The Sept. 27 event at CIRA will run from 4 to 7 p.m. with live performances, international food, local vendors and free parking at Center Mall.
By Hola Nebraska
OMAHA, Nebraska — Welcome Fest 2026 will bring immigrant storytelling, live music, cultural performances, international food and a global bazaar to Omaha on Sunday, Sept. 27.
The free event will run from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement, or CIRA, at 4223 Center St. Admission is free, and an RSVP is optional rather than required.
CIRA expects more than 700 community members at the second annual festival, which is part of National Welcoming Week. Food and goods sold by participating vendors will be available for purchase.
- Date: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
- Time: 4–7 p.m. CT
- Location: CIRA Omaha office
- Address: 4223 Center St., Omaha, NE 68105
- Admission: Free
- RSVP: Optional
- Parking: Free at Center Mall
Los Avioneros, African drummers and lion dancers will perform at Welcome Fest
Live performances throughout the afternoon will represent several musical and cultural traditions.
Omaha-based norteño group Los Avioneros will perform regional Mexican music with accordion, requinto, bass and drums. The lineup also includes Omaha vocalist and multi-instrumentalist ÈDÈM SOUL, whose work combines storytelling, African drumming and singing.
The African Immigrant Family Services African Drumming Group will bring West African rhythms, dance and cultural storytelling, while the Asian Community & Cultural Center from Lincoln will present traditional lion dance and Chinese martial arts.
International food and a global bazaar will fill the CIRA grounds
Food vendors scheduled for Welcome Fest include House of Bah, El Arepón and Pim’s Thai Catering, with food available as samples or full meals.
The global bazaar will feature food, handmade products, jewelry, accessories and other goods from local vendors and entrepreneurs.
Mexican culture will be represented by vendors including Clayful Beauty, Arte Mi Mexico and Mexico Maco, with items ranging from clay earrings and artisan handbags to traditional accessories and beaded jewelry.
Related: Free One Community Cultural Festival returns to downtown Omaha Friday and Saturday
Community organizations will offer activities for all ages
Community organizations will also participate throughout the afternoon with activities and information for visitors of different ages.
Participants include Omaha Public Library, The Joslyn, Kiewit Luminarium, Union Omaha Soccer Club, Nebraska Afghan Community Center, All People’s Pantry, Football for the World, P.A.C.E. Omaha and LOL Box by Luli Creative House.
CIRA formed in 2022 through the merger of Immigrant Legal Center and Refugee Empowerment Center. The Omaha-based nonprofit provides legal representation, refugee services and social work support to immigrants and refugees across Nebraska and southwest Iowa.
Parking will be free at Center Mall during Welcome Fest
Free parking will be available at Center Mall. A limited number of accessible parking spaces will also be available through CIRA’s Center Street entrance.
Advance registration is not required to attend, although visitors can RSVP through the official Welcome Fest registration page.
Welcome Fest will run from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at CIRA, 4223 Center St. in Omaha.
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