Jazz on the Green

Jazz on the Green is one of Omaha's longest-running summer traditions. The first concert was in July 1985, when Preston Love Sr. and His Orchestra played on the lawn of the Joslyn Art Museum. Omaha Performing Arts took over the series in 2010 and moved it to Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, where it has been ever since.

Each summer brings six Thursday nights of free music, with a mix of national touring acts and regional players across jazz, Latin jazz, soul and blues. The 2026 lineup included the UNO Latin Jazz Ensemble, New Orleans soul group J and The Causeways and saxophonist Braxton Cook.

The feel is a giant neighborhood picnic. People stake out the lawn with blankets and lawn chairs, open a bottle of wine and settle in as the sun goes down. Restaurants around Midtown Crossing sell food and drinks if you would rather not pack your own.

Highlights

• Free admission, no tickets needed
• Running since 1985
• Beer and wine allowed (no liquor)
• Leashed pets welcome
• Restaurants and bars steps from the lawn

Tips for going

• The lawn opens at 5 p.m., the preshow is at 6:30 and the main act starts at 7:30. Arrive early for a good spot.
• Bring blankets, low chairs, sunscreen and bug spray.
• Beer and wine are fine, but liquor and smoking are not allowed.
• Shows usually go on in light rain; cancellations are announced from the stage and on Omaha Performing Arts social media.
• Staying in Midtown or Blackstone lets you walk over and skip parking.