Summer is here and that means it’s time to get out and enjoy all the great events in Omaha this July. From Railroad Days to Gretna Days, there’s an event or festival for everyone this month. If live music, BBQ and fireworks then you’ll want to to be sure to check out RiverFest happening in Haworth Park in Bellevue.
The Lantern Festival
When: July 2nd, 2016
Where: Raceway Park of the Midlands
Jesup Ave, Pacific Junction
Featuring games, food and music throughout the day – and the lighting of lanterns to cap off the night. Each adult will be given a box of goodies to share with their loved ones/children/friends and their own lantern. A night you won’t want to miss!
When: July 15th and 16th, 2016
Where: Haworth Park
Bellevue, NE
RiverFest is a combination of several activities that is to sure to please all ages. The festival includes Live Bands Friday night and all day Saturday until close featuring local bands and featured bands. Additionally, families can enjoy the “Fireworks Extravaganza†Saturday night, Kidz Zone, Car Show, Vendor Village and the Budweiser Beer Garden. We also host the Nebraska State BBQ Competition. RiverFest is only $1 at the gate and the public is welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the music and fireworks; however, no coolers please.
When: July 16th and 17th, 2016
ALL ABOARD for a fun-filled weekend, exploring six unique railroad-themed attractions. Celebrate our region’s rich railroad heritage and all things train and track at Railroad Days 2016. On Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lauritzen Gardens, The Durham Museum, the Union Paci c Railroad Museum, the RailsWest Railroad Museum, the Historic General Dodge House and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail are teaming up for this favorite annual event. Passes for Railroad Days can be purchased on July 16 or 17 at all venues with the exception of the Lewis and Clark Trail. Guests can still start their day at Lewis and Clark and then purchase their pass at the next location. There are no presales. Each family pass (two adults and all dependent children) is $15 and allows admission to and transportation between all six locations. A $5 pass is available for one additional adult with the purchase of a family pass. Parking is available at all six venues.
When: July 28th through 31st, 2016
Where: North Park, Gretna
Gretna Days was started over 50 years ago by local businessman Marv Killion with Gretna State Bank (now Pinnacle Bank). He was joined the following year by Ed and Don Frederick of Frederick Brothers Grocery. Ed and the Frederick family still run Frederick Brothers Rental, which owns and operates Village Square here in Gretna. Over the years, many individuals have worked hard to keep Gretna Days going strong. Emil and Barb Beyer, Jack Koke, and Dan Washburn were a few of the most instrumental volunteers.
The original purpose of the weekend was to thank the community for their support of the local businesses throughout the year. As a foundation, we continue this tradition today with the Community Picnic in the park on Sunday. We have added various other events including the Friday Fireworks and the Saturday night dance in Village Square which helps fund the weekend’s activities. It is our goal to maintain these original traditions and continue to improve and grow Gretna Days.
