Omaha Summer Arts Festival

Fun new location in North Downtown. It's kind of a local summer tradition to go the Summer Arts Festival. Heck, I can remember going to it as a kid, teenager, etc.Aside from the new location, not much has changed. Tons of art and artisan vendors from across the region, all selling unique goods that you might even earn a spot in your home if the price is right.There is also live music, entertainment, and quite a few food options. All free to attend, baking in the summer heat. Gotta love it.

Great show! I'm used to having to pay for admission, so free admission is a huge plus!!!!Lots of neat stuff, but I have to give this particular art festival five stars because I found a piece of art by artist Beth Erlund that I had to have and it's now hanging in my apartment. Made friends with Beth and her husband, too. So a free show with lots of beautiful art that ended in the purchase of a gorgeous piece of art and a friendship... who couldn't five-star an experience like that?

One of my favorite annual events in Omaha, I've been a regular for many years, usually preferring to attend on Friday afternoon (if the weather cooperates) before it gets too crowded. Every year they have several food options and this year I tried the Maria Bonita and Sweet Lime food trucks. Declicious! A lot of the art is pretty high end price wise but there's also quite a bit of affordable items that make great gifts or souvenirs. Lots of musical acts and activities for kids. Family friendly, free and fun. There's a smaller version of this festival -- ARTsarben -- held in Aksarben Village at the end of September.

As a recent transplant from Washington, DC, to Omaha, this was my first opportunity to see what level and flavor of culture I could expect in my new city. Let's just say that I was pleasantly surprised. The event extended from 10th-14th Streets on Farnam and included art, food, and music vendors. We wandered, snacked, purchased some souvenirs, and drank local beers while listening to music. Despite being hot as hell on Saturday (100 degrees) I'd hafta say that some of the artwork was hotter! Among the vendors were the "normal" fair fare...jewelry, pseudo-original artwork and some above average photography, BUT among the masses were a few gems that we were proud to add to our collection. We will absolutely attend the Omaha Summer Arts Festival every year that we live here. The volunteers were friendly, helpful, and amazing. One recommendation/request...let us take our dogs into the beer tent, huh? Geez...

I don't claim to have artistic talent, so to be fair, I could be wrong. this is the 40th annual Omaha Summer Arts Festival or OSAF now. There are many vendors with so many broad ranges of personal expression that is really hard to decide that one piece that simply MUST come home. I am a fan of some of the more funky, folksy, metalwork and items that take great imagination. I also like photos that showcase somewhere I have been , but forgot my camera. My wife likes simple black and white pencil. and contemporary art. We both can each find something here at OSAF. the food that is here is also very good, but just being in the ambiance of this event is enough for some to get their culture bug. See you tomorrow or possibly next year. I broke down and bought my MUST have item this year and chose a photo of "The Bob" here in Omaha. I like the focus and the view it showcases. A plus is that it was number 22/250 and I am partial to 22. Reasonably priced and matted.The performers this year seem to know what they are doing even though the two I saw were nearly identical in act style. Juggling and jokes. The treat was the guy on 13th St. His wit and charm worked the crowd and got us clapping and cheering. He would slip in adult humor in a sly manner.An excellent performance was cut short due to a passerby collapsing and then we had the fortune of watching an inebriated older 'arteest' scream at the crowd that everything was not ok. Just watching her made me want to yell at her to shut up, but we left that to the other folks and when the police arrived on scene with the medics, they promptly told to chill out. We all like a bit of wine now and then. Some of us maybe more than others. If she was not there this weekend's events would have been flawless. Go get some art, food and culture while you still can. The Police could not keep up with all of the people that could not find an empty spot and chose to ignore the posted signs. It is a great idea to carpool.TL;DR: Some good art, some bad art. Something for everyone. Decent food. You might get a parking ticket. Maybe a drunk old lady to laugh at

The art is good, the food is average but the weather can make or break this thing. Last year it was 105F and humid as all get out but this year was 75F with a light breeze. Just like the Taste of Omaha I wish these things were planned in the fall. The music this year was varied and really interesting. Brule had their own stage and dancers - good show. The other stage had a rotation of bands from jazz to zydeco. Parking is a pain and driving around when the streets are closed off is not a good time but once you get past that and the weather is ok the Omaha Summer Arts Festival is worth checking out.

We had a great time at the arts festival this year! Plenty of artists and entertainment all weekend long. March Fourth is awesome, I wish they would perform more than once. My only constructive feedback to the organizers is to ask the artisans to stay open the whole day. It seemed like several closed up their tents earlier than the posted closing times.

It's great that Omaha has events like this...even if your like me and broker than a street corner panhandler, it's worth coming and checking out all the art and knick knacks...there was some truly great items on display...and there's even some pretty decent food booths from local eateries...it's a free event so there's no reason not to come check it out...look forward to going next year...

29May2024 I recall when Omaha Summer Arts Festival began in Turner Park. It soon moved to more space in downtown Omaha along Farnam street. And eventually to other locations. . Even then it attracted artists, performers, vendors, etc. locally, and from most of the surrounding states, and a few beyond. . It has been truly a culturally enriching experience. . I am saddened to learn that 2024 is its last year. It will be missed.