Omaha Events This Week: January 22–29, 2026 | Concerts, Restaurants & City News

Winter is settling in, but our city is heating up with big ideas, rich culture, and exciting ways to connect this week. From legislative debates to artistic celebrations and game-changing science for Nebraska farmers, there's plenty to discover right here in our backyard.

Let's dive in!

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📚 New Bill Would Require Civics Test for Nebraska Legislators A bipartisan group of state senators has introduced legislation requiring new lawmakers to take a 20-question civics test, with scores publicly posted but no passing grade required. Senator John Fredrickson says the bill, inspired by constituents' questions about lawmakers' understanding of government, aims to ensure legislators continually educate themselves on their constitutional responsibilities.

🎨 "Art Without Walls" Pop-Up Celebrates Historic 1974 Exhibit Omaha's Afro Academy and Black Heritage Preservation Society hosted "Art Without Walls, 52 years later," honoring the groundbreaking 1974 exhibit of experimental works by local African American artists. Collector Oran Belgrave shared how Mrs. Rose Blumkin donated carpet scraps for displaying art when venues wouldn't allow holes in walls, making the original show truly "art without walls."

🌳 Hybrid Wheat Science Could Revitalize Great Plains Agriculture Scientists are developing hybrid wheat varieties that could bring new life to the struggling wheat belt, where acres have been shrinking since the 1980s. Researchers at the University of Nebraska and across the Plains hope hybrids will create hardier, higher-yielding crops better suited to drier conditions and climate change challenges.

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🏟️ Design costs jump at Tranquility Park complex
Design and construction planning for the Tranquility Park sports complex just got about $2.8 million more expensive, bringing the total design contract to $8.5 million. That’s a 48% jump from the original price tag. The project is still moving ahead, but the big question now is: if the design alone costs this much, what will the final build cost look like?

🏗️ $9M tax break fuels huge Saddle Creek project
A major development near Saddle Creek would bring 223 market-rate apartments and 67,500 square feet of retail, backed by about $9 million in future property tax breaks. Some neighbors have already filed written objections, worried about things like traffic and density. Supporters see new housing and shops; critics see a big subsidy without affordable housing.

🚶 Sidewalk ramp project suddenly costs $867K more
A citywide project to add and fix ADA curb ramps just got a big price bump: Change Order #3 alone adds $867,135 to the contract. This isn’t the total cost, just one extra line item. The spike raises tough questions about planning, budgeting, and how long residents with disabilities will wait for safe, accessible sidewalks.

Watch the City Council meeting here.

Don & Millie's opened this past Tuesday, on January 14th, at 18110 Wright Street in the former Zio's Pizzeria space near 180th & West Center Road. The employee-owned regional chain now operates six Omaha-area locations and two in Lincoln.

Piato, a modern Mediterranean concept, has opened at Inner Rail Food Hall in Aksarben Village. The vendor replaces Zaytuna, the family-owned Mediterranean restaurant that closed its Inner Rail location in December 2025. Online ordering is available. Zaytuna's location at 7204 Jones Street remains open. 1911 South 67th Street.

Dreamland Lounge, a jazz-inspired lounge and live entertainment space, plans to open in a 1,000 sq. ft. space next to the Southern Spoon restaurant. The soft opening is expected to take place in February with a grand opening scheduled for April. Owned by Sahil Sethi and Katie Raine, Dreamland Lounge will feature live jazz, soul, R&B and contemporary music alongside live art installations, artist showcases, fashion activations, pop-ups, runway moments, comedy nights and curated cultural events. 3927 Ames Avenue.

Jones Bros. Cupcakes closed its Westroads Mall location on December 31st but continues to offer catering services. 10000 California Street.

The Peach Cobbler Factory will soon open its first Nebraska location in Omaha. A local franchisee is currently searching for locations, most likely in the Aksarben area or in northwest Omaha. Restaurants typically range from 1,300 to 1,600 sq. ft. The Peach Cobbler Factory is a dessert specialty restaurant that serves cobblers, ice creams, shakes, cinnamon rolls, banana puddings, sweet peach tea and similar items. Based in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., the chain has 170 locations nationwide. The closest existing locations are in St. Louis and Tulsa, Okla.

Szechwan Bistro, a Chinese restaurant, held its grand opening yesterday – January 16th – near 72nd & Cornhusker Road in Papillion. Soft opening took place earlier this week. The restaurant serves Sichuan-style cuisine with dishes like mapo tofu, kung pao chicken and twice-cooked pork, along with vegan options. 9820 South 71st Plaza.

Scooter's Coffee has closed its Westroads Mall location. The location was near JCPenney and Dick's Sporting Goods for many years. The Omaha-based coffee chain has more than 850 locations nationwide. 10000 California Street.

Q: Which U.S. politician who later settled in another state and grew up there, was born in Omaha, Nebraska on July 14, 1913?

(Answer below.)

Play Word Search! New Nebraska themed game every day.

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

A: Gerald Ford