🔥 Ready for paint flying, cakes stacking, and a little more chaos?

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Is it just us or can you also almost feel the city stretching after a long stretch of cold days?

If you have been waiting for a sign to try somewhere new, this is it. A beloved local tea shop just opened the doors to its bright new space on West Center, our events calendar is filling up with everything from dance competitions to paint-splattered afternoons, and yes, there is an actual puppy play date on the schedule.

That cozy, bundled-up season had its charm, but Omaha always knows how to pivot. We trade heavy coats for something lighter, swap snow days for gallery walks, and start saying yes to more and more plans again.

Text a friend. Pick a spot. Let’s ease into this next season together.

🌸 New walls, same soul and spring-ready sweets

Kawaii Tea Time has officially bloomed in its fresh space on West Center Road, just in time for the sunny days ahead. The new shop carries a bright, welcoming energy that pairs perfectly with their signature twenty-layer crepe cakes.

Whether you’re grabbing a stack of savory pork buns for a park picnic or diving into a bowl of house-made fruit sago topped with fresh coconut, it’s a spot that makes our local food scene feel vibrant and alive.

Don't leave without the mango grass jelly: it’s cool and exactly how spring should taste!

🎨 Brighten the grey days with flying paint

Winter often means staying tucked away indoors, but iSmash Omaha offers a much more vibrant way to spend a chilly afternoon. You can trade the heavy coats for a pair of safety goggles and a sledgehammer to make quick work of old electronics and glassware.

For those seeking a bit of color, the splatter rooms allow you to fling neon paint and glitter boosters at a canvas without worrying about the cleanup. It is a satisfying, tactile way to shake off the seasonal doldrums.

Whether you are aiming at the axe throwing targets or watching a windshield shatter, the energy in the building is consistently high. It feels good to have such a unique outlet right here in our neighborhood for those weekends when everyone needs a change of pace.

🦄 Local Student Launches Y2K Fashion Brand

The Gist: Lydia Okuku, a sociology student at UNO, has turned her dorm room into the headquarters for Crazy Unicorn. Her brand focuses on vibrant, upcycled vintage fashion inspired by her Cameroonian heritage and 2000s pop culture. What started as a personal passion for colorful "runway" walks across campus has grown into a thriving business that celebrates bold, playful femininity.

Why It Matters: This story highlights the creative spirit of our local students who are bringing fresh, sustainable style and unique entrepreneurial energy to the Omaha community. Look for Crazy Unicorn at the upcoming Benson First Friday gallery walk or follow the brand online as it prepares to celebrate its second anniversary this spring.

🐾 Meet Andy Oakley, a distinguished five-year-old Goldie-Labrador mix

He is currently thriving in a foster home. This large, handsome fellow is a model houseguest who is fully potty trained and appreciates a steady routine. While he enjoys the company of cats, he prefers to be the only dog in the household.

He is best suited for an environment with older children, aged 15 and up, who can respect his need for personal space. True to his thoughtful nature, Andy takes a little time to build trust and prefers to initiate affection on his own terms.

He is a loyal companion for someone who values a grounded, independent dog. His adoption fee is $265, which includes a session with a professional trainer to ensure a smooth transition into your home.

To learn more about this handsome guy,

📖 Every Body Has a Story | KANEKO | Omaha | 02/27 | More 
Powerful live readings and poetry exploring the human body as a source of emotion.

🎸 Gannon Fremin & CCREV | Slowdown | Omaha | 02/27 | More 
Gritty red dirt country with a modern rock-and-roll edge.

👟 Leap! Dance Competition 2026 | CHI Health Center | Omaha | 02/27-03/01 | More
Energetic performances by talented young dancers competing on a national stage.

🪴 Omaha Home & Garden Expo | CHI Health Center | Omaha | 02/27-03/01 | More 
Lush landscapes and home inspiration with hundreds of interactive floral displays.

🐶 Big Play Saturday: Puppy Play Date! | Fat Brain Toys | Omaha | 02/28 | More 
Meet adorable puppies, explore clay demos, and enjoy a special character appearance.

🎶 Can't Feel My Face: 2010s Dance Party | Slowdown | Omaha | 02/28 | More 
Club hits and nostalgic visuals from the decade of memes and selfies.

💫 Plack Blague Birthday Bash | The Waiting Room Lounge | Omaha | 02/28 | More 
Dark industrial-pop rhythms featuring an intense, theatrical local stage presence.

🧶 Fiber Get-Together | Joslyn Art Museum | Omaha | 03/01 | More 
Cozy social hour for fiber artists featuring light refreshments and collaborative crafting.

🎤 Emo Night Karaoke | Site-1 Brewing | Omaha | 02/28 | More 
Interactive sing-along featuring anthems from the early 2000s alt-scene.

🎨 Paint Your Pet Tipsy Painting Class | JL Studios | Omaha | 03/01 | More 
Creative session where you bring a pet portrait to life over drinks.