Omaha's First
Handmade Parade
SAVE THE DATE
10.03.2025
​​Handmade Parade
6Pm
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BEnson First Friday
5pm - 2Am​​​
​BFF Omaha invites you to a celebration of art, expression, and community in The Benson Creative District
2025 Handmade Parade Theme:
UNITY THROUGH CREATIVITY
Join us for BFF Omaha’s very first Handmade Parade — a joyful explosion of color, movement, and imagination that will fill the streets and alleyways of Benson with giant puppets, dazzling costumes, and lively performances. Held as part of Benson First Friday, this all-ages celebration invites artists, families, neighbors, and dreamers to come together in a playful expression of unity and creativity.
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This year’s theme, Unity Through Creativity, celebrates the power of art to connect us across differences. Whether you're marching in the parade, performing along the route, or cheering from the sidewalk, your presence helps transform public space into a canvas of collective joy and storytelling.
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Before and after the parade, the festivities continue throughout the neighborhood with family-friendly activities including puppet shows, live music, games, hands-on art, food trucks, and open galleries offering fun for all ages. Costumes are highly encouraged—bring your most playful, expressive self!
Come celebrate with us as we turn the streets into a stage, the sidewalks into a gallery, and the community into a living, breathing work of art.
Who can be in the parade?
YOU!
Jump in the Line
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We greatly encourage...
Schools, Clubs, Groups
& Organizations
Showcase your creativity, spirit, and teamwork with a themed entry.
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​Artists, Creatives & Makers
Build awe-inspiring
non-automotive floats,
costumes, and giant puppets that will wow the crowd.
Actors &
Theater Groups
Create unforgettable moments with live performances.
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Bands & Musicians
Bring the beats to get the crowd moving.
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​Dancers & Performers
Fill the streets with rhythm, energy, and excitement.
​Benson Bolt .5K
Stick around for the fourth annual Benson Bolt, sponsored by Central Skate Shop.
Run, skip, walk, cartwheel or roll to the finish line of our .5K.
No, that's not a typo, we are 'running' a half a kilometer!
If you are interested in staying up-to-date on .5k registration information click
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​Learn more about our events, volunteering, artistic opportunities, open studio days ​
& BE A PART OF THE MAGIC!
Go behind the scenes and help bring this spectacular event to life! Whether you love to build, organize, or dive into the action on parade day, we have a place for you.
Bring your good times and your laughter too!
Through community,
we find strength.
Through collaboration,
we find inclusivity.
And through creativity,
we find unity.
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CONNECT WITH US
Donate/SPONSOR
HMP
JOIN
Handmade
parade
volunteer
opp
Become a member of BFF
