Entertainment Options

[ita]

I know there have been several threads in the past concerning wish lists for the City, but this one is more pointed. There is a generally feeling I get from reading Omaha's subreddit, that there is not enough to do in Omaha and it's boring. I don't agree with that personally, but many people seem to have that idea. If you are in the 'Omaha is boring/doesn't have big city entertainment options' category, or even if you're not, what could Omaha use to help get away from that stigma? TopGolf is a step in the right direction as is the Riverfront redevelopment, but what else is out there? Do we need more historical/cultural venues? We can't grow mountains or build oceans, but can we use more sports/outdoor related entertainment options or better use of our more nature-y parts of town?

[bigredmed1]

Given that the average age of the users of r/Omaha is about 16, most of them are easily bored.

Omaha needs some more night club or dance spots for the youth. Then we could make a couple for the older folks.

We need to get Bryson’s Airboat tours back online. The land they used was blown away by the flood.

More to come.

[Doctor Fate]

I would love for Omaha to have a smaller amusement park with space to expand. Something similar to Lagoon in the Salt Lake-Provo-Ogden CSA.

I think Omaha also needs a convention center. Could have a lot of great draws there, including a Silicon Slopes tech summit.

Lastly, I wish Omaha had a film festival. Alexander Payne, Marlon Brando, Fred Astaire, Dick Cavett, Hilary Swank, Henry Fonda, Nick Nolte, Adam DeVine, Gabrielle Union, Johnny Carson, and several other people from Hollywood are from Nebraska. I'm sure especially Alexander Payne could do something with the Univeristy of Nebraska and pull sponors/capital/people together and hold an annual film festival in Omaha.

[nativeomahan]

I would love for Omaha to have a smaller amusement park with space to expand. Something similar to Lagoon in the Salt Lake-Provo-Ogden CSA.

I think Omaha also needs a convention center. Could have a lot of great draws there, including a Silicon Slopes tech summit.

Lastly, I wish Omaha had a film festival. Alexander Payne, Marlon Brando, Fred Astaire, Dick Cavett, Hilary Swank, Henry Fonda, Nick Nolte, Adam DeVine, Gabrielle Union, Johnny Carson, and several other people from Hollywood are from Nebraska. I'm sure especially Alexander Payne could do something with the Univeristy of Nebraska and pull sponors/capital/people together and hold an annual film festival in Omaha.

What? Omaha has a big convention center downtown. It’s been there long enough to have undergone three separate names. And if memory serves we have had a film festival each year for several years. We also have an annual “restaurant week.”

I’m too old to know what the under 30 set is interested in. I think that Omaha has made significant strides by developing entertainment hubs, such as Blackstone, Benson, MTC, Dundee and Aksarben. LaVista is developing a large indoor/outdoor concert venue, which holds promise. I think that Westfair is sorely under utilized, and Hanafan Park could be invigorated with regular concerts. Stir Cove draws many interesting acts each summer. MAHA is popular too.

Omaha remains rather “white bread” compared with most urban areas. That is slowly changing, but it is still unusual to see more than 2 or 3 ethnic groups represented in quantity in most settings. Whatever ingredients are needed to make a city truly cosmopolitan, Omaha still has a ways to go.

[ita]

I would love for Omaha to have a smaller amusement park with space to expand. Something similar to Lagoon in the Salt Lake-Provo-Ogden CSA.

I think Omaha also needs a convention center. Could have a lot of great draws there, including a Silicon Slopes tech summit.

Lastly, I wish Omaha had a film festival. Alexander Payne, Marlon Brando, Fred Astaire, Dick Cavett, Hilary Swank, Henry Fonda, Nick Nolte, Adam DeVine, Gabrielle Union, Johnny Carson, and several other people from Hollywood are from Nebraska. I'm sure especially Alexander Payne could do something with the Univeristy of Nebraska and pull sponors/capital/people together and hold an annual film festival in Omaha.

What? Omaha has a big convention center downtown. It’s been there long enough to have undergone three separate names. And if memory serves we have had a film festival each year for several years. We also have an annual “restaurant week.”

I’m too old to know what the under 30 set is interested in. I think that Omaha has made significant strides by developing entertainment hubs, such as Blackstone, Benson, MTC, Dundee and Aksarben. LaVista is developing a large indoor/outdoor concert venue, which holds promise. I think that Westfair is sorely under utilized, and Hanafan Park could be invigorated with regular concerts. Stir Cove draws many interesting acts each summer. MAHA is popular too.

Omaha remains rather “white bread” compared with most urban areas. That is slowly changing, but it is still unusual to see more than 2 or 3 ethnic groups represented in quantity in most settings. Whatever ingredients are needed to make a city truly cosmopolitan, Omaha still has a ways to go.

I think it is interesting that you mention the under 30 set. With the most recent OWH article highlighting Omaha's difficulties retaining/drawing talented and/or skilled people, this group of people seem to be the ones towards which current entertainment districts are catering to. You mentioned several districts, venues and festivals that Omaha has. I think if people knew about Omaha and what it offers, if they are from larger metros, they would know they are not giving up much, in terms of entertainment. Notwithstanding, I can see people looking at what's available and thinking there should be more. What is that more? More diversity and inclusion, like you mention is important. I have noticed more cultural events being held by the growing ethnic communities in Omaha, which is a good sign. From a restaurant/food perspective, my coworker and I see several deficiencies, and not necessary that we don't have any, but very few options, ie. dim sum, traditional Japanese or Chinese restaurants, hot pot, AYCE Korean BBQ, Hawaiian, poke, African, Middle Eastern, restaurants on the top floor in downtown. I am also surprised that Omaha does not have an indoor skate/BMX park.

Speaking to theme park suggestion, that will always be something that we don't have, and I don't see that changing, unfortunately. Particularly, if we wanted coasters, unless they are made of wood, steel coasters, in today's economic climate, would likely be too costly to construct. I do think the Fun-Plex's refocusing on the water park side is good, but I they are enclosed by industrial that expansions would be limited. I appreciate the efforts of the state parks in stepping up and providing additional options like rock wall climbing, the high adventure course and water course.

[Doctor Fate]

I would love for Omaha to have a smaller amusement park with space to expand. Something similar to Lagoon in the Salt Lake-Provo-Ogden CSA.

I think Omaha also needs a convention center. Could have a lot of great draws there, including a Silicon Slopes tech summit.

Lastly, I wish Omaha had a film festival. Alexander Payne, Marlon Brando, Fred Astaire, Dick Cavett, Hilary Swank, Henry Fonda, Nick Nolte, Adam DeVine, Gabrielle Union, Johnny Carson, and several other people from Hollywood are from Nebraska. I'm sure especially Alexander Payne could do something with the Univeristy of Nebraska and pull sponors/capital/people together and hold an annual film festival in Omaha.

What? Omaha has a big convention center downtown. It’s been there long enough to have undergone three separate names. And if memory serves we have had a film festival each year for several years. We also have an annual “restaurant week.”

I’m too old to know what the under 30 set is interested in. I think that Omaha has made significant strides by developing entertainment hubs, such as Blackstone, Benson, MTC, Dundee and Aksarben. LaVista is developing a large indoor/outdoor concert venue, which holds promise. I think that Westfair is sorely under utilized, and Hanafan Park could be invigorated with regular concerts. Stir Cove draws many interesting acts each summer. MAHA is popular too.

Omaha remains rather “white bread” compared with most urban areas. That is slowly changing, but it is still unusual to see more than 2 or 3 ethnic groups represented in quantity in most settings. Whatever ingredients are needed to make a city truly cosmopolitan, Omaha still has a ways to go.

I guess I've never been in CHI Health Center but I was under the impress that it is an arena and not a true convention center. I was thinking more a building that has several large auditoriums, smaller break out rooms, etc. Also, I had never heard of any film festivals in Omaha so I stand corrected. Apparent, the Omaha Film Festival has been pretty successful and had some relatively well-known actors/actresses and filmmakers attend. Is it just for Nebraska-made films or is more of a regional/national platform?

[ScrattyB]

I guess I've never been in CHI Health Center but I was under the impress that it is an arena and not a true convention center. I was thinking more a building that has several large auditoriums, smaller break out rooms, etc.

Yeah, you might want to give it a visit. It has a large convention room that can be partitioned off to different sizes and when you take the escalators up, there are many break out rooms.
There is also an arena next to the convention center.

[ScrattyB]

From a restaurant/food perspective, my coworker and I see several deficiencies, and not necessary that we don't have any, but very few options, ie. dim sum, traditional Japanese or Chinese restaurants, hot pot, AYCE Korean BBQ, Hawaiian, poke, African, Middle Eastern, restaurants on the top floor in downtown.

We have/had these places any often times they go out of business.
Lincoln actually has a pretty good selection of restaurants, especially Asian.

I don't know why Omaha can't support these restaurants. Do we just not repeatedly visit the same restaurants? Do we just not want to spend the money? I'm guessing it has more to do with our culture in Omaha compared to other places.

[ita]

From a restaurant/food perspective, my coworker and I see several deficiencies, and not necessary that we don't have any, but very few options, ie. dim sum, traditional Japanese or Chinese restaurants, hot pot, AYCE Korean BBQ, Hawaiian, poke, African, Middle Eastern, restaurants on the top floor in downtown.

We have/had these places any often times they go out of business.
Lincoln actually has a pretty good selection of restaurants, especially Asian.

I don't know why Omaha can't support these restaurants. Do we just not repeatedly visit the same restaurants? Do we just not want to spend the money? I'm guessing it has more to do with our culture in Omaha compared to other places.

I get what you mean. I have seen several restaurants of the type I reference that are/have closed down, ex. Sushi Japan (owners retiring), Viet Omelette (family owned, moved to Lincoln; still sad about this), Hawaiian food truck (owners from Hawaii with kids at Creighton; closed after kids graduated), Suji's for Korean BBQ (Closed, their AYCE was very overpriced). I am not sure what you mean by culture, but I am sure some of these type of places would survive if the general public had more adventurous palettes. Other times though, you can't help the closure due to retirement or the business concept doesn't work, location is bad, or food is not good. You're right though Lincoln has a decent Asian restaurant scene for its size.

[TitosBuritoBarn]

I think Omaha has most of the stuff 20 and 30 somethings typically like to do. Not in the same quantities, and in some cases not the same quality, but its enough. I theorize that people who proclaim to be bored in Omaha are those who travel on occasion and are under the impression that whatever they did on vacation is a normal occurrence for those who live there. For example, I used to be a part of the "we-need-a-theme-park" crowd for Omaha to be exciting. I've now lived in two cities over 8 years with a Six Flags and now believe that maybe its more the novelty of having a theme park than actually going to one. Since Six Flags is always close by, I have only have visited once and because its always there and I take it for granted, I think it was the ok-ist time I've ever had at a theme park.

[ScrattyB]

I think Omaha has most of the stuff 20 and 30 somethings typically like to do. Not in the same quantities, and in some cases not the same quality, but its enough.

I'm not in that age bracket, but I disagree. I find Omaha lacking in entertainment variety, and most "events" seem to be centered around alcohol.
I get what you mean about the destination type of items, like theme-parks, though. I would go to the zoo more often, but I just can't justify the price.
And like somebody else said, I don't really know what the under 30 crowd wants. Generation Z is a tough one to figure out.

[ita]

I think Omaha has most of the stuff 20 and 30 somethings typically like to do. Not in the same quantities, and in some cases not the same quality, but its enough.

I'm not in that age bracket, but I disagree. I find Omaha lacking in entertainment variety, and most "events" seem to be centered around alcohol.
I get what you mean about the destination type of items, like theme-parks, though. I would go to the zoo more often, but I just can't justify the price.
And like somebody else said, I don't really know what the under 30 crowd wants. Generation Z is a tough one to figure out.

I you don't mind sharing, what age bracket are you in? Also, what do you want to see more of? I am in my early 30's, but don't drink alcohol and have young children, so the districts popping up don't do much for me and my wife, aside from additional food options. However, for child/family friendly entertainment options, Omaha and the Metro has enough for us on a regular life basis with the zoo, family entertainment centers, the children's museum, kid friendly movie theater (Westwood), parks everywhere, as options.

[Taco]

I think Omaha has most of the stuff 20 and 30 somethings typically like to do. Not in the same quantities, and in some cases not the same quality, but its enough. I theorize that people who proclaim to be bored in Omaha are those who travel on occasion and are under the impression that whatever they did on vacation is a normal occurrence for those who live there. For example, I used to be a part of the "we-need-a-theme-park" crowd for Omaha to be exciting. I've now lived in two cities over 8 years with a Six Flags and now believe that maybe its more the novelty of having a theme park than actually going to one. Since Six Flags is always close by, I have only have visited once and because its always there and I take it for granted, I think it was the ok-ist time I've ever had at a theme park.

In this age bracket and completely agree. If you are "bored" in Omaha you would be likely be bored elsewhere or need to make better/more friends.

What Omaha is missing out big time on outdoor activities - that's hard to fix because our geography is not going to change, but increased utilization of the riverfront is a start. Better maintenance of our existing parks would be good too. We have nice bike trails, but their connections are poor (especially compared to lincoln) and most follow creeks so they don't necessarily go anywhere. For those who have been to Atlanta, the beltline is great because there are apartments and businesses right on the trail, but because our trails are built in flood plains this is unlikely (though possible on parts of Field Club/South Omaha trail). An East-West connection from Aksarben-Dundee-Blackstone-Midtown-Downtown-River would be huge here though likely not feasible for many years due to lack of political will.

Aside from the aforementioned, two niches I am surprised are not filled in Omaha are late night activities that don't involve drinking and a rooftop bar downtown.

[iamjacobm]

I think Omaha has most of the stuff 20 and 30 somethings typically like to do. Not in the same quantities, and in some cases not the same quality, but its enough. I theorize that people who proclaim to be bored in Omaha are those who travel on occasion and are under the impression that whatever they did on vacation is a normal occurrence for those who live there. For example, I used to be a part of the "we-need-a-theme-park" crowd for Omaha to be exciting. I've now lived in two cities over 8 years with a Six Flags and now believe that maybe its more the novelty of having a theme park than actually going to one. Since Six Flags is always close by, I have only have visited once and because its always there and I take it for granted, I think it was the ok-ist time I've ever had at a theme park.

In this age bracket and completely agree. If you are "bored" in Omaha you would be likely be bored elsewhere or need to make better/more friends.

What Omaha is missing out big time on outdoor activities - that's hard to fix because our geography is not going to change, but increased utilization of the riverfront is a start. Better maintenance of our existing parks would be good too. We have nice bike trails, but their connections are poor (especially compared to lincoln) and most follow creeks so they don't necessarily go anywhere. For those who have been to Atlanta, the beltline is great because there are apartments and businesses right on the trail, but because our trails are built in flood plains this is unlikely (though possible on parts of Field Club/South Omaha trail). An East-West connection from Aksarben-Dundee-Blackstone-Midtown-Downtown-River would be huge here though likely not feasible for many years due to lack of political will.

Aside from the aforementioned, two niches I am surprised are not filled in Omaha are late night activities that don't involve drinking and a rooftop bar downtown.

The Beltline is seriously an incredibly amenity for ATL. Tons of development centered around it and it is only like 25% complete as of now I think. Going to genuinely transform the city as it comes to completion. I was there last September and rode from the trail head up to Piedmont Park(major park in Midtown ATL) and back. Stopped at the very impressive Ponce City Market development for some shopping and drinks and headed back to where I was staying. Great afternoon with tons of people enjoying the investment.

I was so impressed with it all I ended up reading a book that dives into the history behind the project. It isn't a perfect book, but it certainly demonstrates all the hurdles you need to get over to get major projects like this done.

[nebugeater]

I think Omaha has most of the stuff 20 and 30 somethings typically like to do. Not in the same quantities, and in some cases not the same quality, but its enough.

I'm not in that age bracket, but I disagree. I find Omaha lacking in entertainment variety, and most "events" seem to be centered around alcohol.
I get what you mean about the destination type of items, like theme-parks, though. I would go to the zoo more often, but I just can't justify the price.
And like somebody else said, I don't really know what the under 30 crowd wants. Generation Z is a tough one to figure out.

Buy the annual zoo membership and the price gets reasonable real fast for multiple visits.

[jessep28]

Given that the average age of the users of r/Omaha is about 16, most of them are easily bored.

That place has the average maturity of a teenager too. Oh, look, Dave Paladino changed the Bible verse on the sign at one of his storage properties. Let's all gang up and mock Christians.

[ita]

I think Omaha has most of the stuff 20 and 30 somethings typically like to do. Not in the same quantities, and in some cases not the same quality, but its enough. I theorize that people who proclaim to be bored in Omaha are those who travel on occasion and are under the impression that whatever they did on vacation is a normal occurrence for those who live there. For example, I used to be a part of the "we-need-a-theme-park" crowd for Omaha to be exciting. I've now lived in two cities over 8 years with a Six Flags and now believe that maybe its more the novelty of having a theme park than actually going to one. Since Six Flags is always close by, I have only have visited once and because its always there and I take it for granted, I think it was the ok-ist time I've ever had at a theme park.

In this age bracket and completely agree. If you are "bored" in Omaha you would be likely be bored elsewhere or need to make better/more friends.

What Omaha is missing out big time on outdoor activities - that's hard to fix because our geography is not going to change, but increased utilization of the riverfront is a start. Better maintenance of our existing parks would be good too. We have nice bike trails, but their connections are poor (especially compared to lincoln) and most follow creeks so they don't necessarily go anywhere. For those who have been to Atlanta, the beltline is great because there are apartments and businesses right on the trail, but because our trails are built in flood plains this is unlikely (though possible on parts of Field Club/South Omaha trail). An East-West connection from Aksarben-Dundee-Blackstone-Midtown-Downtown-River would be huge here though likely not feasible for many years due to lack of political will.

Aside from the aforementioned, two niches I am surprised are not filled in Omaha are late night activities that don't involve drinking and a rooftop bar downtown.

Taco, what kind of non-alcohol late night activities are you thinking?

[bigredmed1]

Non-alcohol (or at least non-required alcohol) activities would include more good restaurants that are open late. Would love to go to more movies, but when I get out of work, and get home to the dog, then go to the movie, I either don't have time to eat or are forced to go to the late show at 9. Too late for me and if I can make it to a movie at 7, then the good restaurants are closing.

I would like to see more galleries that changed up their stuff every 30-45 days.

I would like to see more outdoor activities. They were talking about a canoe launch at Platte River SP to land in Louisville SRA. That has gone nowhere for a flood of reasons. It would be nice to see that come back up.

It would be great to see more of the Outdoor Education Center type functions spread to other parks and rec areas (like canoe lessons at Mahoney, and fishing lessons at Two Rivers). I want the Platte River SP paradigm as they set their program up so that experienced shooters/archers could still have a challenge or at least a fun time while others were brand new and not overwhelmed.

I think that keeping these places open longer into the year and using their indoor assets better would make the SPs more useful and therefore a bigger part of the entertainment options for the city.

[ScrattyB]

IMO, we need more of an entertainment district/plaza/area. One-off places around town can't seem to make it. The V, Family Fun Center, etc.

IMO, the area should consist of multiple family friendly options, so people can go from place to place on foot. There also need to be somewhat cheap/free options. A list of options include : bowling, arcade, food court with food carts and food stalls (think Singapore's hawker centers), mini-Do Space with computer lab and classes, sports bar, full service restaurants as well as quick bite places, mini-golf, gym, free public gym classes like they do at Turner Park, sports courts (badminton/racquetball/Padel leagues, ping pong, driving range), trampoline places, rock climbing/Ninja Warrior courses, movies, karaoke, bubble tea, comfortable seating areas, security on patrol, and take all that and throw some retail in. Rent needs to be cheap to keep cost/prices down. Public transportation and parking garage is a must. It should be a place that encourages people to come and hang out, even if they just sit with a couple friends, stare at their smart phones and don't buy anything. You need cheap/free options to get young people to keep coming back. You would almost need the city to do some funding or offer a big loan with a very low interest rate. Security would be of the utmost importance. One shooting and it's going to start a downward spiral.

Any of the 3 major malls in Omaha could make this happen. Westroads already has restaurants, decent bus connections and will have Top Golf. Simon would need to buy the vacant Younkers section and tear it down.

Anyways, that's all my opinion from travelling overseas and observing things that people seem to enjoy. I'm doubtful it would happen in my lifetime. Too much money/politics/risk involved for a seemingly low profit.

[ita]

Non-alcohol (or at least non-required alcohol) activities would include more good restaurants that are open late. Would love to go to more movies, but when I get out of work, and get home to the dog, then go to the movie, I either don't have time to eat or are forced to go to the late show at 9. Too late for me and if I can make it to a movie at 7, then the good restaurants are closing.

I would like to see more galleries that changed up their stuff every 30-45 days.

I would like to see more outdoor activities. They were talking about a canoe launch at Platte River SP to land in Louisville SRA. That has gone nowhere for a flood of reasons. It would be nice to see that come back up.

It would be great to see more of the Outdoor Education Center type functions spread to other parks and rec areas (like canoe lessons at Mahoney, and fishing lessons at Two Rivers). I want the Platte River SP paradigm as they set their program up so that experienced shooters/archers could still have a challenge or at least a fun time while others were brand new and not overwhelmed.

I think that keeping these places open longer into the year and using their indoor assets better would make the SPs more useful and therefore a bigger part of the entertainment options for the city.

Addressing your ideas about late night restaurants, that does make sense. You will not find a lot of restaurants open past nine unless they are fast food, Mexican, or a bar, which is alcohol related. However, that seems to be an issue because Omaha seems to lack a night life, outside of bars. Like in Honolulu (this is my point of reference as I spent my college life there), they had a variety of night life options included shows and bars. The big draw, however, were clubs. And most all late night entertainment was found in downtown Honolulu. Like ScrattyB's comment, there is something that happens when entertainment options are near each other. In Honolulu, you had several late night options for food in downtown, and even on your way home, because the night life scene supported it. It's not a fair comparison because Honolulu has an incredible tourist industry, but there are some principles that carryover.

Jumping off your outdoor ideas, I think you're spot on. There should be better use of our natural draws like the rivers. The portion of the tri-park initiative I am most excited for is on the Council Bluffs side and what they will be able to do with the land north of River's Edge.

[Taco]

I think Omaha has most of the stuff 20 and 30 somethings typically like to do. Not in the same quantities, and in some cases not the same quality, but its enough. I theorize that people who proclaim to be bored in Omaha are those who travel on occasion and are under the impression that whatever they did on vacation is a normal occurrence for those who live there. For example, I used to be a part of the "we-need-a-theme-park" crowd for Omaha to be exciting. I've now lived in two cities over 8 years with a Six Flags and now believe that maybe its more the novelty of having a theme park than actually going to one. Since Six Flags is always close by, I have only have visited once and because its always there and I take it for granted, I think it was the ok-ist time I've ever had at a theme park.

In this age bracket and completely agree. If you are "bored" in Omaha you would be likely be bored elsewhere or need to make better/more friends.

What Omaha is missing out big time on outdoor activities - that's hard to fix because our geography is not going to change, but increased utilization of the riverfront is a start. Better maintenance of our existing parks would be good too. We have nice bike trails, but their connections are poor (especially compared to lincoln) and most follow creeks so they don't necessarily go anywhere. For those who have been to Atlanta, the beltline is great because there are apartments and businesses right on the trail, but because our trails are built in flood plains this is unlikely (though possible on parts of Field Club/South Omaha trail). An East-West connection from Aksarben-Dundee-Blackstone-Midtown-Downtown-River would be huge here though likely not feasible for many years due to lack of political will.

Aside from the aforementioned, two niches I am surprised are not filled in Omaha are late night activities that don't involve drinking and a rooftop bar downtown.

The Beltline is seriously an incredibly amenity for ATL. Tons of development centered around it and it is only like 25% complete as of now I think. Going to genuinely transform the city as it comes to completion. I was there last September and rode from the trail head up to Piedmont Park(major park in Midtown ATL) and back. Stopped at the very impressive Ponce City Market development for some shopping and drinks and headed back to where I was staying. Great afternoon with tons of people enjoying the investment.

I was so impressed with it all I ended up reading a book that dives into the history behind the project. It isn't a perfect book, but it certainly demonstrates all the hurdles you need to get over to get major projects like this done.

I was just in Atlanta this spring for the first time in a couple of years and was really impressed by the new development along the beltline, especially south of Ponce. I spoke with a man at their informational office and he said they were about to open a large new extension this spring, but I forget where. They do a wonderful job getting use out of it so it isn't "just a trail", instead with all of the art, parks, stores, and restaurants it is probably the most interesting spot for young people to live and a must see for visitors. I hope they are able to follow through in time, if not faster than projected due to the immense interest. I'm not sure if the Bird/Jump/Lyft scooters were there when you visited, but its a perfect way to explore the trail. They'll be a good fit on the riverfront and downtown as well, though their functionality will be limited as actual transportation due to lack of safe passageways on streets.

[Taco]

Taco, what kind of non-alcohol late night activities are you thinking?

My proposal is essentially a library with expanded offerings and hours. Think a combination of our current public librarys, a small DO-space type area, and a comfortable coffee shop with couches. There are two key ingredients to my proposal - quality programming and an attractive space people want to go to. As a city, we already have interesting activities via nonprofits like the library, uno, metro, film streams, makerspaces, joslyn, etc - just not at night time. I think these organizations could easily schedule times to either open their doors at night or just have one of their usual activity leaders come to this community center of sorts.

My idea is based off of an article I read about using libraries and community centers as a place for young people to go hangout at night to keep them out of trouble (or situations that can lead to trouble), but I think it could easily be expanded into a larger concept geared towards all sects of society. It would be very feasible with two caveats - finding people to staff and provide programming would be difficult(w/o tips it wouldn't pay as well as bartending and skilled people don't often want to give up their weekend nights) and welcoming all while ensuring it doesn't become overloaded with the homeless population. Aside from these two difficulties, you'd just need a large area with tables, couches, and things to do - board games, books, video games, computers, etc.

[nativeomahan]

Some insightful ideas have been offered in the above posts.
My 2¢ worth:

1. Full service restaurants that serve alcohol, as well as those that don’t, need to stay open later. Go to a 7:30 pm film and just try to find a decent place to eat dinner afterward. We once had to drive 4 flipping miles down W. Center to find a single sit-down restaurant seating customers after 9:30 on a Friday night! In my other hometown it is almost impossible NOT to find a single restaurant open until at least 10 pm. Many are open until 11 pm even during the week. And they are typically busy with families and couples until at least 10 pm week nights and 11 pm weekends.

2. Stop trying to cater only to families with kids! Singles and couples LOATHE being stuck in a “family friendly” atmosphere. Have some more entertainment districts designed for adults only. I seldom drink alcohol, but at least when I go to a bar I know it won’t be filled with noisy little kids. Just the occasional obnoxious adult.

3. Yes, by all means, develop entertainment options along the River. CB is doing a better job in this than Omaha, to be sure. I mean, the river isn’t something new. It has been there for eons. Have some decent riverfront restaurants and bars amidst welcoming landscaping (large trees to shade from the summer sun, for example). Maybe add a science museum or similar cultural center on the river, to add to the allure and draw people to the river.

4. As to our restaurant scene, it is much, much better than it ever has been. We do have African restaurants here (Lalibela is great). The middle eastern offerings are slim, but also there. A new Poke restaurant is set to open in One Pacific Place. Dim sum is available at at least 3 restaurants, but I do long for one with the traditional carts that go from table to table. We have a handful of good banh mi places now (my favorite is Vietnamese restaurant in LaVista), and some good ramen houses are open as well. I’m sure more will soon follow, as these are now considered trendy. I do wish we had a few ceviche restaurants to add to the mix.

5. A permanent food truck park would be a great asset, especially if it were located in an entertainment district. Puerto Vallarta now has two, and they seem to be catching on with the public.

6. We will never have Big League sports teams here. I don’t see a fix for that. Same with a big amusement park. We are too small a metro to support one.

Ask people to list a few adjectives they think of when they hear the word Omaha, and I doubt any of the top 10 would be “fun” or “entertaining” or “exciting.” It is something that civic leaders really need to work on. Millennials and the generations that will follow can live about anywhere they want, if they have the right education and employment skills. Omaha has to try to wrangle it’s way onto the list of places along with LA, NYC, DC, Atlanta, Dallas, the Twin Cities, Miami, Toronto and CDMX.

[ScrattyB]

2. Stop trying to cater only to families with kids! Singles and couples LOATHE being stuck in a “family friendly” atmosphere. Have some more entertainment districts designed for adults only. I seldom drink alcohol, but at least when I go to a bar I know it won’t be filled with noisy little kids. Just the occasional obnoxious adult.

When I said family friendly, I didn't mean kids. I was thinking more like teenagers on up (a.k.a. independent people with money to spend).

I wouldn't mind more strip clubs though

[ita]

It's been a while since this topic has been touched, but I came across something that might work in Omaha. There is this thing called Evermore in Utah that opened last year, I think? Anyway, it is basically a fantasy world in real life. It seems fairly popular. It is theme park-ish without the rides. I feel like with the large Halloween venues and arts and talent community hear, something like that could be done here. Maybe something more, I hate to use the word, gritty, a la Game of Thrones/LOTR? It would be something that is unique to the area and could bring outside visitors.

[Omaha Cowboy]

It's been a while since this topic has been touched, but I came across something that might work in Omaha. There is this thing called Evermore in Utah that opened last year, I think? Anyway, it is basically a fantasy world in real life. It seems fairly popular. It is theme park-ish without the rides. I feel like with the large Halloween venues and arts and talent community hear, something like that could be done here. Maybe something more, I hate to use the word, gritty, a la Game of Thrones/LOTR? It would be something that is unique to the area and could bring outside visitors.

Seems interesting.

Here is the site link:

https://www.evermore.com/

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Coyote]

Omaha Film Festival takes place this weekend; local and national films to be featured



Two documentaries, "Fighting For Daybreak” and “From the Hood to the Holler” will be featured with filmmakers hosting Q&A sessions afterward. There will also be screenings of short films by Nebraskans.