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Omaha Magazine

January/February 2019 Family & More

Jan 04, 2019 12:43PM ● By Justine Young

Miracle on Farnam Through Jan. 1 in Midtown Crossing, 30th and Farnam streets. During this holiday season, visitors can stroll Farnam Street and browse window displays created by local artists and organizations, presented by The Afternoon. Times vary. Cost: free. 402-557-6006. —midtowncrossing.com

THE CAPITOL DISTRICT ICE RINK Through Jan. 21 at the Capitol District, 10th and Capitol Ave. This Holiday Lights Festival tradition is alive and well in a new location. The rink is available well after the lights turn off for the season, so folks can skate during those dull days of January. Times vary. Admission: $10, which benefits Food Bank for the Heartland and includes skate rental (if needed). 402-345-5401. —holidaylightsfestival.org

Toast the Year 5k Jan. 1 at Anytime Fitness, 20231 Manderson St. No. 105. Anytime Fitness will kick off the new year with a 5K, mimosas, snacks, and a commitment to a healthy 2019 at this indoor treadmill event. Participants will sign up for 30- or 60-minute time slots. Open to members and non-members. 8 a.m. Cost: $35. 402-939-7444. —anytimefitness.com

Commitment Day 5k Jan. 1 at Life Time Fitness, 17007 Elm St. This family-friendly event is a fun, healthy way to celebrate the new year. Ticket includes a T-shirt, race bib, medal, and brunch social after the run. 10 a.m. Cost: $25-$40, free for kids 12 and under. 402-334-3000. —commitmentday.com

First Friday Old Market Jan. 4 and Feb. 1 at the Old Market. Old Market art galleries will be open, and this event will feature live music, free Ollie the Trolley rides between venues, and lots of art (recurring the first Friday of each month). Cost: free —firstfridayoldmarket.com

Benson First Friday Jan. 4 and Feb. 1 in Benson (Maple St. and 59th to 63rd streets). Art galleries, bars, music venues, and cultural institutions of Benson collaborate on the first Friday of every month with a showcase of local arts and culture. Cost: free. —bensonfirstfriday.com

Wintertainment! Jan. 2-4 at Hummel Park Nature Center, 3033 Hummel Road. Winter fun comes to Hummel Day Camp for first through seventh graders. Participants can cook lunch over the fire, learn archery and wilderness skills, compete in the Snowbowl, and other fun winter games. Must pre-register online. 8:30 a.m. Cost: $25/session. 402-444-4760. —parks.cityofomaha.org

Bee-Smart Jan. 4 and Feb. 11 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Tony Sandoval of Bee Smart Education will teach classes all about bees. Each class covers basic identification, specific habitat information, and fun trivia about particular bees. Pre-registration required. 6 p.m. Cost: $20 members, $30 non-members. 402-346-4002. —lauritzengardens.org

Seniors Understanding Nature Jan. 8 and Feb. 12 at Fontenelle Forest, 1111 Bellevue Blvd. N. The SUN (Seniors Understanding Nature) program occurs on the second Tuesday of every month, and includes refreshments, an indoor program, and an optional nature walk. 9:45 a.m. Cost: $10 per senior (62+), free for members. 402-731-3140. —fontenelleforest.org

Lil’ Sprouts—Garden Exploration Jan. 9-10 and Feb. 6-7 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Adults and children work together to learn about nature through story time, crafts, garden exploration, and more. January and February classes will focus on the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory. Registration required. Hours vary. Cost: $14. 402-346-4002. —lauritzengardens.org

The Omaha Symphony Visits Storytime Jan. 9 at Willa Cather Branch, 1905 S. 44th St. Children can celebrate music and act out the story of Cinderella through ballet and movement with an Omaha Symphony artist. This storytime will explore the literacy skills of singing, playing, talking, and reading. Seating is limited to 30 children. 10:30 a.m. Cost: free. 402-444-4851. —omahalibrary.org

Miss Nebraska Latina 2019 Grand Finale Jan. 11 at The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St. As the largest state beauty contest for Latinas, this event provides a platform for aspiring models to propel their careers. 7 p.m. Tickets: $15-$25. 402-212-5763. —missnebraskalatina.com

River City Hunting, Fishing, Boat & RV Expo Jan. 18-20 at Mid-America Center, One Arena Way, Council Bluffs. View more than 100 exhibitors; attend seminars on topics such as ultimate fishing in Canada, mushroom hunting, fly fishing, and dog training; and try out the indoor BB gun and archery ranges, interactive games, and turkey call-in teepee. Times vary. Tickets: $9 adults, $3 kids ages 4-15, and free for ages 3 and under. 712-326-2295. —rivercityexpo.com

WWE Live Jan. 20 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Wrestler A.J. Styles will face WWE champion Daniel Bryan in a championship match. The event will also feature Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, New Day, and other wrestlers. 5 p.m. Tickets: $20-$110. 402-593-2729. —chihealthcenteromaha.com

2019 Midlands International Auto Show Jan. 24-27 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. This show features the newest cars, trucks, and SUVs, including the automotive industry’s latest and greatest from around the world. 11 a.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. Sunday. Tickets: $9 ages 13+; $7 ages 7-12, seniors (65+), and military members with current ID; free for children under 7. 402-444-1263. —omahaautoshow.com

Omaha Global Game Jam 2019 Jan. 25-27 at Mammel Hall, 6708 Pine St. In this world-wide event, participants build a video or board game in 48 hours alongside development teams in other nations. All skill levels welcome, with brainstorming and team building activities on Friday night. 18+ only. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-9:45 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Cost: free. 402-979-6894. —globalgamejam.org

Mac and Cheese Binge Jan. 26 at participating Midtown Crossing restaurants. Guests can celebrate one of food’s greatest marriages: mac and cheese. Participating restaurants will offer mac and cheese samplers, and beer/cocktail pairings are also available. Cost: $3 for pasta samples, drinks extra. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 402-351-5954. —midtowncrossing.com

Cathedral Flower Festival Jan. 26-27 at St. Cecelia’s Cathedral, 701 N. 40th St. Forty of Omaha’s finest floral designers join the Cathedral Flower Guild in this celebration of the coming spring season. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission: free. 402-551-2313. —cathedralartsproject.org

Dinosaur Yoga for Families Jan. 26 & Feb. 16 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Yoga is going prehistoric in these dinosaur-themed classes taught by Megan Roth among dinosaur sculptures. Classes encourage playful movement for all ages and abilities. Pre-registration required. One registration per family (up to four people, including at least one adult). 8-9 a.m. Admission: $15. 402-346-4002. —lauritzengardens.org

13th Annual Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards Jan. 27 at The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Omaha celebrates some of the most talented artists and entertainers in the Omaha area at this annual event. With all-star talent and red carpet prestige, the OEAA offers a memorable evening that thanks the artists who keep Omaha culture alive. 6-9 p.m. Tickets: $30. —oea-awards.org

Adult Trivia Night at Knolls Golf Course Jan. 31 at Knolls Golf Course, 11630 Sahler St. Teams of four can test their knowledge in categories such as pop culture, movies and TV, and current events. This event will feature snacks, giveaways, and prizes. Must be 21+. Registration required. 7-9 p.m. Admission: $40 per team. 402-444-5440. —parks.cityofomaha.org

Super Bowl Party Feb. 2 at Montclair Community Center and Pool, 2304 S. 135th Ave. Participants can try out the obstacle course, jump in the bounce house, and make a healthy snack before the Super Bowl game on Sunday. Admission: free. Noon. 402-444-4956. —parks.cityofomaha.org

Harlem Globetrotters Feb. 2 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. Guests will witness ball-handling wizardry and basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment for fans of all ages. Globetrotter stars will stay after the game for an autograph, photograph, and high-five session for fans. 2 p.m. Tickets: $21-$111. 402-341-1500. —chihealthcenteromaha.com

Nebraska sanctioned Snow Competition Feb. 7-10 in Olde Town Elkhorn. This first-time event is the only sanctioned snow competiton in Nebraska. Multiple amateur and professional teams from across the country will carve and display 8-foot-tall snow sculptures. The event also includes a people’s choice award and an ice bar. 9 a.m. Admission: free. 402-216-7812. —mainstreetstudios2610.com

Omaha Home & Garden Expo Feb. 7-10 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. This four-day multi-event extravaganza will feature the latest innovations, products, and experts in the home and garden industry. Hours vary. Tickets: $9 adults, $4.50 children 5-12, free for children under 5. 402-346-8003. —showofficeonline.com

KanPai! Con Feb. 8-10 at Ramada Plaza, 3321 S. 72nd St. Kanpai! Con is an annual cultural appreciation convention that focuses on anime, manga, and Japanese video gaming. Come dressed as a favorite character and enjoy the family-friendly convention setting. Times vary. Admission: $30 weekend pass or $20 one-day pass. 402-393-3950. —kanpaicon.com

<3 Hummel Feb. 9 at Hummel Park Nature Center, 3033 Hummel Road. Hummel Park will celebrate Valentine’s Day with crafts, a winter hike, and archery. 9:30 a.m-noon. Admission: free. 402-444-4760. —parks.cityofomaha.org

Teen Poetry Workshop Feb. 9 at Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch, 2100 Reading Plz. Teens can join Nebraska Writers Collective’s Louder Than a Bomb coaches and visiting artists to learn slam poetry from the experts. These workshops will build to a friendly competition in December with original pieces performed for a live audience. Recommended for grades 8-12. 1:30 p.m. Admission: free. 402-289-4367. —omahalibrary.org

Sacred Styles and Materials: The Cathedrals of French Colonial Tunisia Feb. 10 at Joslyn Art Museum, 2200 Dodge St. The Omaha-Lincoln Society of the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA), in partnership with Art History at Creighton University, is pleased to present the annual McCormick Lecture in Art History. 2 p.m. Admission: free. 402-342-3300. —joslyn.org

Valentine’s Day Dinner Feb. 14 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Guests can enjoy a romantic dinner at Lauritzen Gardens. Tickets include a choice of five main courses, a complimentary glass of wine, and all service charges. Reservations required. 6 p.m. Admission: $55 per person. 402-346-4002. —lauritzengardens.org

Love at the Zoo Feb. 13 and 14 at Henry Doorly Zoo. This lighthearted presentation about dating and mating in the animal kingdom includes a champagne welcome, dinner, two free drink tickets, dessert, and special animal encounters in the aquarium building. 6:30 p.m. Admission: $75 per person. 402-773-8401. —omahazoo.com

Omaha Beer Week 2019 Feb. 15-24 at various locations. This annual event celebrates local businesses and Omaha’s long history of craft beer culture. Featuring more than 100 events at dozens of bars, breweries, and restaurants, there is something for everyone. Hours and costs vary. 402-670-0390. —omahabeerweek.com

TEDxUNO 2019: Resilience Feb. 16 at UNO Strauss Performing Arts Center, 6305 University Drive N. Video and live speakers will combine to spark discussion and connection around the theme of “resilience.” 2-6 p.m. Tickets: $15 UNO/UNMC faculty, staff, and students; $30 general admission. 402-554-4859. —tedxuno.unomaha.edu

Hibernate & Create RETREAT Feb. 16-17 at Hot Shops Art Center, 1301 Nicholas St. Guests can participate in this two-day event of fun and creativity, featuring optional classes, meals, and a dedicated space to create in any medium of their choosing. Registration required. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Admission: $240+. 402-342-6452. —hibernateandcreate.com

Kids Rule! Fashion Show Feb. 17 at Omaha Design Center, 1502 Cuming St. Kids Rule is a fun, creative, confidence-building fashion show for kids ages 5-12. Registration covers a child’s spot in the show, instruction in runway modeling from Develop Model Management, and a $50 voucher toward the child’s garment. 2 p.m. Registration: $80, Tickets: $40-$80. 402-819-8792. —kidsruleomaha.com

13th Annual Extreme Feb. 23 at Ralston Arena, 7300 Q St. Extreme is a beer event featuring over 300 brews, including rare, new release, and seasonal flavors. 21+. 2-7 p.m. Tickets: $38 advanced, $43 day of event for general admission; $60 advanced or $65 day of event for VIP. 402-345-1708. —beercornerusa.com

Omaha Wedding Salon Feb. 25 at Omaha Design Center, 1502 Cuming St. Brides can plan the big day the fashionable way. Glasses of bubbly will be on hand during this glamorous bridal-themed showcase. Every category on the wedding-planning to-do list will be covered, from the high-end runway show, to the vendor market showcasing hors d’oeuvres, tablescapes, and floral arrangements. 6 p.m. Tickets: $30-$45. 402-819-8792. —omahaweddingsalon.com

Omaha Fashion Week Feb. 25-March 2 at Omaha Design Center, 1502 Cuming St. The nation’s fifth largest fashion event supports more independent fashion designers than any other organization in the region. The spring 2019 season features Omaha Wedding Salon, Student Night, UNL Student Showcase, Methodist Survivor Show, Adorn Emerging Designer Showcase, and Gilded Featured Designer Showcase. 6 p.m. nightly. Tickets: $40-$85. 402-819-8792. —omahafashionweek.com

Triumph of Agriculture Expo: Farm & Ranch Machinery Show Feb. 27-28 at CHI Health Center Omaha, 455 N. 10th St. This event will feature farm products and equipment, local businesses, antique farm tractors, and special craft exhibits. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday. Admission: free. 402-346-8003. —showofficeonline.com

A Warrior of the People: The Story of Dr. Susan La Flesche Feb. 28 at Countryside Community Church, 8787 Pacific St. Dr. Joe Starita, a professor at the University of Nebraska, shares the story of a historical doctor who fought enormous racial and gender barriers to become the nation’s first Native American doctor. 7-9 p.m. Tickets: $10. 402-391-0350. —countrysideucc.org

From Seed to Cup Feb. 28 at Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St. Visitors can learn about the process of coffee-making from the head roaster of A Hill of Beans and hear about different methods of brewing while visiting the garden’s coffee tree in the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory. Participants will receive a sample pack of coffee. 6 p.m. Admission: $15, $10 for members. 402-346-4002.—lauritzengardens.org

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Event times and details may change. Check with venue or event organizer to confirm.

This calendar was printed in the January/February edition of Omaha Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

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