where “farm-to-cone” partnerships with area producers turn local cream and fruit into seasonal art. eCreamery in Dundee offers creative small-batch flavors (and personalized pints for gifting), while Freezing Thai Rolled Ice Cream and Mixins turn dessert into an interactive show....
Tourism Milestone: Deborah Ward to Retire from Visit Omaha
Deborah Ward, executive director of Visit Omaha, will retire on July 31 after more than 18 years dedicated to growing the city’s tourism economy. Ward became executive director in 2020, steering the organization through the pandemic and laying the groundwork for three straight years of record-breaking tourism numbers. Under her leadership, Omaha’s tourism industry grew into a $2 billion annual economic driver for the city supporting more than 15,000 local jobs. A former journalist, Ward brought a storyteller’s perspective to destination marketing. She led award-winning advertising campaigns that boosted visitation by 25 percent, helped secure a 10-year funding agreement between the City of Omaha and Douglas County, and led the City of Omaha Hotel Stimulus Program that delivered millions of dollars in relief to Omaha hotels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ward gave a voice to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, producing unique videos that gave “Bob” a chance to speak as only a bridge...
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USA Triathlon Brings 1,300 Athletes to Omaha for Five-Day National Championships Festival
For the second year in a row, Omaha will host the USA Triathlon Multisport National Championships Festival at Lake Cunningham, bringing 1,300 athletes – 97 percent from outside the metro – to compete in 12 events across multiple race formats along with nine National Championship races. Presented by Mutual of Omaha, the festival runs June 4 to 8. A partnership among USA Triathlon, the Omaha Sports Commission, the City of Omaha and Visit Omaha, the event offers a major boost to Omaha’s visitor economy. Athletes and spectators will be filling hotel rooms, dining at local restaurants and exploring the city in between events. Races include open water swims, sprint triathlons, youth events and the draft-legal formats used in Olympic-level competitions. All races take place at Lake Cunningham. Qualifying athletes will earn a spot on Team USA for the 2026 World Triathlon Championships. Show your Omaha pride by attending an event, volunteering or sharing your favorite local spots with...
Thousands of Student Athletes Descend on Omaha for State Track Meet
One of Nebraska’s largest high school sporting events returns to Omaha this week as more than 2,600 athletes compete in the 2025 NSAA State Track & Field Championships at Omaha Burke Stadium. The statewide event draws students, families and fans from throughout Nebraska. The four-day meet runs from May 21 to 24, with Class A and B events on Wednesday and Thursday, and Class C and D events on Friday and Saturday. Spectators can expect a packed schedule of field events beginning at 9 a.m. each day, followed by running events in the afternoon. Unified Sports events – featuring athletes with and without disabilities competing together – will add to the inclusive spirit of the meet. Don’t miss this showcase of speed, strength and school pride. And for even more sports action, head to visitomaha.com/events.
High-Speed Cycling Race Debuts in Omaha’s Aksarben Village
Omaha is shifting into high gear with the debut of the Aksarben Tirc, a new criterium bike race taking over Aksarben Village on Saturday, May 17. A criterium – or “crit” – is a short-course, high-speed cycling event known for sharp corners, tight packs and thrilling spectator views. The Aksarben Tirc is part of the USA Crits National Series and is expected to draw hundreds of cyclists from across the country. Riders will loop the course at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, with races lasting 40 to 75 minutes depending on the category. Spectators can watch for free and enjoy multiple race heats throughout the afternoon and evening. The pro women’s race begins at 7:05pm, followed by the pro men’s race at 8:10pm. Aksarben Village is one of Omaha’s most walkable neighborhoods with restaurants, patios and shops just steps from the action. Stinson Park will serve as the family hub, with bike-themed kids’ activities and a skills course. There will also be a Mini Crit in which kids ages...
2025 Omaha Metropolitan Area Tourism Award Winners Announced
Tourism means big business for the Omaha metro. The 2025 Omaha Metropolitan Area (OMA) Tourism Awards highlights businesses helping drive the metro’s tourism success. More than 15,000 public votes recognized standout hotels, restaurants, attractions and retailers across Douglas and Pottawattamie counties this year. In Douglas County, Lauritzen Gardens was named Best Attraction; Omaha Marriott Downtown at The Capitol District earned Best Hotel; Clio won Best Restaurant; and Nebraska Furniture Mart led the Best Retail Business category. In Pottawattamie County, winners included Hitchcock Nature Center (Best Attraction), Harrah’s Hotel & Casino (Best Hotel), Boxer Barbeque (Best Restaurant) and Bloom Works Floral (Best Retail Business).Presented by Visit Omaha and the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau, the OMA Tourism Awards align with National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4–10). Winners will be featured on billboards and social media. See the full list at...
Omaha Welcomes Thousands for Berkshire Hathaway Weekend
Every spring, Omaha becomes the center of the investing universe. This year, the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting will draw 40,000 attendees from around the globe for a weekend of wisdom from Warren Buffett. Other activities will include exclusive shopping opportunities, a business meeting, a 5k race and a shareholder cookout. This year's meeting will take place Saturday, May 3rd at CHI Health Center Omaha. The Annual Shareholders Meeting is not open to the public, but locals can still get in on the excitement. Explore Buffett’s Omaha with a trip to Hollywood Candy, Gorat’s or Nebraska Furniture Mart. Grab a cone from eCreamery, where Buffett once took Paul McCartney. It’s a known fact that Buffett is a voracious reader. Hit up a local bookstore, like The Bookworm, The Next Chapter or Jackson Street Booksellers. And don’t miss the opportunity to soak up even more insights via the live Q&A session at cnbc.com/brklive. Whether you’re a shareholder or just...
Bands, Barn Finds and a Boardwalk: Junkstock Returns with a Beachy Twist
One of the Omaha area’s most beloved festivals is back. And this year, it’s bigger, beachier and more buzzworthy. Junkstock, the vintage-fueled maker fair held at Sycamore Farms in West Omaha, returns April 25–27 and May 2–4 with new experiences, record-breaking food offerings and its signature mix of music, makers and Midwest charm. This spring’s festival leans into an imaginative new theme. “By the Sea” will bring coastal vibes to the Heartland. Visitors will stroll a 150-foot salvaged boardwalk flanked by whimsical shops and selfie stops, including a surf shack, fortune teller’s booth, taffy shop, vintage boats, mermaid houses and even a giant clamshell. Other new features include a fully operational Ferris wheel, a classic car show, and more bands, food and vendors than ever. As always, Junkstock blends creativity, community and a touch of magic – this year with surf style and farm flair. Learn more about Junkstock and other Omaha-area events at...