Omaha, Neb. — The Blackstone neighborhood just added a fresh pulse to its nightlife: Blackstone Alley, a long-anticipated outdoor event space, officially cut its ribbon on October 7. The evening ceremony drew city leaders, local business owners, and neighbors eager to usher in a new chapter for the block between 39th and 40th Streets.
By day, the corridor serves as a parking lot tucked behind neighborhood anchors such as Scriptown Brewing and Mula. But by night—this space transforms. A canopy of string lights and lively programming will turn the alley into a destination for music, food, community gatherings, and impromptu celebrations.
“With the overhead canopy of lights, we'll create a mood that can really enhance an event people want to come to,” said Matt Oberst, the Blackstone Business Improvement District Manager, explaining the vision behind the space.
The idea has simmered for years. After securing ARPA funding through the city in 2022, the BID pushed forward on converting the lot into a curated event venue. In its first public outing, Blackstone Alley will be tested during Farnam Fest on October 11, coordinated amidst partial street closures for ongoing streetcar construction.
Neighborhood stakeholders are enthusiastic. “It’s going to make the neighborhood more friendly, more inviting and more vibrant,” said Jake Dawson, Creative Director at Mula. Dawson also sees the alley as an asset to surrounding businesses. “Being on the corner of 40th and Farnam … an increase in traffic overall is going to bring an increase in traffic to Mula.”
The ribbon‑cutting ceremony on October 7 will begin at 7:30 p.m., with Mayor John Ewing and Omaha City Council President Danny Begley among those cutting the ribbon.
Farnam Fest, starting at 11 a.m. on October 11, will feature live music, food trucks, an outdoor bar, and a local artisan market. Admission will be free to the public.
Over recent years, Blackstone’s revitalization has become a case study in urban renewal. From restaurants like Coneflower, Early Bird, Nolis, Night Owl, Ika, and formerly Kamp, to destination lodgings like the Kimpton, the corridor has evolved into one of Omaha’s cultural epicenters. Blackstone Alley now joins that roster, poised to expand the nightlife footprint and unite the neighborhood after dark.
This new addition to Omaha’s event landscape is more than a pretty block; it’s a statement that Blackstone continues to reinvent itself, block by block. Stay tuned for the programming lineup, which promises an eclectic mix of performances, food experiences, and community gatherings.
