16. Oktoberfest
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 3717 S. 120 St.
Description: Oktoberfest is a big deal in Omaha. The traditional German celebration of the harvest is centered at one location—the city’s German-American Society—but satellite celebrations take place all over the city in the fall. Many restaurants celebrate with German food on the menu—sauerkraut, kielbasa, boiled cabbage and carrots, rye bread, and lots of beer are usually included. The German American Society’s celebration includes live music, dancing, food, and spirits—food usually includes a roasted whole hog. Other venues around Omaha to look for Oktoberfest celebrations include midtown’s Gerda’s German Restaurant and Bakery; the Crescent Moon Ale House; Huber Haus; and WheatFields restaurant, which has numerous locations around town.
17. Omaha North Hills Pottery Tour
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Insider Pick:
Description: A scenic drive and artistic event in one, the Omaha North Hills Pottery Tour leads drivers on one of the area’s best fall drives—through Omaha’s North Hills—with stops at four pottery studios that feature the work of a growing list of artists each year. Florence Mill, Dennison Pottery, Too Far North, and Big Table Studios are the four studio stops; the drive begins in Omaha proper but quickly changes into countryside with beautiful fall foliage and small, quaint towns along the way. The weekend-long event is a great way to fill a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
19. Christmas At Union Station
City: Omaha, NE
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Description: The main event at Christmas at Union Station really isn’t an event, it’s a giant pine tree. It’s the biggest indoor Christmas tree in Omaha—in the region, even—and the lighting ceremony, slated yearly for the day after Thanksgiving—draws thousands. Food, music, and a visit from Santa are the main draws for the one-day event, and the Christmas tree display continues through the end of the year. A number of other special events—including more visits from Santa, an Ethnic Holiday Festival, a concert series, an exhibition about Christmas trees, and a holiday miniature display—complete the yearly celebration.