May 2nd First Friday!
Schedule
Fri, 02 May, 2025 at 05:00 pm to Sat, 03 May, 2025 at 02:00 am
Location
Downtown Benson | Omaha, NE
☀️ ??? ????? ?????? — ??? ?, ???? ☀️The FIRST of FIVE MONTHS OF SUMMER ARTIST MARKET FUN is HERE — and the Benson Creative District is blooming with creativity, connection, and live energy! ?
From art markets and gallery shows to open studios and street music, there’s something for everyone this First Friday.
? Support free, public arts programming all year long — become a Friend of BFF at bffomaha.org/friend!
? ???????? ?????? ??????: WILLOW STARGIRL!!!
? Poster sponsored by @blick_art — stock up on supplies and thank them for supporting local art!
?️ ☀️ BFF SUMMER ARTIST MARKET ☀️
It’s the official kickoff to summer in Benson — and this year’s Artist Market is our biggest yet! ?
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.
? NORTH MARKET – Military Ave (between Maple & Binney)
? Featuring: Live Art by Dace & Joy Cotton
? Music by DJ B
? SOUTH MARKET – 62nd St (between Maple & Miami)
? Petshop: UNLEASHED Summer Concert Series Vol. 1 | 6–10 PM
Behind Petshop — featuring Mad Darling + Friends
The first in a four-part summer concert series spotlighting local musicians and neighborhood energy!
? MORE ON-STREET HAPPENINGS! ?
? Tilt23 Showcase @ Ted & Wally’s (6023 Maple St.)
Live performances from Ogi Kidd, Aqu, and Zaiyon
A genre-blending, high-energy showcase from emerging local artists curated by Tilt23.
? Crooner’s Corner: Soul Flow
? Outdoor Stage near Dundee Bank (61st & Maple) | 6–9 PM
Presented by CCVisions & Jus.Bmusic — featuring smooth soul and R&B from Corbin, Jordan, and Denzell, hosted by Lyriq Lashay.
? OPENING RECEPTIONS ?
? Bittersweet — BFF Crew Group Exhibition
? Petshop Gallery | 6–10 PM
Exploring erotic art and identity through intimacy, resistance, and vulnerability. On view through June 21.
? Garbage Gardens | Shya Thayer
? MaMO Gallery | 6–9 PM
An interactive installation made from found objects — reflecting on sustainability, food, and creative reuse.
? Unfolding Voices
? BFF Gallery | 6–10 PM
Created by seniors through the Nebraska Arts Council’s Creative Aging Arts Program, led by Kim Darling. A celebration of storytelling and imagination at every stage of life.
? Annual Art Expo & Benefit + Omaha Post-it Show
? Radial Arts Center | 6–9 PM
Hundreds of tiny, original artworks on 3x3" sticky notes — all $25! Support local artists and Radial’s community programming.
? TRUDY’S — STUDIOS + EDUCATION SPACE
? 6108 Maple St.
Explore the intersection of art, healing, and creative practice in one of Benson’s newest creative hubs.
? Patient: Anonymous
An exhibit honoring Mental Health Awareness Month — featuring artwork created by patients in inpatient care.
? Free Printmaking Workshop w/ Jesse Fisher | 6–8 PM
Drop-in printmaking for all ages and experience levels — all materials provided!
? Open Artist Studios
— Mood Studios
— No Hand Outs Clothing
— 2neuro Grotto
— Authento Creative
? MORE FIRST FRIDAY FUN! ?
? Jake’s Cigars (6206 Maple St.)
Featured Artist: Diane Fago
? Star Deli (6114 Military Ave.)
Featured Artist: Laine
? The Sydney (5918 Maple St.)
Friend of BFF Happy Hour ft. Ria Gold | 6–7 PM
? Full lineup, artist map + updates at bffomaha.org/events
? Follow @bffomaha for sneak peeks, artist spotlights, and day-of fun!
? FRIEND OF BFF PERKS — MARCH DEALS! ?
Flash your Friend of BFF card & score these perks:
? Alley Cat Vintage: 20% off
? Benson Brewery: ½ off draft beer (3-6 PM)
? Beercade: $1 off all drinks
? Burke’s Pub: Buy 1 apple pie shot, get 1 for a penny (3-6 PM)
? Burrito Envy: Free cinnamon crisp with purchase
? Edge of the Universe: Free cookie with drink purchase
? Jake's Cigars: ½ off sangria on tap
? Kai Tei: Buy 1, get 1 sake
? Shaheen’s: 15% off
? Snowy Sundaes: $1 off any drink
? St. Andrew’s: $1 off taps (until 7 PM) & $1 off sangria all night
? Star Deli: 10% off
? Ted & Wally's: Free scoop!
? The Sydney: $1 off all drinks
? Join & support the arts at: bffomaha.org/friend
✨ THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
⭐ Mutual of Omaha
⭐ Ted & Wally's Ultra-Premium Homemade Ice Cream
⭐ Union Pacific
? FRIEND OF BFF BUSINESS MEMBERS
? ASL Interpreting Services
? Benson Mill Apartments
? Blue Line Coffee
? Dahlia House
? Gregg Grossman, Inc.
? Heather Tedesco, Realtor, BHGRE
? Jake's Cigars
? Maven Social
? Metropolitan Community College
? Ming Toy Gallery
? Nebraska AIDS Project
? Omaha Roller Derby
? RAIL + STEAM
? Shaheen’s Afghan Cuisine
? Snowy Sundaes
? Soundarte.net
? Star Deli
? StudioDaze Omaha
? Taco Co.
? The Garage by the Grey House
? The Sydney
? Veg.Edible
✨ 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. ✨
Where is it happening?
Downtown Benson, 6204 Maple St, Omaha, NE 68104-4000, United States,Omaha, Nebraska
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.