May 2nd First Friday!
Schedule
Fri, 02 May, 2025 at 05:00 pm to Sat, 03 May, 2025 at 02:00 am
UTC-05:00Location
Downtown Benson | Omaha, NE
โ๏ธ ๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ง ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ฌ โ ๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐ฎ, ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฑ โ๏ธThe FIRST of FIVE MONTHS OF SUMMER ARTIST MARKET FUN is HERE โ and the Benson Creative District is blooming with creativity, connection, and live energy! ๐
From art markets and gallery shows to open studios and street music, thereโs something for everyone this First Friday.
๐ Support free, public arts programming all year long โ become a Friend of BFF at bffomaha.org/friend!
๐จ ๐๐๐๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ฃ๐ข๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฅ๐ง๐๐ฆ๐ง: WILLOW STARGIRL!!!
๐จ Poster sponsored by @blick_art โ stock up on supplies and thank them for supporting local art!
๐๏ธ โ๏ธ BFF SUMMER ARTIST MARKET โ๏ธ
Itโs the official kickoff to summer in Benson โ and this yearโs Artist Market is our biggest yet! ๐
Join us for an open-air celebration featuring more than 75 vendors and community partners across two full blocks, filled with handmade goods, zines, prints, jewelry, live music, and community-powered joy.
๐งก NORTH MARKET โ Military Ave (between Maple & Binney)
๐จ Featuring: Live Art by Dace & Joy Cotton
๐ง Music by DJ B
๐ SOUTH MARKET โ 62nd St (between Maple & Miami)
๐ธ Petshop: UNLEASHED Summer Concert Series Vol. 1 | 6โ10 PM
Behind Petshop โ featuring Mad Darling + Friends
The first in a four-part summer concert series spotlighting local musicians and neighborhood energy!
๐ MORE ON-STREET HAPPENINGS! ๐
๐ Tilt23 Showcase @ Ted & Wallyโs (6023 Maple St.)
Live performances from Ogi Kidd, Aqu, and Zaiyon
A genre-blending, high-energy showcase from emerging local artists curated by Tilt23.
๐ค Croonerโs Corner: Soul Flow
๐ Outdoor Stage near Dundee Bank (61st & Maple) | 6โ9 PM
Presented by CCVisions & Jus.Bmusic โ featuring smooth soul and R&B from Corbin, Jordan, and Denzell, hosted by Lyriq Lashay.
๐ OPENING RECEPTIONS ๐
๐ฌ Bittersweet โ BFF Crew Group Exhibition
๐ Petshop Gallery | 6โ10 PM
Exploring erotic art and identity through intimacy, resistance, and vulnerability. On view through June 21.
๐ฟ Garbage Gardens | Shya Thayer
๐ MaMO Gallery | 6โ9 PM
An interactive installation made from found objects โ reflecting on sustainability, food, and creative reuse.
๐งญ Unfolding Voices
๐ BFF Gallery | 6โ10 PM
Created by seniors through the Nebraska Arts Councilโs Creative Aging Arts Program, led by Kim Darling. A celebration of storytelling and imagination at every stage of life.
๐ Annual Art Expo & Benefit + Omaha Post-it Show
๐ Radial Arts Center | 6โ9 PM
Hundreds of tiny, original artworks on 3x3" sticky notes โ all $25! Support local artists and Radialโs community programming.
๐ TRUDYโS โ STUDIOS + EDUCATION SPACE
๐ 6108 Maple St.
Explore the intersection of art, healing, and creative practice in one of Bensonโs newest creative hubs.
๐ง Patient: Anonymous
An exhibit honoring Mental Health Awareness Month โ featuring artwork created by patients in inpatient care.
๐จ Free Printmaking Workshop w/ Jesse Fisher | 6โ8 PM
Drop-in printmaking for all ages and experience levels โ all materials provided!
๐จ Open Artist Studios
โ Mood Studios
โ No Hand Outs Clothing
โ 2neuro Grotto
โ Authento Creative
๐ MORE FIRST FRIDAY FUN! ๐
๐จ Jakeโs Cigars (6206 Maple St.)
Featured Artist: Diane Fago
๐ Star Deli (6114 Military Ave.)
Featured Artist: Laine
๐น The Sydney (5918 Maple St.)
Friend of BFF Happy Hour ft. Ria Gold | 6โ7 PM
๐ Full lineup, artist map + updates at bffomaha.org/events
๐ฒ Follow @bffomaha for sneak peeks, artist spotlights, and day-of fun!
๐ FRIEND OF BFF PERKS โ MARCH DEALS! ๐
Flash your Friend of BFF card & score these perks:
๐ Alley Cat Vintage: 20% off
๐ Benson Brewery: ยฝ off draft beer (3-6 PM)
๐ Beercade: $1 off all drinks
๐ Burkeโs Pub: Buy 1 apple pie shot, get 1 for a penny (3-6 PM)
๐ Burrito Envy: Free cinnamon crisp with purchase
๐ Edge of the Universe: Free cookie with drink purchase
๐ Jake's Cigars: ยฝ off sangria on tap
๐ Kai Tei: Buy 1, get 1 sake
๐ Shaheenโs: 15% off
๐ Snowy Sundaes: $1 off any drink
๐ St. Andrewโs: $1 off taps (until 7 PM) & $1 off sangria all night
๐ Star Deli: 10% off
๐ Ted & Wally's: Free scoop!
๐ The Sydney: $1 off all drinks
๐ Join & support the arts at: bffomaha.org/friend
โจ THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
โญ Mutual of Omaha
โญ Ted & Wally's Ultra-Premium Homemade Ice Cream
โญ Union Pacific
๐ผ FRIEND OF BFF BUSINESS MEMBERS
๐น ASL Interpreting Services
๐น Benson Mill Apartments
๐น Blue Line Coffee
๐น Dahlia House
๐น Gregg Grossman, Inc.
๐น Heather Tedesco, Realtor, BHGRE
๐น Jake's Cigars
๐น Maven Social
๐น Metropolitan Community College
๐น Ming Toy Gallery
๐น Nebraska AIDS Project
๐น Omaha Roller Derby
๐น RAIL + STEAM
๐น Shaheenโs Afghan Cuisine
๐น Snowy Sundaes
๐น Soundarte.net
๐น Star Deli
๐น StudioDaze Omaha
๐น Taco Co.
๐น The Garage by the Grey House
๐น The Sydney
๐น Veg.Edible
โจ First Friday is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts and made possible thanks to the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. โจ
