EVENTS These events are a sampling of some of Nebraska’s quirkiest and most beloved annual traditions. Dates and locations may vary; always confi rm with event sponsors before making travel plans. Find a complete list of events in the state at VisitNebraska.com. CALENDAR OF THE BEST FESTS JANUARY First Day Hikes Statewide Get outside and enjoy nature at any of the park areas throughout Nebraska that offer guided hikes to visitors on New Year’s Day. 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.” Polar Bear Tank Races Quack Off Duck Races Avoca Thousands of people gather for the wacky, one-of-a-kind experience of racing a live duck. Mullen Those willing to brave the cold race down the Middle Loup River in horse tanks for out-of-the-ordinary winter fun. APRIL Husker Football Spring Game Lincoln Thousands of dedicated Husker fans pack Memorial Stadium for the highly anticipated showing of the beloved football team. First Day Hike at Chadron State Park, Chadron FEBRUARY Groundhog Day Celebration Unadilla This small village celebrates Groundhog Day unlike anywhere else with a parade, crafts fair, food and keynote speakers. MAY Toast Nebraska Wine Festival Gretna A two-day celebration of Nebraska wines! Tastings of 150 delicious wines plus live music, educational sessions, shopping, food, firepits and yard games. 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. Prairie Chicken Festival Omaha Fashion Week Omaha The Midwest’s premier fashion event is a glamorous red-carpet occasion that showcases the work of 65-plus designers each year. Burwell From viewing blinds, visitors watch as prairie chickens strut in a spectacular show for the right to mate with the hens. Testicle Festival Renaissance Festival Arbor Day Celebration 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. 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. Papillion Full-contact jousting, dozens of costumed characters and many one-of-a-kind artisans await at Nebraska’s largest renaissance faire. Ashland On Father’s Day weekend, thousands gather for Rocky Mountain oysters, live music and a Ball-Eating Contest. College World Series Tallgrass Prairie Fiddle Festival Beatrice At this Homestead National Monument of America event, compete in the fiddling and acoustic band competition or sit back and enjoy music, food and history. Omaha Hundreds of thousands flood Omaha for 12 days of America’s greatest pastime, with music and beer gardens surrounding the stadium. International Omaha Buffalo Commons Storytelling & Music Festival McCook A whole lot o’ stories, music and fun with festivities including local tales and songs, children’s story theatre, dinner cabaret and more. Omaha Shop, dine and watch some of the best horses and riders in the Midwest over four days of competition. JUNE Great American Comedy Festival Norfolk Some of the nation’s greatest comedic talents gather for three days to pay tribute to the legacy of Norfolk native Johnny Carson. Sandhill crane migration, Platte River Valley 2020 Olympic Swimming Trials Omaha The greatest swimmers across the country compete in this eight-day event to become a member of the 2020 U.S. Olympic team. CREDITS: HAAG/FOWLER/NEBRASKALAND MAGAZINE, NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION 6 VisitNebraska.com
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2020 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 6
