Memorial Park Concert and Fireworks

The Memorial Park Concert and Fireworks is the City of Omaha's free summer kickoff, and it packs the grassy hillside of Memorial Park in central Omaha with blankets, lawn chairs and coolers. The lineup always includes a classic national act. Past performers include Ringo Starr, Roger Daltrey, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Kenny Loggins and Joan Jett.

In 2026 the show featured local bands during the day, then CAKE and Smokey Robinson in the evening, with fireworks around 10 p.m. People can begin claiming spots at 5 a.m., and many families make a full day of it.

Memorial Park itself is a World War II memorial park with a hilltop monument and rose garden, set between the Dundee and Happy Hollow neighborhoods. Getting there is the hard part, so the city runs free parking at UNO, free trolleys from Dundee and ORBT bus service from Westroads Mall.

Highlights

• Free concert by national headliners
• Fireworks over the park around 10 p.m.
• Local bands featured earlier in the day
• Hillside lawn seating with a view of the stage
• Free shuttles and park-and-ride options

Tips for going

• Do not plan to drive and park near the park. Use the free UNO garages, the Ollie the Trolley loop from Dundee, or ORBT from Westroads Mall.
• Spots open at 5 a.m.; bring a blanket and chairs to stake out a place on the hill.
• Dodge Street closes between 52nd and 72nd streets around the fireworks, so expect slow traffic afterward.
• Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray for a long, hot evening.