Enjoy a range of family-friendly events to usher in the fall season this September and October. Most of these events are free and open to the public, ranging from fall festivals to live music, food, vendors, and more. Concentrated in the greater Omaha region with events in Fremont, Nebraska City, Waterloo, and Papillion, there’s something in your backyard or worth traveling to.
Where: Across Douglas and Sarpy counties
When: Saturday, Sept. 12 through Saturday, Sept. 19
Admission: Free with some ticketed events and VIP options
This weeklong inaugural festival will take place across Douglas and Sarpy counties and feature 25 artists, who will paint the area’s urban and suburban landscapes. At the end of the open-air event, the art created will be auctioned to the public. Full details, including a map of each artist’s location throughout the week, are available on the event website.
Where: Arbor Day Farm at 2611 Arbor Ave. in Nebraska City
When: Sept. 18 to 20 and Sept. 26 and 27
Admission: Free
This annual family-friendly event kicks off the fall season with tons of daily activities, from U-pick flowers and apples to food trucks, bingo, hayrides, vendor shopping, and wine tastings. Buy plants and flowers, pot your own succulents, and tour the Arbor Lodge Mansion.
Where: Gene Leahy Mall, 1001 Douglas St., in Omaha
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Young entrepreneurs aged 5-17 will sell their wares at the outdoor Kids Markets event, slated for Sept. 19 on the grounds of Gene Leahy Mall. If your child has a business, they can register to sell items at the event. Otherwise, about 5,000 patrons are expected to attend and shop at the event—so you certainly don’t have to have a participating loved one to have a great time. The market will kick off the Nebraska Chinese Association’s broader cultural festival, an annual event featuring food vendors, arts, crafts, and performances for the whole family.
Where: 631 North Park Ave. in Fremont
When: Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free
The new Fremont Art House will mark its grand opening with a public celebration at its facility on North Park Avenue, which includes an on-site house gallery. In-house artists will be in attendance to greet visitors, who can enter to win a gift card to the Art Cafe. The facility will hold classes, workshops, and events, so be sure to take a look at offerings during your visit and get ready for your next artistic endeavor.
Where: Corner of Third and Jefferson streets in Papillion
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon
Admission: Free
The Papillion Area Historical Society is hosting a family-friendly event in conjunction with the Papillion Public Library to celebrate the area’s history. Hands-on activities, old–fashioned field games, and interactive exhibits will show kids and parents what it was like to live the prairie life. Participate in the spoon race, tug-of-war, and water balloon toss. Baked goods will be sold.
Where: Blackstone Alley, the parking lot behind Striptown Brewing off Farnam Street in Omaha
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, from 2 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Free
Enjoy live music, dine at food trucks, sip at the outdoor bar, and shop local vendors at the Fall Fest event held in Blackstone Alley. The free event is family-friendly and will feature music from three different performers throughout the evening. Eleven vendors will be on site offering face painting, permanent jewelry, balloon twisting, and more.
Where: John C. Fremont City Park
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, from 12 to 9 p.m.
Admission: Free
Kick off the Fremont Hispanic Festival with a parade beginning at 12 p.m. and followed by an evening of live music and dancing, food, vendors, and fun. The event celebrates the cultures and traditions of the area’s Hispanic population as well as the independence days of Latin American countries.
Where: 1150 River Road Drive in Waterloo
When: Oct. 2 to 4 and Oct. 9 to 11
Hours vary daily. Friday, early-bird hours from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by general admission from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The concert is from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. The car show is Sunday, Oct. 4.
Admission: $20 for a day pass; $35 for early bird access; $30 for weekend access; children are free
Bring your kids and dogs to the annual Junkstock Fall antique and vintage market featuring dozens of vendors. Food trucks will be on site, and live music will be featured on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 3. On-site parking is free. The Gas & Gears Car Show on Sunday, Oct. 4, will feature antique rides.
Where: John C. Fremont Park
When: Friday, Oct. 2, from 5:30 to 10 p.m., and all day Saturday, Oct. 3
Admission: Free
Dylan Bloom will perform in the park on Friday to kick off the annual Gallery Walk Weekend in conjunction with MainStreet Fremont Gallery Walk throughout downtown Fremont. The event will include a sculpture walk where attendees can vote for their favorite piece.
Where: Joslyn Art Museum at 2200 Dodge Street in Omaha
When: Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: Free
This event is held each Saturday at the Joslyn Art Museum and features gallery activities and family-friendly presentations.
Where: Gifford Park Neighborhood Market at 520 N. 33rd St. in Omaha
When: Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
The 10th annual Porchfest OMA event will take place this year, featuring 90 musical acts across 13 stages over seven hours. Buy food and drinks from local vendors and shop merchant booths. There will be a beer garden near one of the stages, and pedicabs will be available to travel between stages.
Where: Falconwood Park at 905 Allied Road in Bellevue
When: 12 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 through 12 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18
Admission: Weekend passes start at $160
Camp out with other adults aged 21 plus for a weekend of fun at Falconwood Park. This year’s event features a new twist: an adult summer-camp theme, with activities such as field games, a talent show, archery, and arts & crafts. The weekend is packed with events. Attendees can stay in tents, RVs, or a glamping cabin. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are included each day with the weekend pass fee.
Where: 301 S. 145th St. in Omaha
When: Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Bring your lawn chair and your kites and take in the sights at the annual Kite Festival at Heartwood Preserve. Food trucks, family games, and activities will also be on-site as you watch kites fly overhead.
Where: Pinnacle Bank Arena at 400 Pinnacle Arena Drive in Lincoln
When: Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.
Admission: Tickets start at $36
Watch 35 Professional Bull Riders compete in Lincoln for the first time since 2022. This event is one of 50 leading up to the championship event in Las Vegas in November.
Where: Lincoln Children’s Zoo
When: Oct. 23 to 27 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Admission: Tickets must be purchased in advance for everyone 2 and older, at about $8 each. Tickets are required for candy bags and train rides as well.
Kids are encouraged to wear costumes while trick-or-treating at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, where tons of booths will be handing out candy, coupons, and more against the backdrop of animal exhibits.
