Omaha Events This Week: February 5-12, 2026 – Concerts, City News & New Restaurants

February is here, and our city's got a lot going on—from signs that Nebraska might be keeping more of its talent to major downtown projects shaping our future. Whether you're tracking workforce trends, following City Council decisions, or just hunting for your next favorite restaurant, we've got the local scoop you need.

Here's what's inside this week:

🏗️ Brain Drain Shows Signs of Slowing in Nebraska
New Census data suggests Nebraska's "brain drain" is loosening its grip on the state, with net losses of educated residents declining for two consecutive years. In 2024, Nebraska lost 3,075 residents aged 25+ with bachelor's degrees or higher, down from 3,622 the previous year. However, out-migration data shows the largest exodus now comes from the 30-34 age group, suggesting retention challenges for professionals seeking career growth.

🏗️ Nebraska Unemployment Claims Spike to 5-Year High
Initial unemployment claims in Nebraska reached 3,043 for the week ending January 24, more than triple the previous week and the highest level since January 2021. The spike followed the closure of Tyson's Lexington beef plant, which employed over 3,000 people. This represents both the largest percentage increase and the largest increase in total claims of any state last week.

📚 UNMC and UNO Expand Nursing Partnership
The University of Nebraska Medical Center is expanding its nursing partnership with UNO, offering pre-nursing students guaranteed early admission into UNMC's Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. Students must meet prerequisite requirements and complete the admission process. University leaders hope this pathway will encourage more students to pursue nursing careers and help address the ongoing nursing shortage.

🏛️ Downtown Museum and Parking Project Gets $13M Boost The Beam and Omaha's new Children's Museum are getting built near 8th and Douglas with major city help. The 75,000-square-foot museum will sit above public parking garages. The city is kicking in over $13 million through tax increment financing. This downtown project combines family fun with much-needed parking. Construction will reshape the northeast downtown area with a new cultural attraction.

🏘️ Saddle Creek Apartments Face Neighborhood Pushback A massive five-phase project near 46th and California is drawing complaints despite $9 million in city support. When finished, the development will add 223 apartments and 67,500 square feet of retail space. Neighbors filed opposition letters, though details weren't shared. The council moved forward anyway. This Saddle Creek Marketplace could transform the neighborhood—whether residents want it or not.

🏗️ Park Sports Complex Costs Jump Nearly $2 Million The Levi Carter Park Activity and Sports Complex just got more expensive. Construction costs rose from $38 million to almost $40 million—a $1.97 million increase. The city approved Change Order #11 with contractor Hausmann Construction. No explanation was given for the price jump. The complex promises new recreation options, but taxpayers are paying extra for it.

Watch the City Council meeting here.

Flower Child is bringing its fresh, health-conscious vibe to Omaha with a new standalone spot at 112 Regency Parkway on the north side of Regency Shopping Center. The modern eatery, which specializes in customizable, wholesome meals, is expected to welcome diners around mid-year, and construction is already well underway. 112 Regency Parkway

Mootz will be saying goodbye to its Countryside Village location at 8725 Shamrock Road on January 31. The family-run pizzeria, famous for its Neapolitan-style pies, started as a food truck before opening its brick-and-mortar spot in August 2023. 8725 Shamrock Road

D'Leon's Taco Rico has shut down its location at 16919 Audrey Street, Suite 20, southwest of 168th & Harrison. Don't worry though—the quick-serve Mexican spot still has several other locations around Omaha that are going strong. 16919 Audrey Street, Suite 20

Benjamin's Neighborhood Kitchen is celebrating its grand reopening on January 30 at 3623 North 129th Street in Eagle Run Plaza, taking over the space formerly occupied by Copal Mexican Cuisine. Under new ownership, the restaurant is kicking things off with 50-cent margaritas for the first 50 customers who show up. 3623 North 129th Street

Twin Peaks Restaurant is still on track to open its brand-new Omaha location next month in Village Pointe West, despite its parent company entering voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings. The filing is aimed at reducing debt and supporting long-term growth for the sports lodge-style restaurant chain. Village Pointe West development

Crisp & Green is expanding in Omaha with a second location coming to the Shoppes of Legacy at 16902 Wright Plaza, Suite 195. The health-focused restaurant chain, which already has a spot at 225 North 80th Street, will occupy the end bay next to California Bronze Tanning. 16902 Wright Plaza, Suite 195

Starbucks Coffee is finally making headway on its new location at the southeast corner of 96th & L Street, just west of Romeo's. The freestanding building with a drive-thru is replacing a former Wells Fargo bank, and crews recently put up the exterior signage. 96th & L Street

Cold Stone Creamery closed its Midtown Crossing and Nebraska Crossing locations earlier this week. The ice cream chain still has four other Omaha shops that remain open, and there's a new store on the way at the southwest corner of 156th & State Street. Former locations: Midtown Crossing and Nebraska Crossing

Q: In 2016, Walmart acquired what Omaha, Nebraska based retail website that specializes in furniture and decor? It’s one word “H” name, two words stuck together, implies that its products may be difficult to find.

(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: Hayneedle