Omahaculturefest.org has developed this web-based year-round calendar to assist residents and visitors in planning activities year-round. This calendar draws from local and area cultural events. Like many other states, the summer months are the busiest time for Omaha, Nebraska, and Western Iowa community events and festivals. Contact the local convention and visitors bureau or chamber of commerce for assistance with locating lodging, meal arrangements, and group activities during events.

Please Note: Most of the events are held annually; however, exact dates will vary slightly each year. These dates here are approximate; therefore, before finalizing your plans, please check with event organizer for exact details. For a complete and up-to-date listing of these events and other events across Nebraska, see the following resources:

• www.VisitNebraska.org and click on �Events.�
• Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau
• GO section of each Thursday's Omaha World Herald

Spring - March-April-May

Springtime in Omaha coincides with the retreat of winter.

Springtime in Nebraska is an active one, especially in central Nebraska as thousands of Sandhills cranes and other waterfowl return to the area during the annual spring migration. For five weeks during March and April, 90 percent of the world�s Sandhill cranes (nearly 500,000) return to the Platte River region in central Nebraska. The central flyway for these impressive birds runs through this area, providing excellent viewing opportunities as they fly overhead or rest in a field. The communities of Hastings, Grand Island, and Kearney are the focal points for viewing this impressive migration. In addition to the cranes, more than 10 million ducks and geese also can be seen, as well as the endangered Whooping Crane and majestic American Bald Eagle around Hastings. The Hastings Museum of Natural and Cultural History boasts the largest whooping crane display in the United States and the state�s largest display of Nebraska�s native and migratory birds. The Platte River Valley Bird Observatory at Crane Meadows in Wood River (6 miles west of Grand Island) offers a variety of Sandhill cranes related activities on 250 acres of pristine or restored prairie along the Platte River. The Rowe Sanctuary and Iain Nicolson Audubon Center in Gibbon (20 miles east of Kearney) has exceptional education displays, and indoor viewing area of the river, and much more.

Several birding spots are designated for group tours, including viewing blinds on the banks of the Platte River. Due to the popularity of the spring migration, it is advisable to contact a local Convention and Visitors Bureau to make arrangements for guided tours, private blind tours, meals, and visits to other area attractions. Weekends are the busiest, so visits during the week are recommended. See Day Trips from the Tri-Cities for suggested tours.

March

Omaha

• Triumph Of Agriculture Exposition Omaha, NE An indoor shortline farm machinery show which has something for farm or ranch operations; including tillage equipment, planters, monitor & control systems, soil testing equipment, mowers, cattle chutes, augers, fertilizers, various seed hybrids, feeder tanks, pumps, hay moving and handling eqpt, plows, combines, tractors and many more agricultural products and services for today's farmers and ranchers.

Outside Omaha

Nebraska Sandhill Crane Migration - Late February-Early April

• www.NebraskaBirdingTrails.com
• Kearney Cranefest - March 11 - April 9th
• Hastings Sandhill Crane Spring Migration
• Gibbon-Alda Crane Meadows Visitor Center
• March 13 - 105th anniversary of National Wildlife Refuge System � Blair
DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
• March 17-19 - Audubon Society's Rivers & Wildlife Celebration � Kearney, NE

April

Omaha

• Omaha Spring Festival - Arts and Crafts Affair April 11-April 13, 2008
• Omaha German American Society Polkafest - April 25-27, 2008
• Omaha Health Expo Omaha, NE April 26 , 2008 - April 27, 2008
The 2008 Omaha Health Fair will be the largest health fair pertaining to wellness, fitness, mind & body, learn how to improve your lifestyles, ways to live longer, better, and happier. Learn from the Experts, ask them about the benefits. Health Seminars will be going on both days. Participate in the walk event held on Saturday at the event. Omaha's Most Healthy Company Challenge is being held together with the Expo. Bicycle ride on Sunday, event starts and finishes at the Expo. Don't miss this years kick off to a Healthier Lifestyle.

Outside Omaha

May

Omaha

• May 3, 2008 Cinco de Mayo Celebration
• Florence Days at the Mill
• Spring Into Spring Festival - Lauritzen Gardens - Omaha�s Botanical Center - May 6-7th, 2008
• Nebraska Renaissance Faire & Medieval Pageant - May 10-11, 2008. Celebration of World culture and 16th Century European history. Entertainment, living history encampments, children�s art activities, authentic horseback jousting, tournaments, and more. 2006 Admission: $10 / Contact: Greg Schmidt, Festivals Intl., 508 4th Ave N, Clear Lake, IA 50428, (641) 357-5177, email: [email protected], / Site: 17272 Giles Rd. Giles Castle, SW Omaha NE / Booths: 45 / Attendance: 7,500 / Weapons: must be peace-tied / Motels and RV camps nearby.
• Ft. Calhoun - Living History Weekend - Ft. Atkinson State Historical Park  Ft. Calhoun, NE - May 6th-October 5th - Contact: John Slader (402)-468-5611

Outside Omaha

Sandhill Crane Migration

• May 13th - International Migratory Bird Day � Alda, NE
  Nebraska Bird Observatory�s Crane Meadows Visitor Center
• May 20th Migratory Bird Day & Wildlife Safari - Asland, NE
  
  

Memorial Weekend

Omaha

• Old Fashioned Memorial Day Observance � Omaha, NE - May 26, 2008. Prospect Hill Cemetary, 32nd & Parker St. Civil War re-enactors; band, walking tours, period speakers.
• Nebraska State Chili Cookoff - Omaha, NE - May 30th-June 1st, 2008.

Outside Omaha

Summer - June-July-August

Summer means lazy days of lemonade and watermelon under tall shade trees, hot weather, swimming pools, 4th of July celebrations, county fairs, outdoor barbeques, picnics, and best of all�vacation! Like most states, Nebraska�s busiest time of the year is during the summer when every community seems to be having a community festival, art show or music festival. From the Missouri River to Wyoming, and from South Dakota to Kansas, Nebraska�s small towns and big cities will delight you and excite you with their fun-filled events and activities! Following is a partial list of the many summer festivals and events that happen in Nebraska. Refer to the enclosed Nebraska Festival Guide for more information on these and other summer events:

June

Omaha

• Taste of Omaha June 6-8, 2008
• June 14 , 2008 German Day - German American Society - Omaha, NE
  German food, music, entertainment, ethnic folk dancing, German songs and singing. Brats, schnitzel, roast pork and chicken, tortes, and much more.
• Omaha Summer Arts Festival Omaha, NE    June 27 -29, 2008

Outside Omaha

North Platte, NE - NEBRASKALand Days - June 26-28, 2008

High-noon shootouts, ethnic festival, art and quilt show, dances, four nights of rodeo and antique car parade. Carnival rides and parades as well as three nights of concerts featuring nationally known performers. Food glorious food is a highlight at this event. If you go home hungry, it's no one's fault but your own. Also held city wide.

Comstock, NE - Comstock Windmill Festival - June 06-09, 2008

With Country Music coming to Comstock, national acts will grace the stage over the Four-Day festival. Regional bands, a Craft Fair, Extreme Bull Riding, Camping and so much more!

Columbus, NE - Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Show - June 07-08, 2008

Various types of tractors and gas engines, corn shelling demonstration, flea market and crafts.

Hastings, NE - South Central Nebraska Czech Festival June 07 , 2008

Dannebrog, NE Grundlovsfest June 7-8, 2008

Honor Danish heritage at this festival with music, dancing, ethnic food and children's activities. Also takes place on Mill Street.

Eustis, NE - Wurst Tag (Sausage Day) June 14 , 2008

Celebration of German heritage with ethnic foods, contests, and displays, road race, sausage stuffing, quilt show, polka music and dancing.

Grand Island, NE -- Central Nebraska Ethnic Festival - June 27-29, 2008

Street festival with ethnic celebration of Central Nebraska's varied population with multi-cultural opportunities in entertainment, food, educational information and more.

July

Omaha

Outside Omaha

August

Omaha

• Omaha�Art in Bloom Festival - Lauritzen Gardens - August 9-10, 2008
• Defenders of Freedom Airshow - Offut AFB - Bellevue, NE - August 16-17, 2008
• GREEK FESTIVAL 2008 -Heartland of America Park - usually mid August weekends - Aug. 15-17th, 200X.

Outside Omaha

Fall -- September-October-November

The leaves are changing�winter�s coming! One Nebraska region that is exceptionally lovely during the fall is the Sandhills located in the north central part of the state. The Sandhills are the largest grass-stabilized sand dunes in the northern hemisphere. Mile upon mile of rolling sand dunes in an area that is larger than the Sahara Desert are covered with grasses that turn a brilliant auburn color in the fall.

Trees along the Missouri River burst forth each fall with a spectacular color show that at times can rival those of the northeastern states. From Niobrara, where the Missouri River enters Nebraska to Rulo, where it flows into Missouri, the river�s banks are well worth a drive during early fall. Forested bluffs, scenic views, open bottomlands, bountiful cropland, and small town charm await your group tour as you enjoy the rich, golden colors of fall.

Two scenic byways�Highway 12 (Outlaw Trail) and Highway 75 (Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway�offer your tour plenty of places to rest, shop, play or dine. Communities along these routes and in these regions are happy to provide information on exceptional areas to view scenic fall colors.

September

Omaha

• Rockbrook Village Art Faire - Sept. 6, 2008
• Oktoberfest - German American Society - Omaha, NE - Sept 19-20
• Omaha Marathon - Half Marathon- 10K Race - Sept. 21, 2008
• Omaha River City Roundup Fair and Festival - September 25-28, 2008
• Vala�s Pumpkin Patch - Gretna, NE - September 27-October 31, 2008
• Great Pumpkin Round-Up - Bellevue, NE - Sept. 27-Oct. 31, 2008
• Fall Harvest at Pooley's Pumpkin Patch - Bennington, NE - Sept. 28-Oct. 31, 2008

Outside Omaha

October

Omaha

• Omaha�Autumn Ambience Festival -Lauritzen Gardens - October 4-5, 2008
• Gretna�Vala�s Pumpkin Patch - September 27-October 31, 2008
• Omaha Children's Museum - Cobweb Castle - Oct. 1-31, 2008

Outside Omaha

November

Omaha

• Autumn Festival - An Arts & Crafts Affair - Nov. 6-9, 2008

Outside Omaha

Winter -- December- January-February

December

Omaha

• German-American Society's Christmas in Germany - December 7, 2008
• Dickens in the Market - You won�t be boiled in your own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through your heart this Christmas. Omaha�s historic Old Market district comes alive with a Dicken�s flair the first full weekend in December. The district�s cobblestone streets and 19th Century buildings make the district ideal for the costumed characters straight out of a Dicken�s novel that roam the streets. Groups can enjoy carriage rides, sing-a-longs, and of course lots of great shopping opportunities. 402-444-4662.

Outside Omaha

Wahoo, NE -Christmas on The Prairie - December 6-7, 2008

The first weekend in December, Christmas on The Prairie gives visitors a glance back to simpler times when families gathered to can fruits and vegetables to give as gifts. Old-fashioned sing-a-longs and worship services fill the air with a festive atmosphere. Enjoy homemade treats, buy handmade holiday gifts and ornaments, and see hundreds of luminaries at the Saunders County Museum in Wahoo. Directions: 20 minutes north of Lincoln on Highway 77, or 20 minutes west of Omaha on Highway 92. 402-443-4001.

Old Time Christmas in Historic Brownville

Held the first weekend in December, groups can tour historical homes that are brilliantly decked out for the holiday season. A cup of hot-spiced cider will take the chill off as your group enjoys this charming Missouri River town during the holidays. Directions: 1 hour south of Omaha on Highway 75, east on Highway 136. 402-825-4211.

Home for the Holidays in Nebraska City

Kick off the holiday season with a weekend full of seasonal activities in Nebraska City. A parade of costumed characters leads Santa Claus as he arrives in a horse-drawn sleigh. The parade winds through downtown, ending at the city Christmas tree that Santa magically lights. The annual Christmas Tour of Homes is a popular event as homeowners decorate for the holidays and open their homes to the public. A Trolley Tour of Christmas Lights in the evening tops off the weekend. Directions: 45 minutes south of Omaha on Highway 75, 45 minutes southeast of Lincoln on Highway 2, two hours north of Kansas City area on Interstate 29. 402-873-3000.

The Light of the World Christmas Pageant in Minden

Minden is Nebraska�s �Official Christmas City� and has been presenting a locally written and produced Christmas pageant since 1946. The charming downtown square is adorned with more than 12,000 Christmas lights. The Minden Opera House and Harold Warp Pioneer Village are open for tours. From Kearney: 20 minutes south on Highway 10. 308-832-1811.

Old Fashioned Danish Christmas in Dannebrog

Glaedelig Jul! This annual event celebrates the community�s rich Danish heritage. Groups can watch quilting demonstrations, enjoy Danish delicacies, and find treasures in the Old World shops. Directions: 15 minutes north of Grand Island on Highways 281 and 58. 402-226-2237.

Christmas Past & Present at the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island

This annual event showcases what Christmas was like in a pioneer community around the turn of the century. Railroad Town features dozens of buildings from the late 1800s decked out with handmade ornaments. Groups can wander through the town, which is lit using hundreds of kerosene lanterns, and visit with the townspeople as they prepare for their holiday celebrations. 308-382-4400.

January

Omaha

Outside Omaha

February

Omaha

Outside Omaha

• Elba, NE - 19th Annual Bohemian and Czech Festival - Kolache Shootout 2006-   Contact Edna Ingerle (308)863-2214 or (308)750-0089
• Febr. 25th Mardi Gras Celebration
• Grand Island - Liederkranz Lumpen Ball - Grand Island, NE - February 26 . Wear your raggedy clothes and tacky formal wear to celebrate Fasching. This German event�
• Ogallala - Meadowlark Hill Lilac Collection With 830 varieties of lilacs, this is the world�s largest private collection. The fair during the first two weeks in May is filled with the scent of five acres of lilacs. 800-658-4390.
• Cedar Rapids, NE �Polar Bear Dip & Chili Cook-off