Nebraska Official State Travel Guide • The Official 2019 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide • Calendar Of Events

These events are a sampling of some of Nebraska’s quirkiest and most beloved annual traditions. Dates and locations may vary; always confirm with event sponsors before making travel plans. Find a complete list of events in the state at VisitNebraska.com.

Thousands of people gather for the wacky, one-of-a-kind experience of racing a live duck.

This small village celebrates Groundhog Day unlike anywhere else with a twoblock- long parade, crafts fair, food and keynote speakers.

More than 600,000 sandhill cranes land on a stretch of the Platte River as they rest and feed before completing their migration.

Four days of Irish heritage celebration, from green beer to Irish dancers, in the town of O’Neill, “Nebraska’s Irish Capital.”

Those willing to brave the cold race down the Middle Loup River in horse tanks for out-of-the-ordinary winter fun.

Thousands of dedicated Husker fans pack Memorial Stadium for the highly anticipated showing of the beloved football team.

From viewing blinds, visitors watch as prairie chickens strut in a spectacular show for the right to mate with the hens.

Celebrate at events statewide or mark the tree planter’s holiday with plantings, tours, shopping and activities where it all began in Nebraska City.

The countryside of an old farm transforms into a charming outdoor boutique with vintage finds, tasty treats and groovy tunes.

Some of the nation’s greatest comedic talent gathers for three days to pay tribute to the legacy of Norfolk native Johnny Carson.

Marathoners run a city-wide race course through Lincoln that ends on the 50-yard line of the Huskers’ Memorial Stadium.

A two-day celebration of Nebraska wines! Tastings of 150 wines plus live music, educational sessions, shopping, food, fire pits and yard games.

The Cattlemen’s Ball has become one of the Midwest’s premier events, raising millions of dollars for cancer research.

Cowboy culture and top country music stars await you at this North Platte festival, one of the biggest parties in the state.

On Father’s Day weekend, thousands gather for Rocky Mountain oysters, live music and a Ball-Eating Contest.

Hundreds of thousands flood Omaha for 12 days of America’s greatest pastime, plus music and beer gardens surrounding the stadium.

The Central Nebraska Auto Club encourages anyone who loves classic cars and wants to relive memories of the “Good Ole Days” to come enjoy the fun.

Enjoy kite-flying and sandcastle-building at Lake McConaughy’s PREMIER “fun in the sun” event.

Nebraska Star Party is one of the nation’s premier stargazing events, held under the dark skies of Nebraska’s beautiful Sandhills.

Experience classic rodeo events such as Saddle Broncs and the wild and woolly action of the Wild Horse Race and Canadian Chuck Wagon Races.

A historic celebration of buck-skinners, traders and Native Americans. Five days packed with events pay tribute to the town’s key role in the fur trade.

“Viener Dog” races, dancers, a two-block beer garden and traditional eats provide a taste of the town’s German heritage.

Oregon Trail Days is the oldest celebration in Nebraska. OTD boasts everything from parades to concerts to an international food fair.

A living-history encampment at Clemmons Park explores life from the Renaissance to World War II.

For 140 years, Seward, “Nebraska’s Official 4th of July City,” has put on one of the top small-town celebrations in the nation.

Local artists, national acts and poetry performances showcase the heart and soul of the Midwest at the Maha Music Festival. Held in Stinson Park.

An odd bird of a festival, but even more fun than the chicken dance. Previous years’ events included egg toss, rubber chicken chuck and all things chicken!

Kool-Aid was invented here over 90 years ago. Celebrate with three days of live music, fireworks, Kardboard Boat Races and a Kool-Aid drinking contest.

For 150 years, Nebraska has celebrated its culture, traditions, talent, products and people at the state fair.

Gering-Scottsbluff-Mitchell Nebraska’s premier hot air balloon festival. Experience glow balloons, amazing hot air experiences and much, much more!

The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer’s muddy, exhausting adventure pits runners against unrelenting obstacles and the fierce Nebraska prairie.

Celebrate Czech culture in the Czech Capital of the USA. Enjoy music, food, dancing, costumes, pageants and more.

One of USA Today’s Top 10 Fall Harvest Festivals with over six craft fairs, a parade, classic car show, live music and three-day carnival.

The world’s largest totally irrigated working farm show features the latest equipment, supplies and technologies available to today’s producers.

The annual Junk Jaunt— like a large garage sale— spans nearly 500 miles of garage sales, collectibles, antiques, vintage items and quirky finds.

Experience incredible railroad heritage at the home of the world’s largest rail classification yard with activities, tours and exhibits.

Ogallala citizens come together in tradition to celebrate their colorful past with bands, live entertainment, dancing and a diverse array of local talents.

More than 100 emerging bands and solo artists perform at venues around downtown Lincoln for an artistic weekend of music.

Lincoln’s largest trick-or-treat event. The entire family will love stopping at nearly 40 trick-or-treat booths to get candy, coupons and more!

The largest day-long relay in the nation, the Market to Market® Relay Nebraska takes teams from Omaha to Lincoln.

Residents perform the Christmas story under the illumination of over 12,000 bulbs adorning the courthouse and the square.

The tradition begins with the lighting of the region’s largest indoor Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving and continues into January with festive, family-friendly events.

Enjoy caroling, horse-drawn rides, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts on the grounds of Buffalo Bill’s decorated Victorian mansion.

Among the historic buildings of the Stuhr Museum’s 1890s railroad town, view the Fantasy of Trees exhibit and enjoy cookies, DIY craft stations, holiday shopping and visits with Santa.

See Arbor Day Mansion decked out in vintage decor and holiday-themed collections for an unforgettable Christmas experience.

Nebraska Official State Travel Guide - The Official 2019 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide

Calendar Of Events

Issue List

Nebraska 2026 Official State Travel Guide

The Official 2025 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide

The Official 2021 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide

The Official 2020 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide

The Official 2019 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide