Omaha Events & Things to Do: March 26–April 2, 2026

This week is a good one — neighbors showing up for neighbors, big news for your city's parks, and an exciting update on a waterpark that's been a long time coming.

Here's what's inside:

We've also got the latest from City Council, what's happening in the restaurant scene, and a packed week of events to add to your calendar. Let's get into it!

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🤝 Convoy of 22 trucks delivers hay to ranches affected by Nebraska wildfires
Nebraska volunteers organized a convoy of 22 trucks loaded with donated hay to help ranchers hit hard by recent wildfires. The effort, led by Merrick County neighbors, delivered bales to six or seven ranches near Farnam and Brady — enough to keep roughly 1,400 cattle fed through the month.

🌳 Omaha Mayor announces $5M philanthropic investment in city parks
Omaha's parks are getting a major boost — Mayor John Ewing announced a $5 million philanthropic investment in the city's green spaces, with plans to match it with public funds. The money will help address a maintenance gap across Omaha's 250+ parks, 10,000 acres of land, and 130 miles of trails.

🏗️ Bellevue waterpark construction hits one-year mark with strong progress
It's been one year since Bellevue broke ground on Bellevue Bay Waterpark, and the $60 million project is moving right along. The park will feature Barbie and Hot Wheels themed attractions thanks to a partnership with Mattel. City officials called progress "remarkable" and shared new renderings of the completed facility.

The commercial real estate playbook is being rewritten—and Brightway Commercial's expertise is where businesses are putting their trust for measurable savings. The company specializes in tenant representation, investment sales, and strategic consulting that protects your bottom line.

Why smart businesses choose Brightway:

🏘️ Neighbors Hired a Lawyer — and Still Lost
A developer wants to build a new subdivision called Coffeetree near 217th and West Center Road. The Skyline Woods Neighborhood Association wasn't happy about it. They hired an attorney and brought three residents to fight it at City Hall. Their big concern? The streets don't meet standard design rules. But the City Council approved it anyway — a clean 6-0 vote. Sometimes, even a good fight isn't enough.​

🌎 Omaha Just Sent $800,000 Across the River
Here's one you might not expect: Omaha's City Council voted to send just under $800,000 to Council Bluffs, Iowa. The money comes from a federal affordable housing program called HOME, and it will help build 45 apartment units at 521 21st Avenue. Yes, it's federal money — not straight from your local taxes — but Omaha controls how it gets spent. That's your city sending housing dollars to Iowa.​

🛤️ A Street Gets a New Name — One Person Said No
A short stretch of Western Avenue, from 72nd to 74th Street, will now carry the name Tessie O. Edwards Avenue. Eight people showed up to support it — one even zoomed in from Washington, D.C. Only one person opposed it. The Council passed it 6-0, and the cost falls on the applicant, not taxpayers. Clearly, Tessie O. Edwards meant a lot to a lot of people.

Watch the City Council meeting here.

Twin Peaks made its return to Omaha back in February at Village Pointe West, but things have gotten complicated for its parent company. FAT Brands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January and is now looking to offload assets, which could mean a sale of the whole operation.

Burger King has shut its doors for good at 13750 West Maple Road. This is just one of several metro-area locations that have closed up shop recently.

7 Brew Coffee is under construction at 2901 West Broadway in Council Bluffs, with crews already pouring concrete for the drive-thru lane. The Arkansas-based coffee chain already has a west Omaha spot near 182nd & West Maple Road, so this will be their second local outpost. 2901 West Broadway, Council Bluffs

Tasty Pizza is moving into the building at 3001 South 32nd Avenue, a spot that longtime Omahans will recognize as the former home of Lo Sole Mio, which ran there for three decades. Exterior signage is already up, though they haven't dropped an opening date just yet. 3001 South 32nd Avenue

The Flight Deck Tap & Grill is up for sale, with the ownership group hanging up their cleats and heading into retirement. The 5,000 sq. ft. sports bar has been a staple on the western edge of Creighton's campus since it opened in 2018. 2929 California Plaza

Chipotle Mexican Grill has plans to bring its first Council Bluffs location to the northeast corner of 30th & West Broadway, complete with a drive-thru Chipotlane. The new build would seat 40 inside plus 20 on the patio, adding to the chain's already 13 metro-area locations.

Q: Nebraskan Hazel Abel was the first woman from the state to be elected to which chamber of U.S. Congress?

(Answer below.)

Play Word Search! New Nebraska themed game every day.

Play Wordie (Nebraska themed Wordle)! New word each day.

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A: Senate