he annual SeptemberFest celebration is moving next to Omaha's new convention center and arena this year. This annual event has been enjoyed by millions over the past 26 years and has offered entertainment for people of all ages.

The event starts on Friday, August 22nd and runs through Labor Day, September 1st. Hours of operation are from 6 p.m. until midnight on weekdays and from noon until midnight on weekends. The cost of admission is only $3 (free for military personnel with id) and covers most of the on-site entertainment. Parking at the convention center is $6. All-day carnival passes can be purchased for $28 at the festival or you can purchase a special ride pass from any Bakers grocery store for only $25 with your value card.

The convention center is located at 455 N. 10th St.. To drive there, take Cuming Street east until you reach the center.

Besides the Carnival Midway, the festival will feature an international food garden, live music, car shows, a circus, motorcycle trials, a NASA space station exhibit and many other exciting events and attractions. A huge fireworks display will occur on Friday, August 30th at dusk with the event being capped off by the annual Labor Day parade in downtown Omaha starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 1st.

A new event this year called 'SeptemberFest Blues' is scheduled for Sunday, August 24th from
1 - 9 p.m. The lineup includes: The Kris Lager Band, Dona Oxford, The James Solberg Band and Michael Coleman & the Backbreakers. Omaha band, The Pharamoans, will be playing immediately following from 9 p.m. until midnight.

For a complete list of dates and times for all events, go to: www.SeptemberFest.com