When a group of Benson businesses and organizations heard there wasn’t going to be a zombie walk down Maple Street this year, they decided to take action.

As a result, zombies and zombie lovers across the metro are in for some good news: the 2017 Omaha Zombie Walk is set for Friday, Nov. 3, in downtown Benson. This year’s event will coincide with the November edition of Benson First Friday.

“The annual Omaha Zombie Walk has become synonymous with Benson, so a group of us got together to make sure it continues,” said Alex Jochim, executive director of Benson First Friday.

There is no cost to participate in the walk, but donations will be accepted on behalf of Siena/Francis House. Representatives of the organization will be present at Burke’s Pub, 6117 Maple St., and several other spots during the walk to collect donations.

Participants will gather in the parking lot of the Citylight Arts Project (CAP) Building, 5603 Northwest Radial Highway, at 6:30pm. The walk route runs down Maple Street and ends at 1912, 6201 Maple St. As in years past, Maple Street will not be closed to traffic, so all walkers should use the sidewalks and heed all traffic signals. Drivers should be aware of increased pedestrians in the area.

Jochim said the 2017 theme is Zombie BFF, which means all zombies are welcome. Several makeup stations will be set up at Burke’s Pub from 4:30 to 6:30pm.

For those zombies who enjoy the spotlight, a photo booth will be set up at the CAP Building at 6:00pm, and Barchen, 6209 Maple St., will host a zombie fashion contest following the walk at 7:30pm. Both events are free and open to all zombies.

In addition, a group of Maple Street businesses will be offering specials for the dead that night. Visit

for details.