Three Fun and Free Events I Went to Last Year

 

I've talked about living a life without spending a bunch of money many times on this blog. As a single mom on a tight budget, my money has to accomplish many things. Even though I have more disposable income now than when my kids were young, I have made it a priority over the past handful of years to invest for retirement as aggressively as I can. This means I don't have much fun money to play around with, but I still want to travel, explore, and wring as much out of life as possible. 

To this end, I subscribe to many email lists that help me in this quest. I am subscribed to the email newsletters for Nebraska Game & Parks, Pottawattamie County Parks, Nebraska Wines, and Omaha Performing Arts, among others. Between these and scouring through events listings in the newspaper and social media, I can always find something fun to do.

As I've discussed in the past, this means taking advantage of things that are free or cost little. This mindset has assisted me in having fun and a life of small adventures throughout the year. Last year was no different, so I'd like to show you a few things I did that showcase this best.

1. Missouri River Expo - September 16, 2023

Every year for many years now, the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission has put on the annual Missouri River Expo. Free to the public and held at Ponca State Park, I have wanted to attend for a long time, so last year I asked my Dad if he'd like to meet me there. Neither one of us expected the fun and massive event that transpired. Covering three large areas of the park, there was the kid-friendly area where the Nature Center is, which showcased raptors, food stalls, a big animal show, and dogs that did diving tricks. Another area was devoted to old skills like axe throwing, bow hunting, animal skinning, and learning about metalworking. Another area had a Teddy Roosevelt actor who told stories (my dad loved that one). Some shuttles took you from area to area and there were plenty of vendors to peruse.

I didn't take much in the way of photos because I just enjoyed myself, but I did snap a few at the end of the day when we took in the Axe Women show. Earlier in the day they log-rolled across the Missouri River, but during their show, they log-rolled in the pool shown below, did some axe throwing, and made quick work of a chainsaw. It was as fascinating as it was fun.

We had planned to meet up again this year but my dad got sick, so we canceled. That's okay, there's always next year.

2. Porchfest - October 1, 2023

The past eight years have seen the wildly popular Omaha Porchfest. I heard about it for the first time last year, so invited a few friends to join me. It's called Porchfest because a neighborhood in Omaha opens its porches for musicians, poets, and dancers to perform. Also free to the public, it's a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The small downtown area of this neighborhood also hosts a bevy of food trucks, and one of the bars has a bar area in the empty lot next to it with a stage and picnic tables. After taking in some musicians and a poet on some porches, we took a seat at one of said picnic tables. We saw a musical duo and really enjoyed the Cajun band that played afterward. 

My friend Maggie, who I had invited along last year, asked if I wanted to go again this year. I had to say no, though, since I would be in the middle of my UK trip at the time.

3. Mt Crescent Ski Area Event - October 7, 2023

Pottawattamie County Parks, right across the border in Iowa, manages a chunk of my beloved Iowa Mountains - Hitchcock Nature Center. Next door to them is Mt. Crescent Ski Area. After many years, Mt. Crescent decided to sell, and after being unsuccessful in getting a buyer, PottCo decided to purchase it. They have big plans for it, so decided to open it up to the public one sunny Sunday in October. They had a series of posters showing their ideas, which they encouraged people to vote on, along with snacks, an open bar, free rides on the ski lift, and some live music.

I invited my bestie to come along, which she happily agreed to. Since her son lives in the Loess Hills not far from there, we stopped by his place first and took a hike in my beloved Iowa Mountains that rise up behind his home.

The family dog joined us and, I mean, who could blame him?

Just look at that view! It never gets old, no matter the season.

We made our way to Mt. Crescent after our little hike and I got this shot of the ski lift.

We enjoyed some free snacks, checked out the posters of PottCo's plans, ordered a few beers, and went outside to soak in the Sun.

We were serenaded by some folksy guitar playing by this guy. They had a few fire pits going as well, but the Sun was shining mightily and I quickly got warm sitting by the open flame.

So, we moved a few tables over to enjoy our appropriately-chosen beers. It was October, after all. This was the first time I had ever been at Mt. Crescent so it was cool to finally do so. While skiing isn't my thing, I'm glad PottCo is going to keep it alive for people whose thing it is.

After we left, we weren't quite ready to call it a day, so I mentioned we should go get a drink at Lumen Beer Co., located in Little Bohemia, south of Downtown Omaha. Rebecca likes dark beer, so got their porter, while I picked the Rule of Thirds. Brewed with raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, this fruited sour is delicious!

I can't believe it's been over a year since I attended the last event on this list. Time really does go by in the blink of an eye. It seems like Spring was here not long ago, and now we're in the last half of Fall. I digress, though, as I'm proud of myself for finally getting this post out. Now, I'm off to enjoy the last day of the weekend. I hope you enjoy yours.

-H.A.