Smokey Robinson, CAKE & Fireworks: Don't Miss Omaha's Biggest Fourth of July Event
Story by Itzel Davila Torres
One of Omaha’s most beloved summer traditions returns this Friday as thousands gather for the City of Omaha’s annual Memorial Park Concert and Fireworks Show. The free community celebration combines legendary live music, patriotic tradition, and one of the largest fireworks displays in the region.
This year’s concert features legendary Motown icon Smokey Robinson, whose career spans more than six decades and includes timeless hits such as The Tracks of My Tears, Cruisin’, and Being with You. A member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, Robinson has earned numerous honors, including the Kennedy Center Honors, the National Medal of Arts, and the GRAMMY Living Legend Award.
Joining him as a special guest is alternative rock favorite CAKE, the platinum-selling band known for hits including The Distance, Short Skirt/Long Jacket, and Never There.
Their signature blend of rock, funk, country, and folk has made them one of the most recognizable bands of the past three decades. Throughout the day, attendees will also enjoy videos featuring local Omaha musicians on the event’s giant video screens, showcasing the city’s homegrown talent.
For nearly four decades, families and friends have made Memorial Park their Fourth of July gathering place, creating traditions that span generations while celebrating community, music, and the start of summer.
Meanwhile, Memorial Park has welcomed legendary performers including The Beach Boys, Foreigner, Styx, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Roger Daltrey, Ringo Starr, and Omaha's own 311, whose free 2004 hometown concert celebrating the city's 150th anniversary drew more than 40,000 fans
“There’s nothing quite like live music under the summer sky with the best community around,” said Omaha Mayor John Ewing when talking about the event.
The event is free and available to the public, with no tickets required. Memorial Park opens at 5 a.m for guests wishing to claim a viewing spot. Blankets are welcome, though tarps, stakes, tents, and canopies are prohibited. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy festivities, and settle in for an evening of entertainment.
Event Schedule:
6:30 p.m. — National Anthem & Welcome
6:45 p.m. — CAKE
8:30 p.m. — Smokey Robinson
10 p.m. — Fireworks
