Omaha Events This Week: January 29-February 7, 2026 – Concerts, Restaurant Openings & Things to Do

Bundle up, Omaha—we're still in deep freeze mode, but there's plenty happening to warm your spirits this week! While the mercury stays low and warming centers keep our neighbors safe, the city is buzzing with frozen fountains, record-breaking casino revenue, and an incredible restaurant scene that's hotter than ever.

Here's what we're covering:

Let's dive into what's happening in your community this week.

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🏥 Warming Centers Open Across Metro for Extreme Cold The Salvation Army opened warming centers in three locations – north Omaha, midtown and south Omaha – providing relief during frigid temperatures. Visitors can warm up and receive coffee. Papillion's library and Papillion Landing also serve as warming centers during business hours for neighbors needing to charge devices or plan their next move.

🌳 Ralston's Year-Round Fountain Creates Frozen Sculptures The fountain outside Ralston City Hall operates 365 days a year, creating remarkable ice formations during winter. Installed by Zak's Pond Service, the 20x20-foot feature uses geothermal water layers and pump friction to prevent complete freezing while producing ever-changing ice sculptures. It's part of Ralston's ongoing downtown improvement project.

🏗️ Nebraska Casinos Generate Record $26 Million in December Nebraska's casinos had their best month ever in December 2025, bringing in over $26 million in revenue and $5 million in taxes. Annual revenue jumped from $145 million in 2024 to $261 million in 2025, generating over $52 million in taxes. WarHorse Gaming leads with $177 million combined from Omaha and Lincoln facilities.

Base Kamp is expanding beyond its original Nebraska Furniture Mart spot with two new locations on the way. The coffee shop, which serves locally roasted brews plus beer and wine, is almost done with its Midtown Crossing buildout next to Garbo's Salon and has plans for a small kiosk in Regency Shopping Center.

Omaha Bagel Co. is finally getting a permanent storefront in the space that used to house the original Tasty Pizza. The cottage bakery, which has been selling sourdough bagels online since 2022, is targeting a late spring or early summer opening. 5423 Leavenworth Street

Taqueria Tijuana is gearing up to open its third spot in the former Which Wich space. The Mexican restaurant already has locations on South 24th Street and in the L Street Marketplace. 307 North 114th Street

7 Brew Coffee just launched its first Omaha drive-thru location near 182nd & West Maple Road. The Arkansas chain already has a presence across Nebraska in cities like Fremont, Lincoln, Grand Island, and several others. 18236 Evans Street

Yoshitomo looks like it's expanding downtown based on a remodel permit for a space in the Old Market just west of Jams American Grill. Owner David Utterback, a James Beard Award finalist multiple times, already runs the acclaimed Benson sushi spot plus the omakase restaurant Ota and yakitori spot Koji. 1105 Harney Street

Perry's Steakhouse & Grille is bringing its upscale dining experience to Nebraska for the first time next summer. The Houston-based chain will open an 11,000 sq. ft. location at Avenue One with seating for 350 guests, featuring an open kitchen, wine wall, bar with island seating, and private dining rooms. Southeast of 192nd & West Dodge Road

El Muchacho Alegre is taking over the old On the Border building in Papillion's Shoppes at Market Pointe for its third location. Renovations are currently underway at the space, joining their existing restaurants on North 72nd Street and South 168th Avenue. 8810 South 71st Plaza

Beer Can Alley will be shutting down for good at the end of January. The downtown country music bar and venue is closing its doors on January 31st. 1022 Capitol Avenue

Yuengling Beer is making its way to Iowa next month, with taps going live at Whiskey Roadhouse inside Horseshoe Casino on February 2. The historic Pennsylvania brewery has been gradually expanding west and has already been available in Missouri and Kansas since 2023.

The James Beard Awards just dropped their 2026 semifinalist list, and Omaha's making waves. Le Bouillon earned a nod for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, while David Utterback from Yoshitomo and Ota landed on the Best Chef: Midwest list once again.

Q: Of the several National Historic Trails that run through the state of Nebraska, one is the route of what service that ran from 1860 to 1861? The other National Historic Trails were those used by pioneers.

(Answer below.)

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A: Pony Express