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. AUGUST Kool-Aid Days Hastings 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. Lincoln Calling Lincoln More than 100 emerging bands and solo artists perform at venues around downtown Lincoln for one music-filled weekend. Light of the World Pageant Minden Residents perform the Christmas story under the illumination of over 12,000 bulbs adorning the courthouse and the square. OCTOBER Boo at the Zoo Lincoln 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. Omaha Holiday Lights Festival Kites and Castles Nebraska State Fair Lake McConaughy Enjoy kite-flying and sandcastle-building at Lake McConaughy’s PREMIER “fun in the sun” event. Grand Island For 150 years, Nebraska has celebrated its culture, traditions, talent, products and people at the state fair. Omaha Starting with a Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony and ending with New Year’s Eve fireworks, downtown Omaha captures the holiday spirit with a full season of festive, family-friendly activities. 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. Old West Balloon Fest & National Hot Air Balloon Competition HallowFest Nebraska’s Big Rodeo Gering-Scottsbluff-Mitchell Nebraska’s premier hot air balloon festival. Experience glow balloons, amazing hot air experiences and more. Ponca Haunted hayrack rides, campsite-and cabin-decorating contests, a pumpkin roll and pumpkin carving all turn Ponca State Park into a Halloween extravaganza. DECEMBER Christmas at the Cody’s North Platte Enjoy caroling, horse-drawn rides, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts on the grounds of Buffalo Bill’s decorated Victorian mansion. Burwell Experience classic rodeo events such as Saddle Broncs and the wild and woolly action of the Wild Horse Race and Canadian Chuck Wagon Races. Czech Days Fur Trade Days Wilber Celebrate Czech culture in the Czech Capital of the USA. Enjoy music, food, dancing, costumes, pageants and more. Junkstock: Harvest Edition Chadron 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. Columbus Days Waterloo The countryside of an old farm transforms into a charming outdoor boutique with vintage finds, food trucks and, for the harvest edition, giant pumpkins, hayrack rides and bonfires. Christmas Past & Present Grand Island 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. Columbus Live music, cornhole tournament, barbecue, a parade, various races and more await you at the largest block party in Nebraska. NOVEMBER Good Life Halfsy Lincoln Run 13.1 miles through Lincoln’s most notable landmarks in a scenic point-to-point, net-downhill course with an epic downtown finish. Nebraska’s Big Rodeo, Burwell Christmas at the Mansion Oregon Trail Days Gering Oregon Trail Days is the oldest celebration in Nebraska. The event boasts everything from parades to concerts to an international food fair. SEPTEMBER AppleJack Festival Nebraska City 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. Nebraska City See Arbor Day Mansion decked out in vintage decor and holiday-themed collections for an unforgettable Christmas experience. John C. Fremont Days Fremont A living-history encampment at Clemmons Park explores life from the Renaissance to World War II. Junk Jaunt Fourth of July Celebration Seward For more than 150 years, Seward, “Nebraska’s Official 4th of July City,” has put on one of the top small-town celebrations in the nation. Central Nebraska The annual Junk Jaunt—like a large garage sale—spans nearly 500 miles of garage sales, collectibles, antiques, vintage items and quirky finds. Summer Indian Rendezvous The Wayne Chicken Show Wayne An odd bird of a festival, but even more fun than the chicken dance. Previous years have featured egg tosses, rubber-chicken chucks and more. Ogallala Ogallala citizens come together in tradition to celebrate their colorful past with bands, live entertainment, dancing and a diverse array of local talents. National High School Rodeo Finals Lincoln Watch as 1,700 high school rodeo athletes compete in 13 rodeo specialties and two shooting competitions. Old West Balloon Fest, Scotts Bluff County 8 VisitNebraska.com CREDITS: HAAG/NEBRASKALAND MAGAZINE, NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2020 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 8
