Nebraska Official State Travel Guide - The Official 2025 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2024-11-05 12:34:29
ACTUAL THINGS TO DO!
From the College World Series to Oregon Trail Days, these events are a sampling of some of Nebraska’s quirkiest and most beloved annual traditions. Always check with event sponsors before finalizing your travel plans as dates and event details can change.
VISITNEBRASKA.COM/EVENTS/CALENDAR
JANUARY
First Day Hike
Statewide
Start the New Year off on the right foot by joining the outdoor adventure of First Day Hikes at Nebraska’s state parks!
Quack Off Duck Races
Avoca
A live duck racing experience attracts thousands, supporting the local fire department through a unique fundraiser.
FEBRUARY
Groundhog Day Celebration
Unadilla
In this village, Groundhog Day is celebrated with a festive parade, crafts fair, delicious food and more.
Bull Bash
Valentine
Main Street transforms as bulls, heifers and commercial exhibitors take over, accompanied by the Running with the Bulls 5K, wine tasting, vendor show and quilt display.
MARCH
Omaha Film Festival
Omaha
The Omaha Film Festival showcases over 100 independent films annually, including premieres and award winners, fostering dialogue between filmmakers and audiences through screenings, conferences and workshops.
St. Patrick’s Day
O’Neill
In the town of O’Neill, known as “Nebraska’s Irish Capital,” a lively Irish heritage celebration unfolds, featuring everything from green beer to captivating Irish dancers.
Polar Bear Tank Races
Mullen
Daring individuals plunge into winter adventure by racing down the Middle Loup River in livestock tanks, embracing extraordinary fun despite the cold.
APRIL
Arbor Day Celebration
Nebraska City
Whether statewide or in Nebraska City where it all began, celebrate Arbor Day with plantings, tours, shopping and engaging activities to honor the tree planter’s holiday.
Spring Game
Lincoln
Get in the game at the annual Husker Football Spring Game, where fans rally in numbers rivaling regular season matchups, proving they’re the greatest fans in college football.
MAY
Sip Nebraska
Ashland
Indulge in a delightful celebration of Nebraska wines! Explore over 100 delicious wine tastings, accompanied by live music, shopping, delectable food and fun yard games.
Cinco De Mayo
Omaha
Embark on a vibrant celebration along historic South 24th Street, brimming with live music, delectable food, captivating pageantry, an adorable “Que Chulo” dog contest and much more!
JUNE
Falls City Hot Air Balloon Festival
Falls City
Witness the majestic ascent of hot air balloons and stay until dusk for the mesmerizing balloon glow. Immerse yourself in live music, delectable food and endless fun throughout the event.
BRAN
Statewide
BRAN, short for Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska, offers a unique annual chance to explore Nebraska’s attractions and experience warm hospitality while pedaling through its scenic landscapes.
Lincoln Arts Festival
Lincoln
Artists and art enthusiasts gather at this two-day event, featuring talented artists from across the country. Enjoy captivating art demonstrations, live performances and a variety of engaging activities.
Omaha Freedom Festival
Omaha
Embrace the Juneteenth holiday at this festival, offering educational opportunities, family activities, vibrant local artists and live music to celebrate and honor this significant occasion.
Great American Comedy Festival
Norfolk
Norfolk’s favorite son, Johnny Carson, is honored by a gathering of the nation’s top comedic talents, paying tribute to his enduring legacy in a delightful event.
Star City Pride
Lincoln
Join the celebration of Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community at this inclusive event, featuring vibrant festival vendors and a colorful parade.
Sidney Gold Rush Days
Sidney
Immerse yourself in the history of the Sidney to Deadwood Gold Rush Trail through wagon rides, quick draw competitions, craftsmen demonstrations and an array of captivating displays.
Testicle Festival
Ashland
During Father’s Day weekend, a crowd of thousands comes together for a lively event featuring Rocky Mountain oysters, live music and an entertaining ball-eating contest.
NEBRASKAland DAYS
North Platte
Cowboy culture and top country music stars await you at this North Platte festival, making it one of the biggest parties in the state.
College World Series
Omaha
Omaha becomes a hub for baseball enthusiasts during 12 days of America’s greatest pastime, accompanied by live music and beer gardens surrounding the stadium.
JULY
Fourth of July Celebration
Seward
Seward, honored as “Nebraska’s Official 4th of July City,” hosts one of the nation’s finest small-town celebrations, showcasing a remarkable Independence Day experience.
Nebraska’s Big Rodeo
Burwell
Witness the excitement of classic rodeo events, including Saddle Broncs, along with the thrilling action of the Wild Horse Race and the exhilarating Canadian Chuck Wagon Races.
Kearney Cruise Nite
Kearney
Classic car enthusiasts come together at this multi-day event, indulging in Show & Shine events, thrilling drag races, the annual Cruise Nite Parade and an array of additional activities tailored for lovers of vintage automobiles.
Kites & Castles
Ogallala
Delight in the “fun in the sun” experience at Lake McConaughy’s premier event, featuring kite-flying, sandcastle-building and an array of enjoyable activities for all to relish.
JULY
Fur Trade Days
Chadron
Join a historic celebration honoring buckskinners, traders and Native Americans. This multi-day event pays tribute to the town’s significant role in the fur trade, immersing attendees in its rich heritage.
Oregon Trail Days
Gering
Oregon Trail Days, Nebraska’s oldest celebration, offers a diverse array of festivities, including parades, concerts and an international food fair, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
The Wayne Chicken Show
Wayne
Get ready to ruffle some feathers at this quirky festival that’s eggs-tra fun! Previous years have cracked up attendees with egg tosses, rubber-chicken chucks and a whole coop of delightful activities.
North Platte Pow Wow
North Platte
Experience vibrant Native American singing, drumming and electrifying contest dancing at Buffalo Bill State Historical Park. Discover rich traditions through art, culture, handcrafted jewelry and traditional delicacies amidst honoring ceremonies and dance categories.
Nebraska Star Party
Valentine
Experience one of the nation’s premier stargazing events, set against the dark skies of Nebraska’s beautiful Sandhills, within the state’s only Dark Sky Park.
AUGUST
Nebraska State Fair
Grand Island
Nebraska proudly honors its culture, traditions, talent, products and people at the grand state fair, a celebration that showcases the very essence of the state.
Old West Balloon Fest
Gering-Scottsbluff-Mitchell
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Nebraska’s premier hot air balloon festival. Witness the mesmerizing glow balloons, partake in amazing hot air experiences and indulge in a myriad of other activities.
Popcorn Days
North Loup
Savor all-you-can-eat free popcorn while enjoying a weekend packed with games, carnivals, a lively parade and the thrilling crowning of the Popcorn Queen.
Kool-Aid Days
Hastings
This is the birthplace of Kool-Aid, invented over 90 years ago. Join the celebration with live music, fireworks, exciting Kardboard Boat Races and a spirited Kool-Aid drinking contest.
Sandhills Open Road Challenge
Arnold
Be part of the action as thousands of spectators gather to witness this thrilling 55-mile open-road race through the picturesque Sandhills. Additionally, enjoy the exciting crowd-favorite burnout contest.
Midwest Pirate Festival
Papillion
Shiver me timbers! Nebraska’s largest Pirate Festival unites all the swashbucklers, wenches, scallywags and first mates for treasure hunts, jolly parades and plenty of delicious food.
Rail Days
North Platte
All aboard for an unforgettable experience in railroad heritage at the home of the world’s largest rail classification yard! Get on track with exciting activities, engaging tours and exhibits.
SEPTEMBER
Junk Jaunt
Central Nebraska
Head out on an antiquing adventure like no other at Junk Jaunt! Spanning nearly 500 miles, this event is a treasure trove of garage sales, collectibles, antiques, vintage items and curiously delightful finds.
Summer Indian Rendezvous
Ogallala
Ogallala citizens come together in tradition to celebrate their colorful past with bands, live entertainment, dancing and a diverse array of local talents.
Monument Marathon
Gering
Experience the beauty and tranquility of race day as towering natural landmarks, pine-covered hills and a serene rural landscape come together to provide a stunning backdrop for runners.
AppleJack Festival
Nebraska City
Delight in an abundance of apple treats, including apple pie, apple cider, apple donuts and caramel apples, as you enjoy a festival brimming with craft fairs, a lively parade, a classic car show and a carnival.
OCTOBER
Boo At The Zoo
Lincoln
Enjoy Lincoln’s biggest trick-or-treat extravaganza at Boo at the Zoo! Enjoy over 40 booths with candy, coupons and fun for the whole family at this spooktacular event.
Bustoberfest
Shubert
Get groovy and trick-or-treat through a gathering of VW Buses! This far-out event is just one of the activities happening during the month-long Halloween celebration at Indian Cave State Park.
HallowFest
Ponca
Gear up for a spooktacular Halloween extravaganza as Ponca State Park undergoes a bewitchingly enchanting transformation, creating an eerily delightful and unforgettable experience.
Halloween in the Hollow
Lewellen
Embrace the Halloween spirit alongside the ghosts of the Oregon Trail at Ash Hollow State Historical Park. Delight in children’s games, s’mores, a scavenger hunt, hay rack rides and a costume contest!
Heritage Days
McCook
Join in the grandest annual celebration of McCook, where a weekend filled with activities awaits the whole family. From entertaining park events to the Heritage Days Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and make lasting memories.
NOVEMBER
Light of the World Pageant
Minden
Come see residents enact the heartwarming Christmas story under the radiant glow of more than 12,000 bulbs embellishing the courthouse and the square.
Omaha Holiday Lights Festival
Omaha
From a Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony to New Year’s Eve fireworks, downtown Omaha captures the essence of the holiday season with a myriad of festive and family-friendly activities throughout the entire season.
WJ Ranch Cowboy Christmas
Fordyce
Celebrate the joyous spirit of Christmas on the ranch, where you can enjoy delightful buggy and pony rides, captivating trick roping shows, engaging kids crafts and a visit from Santa Claus.
DECEMBER
SantaLand
Creighton
Witness this small town adorned with shimmering lights and festive holiday decorations. Visitors can explore Santa’s Workshop and marvel at the delightful Mrs. Claus’ Gingerbread House.
Christmas at the Cody’s
North Platte
Delight in joyful caroling, charming horse-drawn rides, warm cups of hot chocolate and the delectable aroma of roasted chestnuts while exploring the grounds of Buffalo Bill State Historic Park.
Christmas Past & Present
Grand Island
Experience Christmas magic at the Stuhr Museum’s 1890s railroad town. Enjoy the Fantasy of Trees exhibit, DIY craft stations, holiday shopping and visits from Santa amidst historic buildings.
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