🍖 This is the year you skip the "amateur hour" BBQ on Memorial Day

We’ve officially reached the season where Omaha weekends start feeling stacked in the best possible way. Craft fairs, concerts, food events, community walks, it’s all happening at once right now. Honestly, this might be one of our favorite times of year to live here.

This week’s stories also reminded us how much local people shape this city, whether it’s a teenager publishing his first book or volunteers helping save lives downtown. Good stuff all around this week, scroll on!

❤️ Heart and Stroke Walk returns to Gene Leahy Mall

The Gist: The Greater Omaha Heart and Stroke Walk is heading to the Gene Leahy Mall this Saturday, May 16, to raise funds for research and community awareness. Led by co-chairs Chad and Jisella Brough and emceed by Zach Williamson, the event opens at 8 a.m. with healthcare resources followed by a 1-mile or 3-mile walk at 9:15 a.m. Attendees can even get hands-only CPR training from the Omaha Fire Department.

Why It Matters: Between the personal stories of survivors and the PulsePoint app that has already saved five local lives since February, it’s a powerful reminder of how our community’s generosity keeps neighbors healthy. Head downtown this Saturday, May 16. Activities start at 8 a.m. and the walk officially kicks off at 9:15 a.m.

📖 A local teen author shares a story of friendship

The Gist: Omaha’s own Benjamin Ingram Jr. published his children’s book, Quentin and the New Friend, at just 17 years old. Inspired by his bond with Ace, a man with Fragile X syndrome who lives with his family, Benjamin turned a sophomore class project into a published reality. The story follows characters based on the pair to help young readers understand intellectual and learning disabilities.

Why It Matters: By highlighting his friendship with a Special Olympics athlete like Ace, Benjamin is helping kids embrace diversity and see that everyone, regardless of how they learn, just wants to belong and have fun.

🍖 Championship pits and serious backyard envy

Pitmaster Blane Hunter of Porky Butts BBQ isn’t just cooking; he’s defending a 22-time Grand Champion legacy. This Memorial Day, skip the amateur hour and lean into Texas-bred technique.

The menu stays focused, headlined by Snake River Farms Wagyu brisket and legendary burnt ends. Mid-week brings surprises like brisket lasagna or pork tenderloin, but the honey-buttered cornbread remains a non-negotiable side.

Arrive early ‘coz when the smoke clears, the meat usually does too.

🌿 Where the local greenery experts gather

Since 1956, this thirty acre Mulhall's has helped Omaha navigate the transition through seasons. The greenhouse is currently stocked with Spirea Rainbow Fizz and the striking Jerry Horne philodendron for those seeking something unique.

Memorial Day weekend usually brings a chance to refresh the porch with discounted hanging baskets or tropical inserts. It is a reliable spot for sturdy pottery and advice on which perennials actually handle our unpredictable Nebraska summers.

Twain is a 1 year old boxer mix with a blue and white coat.

Weighing in at 50 pounds, this outgoing fellow is a semi-pro at playtime and brings plenty of energy to his daily walks around the neighborhood. He is currently honing his manners through our specialized training program and is looking for a home.

Twain is tolerant of other dogs and $250.00 covers his adoption. He is ready to meet potential families by appointment.

To learn more about this quirky athlete,

🎉 Cinco de Mayo 2026 | Historic South 24th Street | Omaha | 5/15-5/17 | More
Three days of mariachi, food, carnival rides, and South Omaha at its best.

🌱 Plantapalooza Spring 2026 | Fort Street Church of Christ | Omaha | 05/16 | More
Biannual botanical gathering: artisans, houseplant vendors, and garden enthusiasts.

🎶 Saturday Concert Series: eNVy | Stinson Park, Aksarben | Omaha | 5/16 | More
Free outdoor kickoff concert with food trucks, face painting, and a kids' play area.

🌸 Spring Market | Little Bohemia Neighborhood | Omaha | 05/16 | More 
Community street market: local makers, food trucks, and a live mural installation.

🎨 Springfest Art & Craft Show | Rockbrook Village | Omaha | 5/16 | More 
Sixty handmade vendors, live music on the plaza, lunch, and kids' art activities. Free.

🎭 Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical | Orpheum Theater | Omaha | through 5/17 | More
Broadway tour brings the Robin Williams classic to the stage with new songs.

🧌 Last Days of TROLLS | Lauritzen Gardens | Omaha | through 5/18 | More 
Six towering reclaimed-wood trolls hidden in spring blooms. Final week to see them.

💄 Designer's Den Kids: Balm & Blend | Central Library | Omaha | 05/19 | More
Hands-on workshop for children to create custom lip balms using natural ingredients.

💃 A Chorus Line | BLUEBARN Theatre | Omaha | opens 5/14 | More 
Pulitzer-winning Broadway musical opens BLUEBARN's final show of Season 37.

🎧 Criteria Record Release | The Waiting Room | Omaha | 05/15 | More
Performance with Little Brazil and Dedications; doors open at 7 PM.

💋 Chelcie Lynn: Loose Lips Tour | Steelhouse Omaha | Omaha | 05/16 | More
Irreverent comedy and sharp storytelling from the internet's favorite firecracker.

🥨 Gluten-Free Food Faire & Market | Rockbrook Village | Omaha | 05/16 | More 
A unique experience: a curated lineup of gluten-free food vendors and local artisans.

🎺 Military Music with Nebraska Brass Band | Strauss Performing Arts Center, UNO | Omaha | 5/16 | More 
Big band film and TV themes ahead of Memorial Day. Box office tickets.

🎸 PetRock: Smooth 70s Tribute | The Slowdown | Omaha | 05/16 | More 
Nostalgic soft-rock hits delivered with stadium vibes and polished harmonies.

🐉 SkateFest Omaha | Seymour Smith Park | Omaha | 05/17 | More 
Skate competitions with live art, music, food trucks, and product tosses.

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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