By Hola Nebraska
Nebraska has a full weekend ahead with art, baseball, music, Latino culture, family activities and community festivals from Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14. In Omaha, the calendar includes Omaha Art Fair, the start of the Men’s College World Series, free children’s activities, Omaha Freedom Festival and events in South Omaha.
Most of the weekend plans are centered in Omaha and Douglas County, with major events happening in Aksarben Village, downtown Omaha, North Omaha and South Omaha. Families can also find options in Lincoln and a three-day community celebration in Dakota City.
Omaha Art Fair will bring art and music to Aksarben Village
Omaha Art Fair will take place from Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14, at Aksarben Village in Omaha.
The event turns the area’s streets into an outdoor art walk with artists, music, food, drinks and activities for visitors. The fair is designed for people to explore on foot, with art booths and interactive spaces throughout the area.
Date: Friday, June 12; Saturday, June 13; and Sunday, June 14
Location: Aksarben Village, Omaha
Hours: Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Omaha Art Fair is one of the most accessible options of the weekend for families, couples and visitors looking for an outdoor plan without an entry fee.
The MCWS will bring games and Fan Fest near the stadium
The Men’s College World Series begins Friday in Omaha with games at Charles Schwab Field Omaha and fan activities near the stadium.
The tournament’s Fan Fest will be located in Lot C, in the northeast corner of Lot B and Mike Fahey Street, between 10th and 12th streets. Admission to Fan Fest is free for all ages.
Date: Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14, with weekend activities
Location: Charles Schwab Field Omaha and the Fan Fest area in downtown Omaha
Fan Fest hours: Friday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Fan Fest is free; games require a ticket
Fan Fest includes batting cages, sponsor activities, photo opportunities, stage entertainment, lounge areas, water and spaces where visitors can cool off during the heat.
Omaha Freedom Festival will feature free activities and a concert
Omaha Freedom Festival will celebrate Juneteenth on Saturday, June 13, with family activities during the day and a concert at night.
Daytime activities will take place at Miller Park in North Omaha. The program includes a children’s area, family activities, community information, health screenings, local artists, musicians, food and vendors.
Date: Saturday, June 13
Location: Miller Park, 30th & Redick, Omaha
Hours: Daytime activities from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; evening concert at Gene Leahy Mall
Cost: Free daytime activities with a Day Pass; free concert with a downloaded ticket
The Omaha Freedom Festival concert is scheduled for Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront, with free admission through a ticket. The evening event includes live music and fireworks.
El Museo Latino offers a cultural stop in South Omaha
El Museo Latino continues to feature the “Textiles of Latin America” exhibition this summer in South Omaha.
The exhibition is part of the museum’s cultural programming and features textiles from Latin America. The museum is located in South Omaha, one of the city’s most visible Latino community areas.
Date: Exhibition open during the weekend
Location: El Museo Latino, 4701 S. 25th St., Omaha
Hours: Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: General admission is listed at $5, with discounts for students and older adults.
El Museo Latino is also featuring “TAJIMAL K’IN – La Fiesta del Sol / Festival of the Sun,” a collective photography exhibition on view through August 22.
South Omaha Library will host music for children Friday
South Omaha Library will host String Sprouts Storytime on Friday, June 12.
The activity combines reading, music, movement songs and a chance for children to connect with musical instruments. The event is designed for families and children of different ages.
Date: Friday, June 12
Location: South Omaha Library
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Cost: Free
String Sprouts Storytime is a short indoor option for families looking for an activity before the afternoon heat or before other weekend plans.
Omaha will have free games and activities for children
Omaha will also have free options for children on Friday, June 12.
Soccer Shots Community Play Day will take place at Gene Leahy Mall from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The activity offers a 30-minute soccer experience for children ages 2 to 5.
Date: Friday, June 12
Location: Gene Leahy Mall, 14th & Farnam, Omaha
Time: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
The city also holds Hydrant Parties during the summer. For Friday, the Omaha Parks and Recreation calendar includes activities at midday and in the afternoon at different locations across the city.
Date: Friday, June 12
Location: Several locations in Omaha
Time: Based on each location in the city calendar
Cost: Free
Hydrant Parties are neighborhood summer activities with water and outdoor time for children and families.
Dakota City will celebrate Cottonwood Days for three days
Cottonwood Days returns to Dakota City from Friday, June 12, through Sunday, June 14.
The community celebration includes family activities, local traditions, food, vendors and entertainment. The event is organized with support from the Dakota City Community Foundation and community partners.
Date: Friday, June 12; Saturday, June 13; and Sunday, June 14
Location: Dakota City, Nebraska
Hours: Activities throughout the weekend, based on the Cottonwood Days schedule
Cost: Free or varies by activity; food and purchases are paid individually by visitors.
Cottonwood Days is an option for families in Dakota City, South Sioux City and nearby communities looking for a local festival outside the Omaha metro area.
Lincoln will host an outdoor family movie night at the airport
Lincoln Airport will host LNK Drive-In Movie Night: Cars on Friday, June 12.
The movie night will take place at the airport and is part of an outdoor family event series. The program includes the movie “Cars,” with activities and food trucks before the screening.
Date: Friday, June 12
Location: LNK Airport Hangar, 3801 NW 34th St., Lincoln
Time: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Families can bring chairs or stay in their vehicles, depending on the event setup. The movie is scheduled to play at night.
Omaha Farmers Market will open in Old Market and Aksarben Village
Omaha Farmers Market will be open Saturday in Old Market and Sunday in Aksarben Village.
The market brings together local vendors, producers, food, flowers, handmade items and morning options for visitors who want to walk through the area.
Date: Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14
Location: Old Market on Saturday; Aksarben Village on Sunday
Hours: Old Market, Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Aksarben Village, Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: No listed entry fee; individual purchases are paid by visitors
The Aksarben market can be paired with Omaha Art Fair on Sunday because both events are centered in the same area of Omaha.
Weekend plans in Nebraska
For families looking for free activities, the most direct options include Omaha Art Fair, the MCWS Fan Fest, Omaha Freedom Festival, String Sprouts Storytime, Soccer Shots Community Play Day, Hydrant Parties and LNK Drive-In Movie Night.
For plans with a Latino cultural focus, El Museo Latino in South Omaha has exhibitions open during the weekend. For a community outing outside Omaha, Cottonwood Days will have activities in Dakota City from Friday through Sunday.
Schedules and activities may change because of weather, capacity, traffic or organizer updates. Before heading out, check each event’s official page for parking, free tickets, street closures or last-minute changes.
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