A free international blues concert series that has brought top touring blues acts to Omaha for more than 20 years.
Several nights in mid-August · The Slowdown
Playing With Fire is a free blues concert series founded by Omaha businessman and blues fan Jeff Davis. It started as free shows on the new Omaha riverfront and 2026 was its 22nd year.
The series now runs over several nights in August at The Slowdown, an indoor venue in North Downtown. The 2026 lineup included King King, Meena Cryle and Chris Fillmore, Colin Linden and Rozedale, with a preparty at the Moxy hotel.
Admission is free until the room hits capacity, which makes it one of the best music deals in the city.
Omaha's weekend farmers markets: Saturday mornings on the Old Market's brick streets and Sunday mornings at Aksarben Village, May through October.
Old Market (11th and Jackson Streets) and Aksarben Village (67th Street and Mercy Road) · Downtown & RiverFront
Nearest CityLine stays: Blue Oasis: Modern 1-Bed Retreat Apt 1 (1.6 mi), Midtown Home w/ Historic Charm (1.8 mi) · See all rentals by distance
Opera Omaha's free summer-evening concert in the park: famous arias, local performers and a Kids Zone, with picnic blankets on the lawn.
Stinson Park, Aksarben Village · Central Omaha
Nearest CityLine stays: Vintage Modern Mid-Century Gem (1.9 mi), Martha St Villa, Pool, Hot Tub, Grill (2.3 mi) · See all rentals by distance
Offutt Air Force Base opens its gates every other summer for a free air show with jet demos, warbirds, parachute teams and pyrotechnic reenactments.
Offutt Air Force Base · Bellevue & Papillion
Dates and details come from the organizer and can change, so confirm on the official website before you plan your trip. Venue photos come from Google. Back to all annual events
