Community and Neighborhood
Benson First Friday: November 6
✨ Benson First Friday ✨
🗓️ November 6th | 📍 Benson Creative District
The stars are aligning! November First Friday kicks off the Crystal Ball + Art Auction with Preview Night at the BFF Gallery. Get the first look at work from more than 75 artists, all available at BUY IT NOW prices, then explore gallery openings, exhibitions, performances and local businesses throughout the district.
The celebration continues Friday, November 13 from 6–10 PM with THE BFF BALL at the BFF Gallery and Mercer Masonic! Friends of BFF receive FREE entry, so become a Friend before the Ball at bffomaha.org/friend.
The mission of BFF Omaha is to build community through arts engagement in the Benson Creative District and beyond! Become a Friend of BFF today and get exclusive PERKS every First Friday! Support BFF Omaha and become a Friend at bffomaha.org/friend
✨ Openings in the BCD Galleries ✨
PETSHOP | 2725 - 2729 N. 62nd St. | November 6 | 6:00 - 10:00 | @petshopgallery
Petshop Gallery presents a new project by visual artist Rachel Cox. Composed of entirely appropriated and sourced photographs from Cox’s own collection, The Problem Horse is an interactive image + text installation offering contemporary interpretations of the practice of horse breaking.
Also on display:
BFF Gallery | 5901 Maple St. | November 6 | 6:00 - 10:00 | @thebffgallery
Crystal Ball + Art Auction Preview Night
🔮 Get a first look at works from 75+ artists during the BFF Crystal Ball + Art Auction Preview Night! Stop by BFF Gallery (5901 Maple St.) on First Friday, November 6, from 6–9 PM to browse and claim your favorites at Buy It Now prices. FREE and open to all! Then join us for the Crystal Ball + Art Auction on November 13. Become a Friend of BFF for free entry into the Ball: bffomaha.org/ball.
Learn more about the Crystal Ball’s Host and MC, Karma LiLola on the WOULD YOU JUST LOOK AT IT? Podcast!
MaMO | 2725 N. 62nd St. | November 6 | 6:00 - 10:00 | @bffmamo
Exploring interconnected creative reuse through farming, flowers and waste.
Ming Toy | 6066 Maple St. | 6:00 - 10:00 | @mingtoygallery
Frost received his bachelor’s degree in sculpture from Wayne State College and is represented by Modern Arts Midtown Gallery in Omaha. His artistic influences are mid-century jazz, voodoo and fine cuisine, as well as the various sciences, history, math and other fields of study.
On display in the little gallery
Maple St. Construct | 5912 Maple St. | 6:00 - 9:00 | @maple_st_construct
YELLOW
a solo art exhibition by Dan Crane.
Happening outside…
2026 MAPLE ST. CONSTRUCT FILM FESTIVAL
MORE BENSON FUN!
🎨 BFF Artist Market
Benson Theatre | 6054 Maple St. | November 6 | 6–9 PM
Shop work from local artists and makers at the BFF Artist Market inside Benson Theatre!
📷 Analog Omaha Skateboarding — Matt Scheffler
Central Skate Shop | November 6 | Starts at 6 PM
Explore black-and-white gelatin silver prints documenting skateboarding in Omaha, photographed by Matt Scheffler using old film cameras. Celebrate with a street closure, free hot dogs and chips, and First Friday fun!
🏎️ Mario Kart Tournament — The Bay
Benson Community Center | 6008 Maple St. | November 6 | Registration at 5 PM; tournament starts at 5:30 PM
Hit the track with The Bay’s Mario Kart Tournament! Whether you’re a Mario Kart pro or just playing for fun, racers ages 18 and younger are welcome to join. Prizes await the winners!
📖 Escape from Terikiak — Ben Lueders
HARDY COFFEE/BENSON | November 6
Stop by HARDY COFFEE/BENSON during First Friday to see artwork from Ben Lueders’ book Escape from Terikiak.
🕯️ Día de Muertos Ofrenda
Trudy’s | November 6
Visit Trudy’s during First Friday to view a Día de Muertos ofrenda, with installation assistance from Rosa Nelson Chaidez.
🏺 FUTURE ARTIFACT STUDIO POTTERY POP-UP
Legend Comics & Coffee | November 6
Browse and shop pottery from Future Artifact Studio during Benson First Friday!
💛 FRIEND OF BFF PERKS
Become a Friend of BFF and enjoy perks every First Friday!
Alley Cat Vintage: 20% off purchase
Benson Brewery: Half off draft beer (3–6 PM)
Beercade: $1 off all drinks
Burke’s Pub: Buy one apple pie shot, get another for a penny (3–6 PM)
Burrito Envy: Free cinnamon crisp with purchase
Central Skate Shop: 10% off purchase
Edge of the Universe: Free cookie with drink purchase
HARDY COFFEE/BENSON: $1 off any drink ✨ NEW!
Jake’s Cigars: Half off sangria on tap
Kai Tei: Buy one, get one sake
Snowy Sundaes: $1 off any drink
St. Andrew’s: $1 off tap beers until 7 PM; $1 off sangria all night
Star Deli: 10% off purchase
Ted & Wally’s: Free scoop of ice cream
The Sydney: $1 off all drinks
✨ THANK YOU TO OUR OCTOBER FIRST FRIDAY SPONSORS ✨
❤️ Mutual of Omaha
🧡 Ted & Wally’s Ultra-Premium Ice Cream
💛 FiberFirst Internet
Friend of BFF Business Members:
11Eleven • Access Period • Alley Cat Vintage • ASL Interpreting Services • Benson Brewery • Benson Theatre • Blue Line Coffee • Central Skate Shop • Dahlia House • Edge of the Universe • Gregg Grossman, Inc. • HARDY COFFEE/BENSON • Heather Tedesco, Realtor • Jake’s Cigars • Legend Comics & Coffee • Maple St. Construct • Maven Social • Metropolitan Community College • Ming Toy Gallery • Nebraska AIDS Project • Omaha Roller Derby • Removery • SET the Bar • Shipment Vintage • Shop Five Nine + Ceremony • Star Deli • Taco Co. • The Bay • The Sydney
💚 Made possible with support from the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
Proudly produced by BFF Omaha and rooted in the Benson Creative District.
Green Team Clean Up
Love the neighborhood? Come help keep it that way! Everyone is welcome to join our Sunday cleanups at 10 a.m., April–November. Meet behind Petshop at 2729 N. 62nd St.
Sowing Seeds
A free, open gathering for anyone who wants to sit down, make something, and be around other people doing the same.
Matinee Mode: Free Neighborhood Co-working
CO-WORKING + COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS. Every 2nd Wednesday | 10 AM – 2 PM. Bring your laptop, grab some coffee, and connect with Benson Creative District, BID, and Benson Theatre representatives.
Green Team Clean Up
Love the neighborhood? Come help keep it that way! Everyone is welcome to join our Sunday cleanups at 10 a.m., April–November. Meet behind Petshop at 2729 N. 62nd St.
Sowing Seeds
A free, open gathering for anyone who wants to sit down, make something, and be around other people doing the same.
BNA Neighborhood Clean up
The BNA hosts cleanups once a month, focusing on a different part of the neighborhood each time. Supplies provided, and new friends guaranteed. Every extra set of hands makes Benson a little more beautiful.
Green Team Clean Up
Love the neighborhood? Come help keep it that way! Everyone is welcome to join our Sunday cleanups at 10 a.m., April–November. Meet behind Petshop at 2729 N. 62nd St.
Sowing Seeds
A free, open gathering for anyone who wants to sit down, make something, and be around other people doing the same.
Popsicle Skate Night @ Benson Community Center
Liability waiver MUST be completed HERE by a parent/guardian prior to attending.
A monthly gathering for girls, femmes, and nonbinary skaters (who feel comfortable in a femme-centered space) to build skills and community!
Sowing Seeds
A free, open gathering for anyone who wants to sit down, make something, and be around other people doing the same.
Matinee Mode: Free Neighborhood Co-working
CO-WORKING + COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS. Every 2nd Wednesday | 10 AM – 2 PM. Bring your laptop, grab some coffee, and connect with Benson Creative District, BID, and Benson Theatre representatives.
Sowing Seeds
A free, open gathering for anyone who wants to sit down, make something, and be around other people doing the same.
Benson Business Improvement District (BID) Meeting
Join the Benson Business Improvement District (BID) meeting to hear updates on current projects, discuss neighborhood issues, and learn about upcoming initiatives in the district. These meetings are open to the public, and community input is always welcome.
Sowing Seeds
A free, open gathering for anyone who wants to sit down, make something, and be around other people doing the same.
Popsicle Skate Night @ Benson Community Center
Liability waiver MUST be completed HERE by a parent/guardian prior to attending.
A monthly gathering for girls, femmes, and nonbinary skaters (who feel comfortable in a femme-centered space) to build skills and community!
Matinee Mode: Free Neighborhood Co-working
CO-WORKING + COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS. Every 2nd Wednesday | 10 AM – 2 PM. Bring your laptop, grab some coffee, and connect with Benson Creative District, BID, and Benson Theatre representatives.
Matinee Mode: Free Neighborhood Co-working
CO-WORKING + COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS. Every 2nd Wednesday | 10 AM – 2 PM. Bring your laptop, grab some coffee, and connect with Benson Creative District, BID, and Benson Theatre representatives.
Matinee Mode: Free Neighborhood Co-working
CO-WORKING + COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS. Every 2nd Wednesday | 10 AM – 2 PM. Bring your laptop, grab some coffee, and connect with Benson Creative District, BID, and Benson Theatre representatives.
Matinee Mode: Free Neighborhood Co-working
CO-WORKING + COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS. Every 2nd Wednesday | 10 AM – 2 PM. Bring your laptop, grab some coffee, and connect with Benson Creative District, BID, and Benson Theatre representatives.
Matinee Mode: Free Neighborhood Co-working
CO-WORKING + COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS. Every 2nd Wednesday | 10 AM – 2 PM. Bring your laptop, grab some coffee, and connect with Benson Creative District, BID, and Benson Theatre representatives.
Sowing Seeds
A free, open gathering for anyone who wants to sit down, make something, and be around other people doing the same.
Green Team Clean Up
Love the neighborhood? Come help keep it that way! Everyone is welcome to join our Sunday cleanups at 10 a.m., April–November. Meet behind Petshop at 2729 N. 62nd St.
Benson Business Improvement District (BID) Meeting
Join the Benson Business Improvement District (BID) meeting to hear updates on current projects, discuss neighborhood issues, and learn about upcoming initiatives in the district. These meetings are open to the public, and community input is always welcome.
Popsicle Skate Night @ Benson Community Center
Liability waiver MUST be completed HERE by a parent/guardian prior to attending.
A monthly gathering for girls, femmes, and nonbinary skaters (who feel comfortable in a femme-centered space) to build skills and community!
Benson Neighborhood Association (BNA) Meeting
Join the Benson Neighborhood Association (BNA) meeting to connect with neighbors, hear updates on community projects, and discuss issues and opportunities that impact Benson residents. These meetings are open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to participate.
Green Team Costume Clean Up
Love the neighborhood? Come help keep it that way! Everyone is welcome to join our Sunday cleanups at 10 a.m., April–November. Meet behind Petshop at 2729 N. 62nd St.
Sowing Seeds
A free, open gathering for anyone who wants to sit down, make something, and be around other people doing the same.
Green Team Clean Up
Love the neighborhood? Come help keep it that way! Everyone is welcome to join our Sunday cleanups at 10 a.m., April–November. Meet behind Petshop at 2729 N. 62nd St.
BNA Neighborhood Clean up
The BNA hosts cleanups once a month, focusing on a different part of the neighborhood each time. Supplies provided, and new friends guaranteed. Every extra set of hands makes Benson a little more beautiful.
Sowing Seeds
A free, open gathering for anyone who wants to sit down, make something, and be around other people doing the same.
Green Team Clean Up
Love the neighborhood? Come help keep it that way! Everyone is welcome to join our Sunday cleanups at 10 a.m., April–November. Meet behind Petshop at 2729 N. 62nd St.
Sowing Seeds
A free, open gathering for anyone who wants to sit down, make something, and be around other people doing the same.
Green Team Clean Up
Love the neighborhood? Come help keep it that way! Everyone is welcome to join our Sunday cleanups at 10 a.m., April–November. Meet behind Petshop at 2729 N. 62nd St.
Green Team at Lauritzen Gardens
Join BFF Green Team for an outing at Lauritzen Gardens where we’ll volunteer with the original founder of the BFF Green Team!!
This is a free event, but if planning to attend, please email viy@bffomaha.org so we have a headcount.
Come dressed to work outside. Bringing a water bottle is recommended.
Benson First Friday: October 2
The 2nd Annual Handmade Parade takes over Benson First Friday on October 2 with giant puppets, handmade costumes, live music, art, skating, food and beautiful chaos. Festivities begin at 6 PM, with the parade starting at 6:30 PM. bensoncreativedistrict.org/firstfriday
Popsicle Skate Night @ Benson Community Center
Liability waiver MUST be completed HERE by a parent/guardian prior to attending.
A monthly gathering for girls, femmes, and nonbinary skaters (who feel comfortable in a femme-centered space) to build skills and community!
Green Team Clean Up
Love the neighborhood? Come help keep it that way! Everyone is welcome to join our Sunday cleanups at 10 a.m., April–November. Meet behind Petshop at 2729 N. 62nd St.
Youth Open Skate + Gaming
Liability waiver MUST be completed HERE by a parent/guardian prior to attending.
Free open skate and Nintendo Switch Gaming at the Benson Community Center for youth 18 and under….
Youth Open Skate + Gaming
Liability waiver MUST be completed HERE by a parent/guardian prior to attending.
Free open skate and Nintendo Switch Gaming at the Benson Community Center for youth 18 and under….
Youth Open Skate + Gaming
Liability waiver MUST be completed HERE by a parent/guardian prior to attending.
Free open skate and Nintendo Switch Gaming at the Benson Community Center for youth 18 and under….
Sowing Seeds
A free, open gathering for anyone who wants to sit down, make something, and be around other people doing the same.
Green Team Clean Up x Good Neighbor Week
Love the neighborhood? Come help keep it that way! Everyone is welcome to join our Sunday cleanups at 10 a.m., April–November. Meet behind Petshop at 2729 N. 62nd St.
BNA Neighborhood Clean up
The BNA hosts cleanups once a month, focusing on a different part of the neighborhood each time. Supplies provided, and new friends guaranteed. Every extra set of hands makes Benson a little more beautiful.
Sowing Seeds
A free, open gathering for anyone who wants to sit down, make something, and be around other people doing the same.
Green Team Clean Up
Love the neighborhood? Come help keep it that way! Everyone is welcome to join our Sunday cleanups at 10 a.m., April–November. Meet behind Petshop at 2729 N. 62nd St.
Sowing Seeds
A free, open gathering for anyone who wants to sit down, make something, and be around other people doing the same.
Green Team Clean Up
Love the neighborhood? Come help keep it that way! Everyone is welcome to join our Sunday cleanups at 10 a.m., April–November. Meet behind Petshop at 2729 N. 62nd St.
Benson Neighborhood Association (BNA) Meeting
Join the Benson Neighborhood Association (BNA) meeting to connect with neighbors, hear updates on community projects, and discuss issues and opportunities that impact Benson residents. These meetings are open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to participate.
Green Team Clean Up
Love the neighborhood? Come help keep it that way! Everyone is welcome to join our Sunday cleanups at 10 a.m., April–November. Meet behind Petshop at 2729 N. 62nd St.