Guest blog: Be a part of something extraordinary - The Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival
This blog is guest-written by Olga Smola, Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival
The Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival returns this summer with a dynamic lineup of free events celebrating global music, poetry, and cultural exchange. From July 20th to August 2nd, venues across Omaha and Lincoln will host performances ranging from Arabic jazz and Nordic folk to experimental soundscapes and slam poetry. Curated by Syrian clarinetist and composer Kinan Azmeh, the festival emphasizes community, creativity, and the power of artistic expression.
Highlights include the Lincoln Showcase at the Sheldon Sculpture Garden on July 26th and the Omaha Showcase at Gene Leahy Mall on July 27th – two lively nights of music and poetry under the stars. Family Day on July 20th in Lincoln and Art-Tastic Saturday on August 2nd in Omaha offer music, storytelling, and hands-on art for all ages. Other standout events include Dawn of Midi and Dinuk Wijeratne on July 29th, immersive electronic sets from Erdem Helvacioglu & Friends on July 30th and July 31st, and the genre-bending Cello Spectrum concert on July 31st. The Festival Orchestra closes the season with finales in Lincoln on August 1st and in Omaha on August 2nd.
The festival remains committed to providing accessible, high-quality arts experiences. For some events, reservation is required. For the full schedule and more information, visit the 2025 program page.
The Nebraska Crossroads Music Festival is currently seeking volunteers to help with our Omaha Showcase — a major outdoor event on Sunday, July 27 at the Gene Leahy Mall, featuring international artists, poetry, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
If you’re passionate about the arts and want to be part of something meaningful (and fun!), we’d love to have you on our team.
Submit your interest to volunteer
