Nebraska Official State Travel Guide - Nebraska 2026 Official State Travel Guide
Calendar of Events
2025-11-14 07:33:32
Actual Things to Do!
From the College World Series to Oregon Trail Days, these events are a sampling of some of Nebraska’s most-beloved annual traditions. Always check with event sponsors before finalizing your travel plans as dates and event details can change.
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.
MAY
SIP NEBRASKA, Ashland • Indulge in a delightful celebration of Nebraska wines! Explore over 100 delicious wine tastings, accompanied by live music, shopping, food and fun yard games.
CINCO DE MAYO, Omaha • Embark on a vibrant celebration along historical South 24th Street, brimming with live music, delectable food, captivating pageantry, an adorable “Que Chulo” dog contest and much more!
JUNE
WILLA CATHER SPRING CONFERENCE, Red Cloud • Step into the story at this annual gathering where literature lovers, scholars and art enthusiasts come together to celebrate Willa Cather’s legacy. With prairie hikes, live performances and rich conversations, it’s a weekend that brings her world to life.
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, flavorful 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.
JUNETEENTH JOYFEST, Omaha • Get ready to celebrate freedom and community at this vibrant street fest filled with live music, soul food, storytelling and joyful dancing. Honoring Black heritage and resilience, it’s a powerful party with heart, history and plenty of joy.
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.
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.
NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FINALS RODEO, Lincoln • Saddle up for a thrilling ride at this showdown, where high school cowboys and cowgirls compete in electrifying events like barrel racing, bull riding and team roping.
BOOMFEST, Norfolk • Celebrate summer in a big way with Norfolk’s annual Boomfest, a vibrant festival packed with live music, tasty treats, family-friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks show to light up the night.
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.
FUR TRADE DAYS, Chadron • Join a historical 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 activities.
CAMP CREEK THRESHSERS, Waverly • Rev up your weekend where antique steam engines, roaring tractors and old-school threshers take center stage! This annual celebration of early American farming features live demos, vintage displays and hands-on history that’s anything but old news.
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 amid 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.
NATIVE OMAHA DAYS, Omaha • Celebrate community and reconnect with roots at this vibrant weeklong homecoming tradition, where family and class reunions, a dazzling parade, live music, and a bustling market honor Black culture, heritage and togetherness with spirit and pride.
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 yummy 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 curious 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.
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.
APPLEJACK FESTIVAL, Nebraska City • Savor 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.
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 monthlong 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 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, hayrack rides and a costume contest!
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 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 buggy and pony rides, captivating trick roping shows, engaging kids’ crafts and a visit from Santa Claus.
ALL IS BRIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR, Sidney • Celebrate the magic of the season, where twinkling lights set the scene for festive buggy rides, pony encounters, cheerful kids’ crafts and a jolly visit from Santa Claus.
DECEMBER
TRAIL OF LIGHTS, Ericson • Experience the magic of the season with festive hayrack rides and dazzling holiday lights lighting up scenic trails for a cozy, unforgettable night.
SANTALAND, Creighton • Witness this small town adorned with shimmering lights and festive holiday decorations. Visitors can explore Santa’s Workshop and marvel at Mrs. Claus’ Gingerbread House.
CHRISTMAS AT THE CODY’S, North Platte • Join in joyful caroling, charming horse-drawn rides, warm cups of hot chocolate and the 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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