/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS / CALENDAR 20 OF EVENTS 19 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 . Prairie Chicken Festival Burwell From viewing blinds, visitors watch as prairie chickens strut in a spectacular show for the right to mate with the hens. NEBRASKAland DAYS North Platte Cowboy culture and top country music stars await you at this North Platte festival, one of the biggest parties in the state. Arbor Day Celebration Nebraska City Celebrate at events statewide or mark the tree planter’s holiday with plantings, tours, shopping and activities where it all began in Nebraska City. Testicle Festival Ashland On Father’s Day weekend, thousands gather for Rocky Mountain oysters, live music and a Ball-Eating Contest. Junkstock Waterloo The countryside of an old farm transforms into a charming outdoor boutique with vintage finds, tasty treats and groovy tunes. JANUARY Quack Off Duck Races Avoca Thousands of people gather for the wacky, one-of-a-kind experience of racing a live duck. Great American Comedy Festival Norfolk Some of the nation’s greatest comedic talent gathers for three days to pay tribute to the legacy of Norfolk native Johnny Carson. College World Series Omaha Hundreds of thousands flood Omaha for 12 days of America’s greatest pastime, plus music and beer gardens surrounding the stadium. FEBRUARY Groundhog Day Celebration Unadilla This small village celebrates Groundhog Day unlike anywhere else with a two-block-long parade, crafts fair, food and keynote speakers. MAY Lincoln Marathon St Patrick’s Day O’Neill Four days of Irish heritage celebration, from green beer to Irish dancers, in the town of O’Neill, “Nebraska’s Irish Capital.” Lincoln Marathoners run a city-wide race course through Lincoln that ends on the 50-yard line of the Huskers’ Memorial Stadium. JULY Cruise Night Kearney 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. Toast Nebraska Wine Festival Gretna A two-day celebration of Nebraska wines! Tastings of 150 wines plus live music, educational sessions, shopping, food, fire pits and yard games. Polar Bear Tank Races Mullen Those willing to brave the cold race down the Middle Loup River in horse tanks for out-of-the-ordinary winter fun. Kites and Castles Lake McConaughy Enjoy kite-flying and sandcastle-building at Lake McConaughy’s PREMIER “fun in the sun” event. MARCH Sandhill Crane Migration Central Platte River Valley More than 600,000 sandhill cranes land on a stretch of the Platte River as they rest and feed before completing their migration. 8 VisitNebraska.com APRIL Husker Football Spring Game Lincoln Thousands of dedicated Husker fans pack Memorial Stadium for the highly anticipated showing of the beloved football team. JUNE Cattleman’s Ball Wauneta The Cattlemen’s Ball has become one of the Midwest’s premier events, raising millions of dollars for cancer research. Nebraska Star Party Valentine Nebraska Star Party is one of the nation’s premier stargazing events, held under the dark skies of Nebraska’s beautiful Sandhills. CREDITS: KEARNEY; LAURI HAVRANEK; COURTESY OF VISIT OMAHA
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2019 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 12
