Omaha’s location on the Missouri River earned it the nickname “Gateway to the West” during the mid-19th Century. Today, it’s a destination experiencing rapid growth, adding plenty of modern attractions and unique things to do. The city's riverfront and downtown areas underwent a $2B revitalization project over the past decade, including an update to the Old Market District and new parks along the riverfront. Whether you're visiting a one-of-a-kind art exhibit like Illumina or taking a romantic gondola ride on the Missouri River, Omaha has something for you.
The Omaha Summer Arts Festival has been the top art event in Nebraska since it began more than four decades ago. This year’s event will take place June 9-11 across the heart of Downtown Omaha. The event features around 135 of America's top visual artists exhibiting and selling their artwork. A variety of music acts will perform at the event, representing multiple music genres. Kids will have a blast at the Childrens Fair, which has hands-on activities, games, and opportunities to create art. Those in search of meals and refreshments will encounter everything from Asian cuisine to Dippin’ Dots. We got the opportunity to interview Christine Dunn, a representative of the event, to learn more about this long-running art spectacular.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
CD: 2017 marks the 43rd run of the Omaha Summer Arts Festival.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
CD: Over the three days, we can see upwards of 80,000 attendees!
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
CD: OSAF is an event for everyone! Attendees can browse and buy unique art priced for all budgets. Bring your kids Saturday and Sunday to the Nebraska Methodist College Children’s Fair where we’re celebrating 150 Years of Kids in the H-ART-Land. Plus, there are free concerts all weekend long. We want everyone to feel welcome at the festival and have something for everyone to enjoy!
RAL: What makes this event unique?
CD: OSAF is Omaha’s only three-day art festival that offers more than just an exceptional artists’ market. The atmosphere downtown is one-of-a-kind, complete with continuous music, delicious street food, street performers, and bustling crowds.
RAL: Take me through the activities of a day at the event.
CD: We have performances in the World Music Pavilion, Family Entertainment Stage, and our strolling performers offering a variety of entertainment. Plus, Native-American performing group Brulé (a festival favorite) will be back throughout the weekend at the Landmark Plaza. The CenturyLink Artists’ Market is filled with 135 professional artists who went through a jury process to be included at the event. Each artist offers something unique and has an amazing story to tell. On Saturday and Sunday, kids can practice buying art at our Art Collectors in Training Program. There are also many local non-profit organizations offering a broad range of crafts for kids to make including instruments, piñatas, and seed art.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
CD: Over the 43-year history of the festival, attendees have purchased more than $18 million dollars of artwork. This figure doesn't even include food, beverages, souvenirs, and children’s activities! The economic impact of the Omaha Summer Arts Festival also touches the restaurants and shops all around downtown as visitors branch out both before and after the event. We also support many small businesses including local artists who participate in the show, food vendors, restaurants, and more.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?
CD: OSAF is a non-profit organization focused on bringing together artists and the community. In keeping with its mission, the Omaha Summer Arts Festival presents a variety of high-quality arts programs and exhibits in Omaha for the general public. We partner with local arts and youth organizations to provide hands-on opportunities for art and creative expression. OSAF is truly an art immersion experience for the more than 80,000 annual visitors.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
CD: It truly offers something for everyone, and it is free to attend! The Festival brings the community together for art, music, food, creativity, and more. It's a place where you may run into old classmates, neighbors, or friends, while you stroll the streets of downtown and see unique expressions of art. Many people make an entire day or weekend out of activities we offer.
For more information about the Omaha Summer Arts Festival, please visit the event website.