Nebraska Natives Come Home for Mother’s Day Weekend The Midwest’s Largest Wine Festival Just Got Even Better
March, 13, 2026 (Omaha, NE) — TOAST Nebraska, the Midwest’s largest wine festival and a five-time Best of Omaha 1st Place Festival winner, is the perfect opening note for summer. The 2026 Spring Festival takes place May 8–9, 2026 at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village, Omaha and this year, the festival is pairing Nebraska’s finest wines with a headline comedy performance from viral duo #IMOMSOHARD.
TOAST Nebraska is the official Nebraska stop on #IMOMSOHARD’s nationwide Flashback Tour and it couldn’t be a more fitting homecoming. Nebraska natives Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley, the real-life best friends behind one of the most beloved comedy brands in the country, are coming home for Mother’s Day weekend. Whether you’re celebrating mom, treating yourself, or just looking for the best way to launch the summer season, this is the event you don’t want to miss.
“TOAST has always been about bringing people together over great Nebraska wine, and this year we’re taking it to a whole new level,” said Jeff Brittan, Owner of Feather River Vineyards and Past President of the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association. “Kristin and Jen are Nebraska through and through, and having them headline on Mother’s Day weekend at the largest wine festival in the Midwest it just doesn’t get better than that. Come ready to sip, laugh, and have the time of your life.”
Nebraska Wine Locally Grown, Seriously Good
Now in its sixth year at Stinson Park in Aksarben Village, TOAST Nebraska draws over 4,500 attendees annually and the reason is simple: the wine is exceptional. Nebraska wineries including James Arthur Vineyards, Glacial Till Vineyard & Winery, Prairie Creek Vineyards, and more will be pouring across the festival, many producing wines with 90+ point ratings. At a time when consumers are increasingly seeking out locally sourced, sustainably grown products, Nebraska wine delivers grown right here in the heartland and crafted by the people who pour their lives into it. TOAST gives you the chance to taste the full range in one sun-soaked afternoon.
Leave any expectations of stuffy wine culture at the door. TOAST is the kind of day where you show up curious, leave with a few new favorites, and wonder why you didn’t start exploring Nebraska wine sooner. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or this is your very first glass, TOAST is the perfect place to taste widely, ask questions, and discover what you love. The only rule: enjoy yourself.
“This is your permission slip to spend a whole day doing exactly what you want to do tasting, laughing, and relaxing with the people you love,” said Renae Littrell, Executive Director of the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association. “TOAST is not about knowing the right things to say about wine. It’s about finding the wines that make you smile and soaking up a genuinely great day. Come thirsty, leave happy.”
Alongside the wineries, guests will enjoy artisan vendors, food trucks, and the crowd-favorite Wine Bingo with Meg. Every ticket is value-packed and poured from the moment you walk in the gate, it’s all included:
General Admission Full festival access including tastings at all participating wineries, the #IMOMSOHARD Flashback Tour performance with complimentary reserved seating (limited, act now!), a keepsake tasting glass, wine tote to take home, and $5 in complimentary wine bucks to pour your first glass on us.
VIP Pairs beautifully with General Admission. Early entry, front-section reserved seating for the performance, re-entry privileges, and a loaded swag bag packed with extra perks. For those who like to linger a little longer.
#IMOMSOHARD Experience (limited to 80 guests) A rare vintage: an exclusive mingle and photo opportunity with Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley in front of the iconic TOAST barrel backdrop.
Mother’s Day Weekend But It’s Not Just for Moms
TOAST 2026 falls on Mother’s Day weekend, making it a natural fit for a comedy duo whose entire brand is built around celebrating and laughing at the beautiful chaos of being a mom. But make no mistake: TOAST is for everyone. Bring your crew. Bring mom. Bring the whole family. Great Nebraska wine, a full comedy show, sunshine at one of Omaha’s most beloved outdoor spaces it’s the summer kickoff everyone has been waiting for.
About #IMOMSOHARD
Nebraska natives Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley are the real-life best friends and comedians behind #IMOMSOHARD, a web series and live comedy phenomenon born from one honest, wine-fueled conversation about the realities of motherhood. Their videos covering everything from mom bods to marriage to the beautiful mess of everyday life have garnered over 400 million views worldwide and built a following of more than 3.2 million fans. The duo has sold out two national tours, authored a New York Times bestselling book, released a stand-up comedy special on Amazon Prime Video, and launched a weekly podcast and children’s book series with HarperCollins. TOAST Nebraska is the official Nebraska stop on their 2026 Flashback Tour.
About TOAST Nebraska
TOAST Nebraska is the Midwest’s largest wine festival, produced by the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association (NWGGA). Held each spring at Stinson Park in Omaha’s Aksarben Village and each fall at Fonner Park in Grand Island as the TOAST Nebraska Holiday Wine Festival, TOAST is a celebration of Nebraska’s thriving wine industry locally grown, premium crafted, and increasingly recognized on the national stage. The NWGGA also facilitates the Nebraska Wine Passport program, connecting wine lovers with wineries across the state year-round. A five-time Best of Omaha 1st Place Festival winner (2021–2025), TOAST brings together wine lovers of every experience level for an afternoon of discovery, laughter, and genuinely good times.
Ticket Information
Tickets for TOAST Nebraska 2026 Spring are on sale now at www.toastwinefest.com/tickets. The event takes place May 8–9, 2026 at Stinson Park, Aksarben Village, Omaha, Nebraska. All attendees must be
21+. Reserved comedy show seating is complimentary with your ticket but seating is limited. Do not wait to grab yours.
