Handmade Parade
OCTOBER 2, 2026
2026 Handmade Parade
Call for Participants!
The 2026 Handmade Parade returns to the Benson Creative District on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The Handmade Parade is not a traditional parade. It’s a joyful, weird, handmade procession of giant puppets, masks, banners, costumes, mobile sculptures, roving performers, and strange little creations that make Benson feel alive.
Event Timeline:
📍 Check-in begins at 4:00 PM
📍 Lineup begins at 6:00 PM
📍 Parade kicks off at 6:30 PM
📍 Community gathering + photos at the finish line
What’s welcome:
🧵 Giant puppets
🧵 Masks + costumes
🧵 Banners
🧵 Mobile sculptures
🧵 Roving performers
🧵 Battery-powered lighting
🧵 Wheels, stilts + hand-pulled carts
For artists, individuals, families, community groups, schools, and nonprofits, there is no fee to join the parade. Registration simply helps us organize the lineup, spacing, safety support, and documentation.
Participants should be prepared for outdoor weather, walking the route, pushing or carrying handmade elements, and navigating uneven pavement.
Please note: No fire or gas-powered elements will be allowed.
If you participated last year, you’ll still need to fill out this form so we know what you’re bringing in 2026.
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
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.
