☀️ 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬 — 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 ☀️
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!
🎨 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗧: 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. ✨
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