🏗️ From career growth to chalk art, Omaha’s building big

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It’s August in Omaha, and the calendar’s packed with flavor, flair, and a few surprises. Think duck-fat fries downtown, fashion shows after dark, chalk artists taking over Midtown, and micheladas worthy of a Midwest showdown.

There’s real momentum too: big career growth headlines, nearly 2,000 affordable homes in the works, and a barbershop lounge that pairs fades with football and bourbon. Plenty to explore, whether you’re here for the culture or just the Croque Garcon!

Recommended

🥤 Block 16

Block 16 is the kind of place you plan your entire day (or trip!) around. This downtown hotspot is a love letter to bold flavor and farm-fresh creativity from culinary duo Paul and Jessica Urban.

Expect crave-worthy mashups like the legendary Croque Garcon burger and Duck Duck Goose fries, all made with ingredients straight from their Loess Hills farm. Casual vibes, serious flavor, and a line out the door that’s totally worth it. Learn more here.

Just Opened

💈 Hammer & Nails

Omaha’s got a new spot where the vibe is relaxed, the cuts are clean, and the bourbon flows smoother than your fade. Hammer & Nails just opened, bringing a fresh kind of men’s grooming lounge to town.

Settle into a leather chair, catch the game, and enjoy everything from beard care to premium pedicures. It’s all about looking sharp and feeling even better: without the usual buzz of a typical barbershop. Learn more here.

• $1,925,000

• 6 beds

• 7 baths

• 6,405 sqft

• 1.17 Acres Lot

Soaring ceilings, a sweeping staircase, and views for days: this Legacy gem impresses from the start. With six bedrooms, seven baths, a walkout basement built for gathering, and 1.17 wooded acres, it blends comfort, space, and thoughtful design. View property here.

🚀 Omaha Named Fast-Rising City for Careers

The Gist: Omaha’s getting national attention again: this time as one of LinkedIn’s top 10 metros for job growth and new talent. Add that to CoworkingCafe’s recent rankings (we placed 3rd in the country for work-life balance), and it’s clear: folks are noticing what we’ve known all along.

Why it matters: From short commutes to green parks and strong local employers, Omaha is proving you don’t need a coast to build a great life. Read more here.

🚋 Streetcar Plan Spurs Big Boost in Affordable Housing

The Gist: A $40 million funding plan could bring nearly 2,000 affordable homes to Omaha’s urban core, all within walking distance of the city’s future streetcar line. Backed by a private bond buyer, the homes will range from rentals to rehabs, focused on families earning below the area median income.

Why It Matters: It’s a big step toward easing the housing squeeze for Omaha’s working families, right in the heart of the city. Construction could begin in 2026, pending City Council approval. Read more here.

🚶‍♂️ Chalk Art Festival | Midtown Crossing | Omaha | 08/16-08/17 | More
Wander through pop-up galleries, catch demos, and meet the artists behind the chalk!

🌶️ Michelada Festival | Lewis and Clark Landing | Omaha | 08/16 | More
Taste and vote in the Midwest Showdown: find your favorite spicy, tangy twist!

🌙 $5 After 5 Tuesdays | The Durham Museum | Omaha | 08/19 | More
Museum stays open late until 8 PM: perfect for an after-work adventure.

🌺 Fashion Week | Design Center | Omaha | 08/20-08/24 | More
Join fellow fashion lovers for free nightly shows that redefine runway glamour!

🥳 Original Greek Festival | St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church | Omaha | 08/21-08/23 | More
Be wowed by local & national dance troupes and live bands bringing la cultura to life!

🍹 Late Nights at the Zoo | Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium | Omaha | 08/21 | More
Close out summer with the wildest after-hours adventure.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.