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Fourth of July Memorial Park Concert

Fireworks and Free Live Music
Foreigner playing in Memorial Park
Neighborhood: Midtown Omaha
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The Bank of the West Celebrates America Concert in Memorial Park is one of the largest community events in Omaha. The tradition has been alive since 1987, with FREE admission and a closing fireworks display encouraging crowds as large as 80,000 to attend. The event occurs every year around the July 4th holiday and encourages free-will donations to local charities in lieu of ticket fees, and includes involvement from local high school musicians, underscoring the community focus of the show.

For many, the annual concert marks a tradition that is one of the high points of the summer. Though the artists selected usually have a pretty tough mandate—appeal to a wide age range of audience members, none of whom paid to be there—the closing fireworks are always a hit with both young and old. The event has featured established national bands, including Styx, Foreigner, and Kansas as well as The Guess Who and Grand Funk Railroad in 2009, KC & The Sunshine Band, REO Speedwagon, Three Dog Night, The 5th Dimension, Village People, The Beach Boys, The Four Tops, America, The Temptations, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons…to name a few.

The concert does tend to make midtown traffic something of a nightmare, but the University of Nebraska at Omaha opens its lots to alleviate the strain a little, with additional parking available in the neighborhoods north of the park. Once inside, concert-goers will enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere, a jumbotron screen providing overflow views for those that don’t wish to fight their way to the front. The concert is an alcohol free event, but organizers encourage people to show up early to stake out their blanket space—and enjoy the show! There aren’t many food vendors so make it a  family affair and bring a picnic!

Awesome aerial photo of the Bank of the West Celebrates America ConcertAwesome aerial photo of the Bank of the West Celebrates America Concert

Fireworks at Memorial ParkFireworks at Memorial Park

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Location

Memorial Park
6005 Underwood Avenue
Omaha, NE
United States
41° 15' 54.054" N, 96° 0' 19.1988" W

Comments

Anonymous (not verified) says:

February 6, 2012 : 12 years 34 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

Who ever can devise setting up Bank of the West shows for 2012, I believe that A more diverse set of music should be played this year. My suggestion for this years concert should have The Black Keys and Bon Jovi or Slash and Miles Kennedy. I believe all of their schedules will be open for this date so it would just be a matter of negotiating a deal with the band.

Anonymous (not verified) says:

April 6, 2012 : 12 years 26 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

what a stupid line up, i think i would throw up if any of these over rated groups played. how about some talent good rock n roll….STEVE MILLER, BOSTON, ZZ-TOP, JOURNEY, FLEETWOOD MAC, J GEILS BAND, FREE, FOG HAT…..i can go on and on, black keys …..whatever

Anonymous (not verified) says:

April 8, 2012 : 12 years 25 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

I would agree as well to have these great bands play at the bank of the west concert series. I am not disproving of those bands, cause they are amazing. Other suggestions would be 30 seconds to mars, Van halen, zz top sure, even the shins or other great indie bands. Steve miller already came. And yeah Journey is overrated.

Anonymous (not verified) says:

April 20, 2012 : 12 years 24 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

I would love to know exactly where to find the lineup for this yrs. july 4th concert!

locomo says:

April 20, 2012 : 12 years 24 weeks ago

locomo's picture

this usually gets posted to our website in the next month or so - check back in May!

Anonymous (not verified) says:

April 29, 2012 : 12 years 22 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

I prefer the golden oldies - Kool & the Gang, Frankie Vali/4 Seasons, Chicago, The Temptations, Any MoTown, The 4 Tops, KC & The Sunshine Band were good. I’m not a fan of Kansas & Foreigner, so I didn’t go last year. My husband and I travel 165 miles (one way) to attend this event - and sure want to thank the previous and current bank for putting this on. Thanks!

Anonymous (not verified) says:

May 7, 2012 : 12 years 21 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

We’ve enjoyed these concerts since 99 and my only real complaint/strong suggestion—KEEP YOUR DOGS AT HOME!!!(No one cares to see your dog there & it’s not really fair to the animal as hot as it can & has been in years past.)I hope Bank of the West will include this common sense suggestion in their ads.

Anonymous (not verified) says:

May 25, 2012 : 12 years 19 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

Is the line up posted yet? Could you have more food vendors this year? Seems like a perfect way to make some money and I know we always want more food choices at this event. I think we waited about an hour in line last year to get a drink. We will be better prepared this year, but, would still like to have more food/drink vendors.

And, please….what is the line up???

Anonymous (not verified) says:

June 8, 2012 : 12 years 17 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

What is the lineup for the July 4th concert??????

Anonymous (not verified) says:

June 18, 2012 : 12 years 15 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

Huey Lewis and the News is the headline band this year.

Ellen (not verified) says:

June 26, 2012 : 12 years 14 weeks ago

Ellen's picture

Love these concerts. This will be at least our 15th year. I’m not always crazy about the music but enjoy being with family and friends. Our 1st concert was The Righteous Brothers. It was hot and we didn’t have shade. Learned the next year to bring an umbrella and even had a lawn tent one year. We always take our shade down before the concert starts. Looking forward to Huey Lewis and the News. Great arobics music. Also good to get up and dance to. Plenty of food and lots of water to drink.

Anonymous (not verified) says:

June 29, 2012 : 12 years 14 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

I WENT FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS AND I THINK IT IS AN ENJOYABLE FUN EVENT!

Anonymous (not verified) says:

July 4, 2012 : 12 years 13 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

What time are the fireworks starting.?

Tim (not verified) says:

August 19, 2012 : 12 years 6 weeks ago

Tim's picture

I hope the list will be better for 2013. The best concert was when Kansas,foreigner,Styxs,now that was a show. My hats off too Bank of the West.

Anonymous (not verified) says:

February 21, 2013 : 11 years 32 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

We travel from Chicago every year for this wonderful concert. 2013 would be a great year to have the Beach Boys back or better yet, Chicago!

Anonymous (not verified) says:

February 25, 2013 : 11 years 31 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

To the person who said: “what a stupid line up, i think i would throw up if any of these over rated groups played. how about some talent good rock n roll….STEVE MILLER, BOSTON, ZZ-TOP, JOURNEY, FLEETWOOD MAC, J GEILS BAND, FREE, FOG HAT…..i can go on and on, black keys …..whatever” and “Who ever can devise setting up Bank of the West shows for 2012, I believe that A more diverse set of music should be played this year. My suggestion for this years concert should have The Black Keys and Bon Jovi or Slash and Miles Kennedy. I believe all of their schedules will be open for this date so it would just be a matter of negotiating a deal with the band.”
1- It is a free concert, if you want to see black keys and bon jovi go pay your ticket price and watch them.
2- Unless you are with those bands you have absolutely NO way of knowing if they are free, just because you don’t see something on their website for that day does not mean they aren’t booked at a private event or it could be a travel day. It is not as easy as “negotiating a deal” I’m guessing you have absolutely NO CLUE what actually goes in to putting on a concert, let alone a free one.
Like I said you’re not paying for a ticket so you have no right to compain, I’m sure suggestions are welcome, but maybe you should use some common sense and think with-in reason.

I think this show is great for the community. It has been a tradition for families for many years and whether the band is a favorite or not it has been a fun time to see friends, faimly and celebrate America. Thanks for the hard work to everyone who helps put on this concert!

Katie Ross (not verified) says:

April 2, 2013 : 11 years 26 weeks ago

Katie Ross's picture

So I am going for Flogging Molly
I mean they would be great to just rock out to!

Sally (not verified) says:

April 18, 2013 : 11 years 24 weeks ago

Sally's picture

Does anyone know when the 2013 lineup will be announced?

REO was my first year, and I didn’t think to ask off the next year for it, but have been every year since. 2010 (Kansas, Styx, and Foreigner) was definitely the best so far! I love making a day out of it, and just being with friends and fellow Americans. I especially love when they play “I’m Proud to be an American” during the fireworks. I get chills just thinking about everyone singing along.

Thanks to all those who put hard work into putting this together for so many people to enjoy.

Anonymous (not verified) says:

April 24, 2013 : 11 years 23 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

Word on the street is Pat Benetar

Anonymous (not verified) says:

May 19, 2013 : 11 years 20 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

It’s about 5 weeks away and I still don’t know who’s playing the concert! Am I missing the announcement somewhere?

Anonymous (not verified) says:

May 19, 2013 : 11 years 20 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

It’s Pat Benetar.

Anonymous (not verified) says:

May 20, 2013 : 11 years 20 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

Is Pat Benetar the only musician?

Anonymous (not verified) says:

May 20, 2013 : 11 years 20 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

is pat benetar the only musician?

Chris B (not verified) says:

June 5, 2013 : 11 years 17 weeks ago

 Chris B's picture

Loved when they brought in K.C. and the Sunshine band, great show, not sure why Sioux City can have Santanna and Omaha can’t do something like that!

Anonymous (not verified) says:

June 26, 2013 : 11 years 14 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

We were planning to come to Omaha over the 4th for a vacation. What a disappointment to find so little happening the 4th - 7th. The Fourth of July celebration on June 28th?

Anonymous (not verified) says:

June 26, 2013 : 11 years 14 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

Yes’m. Should be a great time. Weather looking pretty good.

Anonymous (not verified) says:

June 27, 2013 : 11 years 14 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

I was wondering if I can sell fruit cups and refreshments or is it prohibited?

Joe (not verified) says:

May 2, 2014 : 10 years 22 weeks ago

Joe's picture

I think that this years we should have 4 or 5 bands to play at the 4th of July’s Memorial Park concert. I think the line up should be these bands, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, HEART, KISS,ZZ TOP, Journey

I just heard that, this year is AC/DC’s bands 40th anniversary, and since it’s AC/DC’s 40th anniversary, they should play at the Memorial Park concert this year

WHO AGREES WITH ME

Anonymous (not verified) says:

May 2, 2014 : 10 years 22 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

Who is playing this year?

Joe Black (not verified) says:

May 21, 2014 : 10 years 19 weeks ago

Joe Black's picture

I think that, instead of having uncle Kracker, smash mouth, blues traveler, & 1 other band, play this year at the July 2014 Memorial Park Concert, the Bank Of The West should of gotten the band AC/DC to play at the free Memorial Park Concert this July 2014 cause this year is the band AC/DC 40th anniversary & If I’m correct, AC/DC has been together for 40 years.

Anonymous (not verified) says:

June 23, 2014 : 10 years 15 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

I am positively thrilled,all the groups coming is great can’t WAIT.THIS WILL ACTUALLY BE MY FIRST CONCERT WITH MY KIDS!

West Anson (not verified) says:

June 28, 2014 : 10 years 14 weeks ago

West Anson's picture

Photos from “The 2014 4th of July Celebration presented by Bank of the West “. Please TAG yourself or friends.

All images are in 3x5 low-resolution, not suitable for printing. High-Resolution images suitable for printing are available. Contact me for details. Enjoy.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.789607964404158.1073741846.100000648843762&type=1&l=3581929049

Tim (not verified) says:

January 29, 2015 : 9 years 35 weeks ago

Tim's picture

when is the date for 2015 concert ,and who is coming if you know?
BTO would be great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tim (not verified) says:

January 29, 2015 : 9 years 35 weeks ago

Tim's picture

when is the date for 2015 concert ,and who is coming if you know?
BTO would be great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous (not verified) says:

May 12, 2015 : 9 years 21 weeks ago

Anonymous's picture

The date for the 2015 concert is Friday June 26th and the bands are Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Eddie Money.

JC (not verified) says:

June 25, 2015 : 9 years 14 weeks ago

JC's picture

I enjoy these events but last year’s show was poorly planned. Blues Traveler was the main act. We were lucky to have such a talented band there but the bands performing before them were allowed to play too long and the time between bands was also too long. When Blues Traveler finally hit the stage they were allowed four…that’s right…FOUR songs and then it was lights out for the fireworks. Omaha missed a golden opportunity to see a great band for free. The planners of this event really dropped the ball. It was extremely disappointing to say the least. DO BETTER

JC (not verified) says:

June 25, 2015 : 9 years 14 weeks ago

JC's picture

I enjoy these events but last year’s show was poorly planned. Blues Traveler was the main act. We were lucky to have such a talented band there but the bands performing before them were allowed to play too long and the time between bands was also too long. When Blues Traveler finally hit the stage they were allowed four…that’s right…FOUR songs and then it was lights out for the fireworks. Omaha missed a golden opportunity to see a great band for free. The planners of this event really dropped the ball. It was extremely disappointing to say the least. DO BETTER

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