Get in touch with us at: crew@handmadeparade.org
About
The Handmade Parade, presented by the Benson Creative District, is a vibrant celebration of art, creativity, and community. A collaboration between BFF Omaha and the Benson Neighborhood Association, this event unites two of Benson’s most influential cultural forces, blending the spirit of BFF Omaha’s First Friday art walks with the long-standing tradition of the Benson Days parade. 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.
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OUR
VISION
Unlike traditional parades with floats and motorized displays, the Handmade Parade transforms the streets into a moving spectacle of giant puppets, colorful masks, imaginative costumes, expressive dance, and an array of music. More than just an event to watch, it invites the public to become part of the art itself. Months of workshops and open studio sessions will give individuals, families, and organizations the chance to design and craft their own parade elements under the guidance of professional artists, making the creative process as meaningful as the parade itself.
Beyond the artistry, the parade redefines how businesses and organizations engage with public celebrations. Instead of conventional branding, participants collaborate with artists to create striking, interactive displays that tell their story in fresh and unexpected ways, fostering deeper connections between commerce and creativity.
At its core, the Handmade Parade is an invitation—to explore, to create, and to celebrate the shared joy of artistic expression. It welcomes everyone, whether seasoned artists or first-time creators, to take part in something bigger than themselves.
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The (Not Your Typical) Block Party extends the spirit of creativity beyond the parade, transforming the Benson Creative District into a vibrant, car-free gathering space where art, culture, and community intertwine. The streets will pulse with music, comedy, poetry, live theater, and interactive art, inviting attendees of all ages to connect, create, and celebrate in a welcoming, unstructured environment.
By closing the streets to vehicles, the Block Party
re-imagines Benson as a space for people—where walking, biking, dancing, and spontaneous interaction foster a dynamic, inclusive atmosphere. More than a single-day event, the Benson Handmade Parade is a movement, a celebration of imagination and community spirit that will leave a lasting imprint—not just on the streets of Benson, but in the hearts of all who take part.​