CALENDAR OF EVENTS KITES & CASTLES Delight in the fun-in-the-sun experience at Lake McConaughy’s premier event, featuring kite flying, sandcastle building and an array of enjoyable activities for all to relish. Ogallala August NEBRASKA STATE FAIR Nebraska proudly honors its culture, traditions, talent, products and people at the grand state fair, a celebration that showcases the very essence of the state. SUMMER INDIAN RENDEZVOUS Ogallala citizens come together in tradition to celebrate their colorful past with bands, live entertainment, dancing and a diverse array of local talents. November LIGHT OF THE WORLD PAGEANT Come see residents enact the heartwarming Christmas story under the radiant glow of more than 12,000 bulbs embellishing the courthouse and the square. Ogallala Grand Island Minden FUR TRADE DAYS Join a historical celebration honoring buckskinners, traders and Native Americans. This multi-day event pays tribute to the town’s significant role in the fur trade, immersing attendees in its rich heritage. Chadron MONUMENT MARATHON Experience the beauty and tranquility of race day as towering natural landmarks, pine-covered hills and a serene rural landscape come together to provide a stunning backdrop for runners. OLD WEST BALLOON FEST Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Nebraska’s premier hot-air balloon festival. Witness the mesmerizing glow balloons, partake in amazing hot-air experiences and indulge in a myriad of other activities. Gering Gering-Scottsbluff-Mitchell OMAHA HOLIDAY LIGHTS FESTIVAL From a Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony to New Year’s Eve fireworks, downtown Omaha captures the essence of the holiday season with festive and family-friendly activities throughout the entire season. Omaha OREGON TRAIL DAYS Oregon Trail Days, Nebraska’s oldest celebration, offers a diverse array of festivities, including parades, concerts and an international food fair, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Gering HERITAGE DAYS Join in the grandest annual celebration of McCook, where a weekend filled with activities awaits the whole family. From entertaining park events to the Heritage Days Parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and make lasting memories. POPCORN DAYS Savor all-you-can-eat free popcorn while enjoying a weekend packed with games, carnivals, a lively parade and the thrilling crowning of the Popcorn Queen. McCook North Loup WJ RANCH COWBOY CHRISTMAS Celebrate the joyous spirit of Christmas on the ranch, where you can enjoy buggy and pony rides, captivating trick roping shows, engaging kids’ crafts and a visit from Santa Claus. Fordyce THE WAYNE CHICKEN SHOW Get ready to ruffle some feathers at this quirky festival that’s eggs-tra fun! Previous years have cracked up attendees with egg tosses, rubber-chicken chucks and a whole coop of activities. Wayne KOOL-AID DAYS This is the birthplace of Kool-Aid, invented over 90 years ago. Join the celebration with live music, fireworks, exciting Kardboard Boat Races and a spirited Kool-Aid drinking contest. Hastings APPLEJACK FESTIVAL Savor in an abundance of apple treats, including apple pie, apple cider, apple donuts and caramel apples, as you enjoy a festival brimming with craft fairs, a lively parade, a classic car show and a carnival. Nebraska City ALL IS BRIGHT CHRISTMAS TOUR Celebrate the magic of the season, where twinkling lights set the scene for festive buggy rides, pony encounters, cheerful kids’ crafts and a jolly visit from Santa Claus. CAMP CREEK THRESHSERS Rev up your weekend where antique steam engines, roaring tractors and old-school threshers take center stage! This annual celebration of early American farming features live demos, vintage displays and hands-on history that’s anything but old news. Sidney Waverly SANDHILLS OPEN ROAD CHALLENGE Be part of the action as thousands of spectators gather to witness this thrilling 55-mile open-road race through the picturesque Sandhills. Additionally, enjoy the exciting crowd-favorite burnout contest. Arnold October BOO AT THE ZOO Enjoy Lincoln’s biggest trick-or-treat extravaganza at Boo at the Zoo! Enjoy over 40 booths with candy, coupons and fun for the whole family. Lincoln December TRAIL OF LIGHTS Experience the magic of the season with festive hayrack rides and dazzling holiday lights lighting up scenic trails for a cozy, unforgettable night. NORTH PLATTE POW WOW Experience vibrant Native American singing, drumming and electrifying contest dancing at Buffalo Bill State Historical Park. Discover rich traditions through art, culture, handcrafted jewelry and traditional delicacies amid honoring ceremonies and dance categories. North Platte MIDWEST PIRATE FESTIVAL Shiver me timbers! Nebraska’s largest Pirate Festival unites all the swashbucklers, wenches, scallywags and first mates for treasure hunts, jolly parades and plenty of yummy food. Ericson Papillion BUSTOBERFEST Get groovy and trick-or-treat through a gathering of VW buses! This far-out event is just one of the activities happening during the monthlong Halloween celebration at Indian Cave State Park. Shubert SANTALAND Witness this small town adorned with shimmering lights and festive holiday decorations. Visitors can explore Santa’s Workshop and marvel at Mrs. Claus’ Gingerbread House. RAIL DAYS Creighton NEBRASKA STAR PARTY Experience one of the nation’s premier stargazing events, set against the dark skies of Nebraska’s beautiful Sandhills, within the state’s only Dark Sky Park. Valentine All aboard for an unforgettable experience in railroad heritage at the home of the world’s largest rail classification yard! Get on track with exciting activities, engaging tours and exhibits. North Platte HALLOWFEST Gear up for a spooktacular Halloween extravaganza as Ponca State Park undergoes a bewitchingly enchanting transformation, creating an eerily unforgettable experience. Ponca CHRISTMAS AT THE CODY’S Join in joyful caroling, charming horse-drawn rides, warm cups of hot chocolate and the aroma of roasted chestnuts while exploring the grounds of Buffalo Bill State Historic Park. North Platte NATIVE OMAHA DAYS Celebrate community and reconnect with roots at this vibrant weeklong homecoming tradition, where family and class reunions, a dazzling parade, live music, and a bustling market honor Black culture, heritage and togetherness with spirit and pride. Omaha September JUNK JAUNT Head out on an antiquing adventure like no other at Junk Jaunt! Spanning nearly 500 miles, this event is a treasure trove of garage sales, collectibles, antiques, vintage items and curious finds. Central Nebraska HALLOWEEN IN THE HOLLOW Embrace the Halloween spirit alongside the ghosts of the Oregon Trail at Ash Hollow State Historical Park. Delight in children’s games, s’mores, a scavenger hunt, hayrack rides and a costume contest! Lewellen CHRISTMAS PAST & PRESENT Experience Christmas magic at the Stuhr Museum’s 1890s railroad town. Enjoy the Fantasy of Trees exhibit, DIY craft stations, holiday shopping and visits from Santa amidst historic buildings. Grand Island scan for more events The Official 2026 Nebraska State Travel Guide 7
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide Nebraska 2026 Official State Travel Guide: Page 7
