Handmade Parade

SAVE THE DATE!

FIRST FRIDAY OCTOBER 3rd, 2025!

Pre-parade activities: 4-6pm

Parade assembly: 6-6:30pm

Parade: 6:30-7:30pm

Post-parade activities: 7:30-10pm

2025 Handmade Parade Theme: UNITY THROUGH CREATIVITY

Experience the Handmade Parade, where giant puppets, dazzling costumes, and lively performances fill historic downtown Benson with color and energy. Whether you're marching, performing, or cheering from the sidelines, your presence is a symbol of resilience, creativity, and connection at a time when we need to celebrate our  differences, lift each other up, and showcase the beauty of self-expression.

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​The celebration continues with typical First Friday art and community events, including music, art, and hands-on activities for all ages. More than just a festival, it’s a reminder that creativity unites us, turning public spaces into places of joy, expression, and community.

CALL FOR ARTISTS!

  • Register to participate in the parade below! Bring your friends, dress in costumes, create a puppet, do a performance…we’re open to it all!

  • We’re looking for street-corner musicians and performers ! (October 3rd 6-10pm). Please email info@bffomaha.org if interested.

  • We’ve been collecting abandoned shopping carts for floats! If you’d like one to turn one into a creative walkable float, please reach out to info@bffomaha.org.

  • Need ideas? Visit our pinterest page for inspiration!

  • Need help? Drop into any of our Upcoming Workshops!

Join the Party!

About:

Hosted by BFF Omaha, the Handmade Parade is a vibrant celebration of art, creativity, and community. Creating an immersive, and participatory experience that deepens public engagement with the arts while strengthening the bonds of the community, Handmade Parade invites everyone to take part in the magic.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Sponsor & Business Registration

Whether you're a business, corporation, or political campaign, this is how you show up. Sponsoring or registering guarantees visibility, supports community programming, and helps keep Benson creative (and weird).

Needed Supplies

We’re building floats, puppets, costumes, and more, and we need materials. Check out our supply list to see what you might have lying around (cardboard! pool noodles! hot glue!). It all helps bring the magic to life.

Volunteer Opportunities

Go behind the scenes and help bring this spectacular event to life! Whether you love to build, organize, or dive into the action on parade day, we have a place for you.

Workshops

Want to build something for the parade? Learn how to make a puppet? Join one of the many open workshops throughout town to get creative, get messy, and help shape the show. All ages and skill levels welcome.