Top Things To Do Labor Day Weekend In Omaha (2023)

There is a head-spinning amount of events and things to do in Omaha the first weekend of September…AKA Labor Day Weekend. There are several festivals like Septemberfest and its Labor Day Parade, the African Cultural Festival, and Hutchfest. Plus, there are concerts, comedy shows, gallery openings and so much more. There’s no chance of being bored.

UPDATES: This post was first published in 2021 and has been updated in August 2023 with current event information.

2023 Labor Day Weekend events

There are some events and festivals you can always count on to happen on Labor Day or over Labor Day Weekend (pandemic non-withstanding). And then there are the one-time events and concerts. Here’s a look at the many things planned in Omaha and nearby:

• Nelson Produce Farm’s Sunflower Festival runs through Sept. 4 at 10505 N. 234 St. 
  Valley, Neb., and includes picking sunflowers to create bouquets, activities, and a variety of events and classes, including Rise and Bloom, photography nights, yoga, and a special couples night. Festival day passes are $20, or $15 if purchased online.
• Festa Italiana is held every Labor Day Weekend, so in 2023, it will be Sept. 1-3. The location will be Il Palazzo at 132nd and Fort streets. Cost is $5.50 in advance and $7 at the door.
• Septemberfest is Sept. 1-4 at ​CHI Health Center Omaha Lot D, ​455 N. 10th St., with hours on Friday from 5 to midnight; Saturday & Sunday from noon to midnight; and Monday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Labor Day Parade is in downtown Omaha on Monday at 10 a.m. Cost is $7 at the gate; under 5 is admitted FREE; parade is FREE.
• Benson First Friday, runs from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the Benson neighborhood along Military Avenue and 60th Street. This month, there will be a pet parade, pet vendors, and a pop-up dog park. Look for pink chalkboard signs at participating venues that may have art shows, live performances, and food & drink specials. FREE
• Old Market First Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. in the Old Market neighborhood between Harney and Jackson streets and 10tht and 13th streets. Live music and open galleries. FREE
• The Cider and Sunflower Festival opens Saturday at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard, 12102 S. 180th St., Gretna, Neb., and runs through Sept. 17 on the weekends. Hours this weekend are Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday & Monday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30.79/person (save 15% by buying online).
• The Fifth Annual African Cultural Festival Omaha is Saturday, Sept. 2, from 2 to 10 p.m. at Stinson Park at Aksarben Village, 2285 S. 67th St. Live music, dance performances, and the chance to learn about different subsets of African art, history, culture and games. Adults are $10-$75 and kids under 12 are FREE.
• 11th Annual LOVAM Jazz Festival featuring Gerald Albright is Saturday, Sept. 2, at 4 p.m. Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3100 Farnam St. FREE
• Hutchfest is Sunday, Sept. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Millworks Commons, 11th and Nicholas streets, featuring artisans and vintage dealers as well as oversized lawn games and live music. Admission is $10 cash at the door; kids 12 and under are FREE.
• The Omahawks Radio Control Club presents the 2023 Labor Day Air Show on Monday, Sept. 4, from 11:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Standing Bear Lake Park, 138th and Fort streets. FREE Net proceeds from food and raffle benefit Make-A-Wish Nebraska.

Labor Day Weekend hours at popular attractions

Many of the Omaha metro’s largest attractions will be open for at least part of Labor Day Weekend, some with special hours. Check out the list of just a few of the many places to visit that first weekend in September.

Note: Many businesses and attractions are facing staffing shortages, which has impacted hours – sometimes without advance notice. I recommend contacting the business before your visit to ensure open hours.

• Amazing Pizza Machine, 13955 S Plaza, is open Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It’s typically closed on Mondays.
• Durham Museum, 801 S. 10th St., open Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Closed on Labor Day.
• Fontenelle Forest & TreeRush Adventure, 111 Bellevue Blvd. N., Bellevue, Neb., forest is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open on Labor Day. TreeRush Adventure is open Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is open on Labor Day.
• Fun Plex, 7003 Q St., is open Saturday through Labor Day from noon to 7 p.m.
• Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St., open Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Louisville State Recreation Area Lake No. 2 is open daily until Labor Day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; hours for the inflatable obstacle course are not posted, but it is open on Saturday and Sunday typically.
• Mahoney State Park summer activity hours for aquatic center (Saturday & Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.), horse trail rides (Saturday, Sunday & Labor Day at 9, 10, 11, 1:30, 2:30, 4 & 5), and venture climb (Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday & Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Nebraska Wildlife Safari, 16406 N. 292 St., Ashland, Neb., is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open on Labor Day.
• Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, 3701 S. 10th St., is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open on Labor Day.
• Omaha Children’s Museum, 500 S. 20th St., Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Labor Day. 
• Papio Fun Park, 210 E. Lincoln St., Papillion, Neb. Will be open Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday & Sunday from noon to 9 p.m., and Labor Day from noon to 6 p.m.
• Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum, 28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland, Neb., is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open on Labor Day.

If you still want a few more ideas, there are several great options on this list of 40+ things to do in Omaha this summer.