Top Things To Do Labor Day Weekend In Omaha (2024)

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 the African Cultural Festival and Festa Italian. 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 2024 with current event information.

2024 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, and then there are the one-time events and concerts. The biggest change this year is the end of Septemberfest… a long-standing Labor Day tradition in Omaha. But, there are some new events to replace it. Here’s a look at the Top 5 highlights for Labor Day Weekend 2024 in Omaha:

• Ralston Days is Aug. 30 through Sept. 2 in the parking lot of Liberty First Credit Union Arena, 7300 Q St. There will be rides, concerts, food and a beer garden. Hours are Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.. to 11 p.m., and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is FREE.
• Nelson Produce Farm’s Sunflower Festival is held over three weekends, including Labor Day weekend, at 10505 N. 234 St. Valley, Neb. This is The Farm for those Instagrammable sunflower field shots (there are more than 100,000 sunflowers there!). Activities include picking sunflowers to create bouquets and a variety of events and classes. Festival day passes are $20, or $15 if purchased online.
• The 40th annual Festa Italiana is held every Labor Day Weekend, so this year, it will be Aug. 30, 31, and Sept. 1. The location will be Il Palazzo at 132nd and Fort streets. Cost is $5.50 in advance and $7 at the door.
• The Cider and Sunflower Festival is held on the weekends at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard, 12102 S. 180th St., Gretna, Neb., including Saturday and Sunday on Labor Day Week. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Tip: Tickets are usually cheaper if purchased online ahead of time..
• Afro Fest Omaha is Sept. 1 from 2 to 10 p.m. at Heartland of America Park, 800 Douglas St. There will be performances by local and international acts, with traditional and modern rhythms and sounds of Africa. Vendors will be on-site with an array of arts, crafts, jewelry, and authentic African cuisine. There will also be a Children’s and Educational Village with fun activities. Tickets range from $15-$80; kids under 12 are FREE.

There are plenty of other great events going on, including the Living History Weekend at Fort Atkinson Historical Park, Omahawks Radio Control Club’s 2024 Labor Day Air Show, and of course, the Labor Day Parade. Get the details on events each day of Labor Day Weekend below:

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.
• The 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. The special exhibits on display are “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall” and “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.”
• 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 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Labor Day will be the final day of the season at Fun Plex.
• 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. Dogs will be allowed at Lauritzen on Labor Day from 5 to 8 p.m. for Leashes at Lauritzen. Enjoy “Garden Games” through Sept. 2 on the lawns of Lauritzen.
• 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.). A new melodrama opens on Friday, Aug. 30, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 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. The 2024 exhibit is “Ice Age Adventure.”
• 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. Current special exhibits are “Power Up” and “Kenya’s Kids.”
• 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.