Traveling Through Nebraska: Omaha Arts Festival
Located in downtown Omaha, situated between 10th and 15th Streets along Capitol Avenue, the Omaha Arts Festival is an annual event celebrating the city's rich cultural heritage. This outdoor festival, held over a period of three days in June, showcases the work of over 130 local, regional, and national artists, transforming the heart of the city into a vibrant art district. The festival not only highlights Nebraska's thriving art scene but also contributes to the local economy, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year.
The Omaha Arts Festival features a wide variety of artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, photography, jewelry, and woodwork. Attendees can browse through more than 130 booths, admiring the unique creations on display and engaging with the artists behind them. Many of these artists also offer live demonstrations, giving visitors a glimpse into their creative process. Local organizations, galleries, and art collectives also participate in the festival, further enhancing the scope of artistic expression on display.
Beyond the visual arts, the festival offers an exciting lineup of live music and performances, representing a diverse range of styles and genres. The Omaha Arts Festival Main Stage has played host to notable acts such as The Motet and Donna the Buffalo, as well as Nebraska's very own Platte River Rain. Food and drink vendors from across the city also set up shop during the festival, serving everything from traditional Midwestern comfort food to international cuisine.
Organized by the City of Omaha, the Omaha Arts Festival benefits from a thoughtful partnership between the public sector and local arts organizations. Notable collaborations include the Alliance Française d'Omaha, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, and the Union for Contemporary Art, among others. This network of partners ensures that the festival consistently delivers a rich and engaging experience for attendees of all ages.
Other attractions within the festival include children's activities, artist workshops, and interactive art installations. Visitors can explore the Bemis Center's Urban Arts Program's on-site mural project, while kids can enjoy hands-on art projects organized by local arts educators. The intimate setting of the festival also facilitates opportunities for attendees to engage with local arts administrators, curators, and arts advocates, providing valuable insight into Omaha's broader cultural landscape.
Notable attendees of the festival have praised its inclusive atmosphere, welcoming a diverse crowd of art enthusiasts, families, and couples alike. Many have also appreciated the ability to purchase artworks directly from the artists, fostering an appreciation for emerging and established talents.
Traveling Through Nebraska: Omaha Arts Festival attendance has steadily grown over the years, with thousands of visitors converging on downtown Omaha annually. Visitors coming to the event often choose to explore other cultural attractions in the vicinity, such as the CenturyLink Center Omaha or the Orpheum Theater, contributing to the downtown area's rich urban tapestry.
When attending the festival, visitors can base themselves in historic Old Market district, located just south of the festival site, in addition to many nearby hotels. Nearby points of interest include the historic Gene Leahy Mall and the stunning Joslyn Art Museum, located just north of downtown.
The Omaha Arts Festival features a wide variety of artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, fiber arts, photography, jewelry, and woodwork. Attendees can browse through more than 130 booths, admiring the unique creations on display and engaging with the artists behind them. Many of these artists also offer live demonstrations, giving visitors a glimpse into their creative process. Local organizations, galleries, and art collectives also participate in the festival, further enhancing the scope of artistic expression on display.
Beyond the visual arts, the festival offers an exciting lineup of live music and performances, representing a diverse range of styles and genres. The Omaha Arts Festival Main Stage has played host to notable acts such as The Motet and Donna the Buffalo, as well as Nebraska's very own Platte River Rain. Food and drink vendors from across the city also set up shop during the festival, serving everything from traditional Midwestern comfort food to international cuisine.
Organized by the City of Omaha, the Omaha Arts Festival benefits from a thoughtful partnership between the public sector and local arts organizations. Notable collaborations include the Alliance Française d'Omaha, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, and the Union for Contemporary Art, among others. This network of partners ensures that the festival consistently delivers a rich and engaging experience for attendees of all ages.
Other attractions within the festival include children's activities, artist workshops, and interactive art installations. Visitors can explore the Bemis Center's Urban Arts Program's on-site mural project, while kids can enjoy hands-on art projects organized by local arts educators. The intimate setting of the festival also facilitates opportunities for attendees to engage with local arts administrators, curators, and arts advocates, providing valuable insight into Omaha's broader cultural landscape.
Notable attendees of the festival have praised its inclusive atmosphere, welcoming a diverse crowd of art enthusiasts, families, and couples alike. Many have also appreciated the ability to purchase artworks directly from the artists, fostering an appreciation for emerging and established talents.
Traveling Through Nebraska: Omaha Arts Festival attendance has steadily grown over the years, with thousands of visitors converging on downtown Omaha annually. Visitors coming to the event often choose to explore other cultural attractions in the vicinity, such as the CenturyLink Center Omaha or the Orpheum Theater, contributing to the downtown area's rich urban tapestry.
When attending the festival, visitors can base themselves in historic Old Market district, located just south of the festival site, in addition to many nearby hotels. Nearby points of interest include the historic Gene Leahy Mall and the stunning Joslyn Art Museum, located just north of downtown.
