Elementary » Mandela Fest

Mandela Fest

Mandela Fest is the annual end of year community festival of the Nelson Mandela Campus. It is celebrated as close to July 18th as possible to celebrate the birthday of Nelson Mandela. Scholars and families from both the Early Childhood Development Center and the Elementary School, as well as from the community, are able to enjoy scholar performances while participating in budget-friendly, family-friendly activities and a community resource fair.
Graphic containing the schedule of events and map of Mandela Fest

2026 Event Details

Saturday, July 18 - Miller Park

9:00am - 1:00pm


9:00 Fest Opens!

9:00 - 10:30         Pancake Man

9:15                     Destruction Drill Team Performance

10:00 - 11:00        KickBall with BPOA @ the Ball Field

10:00 - 12:00       Pavilion Activities

                                       Crafts + Face Painting

                              Fishing @ the pond

10:00 - 1:00 Community Fair

                               Bounce Houses 

                                    Concessions

11:00 - 1:00          Food Trucks

1:00                        Fest Ends

1:00 - 3:00              Pool Time! Free admission for all

Main Stage

9:45                         Welcome! 

                                        Mrs Core and Ms Looper

11:15                       Meerkat Melodies

11:20                       Mandela Dance Team

11:30                       Maestra Julia

11:35                       Why Arts

11:40                       Mandela Talent Show Performances

12:00                       African Culture Connection

Family at Mandela Fest

Activities

  • Pancake Man
  • Destruction Drill Team Performance
  • Kickball w/BPOA
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Face Painting
  • Fishing
  • Community Fair
  • Bounce Houses
  • Concessions
  • Food Trucks
  • FREE pool admission
  • Performances by Mandela scholars and Partners

Food Trucks

All food trucks require tickets, which can be purchased at the info tent next to the main stage. Tickets for the Pancake Man are $3 and for food trucks are $5. Payment options include cash, card, and tap. 
 
9:00-10:30
  • Pancake Man 
11:00-1:00
  • Busy Vegan
  • Haven Express
  • Zaytuna
  • Jimmy's Hotdogs
  • LaCabanita
  • *Spectrum Snoballs
 
*Cash only

Community Partner Fair

The community fair is a wonderful way for the Mandela Campus and nearby communities to get connected with resources and organizations that are serving North Omaha.

  • Omaha Parks and Recreation - Decorate your own flower pot
  • Spanish Chatshow - Receive a free Spanish mini book
  • Black in Action - Voter registration
  • Brainiac Academy Childcare - Spin the wheel for a free prize
  • Power of Words - Free books
  • City of Omaha Human Rights and Relations
  • Miller Park-Minne Lusa Neighborhood Association
  • Skate Fest Omaha - Skateboard lessons
  • Football for the World - Soccer ball giveaway for the first 30 attendees
  • Creighton and Community Child Safety Center - Make a booklet
  • Kids Can Community Center - Spin the wheel for a prize
  • Habitat for Humanity of Omaha - Free swag bag and candy
  • Lozier Corporation - Balloon artist
  • Brighten Our Future - Free Playdough sensory kits
  • WhyArts
  • Douglas County Health Department - Free coloring books, magnets, and bags
  • Young Entrepreneurs of the Future
  • The Union for Contemporary Art - Rock painting

Do you want to be a part of our community fair?

 

Returning Partners

Returning partners will be contacted annually in the spring to confirm their placement; they have until May 1st to accept or decline their table.

New Partners

Organizations interested in having a table at the festival may complete the Mandela Fest Community Fair Application.

Applications will be open annually in April. Organizations can expect to hear about their placement by mid-May.