Omaha Events & Things to Do the Week of May 7, 2026 — Concerts, Festivals, and Local News

May is in full swing, and this week's edition is packed — from a neighborhood that's been welcoming newcomers for over a century to a Fourth of July fireworks situation you'll want to know about.

Plus, we've got your full lineup of concerts, events, and things to do this week across the metro. Let's get into it. 👇

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🎆 Nebraska communities scrambling for funds and staff for America250 fireworks The nation's 250th birthday calls for a big celebration, but it's a logistical headache for some Nebraska towns. Funding and staffing shortages are threatening Fourth of July fireworks shows statewide. Tariffs pushed prices up 12 to 15 percent, and Grand Island bumped its fundraising goal from $40,000 to $60,000 just to cover the anniversary show.

🌍 South Omaha's Vinton Street keeps thriving on its multicultural roots Since the old packing house days, South Omaha has always welcomed newcomers. The Vinton Street business district is still going strong today, with El Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Honduran, and Mexican-owned businesses carrying on the neighborhood's tradition. Workers say that same diverse spirit from a century ago is what keeps things vibrant now.

🧪 Fremont offering free radon, lead, and water testing kits every day Free health testing is just a drive-thru stop away in Fremont. Three Rivers Public Health Department hands out free radon, lead, and well water testing kits every day, not just at special events. Nebraska ranks third in the nation for high-risk radon counties, and 65% of area homes were built before lead paint was banned.

Retro Royse — Expert Alterations for Bridal, Formal & Everyday Wear Lizz Royse spent years as Head Seamstress at one of Maryland's top bridal boutiques and even sewed for the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles. Now she's brought that expertise to West Omaha — and she's ready to work on your most important looks.

Wedding gown, formal suit, vintage treasure — Retro Royse handles it all with the kind of care you won't find at a chain alteration shop.

New to Omaha and ready to meet you.

North Italia at Village Pointe launched a new seasonal menu on April 29, rolling out updated dishes and fresh cocktails. If you're looking for a deal, they're also running a $25 prix fixe lunch and brunch menu from May 11 through 31.

Rib Shack Smokehouse is now slinging BBQ seven days a week at 10841 Q Street. They had previously been closed on Mondays, so fans of their smoked meats now have one more day to get their fix.

Masala Indian Bar and Grill is now open inside the Comfort Inn & Suites hotel, bringing regional Indian cuisine made with freshly ground spices and traditional clay-oven cooking to 7007 Grover Street. It's a hotel restaurant worth knowing about.

John's Grecian Delight is back open at 1001 Fort Crook Road North in Bellevue after a tough stretch -- owner John Sakkas had to close the doors in late December following a serious injury. The place is running with limited hours for now as he continues to recover.

Tipico Helado, the locally owned Mexican ice cream shop, is expanding to Gretna with a new location inside the former Cold Stone Creamery space at Nebraska Crossing. The shop is planning to open around May 15 -- they already have spots in South Omaha, the Old Market, near 156th & West Dodge, and downtown Fremont.

Wine Beer and Spirits has shuttered its downtown Omaha location at 1037 Jones Street, but the space isn't going dark for long. The shop is being transformed into a neighborhood bar called Monty's Bar & Bottle Shop, with renovations already underway in the Old Market Lofts building.

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill is back open at 404 North 114th Street after a major overhaul that kicked off last December. The classic barn-style building got a full teardown and reimagining into a sleek, contemporary single-story spot.

Swig, a "dirty soda" chain with around 150 locations across 16 states, looks to be planting its first Nebraska flag near 72nd & Dodge Street. A building permit shows plans to take over the former Starbucks space at 219 South 72nd Street -- their signature drinks mix sodas with cream, syrups, and fruit, and the closest locations right now are in Kansas City.

Baker's has filed a building permit for a massive new 100,181 sq. ft. grocery store at 18303 Evans Street, southwest of 180th & West Maple Road. The Kroger-owned chain hasn't announced a construction timeline yet, though this isn't their only project in town.

Kidlavie, an indoor amusement park aimed at kids ages 1 through 12, has opened its doors in Oak View Mall on the second level. The 22,000 sq. ft. space includes a full restaurant alongside all the rides and activities -- the concept has a second location in Mobile, Alabama.

Q: The Nebraska quarter pictures a pioneer family heading westward with what famous landmark in the background? This natural feature, located in the North Platte River valley near Bayard, became the most famous landmark on the Oregon-California trail.

(Answer below.)

Play Word Search! New Nebraska themed game every day.

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A: Chimney Rock