There’s something special about late February in Omaha. The days are getting noticeably longer, the sun feels warmer even when the temperature doesn’t quite agree, and there’s this collective anticipation in the air. Spring isn’t here yet, but it’s close enough that we start planning for it.

This in-between season is actually one of the best times to explore what makes Omaha home. The winter crowds have thinned out, but we’re not yet in the chaos of spring sports schedules and yard work. It’s a sweet spot, and if you know where to look, there’s plenty happening right now.

The Coffee Shop Tour You Didn’t Know You Needed

Late February is perfect for discovering (or rediscovering) Omaha’s incredible local coffee scene. When it’s 35 degrees outside and the sun is shining through big windows, there’s nowhere better to be than a cozy coffee shop with a good book or laptop.

Archetype Coffee in the Blackstone District is a must-visit if you haven’t been. Their aesthetic is stunning, but more importantly, their coffee is exceptional. The space feels like it was designed for late February mornings—warm, inviting, and full of natural light.

Hardy Coffee in Benson has become a neighborhood institution. It’s the kind of place where regulars are greeted by name, and the baristas actually know their craft. Grab a cortado and a pastry from their rotating selection, and you’ve got yourself a perfect Saturday morning.

Fada’s Coffee Shop in Old Town Elkhorn might be worth the drive if you live on the west side. Family-owned, genuinely friendly, and their biscuits and gravy on weekend mornings? Don’t skip it.

The Teapot in the Old Market offers an escape from the coffee scene with over 100 varieties of loose-leaf tea and an afternoon tea service that feels like a mini-vacation without leaving the city.

Get Outside Before Spring Officially Arrives

We know—it’s still winter. But if you wait for perfect weather in Nebraska, you’ll miss half the year. Late February often gives us those surprise 50-degree days that make you remember why you live here.

Fontenelle Forest is stunning right now. The trails are quiet, the winter light creates beautiful photography opportunities, and you can actually see the landscape structure that gets hidden once everything leafs out. The 1,400 acres of hardwood forest and prairie offer trails for every fitness level, and the absence of bugs and crowds is a genuine bonus.

Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek, Iowa offers 10 miles of trails with views of the Loess Hills that stretch for miles. On clear days, you can see the Omaha skyline. Rent snowshoes if there’s snow on the ground, or just bundle up and hike. The observation tower at the top is worth the climb.

Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge near Fort Calhoun is a hidden gem that many Omaha residents don’t even know about. Five miles of trails wind through wetlands and forest along the Missouri River—perfect for birdwatching as migratory birds begin returning.

The Cultural Side of Late February

Omaha’s arts and culture scene doesn’t hibernate for winter, and late February is a great time to catch performances and exhibits without the summer crowds.

The Omaha Community Playhouse typically has strong shows running through February and into March. They’ve been a cornerstone of Omaha’s theater scene for decades, and the quality is consistently impressive.

The Holland Performing Arts Center hosts everything from classical concerts to contemporary performances. The Omaha Symphony often has programs running through late winter, and there’s something magical about experiencing live music when it’s cold outside.

Joslyn Art Museum is always free and always worth a visit. Their permanent collection alone could occupy an entire afternoon, but they also rotate special exhibitions throughout the year. It’s the perfect destination when you want to get out of the house without dealing with outdoor weather.

Film Streams at the Ruth Sokolof Theater shows independent and international films you won’t find at mainstream theaters. Their late February lineup often includes Oscar contenders and festival favorites.

Where to Eat When You’re Ready to Support Local

Late February is an excellent time to try new restaurants or revisit old favorites without the wait times you’ll hit in spring and summer.

Grey Plume in Midtown Crossing is an upscale farm-to-table experience that changes its menu seasonally. If you’re celebrating something or just want a really good meal, make reservations—it’s popular for good reason.

Block 16 in the Old Market has become legendary for creative comfort food. Their duck fat fries are worth the trip alone, but don’t sleep on their burgers and creative sandwiches.

Dario’s Brasserie in the Capitol District is perfect for when you want European-inspired cuisine in an intimate setting. Their brunch is particularly strong if you’re planning a late Sunday morning outing.

Kitchen Table in the Countryside neighborhood offers upscale comfort food in a cozy atmosphere—the kind of place that feels special but not stuffy. Their weekend brunch is a neighborhood favorite.

Community Events Worth Putting on Your Calendar

Omaha Winter Market continues every Sunday at the Fowling Warehouse through March. With over 50 rotating vendors, it’s the best way to support local makers, find unique gifts, and stock up on fresh produce and baked goods. The indoor setting means weather isn’t a factor, and it has a genuine community feel.

Henry Doorly Zoo is open year-round, and winter visits offer a completely different experience. The indoor exhibits—Desert Dome, Lied Jungle, Kingdoms of the Night—are comfortable regardless of outdoor temperatures, and you’ll have much shorter lines than summer visits.

Check local library branches for programming too. Many host book clubs, craft sessions, and educational programs for kids and adults. The Omaha Public Library’s W. Dale Clark Library downtown often has special events and author visits worth catching.

Start Planning for Spring (Because It’s Coming)

Late February is when Omaha starts thinking about spring even if the weather hasn’t fully committed. Garden centers are starting to stock seeds and early-season plants. Outdoor gear goes on sale as retailers make room for spring inventory. And there’s this collective energy of anticipation for warmer weather and longer days.

If you’re a gardener, now’s the time to start planning your garden layout and ordering seeds. Local garden centers like Campbell’s Nursery & Garden Centers start offering early-season classes and workshops for home gardeners.

For families, late February is when spring sports registrations often happen, neighborhood pool memberships go on sale, and summer camp information becomes available. Get ahead of the rush—spots fill up fast once March hits.

Why This Time of Year Matters

Here’s the thing about late February in Omaha—it’s a time of possibility. Winter hasn’t given up its grip completely, but spring is visible on the horizon. The city feels quieter, more intimate. There’s space to explore, try new things, and rediscover what makes this place special without competing with summer crowds or holiday chaos.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re new to the area, late February is a reminder that Omaha has depth. We’re a city with culture, community, incredible local businesses, and four distinct seasons that each offer something worth experiencing. So this week, skip the chain restaurant, try a local coffee shop you’ve never visited, take a walk somewhere new, or catch a show you wouldn’t normally see. Late February is short, and spring will be here before we know it.

Ready to find your place in this community? Call The Heim-Berg Team at 402-677-9024. Let’s talk about what Omaha has to offer and where you fit into it.