From Farmers Markets to Metal Concerts, ’80s Prom Nights, and Tornado Relief Efforts, There’s Something for Everyone This Week
As the weather warms and spring takes hold, Omaha is buzzing with an array of events and activities that cater to diverse interests and age groups. Whether you’re a fan of fresh produce, hard-hitting music, interactive theater, or simply looking to support the community, the city has something special in store for you this week.
Omaha Farmers Markets Return with Fresh Finds and Friendly Faces
It’s a sure sign that spring has sprung when the Omaha Farmers Markets make their triumphant return. Starting this Saturday (May 4) in the Old Market and Sunday (May 5) at Aksarben Village, locals and visitors alike can indulge in a bounty of fresh produce, handmade eats and treats, unique crafts, and so much more.
The Old Market location, situated at 11th and Jackson Streets, will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through October 12. Meanwhile, the Aksarben Village market, located at 67th Street and Mercy Road, will welcome shoppers every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 13.
In addition to the wide array of vendors offering locally grown fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, fresh-baked bread, and one-of-a-kind handicrafts, the Omaha Farmers Markets provide a vibrant atmosphere perfect for socializing, people-watching, and soaking up the warm spring sunshine. Bring the whole family and make a day of it .
For more information on the Omaha Farmers Markets, including vendor lineups, special events, and parking details, head to omahafarmersmarket.com.
Metal Madness Takes Over Steelhouse Omaha
Headbangers and metalheads, rejoice! Steelhouse Omaha is gearing up for a weekend of face-melting, fist-pumping mayhem with two incredible shows featuring some of the genre’s most influential acts.
On Friday (May 3), Swedish melodic death metal pioneers Amon Amarth will take the stage, bringing their epic Viking-inspired sound to the masses. Derived from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth mythology, the band’s name translates to “Mount Doom” in Sindarin, hinting at the powerful and immersive nature of their music. Joining Amon Amarth for this unforgettable evening will be death metal legends Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, and Frozen Soul, ensuring a relentless onslaught of bone-crushing brutality.
The metal madness continues on Sunday (May 5) with the arrival of British rockers Asking Alexandria. Known for their infectious blend of metalcore and hard rock, the band has been a driving force in the scene for over a decade, garnering a devoted fanbase with their high-energy performances and emotionally charged lyrics. With support from The Word Alive and Nerv, this show promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans of heavy music.
Both events are set to kick off at 6:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $40 (or two for $52) for Amon Amarth and $35 (or two for $39.50) for Asking Alexandria. Don’t miss your chance to witness these incredible acts in the intimate confines of Steelhouse Omaha – get your tickets now at ticketmaster.com before they’re gone!
Staind Brings “Tailgate Tour” to Lincoln’s Pinnacle Bank Arena
Alternative metal favorites Staind are set to rock Lincoln’s Pinnacle Bank Arena on Sunday (May 5) as part of their highly anticipated “Tailgate Tour.” Fronted by singer-songwriter Aaron Lewis, the band is taking a break from Lewis’ successful solo country-rock career to revisit their hard-hitting roots and deliver a night of nostalgia and raw energy.
Fans can expect to hear a mix of classic Staind tracks like “It’s Been Awhile,” “Outside,” and “So Far Away,” alongside material from their latest album, “Break the Cycle,” which marks a return to the band’s signature sound. Special guest Seether will be on hand to warm up the crowd with their own brand of grungy, post-grunge anthems, ensuring an evening of nonstop rock action.
To get in the mood for the show, check out Staind’s new lyric video for their re-recorded version of “Better Days,” featuring guest vocalist Dorothy Martin. The heartfelt track showcases the band’s ability to blend raw emotion with powerful instrumentation, hinting at the cathartic experience that awaits concertgoers.
Tickets for Staind’s “Tailgate Tour” at Pinnacle Bank Arena start at just $25.50 and can be purchased through ticketmaster.com. The show is set to begin at 6 p.m., so be sure to arrive early and catch all the excitement.
Junkstock Returns with Vintage Finds and Live Music
After a harrowing brush with last week’s tornadoes, the beloved Junkstock festival is back and better than ever, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers who helped clean up debris at the event’s home, Sycamore Farms. The spring edition of this unique gathering will take place over two weekends, beginning May 3-5 and continuing May 10-12.
Junkstock is a picker’s paradise, offering an incredible array of refurbished, reconditioned, repurposed, and second-hand items that are sure to delight treasure hunters and vintage enthusiasts alike. But the event is more than just a giant flea market; it also features some of the best outdoor concerts you’ll see this spring. Over 17 live performances are planned throughout the event, providing the perfect soundtrack for a day of browsing and buying.
In addition to the one-of-a-kind finds and live music, Junkstock also boasts a mouth-watering selection of food vendors, serving up everything from classic fair favorites to gourmet eats. And if you can’t make it out to Sycamore Farms this weekend, don’t fret! Junkstock will be back next week, May 10-12, with even more unique treasures and exciting performances.
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $15 per day or $25 for a weekend pass, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting local charities. For more information, including a full schedule of events and a list of vendors, head to junkstock.com or check out the event’s Facebook page.
“The Awesome 80’s Prom” Delivers Tubular Theatrics
Like, oh my gosh, you guys! “The Awesome 80’s Prom” is coming to Omaha, and it’s going to be, like, totally rad! This interactive theatrical experience, which opens Friday (May 3) at the Waiting Room, transports audiences back to the era of big hair, neon colors, and killer tunes.
Set at the fictional Wanaget High’s Senior Prom in 1989, the show follows a cast of colorful characters – including the Brain, the Jock, and the Cheerleader – as they compete for the coveted titles of Prom King and Queen. Audience members are encouraged to come dressed in their best ’80s attire and join in the fun, with the power to vote for their favorite candidates.
The live PROM band, led by emcee and band leader Johnny Hughes (played by local favorite Billy McGuigan), will keep the party going with a set list of ’80s hits that are sure to get everyone dancing. The action unfolds not just on stage, but throughout the venue and even outside during the pre-show, fully immersing attendees in the neon-soaked nostalgia.
“The Awesome 80’s Prom” runs for six shows at the Waiting Room before moving to Lincoln’s Rococo Theatre for an additional three performances in June. Omaha showtimes are as follows:
– 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4
– 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11
– 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19
Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at theomahaseries.com. So like, don’t be a total wastoid, ya know? Grab your tickets and get ready to party like it’s 1989!
May the 4th Be With You at Werner Park
Heads up, Star Wars fans! The annual Star Wars Night at Werner Park, home of the Omaha Storm Chasers, is just around the corner. On Friday, May 10, the Force will be strong as the Storm Chasers take on the Dark Side (or whatever team they’re playing that night).
In addition to the on-field action, attendees can expect a variety of Star Wars-themed festivities, including costumed characters, special promotions, and maybe even a lightsaber duel or two. Plus, stick around after the game for a dazzling fireworks display that’s sure to rival the explosions of the Death Star.
We’ll have more details on this intergalactic event in next week’s edition of NowOmaha.com, so stay tuned and may the Fourth be with you!
Tornado Relief Efforts: How You Can Help
In the wake of last week’s devastating tornadoes, many Omahans are looking for ways to support those affected by the storms. Thankfully, SHARE Omaha has made it easy to get involved with various relief efforts.
Visit shareomaha.org to find a comprehensive list of organizations accepting donations and volunteers, including:
– Omaha Community Foundation Nebraska Tornado Recovery Fund
– United Way of the Midlands
– Bennington Disaster Relief
– And several others
Whether you’re able to give financially or donate your time and energy, every bit helps as our community works to rebuild and recover.
Star Wars Day Strikes Back with Union Omaha
In a galaxy not so far, far away, Werner Park is set to transform into a intergalactic wonderland on Saturday (May 4th) for Union Omaha’s Star Wars Day celebration. As the local soccer team takes on the South Georgia Tormenta FC at 7 p.m., fans are encouraged to don their finest Jedi robes, Sith cloaks, or any other Star Wars-inspired attire.
With Union Omaha’s impressive goal-scoring prowess, one might even say they have the accuracy of a Stormtrooper (but let’s hope they have better aim than those clumsy soldiers). The team’s players are rumored to have honed their skills by bulls-eyeing womp rats in their T-16s back home, so the South Georgia squad had better watch out.
In addition to the on-field action and Star Wars cosplay, the evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Papillion sky. Be sure to stop by the Union Omaha team store to pick up some exclusive Star Wars-themed merchandise, featuring the club’s inventive and eye-catching designs.
Tickets for this out-of-this-world event start at just $14 and can be purchased at unionomaha.com. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Star Wars Day with Union Omaha – it’s sure to be a night to remember!
Americana Meets Country as Clarence Tilton Takes the Stage
Fans of rootsy, heartfelt music are in for a treat this weekend as Omaha-based Americana outfit Clarence Tilton teams up with Nashville country singer Presley Tucker (daughter of the legendary Tanya Tucker) for a pair of unforgettable performances.
Clarence Tilton, known for their soulful blend of alt-country, folk, and roots rock, is gearing up for the release of their third album, “Queen of the Crawl,” later this year. In the meantime, the band is hitting the road to share live renditions of their new material, which promises to showcase their growth as songwriters and performers. Presley Tucker, who lends her vocals to a few tracks on the upcoming album, will be joining Clarence Tilton for these special shows, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion to their already powerful sound.
Catch this dynamic duo on Friday (May 3) at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar as part of the Lincoln Calling music festival, or on Saturday (May 4) at Buck’s Bar & Grill in Venice, Nebraska (just a short drive from Omaha). Both performances are sure to be intimate, memorable experiences for fans of authentic, heartfelt music.
To get a taste of what Clarence Tilton has in store, check out the video for their song “Precious Plans” – just click the red play button in the article above. Then, head to lincolncalling.com for tickets to the Zoo Bar show (9 p.m., Friday) or plan to make the trip to Buck’s Bar & Grill (8:30 p.m., Saturday) for a $10 donation at the door.
’90s Punk Legends Ritual Device Make Rare Appearance
In a blast from the past that’s sure to excite longtime fans of the Omaha music scene, ’90s punk rock stalwarts Ritual Device are set to play a series of rare shows this week. The band, known for their high-energy performances and uncompromising sound, will take the stage at the Reverb Lounge on Thursday and Friday (May 2 and 3) before heading to Lincoln for a Saturday night (May 4) performance at Duffy’s Tavern as part of the Lincoln Calling festival.
Ritual Device first made waves in the early ’90s, when their hard-hitting blend of punk, metal, and alternative rock captured the attention of local audiences and propelled them to regional success. The band even embarked on a national tour, spreading their intense sound to new fans across the country. Now, after years of sporadic performances, Ritual Device is back to remind Omaha why they were such a vital part of the city’s musical landscape.
Thursday’s show at the Reverb Lounge will feature support from Nowhere and Pagan Athletes, while Friday’s gig will see Bad Bad Men and Gerald Lee warming up the crowd. Tickets for both Reverb Lounge performances are $20 and can be purchased at reverblounge.com. For those willing to make the trip to Lincoln on Saturday, Ritual Device’s set at Duffy’s Tavern promises to be a highlight of the Lincoln Calling festival – check out lincolncalling.com for more information.
To get a sense of what Ritual Device is all about, head to their Facebook page and check out the rehearsal video they posted. Then, prepare yourself for a night (or two, or three) of face-melting, ear-shattering, unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll.
New Shows Added to Omaha’s Concert Calendar
Music fans, mark your calendars! Two exciting shows have been added to Omaha’s already stacked concert lineup.
First up, pop sensation Billie Eilish is set to bring her “Hit Me Hard And Soft” tour to the CHI Health Center on November 17. The Grammy-winning artist will be supporting her upcoming album of the same name, which is slated for release on May 17. Tickets for this highly anticipated show go on sale at 3 p.m. on Friday (May 3) via ticketmaster.com.
Next, country-rock rebel Koe Wetzel has been added to the summer lineup at Stir Cove. The Texas native, known for his gritty vocals and hard-hitting lyrics, will take the stage on August 16 with support from Kolby Cooper and Kat Hasty. Tickets for this show also go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday (May 3) through ticketmaster.com.
As always, NowOmaha.com has your back when it comes to staying up-to-date on the latest concert announcements. Be sure to check out our weekly event listings for a comprehensive rundown of upcoming shows and events.
Omaha’s spring entertainment scene is in full bloom, with an incredible array of events and activities that cater to every interest and age group. From the return of the Omaha Farmers Markets and the metal madness at Steelhouse Omaha to the tubular theatrics of “The Awesome 80’s Prom” and the community’s tornado relief efforts, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved and have a great time this week.
So gather your friends, family, and loved ones, and get ready to experience the best that Omaha has to offer. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, a vintage enthusiast, or just looking for a fun way to spend your days, this city has something special in store for you.
As always, be sure to check out NowOmaha.com for the latest updates on events, concerts, and happenings around town. And don’t forget to follow us on social media for even more insider tips and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the people and places that make Omaha such a vibrant and exciting place to be.
Until next time, happy exploring!
Leave feedback about this