Handmade Parade
Presented by BFF Omaha and Giant Joy Collective
OCTOBER 2, 2026
2nd Annual
Handmade Parade
Presented by Giant Joy Collective and BFF Omaha
Friday, October 2, 2026
Lineup begins at 6 p.m.
Parade begins at 6:30 p.m.
Starting location: Rose Hill Elementary
5605 Corby Street, Omaha, NE 68104
Ending location: Petshop Gallery
2725 N. 62nd Street, Omaha, NE 68104
Make Something. Wear Something. Join the Parade.
The Handmade Parade returns to Benson First Friday for another night of art, music, and beautiful chaos!
This joyful, community-made procession brings giant puppets, handmade costumes, cardboard creations, banners, mobile sculptures, performers, and all kinds of wonderful weirdness to the streets and alleyways of Benson.
Everyone is invited to march, dance, make something, wear something creative, or cheer from the sidelines. No parade experience is needed.
The Handmade Parade is free and family-friendly.
Thank you to Handmade Parade sponsors FiberFirst, Cobalt Credit Union, Big Grove for Good Foundation and Thermal King.
Parade Schedule
6 p.m. | Lineup at Rose Hill Elementary
Participants should meet at Rose Hill Elementary, 5605 Corby Street.
6:30 p.m. | The Handmade Parade Begins
The parade will travel along the alleyway south of Maple Street through the Benson Creative District.
After the Parade | Music and Activities at Petshop
The parade ends at Petshop Gallery, 2725 N. 62nd Street, where the celebration continues with live music, art, skateboarding, and food.
After the Parade
Live Music
Wrinkles in Time
Omaha Girls Rock!
TWBIE
MIDUSA
Art and Activities
Skateboarding with The Bay
Inclusive art market benefiting Maggie Pop’nz
More art and activities throughout the Benson Creative District
Food
Cheeseburger Paradise
Heavenly Body Bakery
Join the Beautiful Chaos
Bring your friends, your family, and your weirdest handmade ideas. Make a mask, create a costume, carry a puppet, decorate a sign, or simply show up ready to march.
Let’s fill Benson with giant joy!
Learn how the Handmade Parade came to be on the Would You Just Look At It? podcast!
LEAD UP WORKSHOPS
See the full list of leadup workshops here.
Create Masks/Heads from recycled materials and paper mache to bring your unique characters to life! Bring ideas to spread joy and creativity for the Handmade Parade!
Bring your imagination.
Bring your friends. Bring your weird stuff.
Let's fill the streets + alleyways
of Benson with giant joy.
Have an idea? Bring it.
Don't have an idea? We'll help you find one.
Handmade Parade FAQ’s - (note these are last years and are subject to change!)
What is the Handmade Parade?
The Handmade Parade is a brand-new community-built procession happening in Benson on Friday, October 2, 2026, as part of the October First Friday art walk. Unlike traditional parades, this one is created entirely by the community—neighbors, families, schools, and artists bring puppets, masks, costumes, banners, and floats under the theme Unity Through Creativity.
Who can participate?
Everyone! The parade is open to artists, families, schools, organizations, and anyone who wants to get creative. No prior parade experience is needed—just bring something handmade (big or small) and join in.
✨ Walk-ups welcome! Register on parade day at Rosehill Elementary between 4–6 PM.
Do I need to register?
Participation is free. Registration is encouraged so we can plan the lineup and share details in advance—sign up anytime at HERE.
Can’t commit ahead of time? No problem! Walk-ups can check in at Rosehill on parade day from 4–6 PM.
What should I bring or make?
Anything handmade that adds to the celebration! Popular options include:
Puppets (handheld, giant, or shadow)
Masks, hats, or costumes
Painted banners or signs
Decorated wagons, bikes, or carts as “mini floats”
Instruments or noisemakers
Think colorful, creative, and people-powered—no motor vehicles, please.
Do I have to build something to participate?
Not at all. You can march, cheer, or dance without a handmade piece. That said, even a simple mask or sign helps make the parade more vibrant.
What’s the schedule?
1:00–3:00 PM | Benson Community Center – Schools Out Craft Day (kids’ projects)
4:00–6:00 PM | Rosehill Elementary Blacktop – Creation Station, Collaborative Faces Mural, Face Painting, and Parade Registration
6:00 PM | Rosehill Elementary – Parade lineup
6:30 PM | Rosehill Elementary – Parade begins
7:30–10:00 PM | Petshop Gallery & Backlot – Post-Parade Party with live music, art, and street activations
Where does the parade route go?
The parade starts at Rosehill Elementary (5605 Corby St.), travels through the Benson Creative District, and ends near Petshop Gallery (62nd & Maple) for the Post-Parade Party.
Is the event family-friendly?
Yes! Kids are encouraged to join the crafts, dress up, and march. The entire day—from afternoon activities to the evening party—is designed to be welcoming for all ages.
How much does it cost?
Everything—the crafts, the parade, and the post-party—is completely free to attend or participate in.
What happens at the Post-Parade Party?
From 7:30–10:00 PM at Petshop Gallery & Backlot, enjoy live performances by The Cruel Idiots, Root, Hair Person, and The Mercurys, plus puppet theatre, skateboarding, library activities, face painting, a DIY junk wall, photo ops, and more along 62nd Street.
I’d rather skip the parade. What are my options?
Benson First Friday has plenty going on! Alongside the parade, enjoy gallery openings, markets, live music, and the BFF Artist Market featuring 30+ vendors inside the Benson Theatre. From quiet gallery moments to high-energy shows, there’s something for every taste.
👉 Full lineup: https://www.bffomaha.org/events/october-3rd-first-friday
How can I support the parade?
Participate by marching or building something
Volunteer to help with setup, logistics, or cleanup
Donate supplies (cardboard, fabric, paint, etc.)
Become a sponsor
Contact info@bffomaha.org to get involved.
Sponsors Needed!
Interested in helping make Omaha’s art parade the best yet? Reach out about sponsorship opportunities to info@bffomaha.org
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.
