It’s springtime, and Omaha’s got plenty to keep you busy during spring break. From food-centric fun with Reuben sandwiches and sparkling wine on tap to signature Omaha events and experiences, read on for ten unique things visitors will love to do in March.
1. Enjoy a Soothing Candlelight Concert
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to The Rose Theater. Get your tickets now to discover the music of composer and producer Hans Zimmer (Think "Dune" and "The Lion King") or Neo-Soul Favorites featuring songs by Prince, Childish Gambino under the gentle glow of candlelight. Fountain City String Quartet performs.
2. Celebrate a Homegrown American Menu Staple
You may know the story by now. The Reuben sandwich was born and “bread” in Omaha at the Blackstone Hotel during a high-stakes poker game in the early 1900s. You don’t just have to imagine sinking your teeth into a prime Reuben sandwich – corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing – you can actually taste the creation in the city where it was invented.
3. Test Your Trivia Skills
A number of breweries, pubs and bars host trivia nights on any given night. Omaha’s unique establishments turn an otherwise ordinary event into something extra special. Put your knowledge to the test at the whimsical themed coffee house Edge of the Universe on Tuesday nights; themes have included Schitt's Creek and ‘90s Movies. Spielbound Board Game Café, which has the country’s largest collection of playable board games, hosts trivia night every Wednesday. On Thursday nights, 72 Table & Tap serves up trivia alongside beer battered cheese curds.
4. Shop Omaha-Made Goodies
Made in Omaha provides local artists and makers a place to sell their creations. Visit one of three locations, or online, to select from candles, clothing and drinkware with an Omaha or Nebraska theme, plus other gift items like puzzles, artwork and stationery. Other places to find locally-crafted goods include Dusk Goods & Gifts and Hutch.
5. Sip Sparkling Wine on Tap
Toast with friends at Homy Inn, a decades-old Omaha nightlife institution where four flavors of sparkling wine are on tap: Sweet, dry, strawberry and peach.
6. Tour Omaha on Bike
Explore Omaha with Heartland Bike Share. The one-day pass is perfect for visitors. It permits unlimited one-hour trips along with access to the bike system for 24 hours. The process is easy: Purchase your pass online, choose a bike from one of 70 local stations, grab your bike and go. When finished, park your bike at any bike share station. Check out our special offers for a discount, and get rolling!
7. Sample Omaha’s Fine Dining Scene
Working your way through a set menu is a keen way to sample some of the most exquisite culinary bites a restaurant has to offer. At Au Courant Regional Kitchen, enjoy six courses from amuse bouche to dessert. At A Foreign Taste, the chef’s tasting menu takes diners on a worldly adventure with French onion soup, smoked octopus and more. The chef's tasting menu at V. Mertz features seared diver scallops, moulard duck breast with olive gremolata, lamb loin with spinach and spaetze, and rice pudding, spiced chocolate, creme anglaise, coconut tuile for dessert. For sushi, try Ota - omakase table, where Chef David Utterback serves hand-crafted creations over the course of three hours.
8. Play Arcade Games
Roll a ball for “100,” defeat your opponent in Mortal Combat, and test your coordination at pinball at old school arcade Beercade, where craft beer and games go hand-in-hand.
9. St. Paddy’s Day Fun
Paint the town green in Omaha on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) with family fun, holiday treats, lucky runs, and all the delicious craft beer you can handle.
10. Sip and Create
Pair wine with painting and you’ve got a tried-and-true fun experience. Pick from a wide selection of themed sessions at The Corky Canvas in Omaha’s lively Midtown Crossing neighborhood.
Check out this itinerary for spring break ideas for families. For even more ideas on what to do in Omaha in March and any other time of the year, head to VisitOmaha.com.
