Transform Your Living Spaces at the Omaha Home and Garden Show: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

The History and Evolution of Omaha’s Premier Home Event

The Omaha Home and Garden Show has been a staple in Nebraska’s event calendar for over 50 years, evolving from a modest gathering of local contractors to the region’s largest home and garden exhibition. What began in a small convention space with just a handful of exhibitors has grown into a massive showcase featuring hundreds of vendors spread across the CHI Health Center’s 200,000+ square feet of exhibition space.

When local contractor associations organized the first show in the early 1970s, they likely couldn’t have imagined how it would grow to become the Midwest’s springtime destination for home improvement enthusiasts. Today’s show typically welcomes more than 30,000 visitors over its multi-day run each year, reflecting both its popularity and its importance to the regional economy.

What has remained consistent throughout the decades is the show’s commitment to connecting homeowners with quality professionals and innovative products. While many similar exhibitions across the country have come and gone, the Omaha show has maintained its relevance by constantly refreshing its offerings and staying attuned to changing home design trends and consumer interests.

What to Expect When You Visit: Home Renovation Ideas & Garden Inspiration

Walking through the entrance of the CHI Health Center during show weekend is like stepping into a world where home improvement dreams come to life. The atmosphere buzzes with energy as exhibitors showcase everything from cutting-edge kitchen remodeling solutions to sustainable backyard landscaping ideas.

The layout of the show is thoughtfully organized into themed sections, making it easier for visitors to navigate based on their specific DIY project interests:

• The Home Improvement Pavilion occupies the central portion of the exhibition hall, featuring bathroom renovation contractors, kitchen remodelers, and product specialists for every aspect of home renovation projects.
• The Garden Gallery transforms the north section into a lush paradise of landscaping displays, with full-scale garden designs and water features that serve as both inspiration and practical demonstrations for your backyard makeover.
• The Design District showcases interior design trends, furniture, and home decor options with professionally staged room settings featuring the latest paint colors and flooring options.
• The Outdoor Living Area focuses on patio designs, deck construction, outdoor kitchen ideas, and recreational spaces that extend living areas beyond the home’s walls.
• The Energy & Technology Center highlights smart home innovations, sustainable building practices, and energy-efficient solutions for reducing utility bills.

Between these major sections, you’ll find specialized exhibits like the Artisan Marketplace featuring locally crafted home goods, and the Taste of Omaha section where local food vendors offer refreshments throughout the day.

The sensory experience is part of what makes the show memorable—the earthy scent of mulch and blooming flowers from the garden displays, the sound of water features creating a peaceful backdrop, and the visual feast of colorful exhibitions competing for attention. It’s as much a cultural event as it is a commercial one.

Must-See Attractions and Highlights

Every year brings new attractions to the show, but some perennial favorites consistently draw crowds and create memorable experiences:

The Feature Gardens: Landscape Design Ideas & Garden Inspiration

The crown jewels of the Omaha Home and Garden Show are undoubtedly the feature gardens—spectacular full-scale landscape designs created by the region’s top landscape designers and garden contractors. These aren’t mere displays but complete outdoor environments with working water features, perennial garden layouts, outdoor lighting solutions, and creative hardscape elements for small spaces.

During my most recent visit, I was particularly struck by Greenscape Gardens’ installation—a Japanese-inspired meditation garden complete with a wooden tea house, stone pathway, and a koi pond surrounded by shade-tolerant plants that reflected the meticulously pruned ornamental trees above. What made this display special wasn’t just its beauty but the educational component, with staff on hand to explain which landscaping elements could work in Nebraska’s climate and how homeowners could adapt the concepts for different sized backyard designs.

Another standout was Prairie Landscapes’ native plants exhibition, which demonstrated how locally adapted species could create a low-maintenance, drought-resistant, wildlife-friendly yard while still maintaining visual appeal throughout the seasons. Their use of ornamental grasses, raised garden beds with coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans created a pollinator garden display that was simultaneously on-trend and perfectly suited to our Midwestern growing zones and soil conditions.

The Dream Home Showcase: Home Renovation Ideas Come to Life

For many attendees seeking comprehensive home remodeling inspiration, the highlight of the show is touring the Dream Home—a complete house built inside the exhibition hall. This full-scale model home features the latest in architectural design, building materials, and interior decorating trends, providing a tangible glimpse into current kitchen renovation ideas, bathroom remodel concepts, and basement finishing options.

What makes this attraction particularly valuable is that, unlike model homes in new developments, the Dream Home is specifically designed to showcase home improvement ideas that can be implemented in existing properties. The 2024 Dream Home emphasized adaptable living spaces with modern paint colors, luxury vinyl flooring, and custom cabinets that could serve multiple purposes—particularly relevant as more people continue to work from home and seek multi-generational living solutions.

Walking through this year’s Dream Home revealed thoughtful features like a home office that could transform into a guest room, a basement entertaining area that incorporated a separate apartment suite for aging parents, and a kitchen designed with both gourmet cooking and family gatherings in mind. The design team cleverly incorporated storage solutions throughout the house, acknowledging that modern families need functional spaces as much as beautiful ones.

The Main Stage Presentations

Throughout each day of the show, the Main Stage hosts presentations by home improvement celebrities, local experts, and industry specialists. These sessions cover everything from landscape design principles to kitchen renovation tips, providing free education that enhances the value of your admission ticket.

Some of the most popular presentations in recent years have included:

• “Sustainable Gardening in the Midwest” — Sessions focused on water conservation, native plantings, and creating habitats for pollinators.
• “Maximizing Your Remodeling Budget” — Practical advice on prioritizing renovation projects and stretching your home improvement dollars.
• “Color Trends and Timeless Design” — Interior design guidance for creating spaces that feel current without quickly becoming dated.
• “Smart Home Solutions for Every Budget” — Demonstrations of technology integrations that can enhance convenience, efficiency, and security.

What separates these presentations from similar content you might find online is the opportunity for direct interaction. After each session, speakers typically remain available for individual questions, providing personalized advice that addresses the specific challenges of homes in the Omaha area.

Hands-On Workshops and Demonstrations

Perhaps my favorite aspect of the show is the variety of interactive workshops that allow visitors to try their hand at different home and garden skills. These sessions typically require pre-registration and sometimes an additional materials fee, but they provide exceptional value.

Popular workshops from recent shows have included:

• Container gardening classes where participants create and take home a professionally designed planter
• Tile installation basics with hands-on practice of different techniques
• Furniture refinishing demonstrations with tips for upcycling existing pieces
• Cooking demonstrations in the show’s fully functional kitchen stage

During last year’s show, I participated in a workshop on creating living walls and vertical gardens. The instructor—a local plant shop owner—guided us through selecting appropriate plants, setting up irrigation systems, and maintaining these striking garden features. I left with not only a small living wall sample to take home but also the confidence to tackle a larger installation in my sunroom.

Expert Advice and Professional Connections

One of the most valuable aspects of the Omaha Home and Garden Show isn’t immediately visible in the flashy displays or featured attractions. It’s the unprecedented access to experts across all home improvement disciplines—all gathered in one place and available for one-on-one conversations.

Where else could you compare three different window replacement companies in a single afternoon, or discuss your landscaping challenges with multiple designers to find the perfect match for your style and budget? The opportunity to meet face-to-face with professionals before inviting them into your home creates a comfort level that online reviews simply cannot provide.

Many exhibitors offer show-only discounts or special financing options, creating genuine opportunities for savings. However, the greatest value comes from making informed decisions based on personal connections and comprehensive information. I’ve found that professionals at the show are generally less focused on hard-selling tactics and more interested in education—perhaps because they know potential clients are likely to be speaking with their competitors just a few booths away.

During my kitchen remodeling journey, I initially connected with our eventual contractor at the Home and Garden Show. What impressed me wasn’t a slick sales pitch but rather how attentively he listened to our needs and offered thoughtful solutions to challenges other contractors had dismissed. That personal connection and problem-solving approach ultimately led to a successful renovation that might never have happened without the show bringing us together.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips for an Enjoyable Home & Garden Show Experience

After numerous visits comparing kitchen contractors, exploring patio designs, and gathering landscaping ideas, I’ve developed some strategies for making the most of the Omaha Home and Garden Show:

Timing Your Visit

The show typically spans a long weekend, running from Friday through Sunday, sometimes with a preview evening on Thursday. Each day offers a slightly different experience:

• Weekday evenings tend to be less crowded, allowing for more one-on-one time with exhibitors but featuring fewer scheduled events.
• Saturday offers the fullest schedule of presentations and activities but also draws the largest crowds.
• Sunday mornings start quietly but become increasingly busy throughout the day.

If you’re primarily interested in connecting with specific vendors and having in-depth conversations, choose a less crowded time. If you want to experience everything including demonstrations and celebrity appearances, plan for a weekend visit but arrive early to secure good seating for presentations.

Navigating the Exhibition

The sheer size of the show can be overwhelming, so a strategic approach helps maximize your time:

1. Start with a plan: Review the exhibitor list and floor plan online before your visit and mark priority booths you don’t want to miss.
2. Take an initial walkthrough: Upon arrival, do a quick lap of the entire show to get oriented and note additional displays that catch your interest.
3. Prioritize timed events: Build your detailed exploration around the schedule of presentations or demonstrations you want to attend.
4. Take breaks: The on-site cafes and rest areas provide necessary respite—don’t try to see everything in one continuous push.

What to Bring

A few items will make your visit more comfortable and productive:

• Comfortable shoes — You’ll be walking on concrete floors for hours
• A tote bag — For collecting brochures and samples (though many exhibitors provide bags)
• A notebook or phone for notes — You’ll encounter countless ideas worth remembering
• Business cards — If you’re seriously shopping for services, having your contact information ready streamlines follow-ups
• A measuring tape and photos of your spaces — These help when discussing specific projects with vendors

Making the Most of Vendor Interactions

To get genuine value from your conversations with exhibitors:

• Be clear about your timeline — Let vendors know if you’re actively shopping for immediate projects or gathering ideas for the future
• Take notes during conversations — Record specific product names, prices, and follow-up steps
• Ask for references — Quality contractors will happily provide contact information for past clients
• Collect written quotes — For serious projects, get preliminary estimates in writing with clear scope definitions

Beyond the Exhibits: The Complete Show Experience

While the commercial exhibitions form the core of the show, additional elements create a more rounded experience:

Culinary Demonstrations

The dedicated cooking stage hosts local chefs, cookbook authors, and culinary experts throughout each day. These sessions frequently focus on outdoor entertaining, kitchen garden harvests, and efficient meal preparation in well-designed kitchens—connecting the culinary arts to home design.

Recent highlights have included demonstrations of pizza oven techniques for outdoor kitchens, preservation methods for garden harvests, and organization strategies for maximizing kitchen efficiency. Samples are often distributed, making these sessions particularly popular.

Children’s Activities

The show has increasingly focused on making the experience family-friendly, with dedicated children’s areas offering gardening activities, building projects, and creative crafts. The “Junior Gardeners” section typically features planting stations where young visitors can create small containers to take home, while building workshops allow kids to construct simple birdhouses or similar projects.

These activities serve a dual purpose—keeping children engaged while parents explore the show and cultivating the next generation of home and garden enthusiasts.

Community Showcases: Urban Gardening & Small Space Solutions

Local schools’ horticulture programs, community gardens, and nonprofit organizations often present special exhibitions highlighting their work with container gardening and vertical gardening techniques. These displays offer inspiration for how individual homeowners can participate in broader community efforts toward beautification, sustainability, and education, even with limited garden space.

The Omaha Community Garden Coalition typically hosts a booth showcasing successful urban garden projects with raised beds and providing information on joining or supporting community gardens throughout the metro area. Similarly, habitat restoration organizations demonstrate how homeowners can incorporate conservation principles and drought-tolerant plants into their landscapes, regardless of size. These exhibits are particularly valuable for apartment dwellers seeking balcony garden ideas and those with small yards looking for space-efficient landscaping solutions.

The Real Impact: From Inspiration to Implementation

While the immediate experience of the show is engaging and entertaining, its true value emerges in the weeks and months that follow. The seeds of inspiration planted during the event often blossom into significant home improvements, garden transformations, and even lifestyle changes.

After each year’s show, I’ve implemented at least one major idea in my own home or garden—from installing raised vegetable beds based on a display I saw in 2019 to completely reimagining our basement layout after touring the Dream Home in 2022. Many attendees report similar experiences, with the show serving as the catalyst for projects both large and small.

The educational value extends beyond specific projects to a broader understanding of home maintenance, design principles, and gardening techniques. Even for those not actively planning renovations, the knowledge gained about energy efficiency, sustainable practices, and emerging trends helps inform everyday decisions about home care and improvement.

Local economic impact is another significant outcome. The Home Builders Association estimates that the show generates millions in direct economic activity for the region, with attendees making major purchasing decisions based on connections made during the event. For many local contractors and service providers, the show represents their most important marketing opportunity of the year.

The Omaha Home and Garden Show Community

Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of the show is its role in building community among home and garden enthusiasts. Long-time attendees often plan their visits together, making the show an annual tradition shared with friends and family. Conversations between strangers waiting in line for presentations frequently evolve into exchanges of experiences and recommendations.

The show has also fostered a community among exhibitors, with many vendors returning year after year and developing collaborative relationships. Landscapers might refer clients to interior designers they’ve met at the show, while contractors often partner with product specialists they’ve connected with during the event.

This community aspect extends online, with social media groups and forums related to the show remaining active throughout the year. Attendees share photos of projects inspired by the show, ask for recommendations regarding exhibitors, and maintain connections formed during the event.

Looking Forward: The Future of Home and Garden Shows

As we increasingly live in a digital world, events like the Omaha Home and Garden Show have had to evolve. Recent shows have incorporated technology through features like augmented reality displays that allow visitors to visualize products in their own homes and mobile apps that enhance the in-person experience.

Yet the continued success of the show confirms that even in an age of online shopping and virtual tours, people value tangible experiences and face-to-face interactions when making important decisions about their homes. The ability to touch materials, see true colors, and gauge the quality of craftsmanship remains irreplaceable.

Future iterations of the show will likely continue blending digital convenience with immersive physical experiences, perhaps extending the show’s influence through year-round online communities while maintaining the irreplaceable energy of the in-person event.

Final Thoughts: Why the Omaha Home and Garden Show Matters

In our increasingly virtual and disconnected world, the Omaha Home and Garden Show represents something beautifully tangible—a celebration of the spaces we call home and the communities we build around them. It honors both innovation and tradition, showcasing cutting-edge technology alongside timeless craftsmanship.

For homeowners, the show offers practical solutions to everyday challenges and inspiration for transforming ordinary spaces into personal sanctuaries. For industry professionals, it provides a platform to demonstrate expertise and connect with clients who truly value quality work. For the broader community, it stimulates economic activity and promotes pride in our living environments.

As I prepare for next year’s show, I’m already anticipating that distinctive mix of excitement and possibility that fills the exhibition hall. There’s something profoundly hopeful about an event dedicated to improving the places where we live our lives—an acknowledgment that our surroundings matter, that beauty has purpose, and that creating a home is one of the most meaningful projects we undertake.

Whether you’re a veteran attendee or considering your first visit, the Omaha Home and Garden Show offers something valuable for everyone who cares about creating a home that truly reflects who they are and how they want to live. In the end, that’s why the event has endured for decades and continues to draw crowds year after year—because it speaks to our fundamental desire to create spaces that nurture, comfort, and inspire.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Omaha Home and Garden Show

When is the Omaha Home and Garden Show held each year?

The Omaha Home and Garden Show typically takes place in early spring, usually in late February or early March. This timing is intentional—allowing homeowners to gather kitchen remodeling ideas, bathroom renovation inspiration, and landscaping design concepts before the start of the prime home improvement and gardening seasons.

How much are tickets to the Omaha Home and Garden Show?

Ticket prices usually range from $9-12 for adults, with discounts available for seniors. Children under 12 typically receive free admission when accompanied by an adult. Many local sponsors and exhibitors offer discount coupons through their websites or social media channels in the weeks leading up to the event. Parking at the CHI Health Center typically costs $8-10 per vehicle.

Where exactly is the Omaha Home and Garden Show located?

The show is held at the CHI Health Center Omaha (formerly the CenturyLink Center), located at 455 N. 10th Street in downtown Omaha. This modern convention center offers ample space for garden displays and home renovation exhibits along with convenient parking in adjacent garages and lots.

How long should I plan to spend at the Omaha Home and Garden Show?

Most attendees spend between 3-5 hours exploring landscaping displays and home improvement booths, though dedicated renovation enthusiasts often return for multiple days to attend different DIY workshops and spend more time with kitchen and bath contractors. If you’re interested in attending several gardening seminars or home remodeling presentations, consider spreading your visit across two days.

Are there food options available at the show?

Yes, the CHI Health Center offers various concession stands throughout the venue with options ranging from quick snacks to more substantial meals. Additionally, the show sometimes features specialty food vendors offering samples and garden-to-table products for purchase.

Can I bring my children to the Omaha Home and Garden Show?

Absolutely! The show has become increasingly family-friendly over the years, with dedicated children’s gardening activity areas and interactive home improvement exhibits that appeal to younger visitors. Kids especially enjoy the hands-on planting stations and building workshops. Strollers are permitted, though the venue can become crowded during peak hours.

How can I find specific home renovation contractors or landscaping companies at the show?

The official show website typically publishes an exhibitor list and floor plan approximately two weeks before the event, categorized by specialties like kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, landscaping design, and roofing contractors. Additionally, a printed program with map is provided at the entrance. The show’s mobile app, when available, offers searchable exhibitor listings and location information.

Do exhibitors offer special discounts during the show?

Many exhibitors offer “show specials” with discounted pricing on kitchen renovations and landscaping services, waived design fees, or added features for bathroom remodeling contracts signed during or shortly after the event. These offers are typically prominently displayed at their booths and can save homeowners significant amounts on major projects.

Is the Omaha Home and Garden Show accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, the CHI Health Center is fully ADA compliant with accessible entrances, restrooms, and pathways throughout the exhibition halls. The garden displays and model homes are designed with accessibility in mind. Wheelchairs are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis at the main entrance.

Can I purchase plants, seeds, and garden supplies at the show?

While the show primarily focuses on garden displays and landscaping education, many garden exhibitors do offer perennial plants, vegetable seeds, and gardening supplies for purchase. The Marketplace section typically includes vendors selling garden accessories, specialty plants for different growing zones, raised bed kits, and related items for your spring planting needs.

What types of DIY workshops and demonstrations are offered at the show?

The show features a robust schedule of DIY workshops covering topics like container gardening, landscape design basics, kitchen cabinet painting, tile installation, bathroom remodeling on a budget, and deck building fundamentals. Most workshops are included with admission, though some specialty classes (like container design or furniture refinishing) may require pre-registration and an additional materials fee.

Which home improvement and landscaping experts will be at this year’s show?

Each year, the show features nationally recognized home renovation experts and landscaping professionals who present on the main stage and offer one-on-one consultations. Local master gardeners are also available throughout the show floor to answer specific plant questions, soil concerns, and offer advice on lawn care problems. The show website publishes the celebrity schedule approximately one month before the event.

What are the best days and times to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekday evenings (typically Friday) offer the lightest crowds with excellent opportunity to speak at length with remodeling contractors and landscape designers. Saturday mornings before 11am are also relatively quiet. Saturday afternoons tend to be the busiest time, especially for the garden displays and dream home tours. Sunday afternoons often feature special closing discounts from exhibitors hoping to avoid transporting display items back to their shops.

Are there any special events or themed days during the show weekend?

The show often features special themed days like “DIY Thursday” with extra workshops, “Trade Friday” focusing on professionals, “Family Saturday” with additional children’s activities, and “Gardener’s Sunday” with extra plant-focused programming. Check the official schedule for specific theme days and corresponding special events or admission discounts.

How can I find reputable contractors at the show? What questions should I ask?

The show is an excellent opportunity to meet dozens of potential contractors in person. Look for companies with established local presence, proper licensing displayed, and portfolios of completed projects. Ask about their specific experience with your type of project, their typical timeline, payment schedules, and warranty offerings. Request references from recent customers with similar projects, and inquire about their process for handling unexpected issues during renovation.

Are there opportunities to win prizes or giveaways at the show?

Many exhibitors offer door prizes, and the show itself typically features several major giveaways such as a landscape makeover, bathroom remodel, or garden equipment package. Registration for these prizes is usually available at specific booths or the information center. Some prizes require presence at drawing time while others contact winners after the show concludes.

How can I participate as an exhibitor in future shows?

Companies interested in exhibiting their remodeling services or landscaping business should contact the show management through the official website. Space typically sells out several months in advance, particularly for premium locations near garden displays or the dream home, so early inquiry is recommended.