EVENTS JANUARY First Day Hikes Statewide CALENDAR OF TICKETS HOT These events are a sampling of some of Nebraska’s quirkiest and most beloved annual traditions. Sometimes a global pandemic happens and messes with our best-laid plans, though. Always check with event sponsors before finalizing your travel plans as dates and event details can change. MARCH Sandhill Crane Migration Central Platte River Valley Begin 2021, Nebraska State Parks’ 100th anniversary, at one of the park areas throughout the state that offers guided hikes to visitors on New Year’s Day. More than 600,000 sandhill cranes land on a stretch of the Platte River as they rest and feed before completing their migration. OREGON TRAIL DAYS, GERING Quack Off Duck Races Avoca St. Patrick’s Day O’Neill Arbor Day Celebration Nebraska City JUNE Heartland Pride Parade & Festival Omaha Thousands of people gather for the one-of-a-kind experience of racing a live duck. Four days of Irish heritage celebration, from green beer to Irish dancers, in the town of O’Neill, “Nebraska’s Irish Capital.” This year, enjoy Nebraska City’s 150th Arbor Day Celebration with plantings, tours and activities where the tree planter’s holiday all began. Groundhog Day Celebration Unadilla Polar Bear Tank Races Mullen This small village celebrates Groundhog Day unlike anywhere else with a parade, crafts fair, food and keynote speakers. Those willing to brave the cold race down the Middle Loup River in horse tanks for out-of-the-ordinary winter fun. MAY International Omaha Omaha Celebrate Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community during this event that includes live entertainment, guest speakers, vendors, Pride Parade and more. FEBRUARY Bull Bash Valentine APRIL NE SciFest Statewide Shop, dine and watch some of the best horses and riders in the Midwest throughout four days of competition. Great American Comedy Festival Norfolk Toast Nebraska Wine Festival Gretna Some of the nation’s greatest comedic talents gather for three days to pay tribute to the legacy of the Norfolk native Johnny Carson. For one day, bull, heifer and commercial exhibitors cover Main Street. Additional activities include the Running with the Bulls 5K, wine tasting, vendor show and quilt show. Hands-on science activities, engaging speakers and more take place in communities across Nebraska during this statewide science festival. PRIDE PARADE, OMAHA A two-day celebration of Nebraska wines! Tastings of 100+ delicious wines plus live music, educational sessions, shopping, food, firepits and yard games. Sidney Gold Rush Days Sidney Renaissance Festival Papillion North Platte Tallgrass Prairie Fiddle Festival Beatrice Cowboy culture and top country music stars await you at this North Platte festival, one of the biggest parties in the state. At Homestead National Monument of America, compete in the fiddling and acoustic band competition or sit back and enjoy music, food and history. Testicle Festival Ashland On Father’s Day weekend, thousands gather for Rocky Mountain oysters, live music and a Ball-Eating contest. 6 Photos courtesy of Nebraska Tourism/Rick Neibel, Visit Omaha Full-contact jousting, dozens of costumed characters and many more one-of-a-kind artisans await at Nebraska’s largest renaissance fair. Wagon rides, quick draw competitions, craftsmen demonstrations and more display the history of the Sidney to Deadwood Gold Rush Trail. NEBRASKAland Days
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2021 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 6
