Omaha Events This Week: John Mulaney, Bob Dylan, HARDY & the Bloody Mary Festival (March 19–25, 2026)

It's been a week that ran the full range — from the green and the gold of St. Paddy's Day to the smoke and flames of a historic wildfire out west. Here's what we're covering this week:

Let's get into it — there's a lot happening in your city this week.

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🔥 Morrill Fire Becomes Largest Wildfire in Nebraska History The Morrill Fire has scorched over 570,000 acres with 0% containment, claiming one life and destroying grazing land for 35,000 cattle. Gov. Jim Pillen warns of "tough days ahead" as persistent winds complicate firefighting efforts across the Panhandle.

🎨 St. Patrick's Day Parade Draws Crowds Downtown Omaha's St. Patrick's Day parade brought celebration to downtown, featuring kids, community organizations, first responders, and veterans. Air Force veteran Mike Mauer and Council Bluffs Officer Troy McIntosh praised the community spirit. Father Tom Fangman served as grand marshal for the festive event.

🤝 Omaha Launches Age-Friendly Community Survey Mayor John Ewing Jr. announced a survey to gather feedback on programs for residents 45 and older. The 20-25 minute anonymous survey runs through May 1 and will help identify priorities around housing, transportation, health and social connection for aging residents.

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:

🚧 $411M Sewer Project Pumped the Brakes — For Now
A massive upgrade to the Papillion Creek wastewater plant just hit a speed bump. The city was ready to lock in a $411 million contract with McCarthy Building Companies, but the council pumped the brakes and pushed the vote to April 7. Both supporters and opponents showed up in writing, and a linked $2.8 million insurance item got delayed too. Something's brewing — stay tuned.​

🏠 $780K To Flip Vacant Homes Into Affordable Housing East of 72nd
Four empty houses east of 72nd Street are getting a second shot. The city approved $780,000 for HomeWoven to buy, fix up, and resell them to families earning at or below 80% of the area's median income. It's a straightforward way to fight blight and help working families buy a home. Small scale, big neighborhood impact.​

🌉 Omaha Writing an $811K Check — for Council Bluffs Apartments
Here's a head-scratcher: Omaha just approved over $811,000 to help build 45 apartments in Council Bluffs at 521 21st Ave. The money comes from federal HOME-ARP housing funds. Four units will be specifically assisted. It's a regional move, but it's bound to spark the question — should Omaha housing dollars stay in Omaha?​

Watch the City Council meeting here.

North Italia kicked off Pi Day on March 14 with a fun limited-time Reuben pizza that's exclusive to the Omaha location through April 10. The pie is loaded with corned beef, aged Swiss, house-made sauerkraut, and Russian dressing — very Omaha-inspired. They're also rolling out a Nashville Hot Chicken pizza nationwide, and a dollar from every Pi Day pizza goes to a local hunger relief org.

Talus Spirits & Sustenance quietly soft opened its doors on March 10 over in Whispering Ridge, after a slight delay from its original March 2 target due to permitting issues. Right now they're running limited hours — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 8 p.m. — with a grand opening and full schedule coming soon. 17205 Evans Street.

Dairy Chef is back for the season! The beloved local ice cream and burger spot has reopened and is ready to serve up your favorites again. 3223 North 204th Street, Elkhorn.

Chuck E. Cheese has its eyes on the Omaha metro for its newer Adventure World concept, an indoor playground geared toward families with little ones ages 3 to 8. The chain launched its first Adventure World location last November down in Arlington, Texas, so Omaha could be next on the list.

Let It Fly just unveiled a brand new rooftop "Skybar" at its west Omaha spot this past week. The second-floor bar is open to the public year-round, so no need to wait for summer to enjoy those views. 1311 South 203rd Street.

Q: The Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association later became what conference, home to Nebraska, Missouri, Colorado, and Oklahoma, that combined with the Southwest Conference to form the Big 12 in 1996?

(Answer below.)

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A: Big Eight