Omaha Things to Do This Week: New Restaurants, Live Music, and City Hall News (May 2026)

May is flying by, and there's a lot going on around the city this week — from local news to live events to fresh spots to check out.

Here's what's inside this week:

Let's get into it — here's everything you need to know for the week of May 14th.

Forwarded by a friend? Subscribe here to get your own copy.

🎮 Lincoln native wins fourth straight Jeopardy game
A Lincoln native is making Nebraska proud on national TV. Tristan Williams has now won four straight Jeopardy games, bringing his total earnings to $76,199. The data scientist, who currently lives in New York, credits coffee as his secret weapon for staying sharp under the studio lights.

🧘 Free sound bath sessions in Millwork Commons through May
Looking for a mental reset? Downtown Omaha's Millwork Commons is hosting free outdoor sound bath sessions all month as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. Practitioner Andrea Joy Pearson leads the gatherings, with the final session set for May 18 at 6 p.m.

🤝 Nebraska foster mom grateful for support as she cares for 14 children with FASD
Nora Boesem of Lincoln has spent years opening her home to children from Pine Ridge with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. She has fostered or adopted dozens of kids and currently cares for 14. After facing financial hardship, she's thankful for community support that helps her keep going.

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:

🚚 Food Trucks vs. City Hall — Vendors Push Back Hard
Omaha's food truck owners are fighting new city rules that would require a Douglas County Health license and a commercial kitchen partnership just to operate. Vendors showed up in force at City Hall, and the council pumped the brakes — delaying the vote to June 16. If the rules pass, your favorite food truck could face big changes. Stay tuned.

🌱 New Wine Bar and Restaurant Coming to North Omaha's Main Street
A new spot called "La Vita Nuova and Alta 1897" is heading to 2620 N Main Street after the council approved its liquor license 7-0. It's a brand-new restaurant and bar bringing fresh energy to a corridor that's been long overdue for investment. North Omaha's dining scene just got a little more exciting.

🍺 New Beer Company Takes Over Midtown's Old Bull Moose Spot
The Bull Moose bar at 3548 Center Street has a new identity — say hello to "Zaska! Beer Co." DOT Provisions, LLC picked up the liquor license and is taking over the space. Same address, fresh start. Midtown beer fans will want to keep an eye on what this new crew brings to the neighborhood.

Watch the City Council meeting here.

Shoeman's Grocery quietly opened on May 1st right next door to Shoeman's Liquor & More in the Blackstone District. The bodega-style neighborhood grocery operates out of the ground floor of the 9-story 37 West Farnam Building, offering locally focused food and everyday essentials. Owner Chad Shoeman also runs the Red Lion Lounge just a block to the west. (3737 Farnam Street)

Crisp & Green is gearing up for a third metro area location, this time heading south to Papillion. The quick-serve spot is targeting an August opening at Midlands Place near 84th & Highway 370, in a former boba tea shop. They already have locations near 168th & West Center Road and at 225 North 80th Street, and have over 45 stores nationally.

Monty's Bar & Bottle Shop opened earlier this month in the Old Market, taking over the former Wine Beer and Spirits space in the Old Market Lofts Building. Operated by Charles "Monty" Carter, it's a ground-floor neighborhood bar. (1037 Jones Street)

Indian Creek Golf Course has debuted Approach, a chef-driven casual-fine dining spot on the upper level of its freshly renovated clubhouse near 202nd & West Maple Road. Since Indian Creek is a public course, the clubhouse is open to everyone, with lunch, happy hour, and dinner menus available year-round.

Maharaja Indian Cuisine is bringing its flavors to the south metro with a second location coming to Papillion, moving into the former Miyake Sushi House space. Their original location remains open in Miracle Hills at 617 North 114th Street. (8419 South 73rd Plaza, Papillion)

The Alibi Room has signage up at a spot north of 90th & West Center Road, taking over the former VIP Lounge building. The cocktail lounge hasn't announced an opening date yet. (9001 Arbor Street)

Benson Grocery has opened in the Benson neighborhood, filling a former Hosiery Plus space just west of Hartland Bar-B-Que. It's a neighborhood grocery carrying food and everyday convenience items. (5420 Northwest Radial Highway)

PaCs Popcorn and Cocktails has permanently closed in the Old Market. The cocktail bar had been at 1118 Howard Street.

Taco Bell on West Center Road is getting a full makeover, with the building temporarily closed for extensive interior and exterior renovations. The location has been around since 1985 and is getting a serious update. (14554 West Center Road)

The former OJ's Café building is coming down near the Mormon Bridge, with demolition crews now on site. OJ's had been closed since 2023. (9201 North 30th Street)

Q: Mr. C. Hillegass, an employee at the Nebraska Book Company in 1958, started a series of study guides in his basement with his wife. Often associated with shirking homework assignments, what is the common name associated with these guides?

(Answer below.)

Play Word Search! New Nebraska themed game every day.

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

If you enjoy this newsletter, here's the truth: it exists because of readers like you and the local businesses that support it.

Every edition takes hours to create. Every event and story is hand-picked to help Omaha feel more connected. Right now, Omaha Go reaches over 1,000 Omahans who care about their community and actively support local businesses.

If you run a business or know someone who does, here's what advertising with us means:

Interested? Email us at [email protected] or share this with someone who'd be a great fit.

Thank you for being here. We never take it lightly.

A: CliffsNotes