Every summer, Jazz on the Green returns to Omaha’s Midtown Crossing. It’s a free outdoor concert series that’s been drawing crowds since 1985. Here’s everything you need to know before you go to one of Omaha’s best summer events!
Jazz on the Green Event Details
Every Thursday evening starting in July, Jazz on the Green takes over the lawn of Turner Park in Midtown Omaha for six weeks of free outdoor concerts. Here’s what to know:
- Location: Turner Park at Midtown Crossing, 3110 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68131
- Dates: July 9th-August 13th
- Cost: Free
- Time: Lawn opens at 5 p.m., pre-show at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.
- Parking: Midtown Crossing parking features paid garage parking (first two hours free) and paid street parking
Jazz on the Green Schedule 2026
This year’s six-week lineup spans traditional New Orleans jazz, zydeco, Latin jazz, blues, and R&B, all presented by Omaha Performing Arts. Here’s who’s playing:
- July 9: USAF Heartland of America Band “Raptor” (patriotic/jazz)
- July 16: CJ Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band (zydeco/blues)
- July 23: Jose Valentino and the UNO Latin Jazz Ensemble with Michael Pujado (Latin jazz)
- July 30: J & The Causeways (soul/R&B)
- August 6: Brittany Davis & Black Thunder (contemporary jazz)
- August 13: Braxton Cook (neo-soul/jazz)
Know Before You Go
Whether it’s your first time attending or a tradition you return to, here are a few important details about what to bring, what’s allowed, and what to expect during the concerts to help you make the most of your time at Jazz on the Green.
- What to Bring: Blankets, foldable chairs, sunscreen, bug spray, food, beer, and wine
- What Not to Bring: Hard liquor, tents, tarps, stakes, and open flames
- Seating: First-come, first-served basis
- Weather Policy: Rain won’t stop the show, but dangerous, severe weather can
- Pets: Leashed pets are welcome on the lawn
- Rules: No smoking or vaping
Pro Tips from Locals
To help you make the most of your evening, here are a few practical tips and favorite hacks from Omaha regulars who head to the park every summer.
- The Tag-Team Strategy: The lawn opens right at 5:00 p.m., and the best shaded spots are claimed fast. Send one friend ahead with blankets to stake out your territory while the rest of the crew tackles parking and heavy coolers.
- The Wohlner’s Hack: Don’t want to pack a heavy cooler from home? Skip the prep and head to Wohlner’s Neighborhood Grocery right next to the park. It’s the ultimate local secret for grabbing ice-cold drinks, cheese, and quick picnic snacks on your way to the lawn.
- Ditch the High-Back Chairs: Turner Park is a natural grassy bowl, meaning standard camping chairs can easily block the view of those behind you. Stick to low-profile beach chairs or a thick blanket.
- Secure the Corners: It can get surprisingly breezy in Midtown around dusk. Bring a few water bottles or arrange your bags to weigh down the corners of your blanket while you stretch your legs.
- Footwear Matters: Navigating a grassy slope while balancing a plate of street tacos or a glass of wine is an art form. Leave the heels at home and stick to flats or sneakers.
- Don’t Forget the Spray: It’s an urban park, but the mosquitoes still love the summer lawn. Pack a bottle of bug spray alongside your sunscreen.
Restaurants in Midtown Crossing
Concertgoers are welcome to bring their own food to enjoy during the concert, or dine at one of the restaurants in Midtown Crossing. Many restaurants offer patio seating, allowing guests to listen to live music while they eat. Below are a few of the restaurants in the area.
- Chateau Vin: Restaurant and wine bar just steps from Turner Park. Open Thursdays 12–8 p.m.
- Graze Craze: Curated charcuterie boards and boxes — a great grab-and-go option for a lawn picnic. Open Thursdays 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (arrive before the show, as they close early)
- Pa Mas Kitchen: Latin-inspired street tacos, fajitas, and more. A popular stop with a patio during the concert series. Open Thursdays 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
- Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom: Wood-fired pizza, appetizers, and craft brews with patio seating. It’s a good option if you’d rather watch the show from a table. Open Thursdays 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
- Thirst Tea Cafe: Boba drinks, fruit teas, and snacks for a quick pre-show stop. Open Thursdays 12–9 p.m.
Explore More of Omaha This Summer
Jazz on the Green is just one of the incredible ways to experience the city during the warmer months. If you are looking to fill the rest of your seasonal calendar with the best local food, outdoor activities, and weekend plans, explore our complete Omaha summer guides:
For more things to do this summer in Omaha, check out Hurrdat ONE! Know of other summer events we missed? Let us know what we should add!
