College World Series Omaha John C. Fremont Days Fremont Columbus Days Columbus Oktoberfest Sidney Fans flood Omaha for 12 days of America’s greatest pastime, with music and beer gardens surrounding the stadium. A living-history encampment at Clemmons Park explores life from the Renaissance to World War II. Buffalo Commons Storytelling & Music Festival McCook The Wayne Chicken Show Wayne Live music, cornhole tournament, BBQ, a parade, various races and more await you at the largest block party in Nebraska. The ceremonial Tapping of the Keg starts off this three-day festival that includes live entertainment, a parade, brats, kraut and cold beer. A whole lot o’ stories, music and fun with festivities including local stories and songs, children’s story theatre, dinner cabaret and more. 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. Popcorn Days North Loup HallowFest Ponca All-you-can-eat free popcorn is paired with a weekend full of games, carnivals, a parade and the crowning of the Popcorn Queen. Haunted hayrack rides, campsite and cabin-decorating contests, pumpkin roll and pumpkin carving all turn Ponca State Park into a Halloween extravaganza. 2021 Olympic Swimming Trials Omaha National High School Rodeo Finals Lincoln SEPTEMBER AppleJack Festival Nebraska City Minden The greatest swimmers across the country compete to become a member of the 2021 U.S. Olympic team. NOVEMBER Light of the World Pageant Residents perform the Christmas story under the illumination of over 12,000 bulbs adorning the courthouse and the square. Watch as 1,700 high school rodeo athletes compete in 13 rodeo specialties and two shooting competitions. JULY Maha Festival Omaha AUGUST Nebraska Star Party Valentine Apple pie, apple cider, apple donuts, caramel apples and all things apple are found here, as well as craft fairs, a parade, classic car show and three-day carnival. Music from national and local acts, talks and panels covering a wide variety of topics, and a brand-new regional craft beer experience can be found at this five-day festival. Junk Jaunt Omaha Holiday Lights Festival Omaha Nebraska Star Party is one of the nation’s premier stargazing events, held under the dark skies of Nebraska’s beautiful Sandhills. Central Nebraska Fourth of July Celebration Seward Nebraska State Fair Grand Island The annual Junk Jaunt – like a large garage sale – spans nearly 500 miles of garage sales, collectibles, antiques, vintage items and quirky finds. 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. 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. Nebraska celebrates its culture, traditions, talent, products and people at the state fair. Summer Indian Rendezvous Ogallala Fur Trade Days 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. Old West Balloon Fest & National Hot Air Balloon Competition Gering-Scottsbluff-Mitchell Ogallala citizens come together in tradition to celebrate their colorful past with bands, live entertainment, dancing and a diverse array of local talents. DECEMBER SantaLand Creighton Nebraska’s premier hot air balloon festival. Experience glow balloons, amazing hot air experiences and more. Monument Marathon Gering -Scottsbluff Oregon Trail Days Gering Natural landmarks and pine-covered hills provide the perfect backdrop for this course that runs along part of the Oregon Trail. View this small town decked out in lights and holiday decorations. Visitors can stop into Santa’s Workshop and see Mrs. Claus’ Gingerbread House. Zoo Lights Lincoln Oregon Trail Days is the oldest celebration in Nebraska. The event boasts everything from parades to concerts to an international food fair. Czech Days Wilber Celebrate Czech culture in the Czech Capital of the USA. Enjoy music, food, dancing, costumes, pageants and more. Lincoln Calling Lincoln More than 100 emerging bands and solo artists perform at venues around downtown Lincoln for one music-filled weekend. The Lincoln Children’s Zoo transforms into a holiday display with lit animal silhouettes, holiday train rides, a tree canopy light walk and more. Christmas at the Cody’s North Platte VisitNebraska.com/events/calendar OCTOBER Crete’s Great Pumpkin Festival Crete Enjoy caroling, horse-drawn rides, hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts on the grounds of Buffalo Bill’s decorated Victorian mansion. Christmas Past & Present Grand Island BUFFALO BILL RODEO, NORTH PLATTE 8 Find out more at VisitNebraska.com Photo courtesy of Nebraska Tourism Previous years have featured scarecrow and pumpkin competitions, pumpkin-carving demos, carnival games, live entertainment and the Great Pumpkin Giveaway. 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.
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2021 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 8
