Free events in Council Bluffs, IA

This kid-focused Kempo karate session offers authentic instruction shaped by Dr. Ron Chapel’s teaching approach. Designed for ages 4 to 13, it aims to build confidence and self-esteem, teach practical self-defense, strengthen focus and discipline, and improve overall fitness in a welcoming setting where new friendships can grow. Families can sample the experience with a complimentary first class, and a two-week introductory option is available for $40. The program is created to help children develop skills that support progress in martial arts and in everyday life.

Kick off the week with a free MixxedFit workout in the North parking lot at Highlander Accelerator. This people inspired format blends easy to follow dance moves with boot camp style toning set to popular pop and hip hop tracks, creating an upbeat, full body session for all ages. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothing, and get ready for a solid sweat with Sammie. Activities take place outdoors and will be canceled if the weather does not cooperate. Please sign in upon arrival for each session. Photos or video may be captured, and you can request not to be on camera.

Adults of any experience level can train in Kempo Karate with instruction grounded in Dr. Ron Chapel's well established approach. The program emphasizes practical self defense and overall fitness in a supportive community. Training develops strength and conditioning, eases stress, and sharpens focus while building skills for real world situations. First time participants can attend a class at no cost, and a two week trial is available for $40.

North Omaha Music & Arts hosts weekly, free-to-attend jazz gatherings that start with a house band set and continue with an open session for jazz musicians, instrumentalists, and vocalists to collaborate, explore ideas, and sharpen their skills. The series focuses on elevating high-quality jazz in the local community while creating a welcoming space for inspiration, connection, and memorable live music.

A live comedy open mic spotlights fresh faces, visiting comedians, first-timers, and rising talent. Each performer gets a five minute set to keep the laughs coming. Irish drink specials are available. Admission is free, and performer signups take place before the show begins.

FitDefense offers a dynamic class that unites strength training with practical self-defense. Expect full-body functional movements, focused sandbag work, and hands-on techniques designed for real-life situations. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to seasoned athletes, and no prior experience is needed. The first class is free, and a two-week trial is available for $40. Build fitness while gaining foundational skills to help protect yourself and the people you care about.

Goldeez hosts a free general trivia night built around four rounds of five questions each, followed by a Jeopardy-style finale where teams can wager it all. Teams may include up to six players, and sign-up takes place before the game begins. Free bingo runs alongside the event with additional chances to win prizes. Gift cards are awarded to the top teams, including $25 for first place, $15 for second, and $10 for third, with other prizes available as well.

Enjoy a laid back trivia experience for every knowledge level. Play at no cost and compete for prizes as two games unfold, each made up of three rounds inspired by popular game shows. Expect more than standard question and answer, with word jumbles, picture rounds, and other creative twists.

Cultivating Curiosity invites children to explore the world of plants through a hands-on, drop-in experience that connects them with the horticulture team. Through conversation and discovery, young learners can ask questions, observe how plants grow, and investigate everything from seeds and roots to blossoms and beyond. Each month brings a fresh focus, with 2026 themes including Sowing Seeds in April, Parts of a Plant in May, a Pollinator Scavenger Hunt in June, Guess This Herb in July, Prairies in August, All About Roots in September, and Pumpkins in October. Participation is included with paid garden admission, garden members attend for free, and no pre-registration is required.

Set in Bayliss Park, Farmers Market Council Bluffs features a mix of seasonal offerings and rotating vendors. The presenting partner is CHI Health Mercy, Council Bluffs. Visitors can explore wellness activities supported by All Care Health Center, and families will find weekly kid-focused fun made possible by First Interstate Bank.

Summer evenings set the scene for fresh produce, friendly faces, and care for the neighbors who make a place feel like home. Highlander Marketplace is a farmers market style gathering that brings together local farmers, small businesses, makers, food vendors, and residents at the center of the Highlander neighborhood. Browse seasonal goods, find new favorite vendors, support local entrepreneurship, and spend time in community. Volunteers can help greet guests, support vendors, and assist with setup and other event needs. Makers, food vendors, and small businesses may apply to participate as vendors. The marketplace is hosted by Seventy-Five North in partnership with residents to create pathways to prosperity in Highlander, and with Whispering Roots it features the Nurture Omaha Farm Stands that connect neighbors with fresh produce, local farmers, and meaningful ways to pour back into the community.

Each Saturday, the streets of Omaha's Old Market transform into a bustling farmers market offering a broad selection of fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, artisan baked goods, meats, cheeses, and other specialty items. For updates, search for Omaha Farmers Market on Facebook or find @omahafarmersmarket on Instagram.

Enjoy a free outdoor yoga session on the lawn at Highlander Accelerator, welcoming all ages and experience levels. The practice weaves gentle movements, deep stretches, and mindfulness techniques for a rejuvenating experience that encourages you to breathe deeply, build strength, and unwind in a serene setting. Bring a yoga mat and a water bottle, and follow along as the instructor guides the flow. Outdoor activities are canceled in inclement weather. Participants are asked to sign in for each session. Photos or video may be taken, and if you would rather not be on camera, please let the organizers know.

An outdoor mobile food pantry will set up first, then begin distributing food and continue until supplies are gone or the planned wrap-up, followed by cleanup. Please dress for whatever the weather brings, as all activities take place outside. If you know someone who could benefit, help spread the word. Participation supports the charter partner and can count toward several rank and merit badge requirements. Family members, including parents, grandparents, and siblings, are welcome.

A free comic and toy celebration fills Oak View Mall with pop culture finds and activities. Vendors and artists are spread throughout the entire mall, with additional pop up shops on both the upper and lower levels. Explore action figures, posters, comics, Pokemon, original art, Funko Pops, vintage video games, and other collectibles. A cosplay showcase with $300 is part of the festivities.

This free community market at Oak View Mall features shopping with local businesses, music, games, and a bounce house. Browse offerings from area vendors and reconnect with favorite mall retailers in a lively setting that highlights Omaha businesses.

Mulhall’s is partnering with Whispering Roots on a community produce drive that supports local food security. Home gardeners are encouraged to plant a little extra and bring their surplus harvests to share. Fresh fruits and vegetables collected at the venue will be prepared into nutritious meals for shelters or distributed directly to underserved neighborhoods in the city. Donations can be dropped off at Mulhall’s, and Whispering Roots will handle pickup. Produce that is especially helpful includes tomatoes, peppers, onions, cucumbers, squash, okra, herbs, and melons, and any fresh items that do not require immediate refrigeration are welcome. To keep contributions safe, wash your hands with soap and water before handling produce, rinse items under cool water only and let them dry, then transport everything in clean containers while avoiding contact with other surfaces.

A Sunday farmers market at Aksarben Village features seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, artisan baked goods, meats, cheeses, and other specialty goods. Held every Sunday, it brings together food, flowers, and specialty items in one place.

Nebraska’s largest annual dog-friendly celebration returns with the 37th Annual Margre Durham Walk & Dog Fest at the NHS Meadow. Admission is free for this Nebraska Humane Society fundraiser that celebrates pets, their people, and the community while supporting animals in need. Spend the day exploring sponsor tents, rescue group booths, raffles, exclusive merch, a family zone, and plenty of delicious food and drinks at the beer garden and Tito’s Canine Cantina. Catch energetic FlyBall demonstrations and a K9 handler showcase, enjoy the Adoption Parade, then set out for a mile-long walk along the Keystone Trail before returning to the meadow to wrap up the festivities. Shuttle buses will run during event hours, with parking available at the main shelter and additional complimentary parking nearby. New this year, the $150 Golden Paw offers VIP access plus 40% off merchandise, five raffle entries, four drink tickets, a walk T-shirt, and a food voucher. Dogs are welcome, and bringing one is optional. Registration is not required to attend, and sponsorship opportunities are available for brands hoping to connect with more than 1,200 pet-loving people and up to 500 dogs.