See Our State: Can't Miss Nebraska Events

These events are a sampling of some of Nebraska’s quirkiest and most beloved annual traditions. Always check with event sponsors before finalizing your travel plans as dates and event details can change.

Northwest

Sidney Gold Rush Days

Sidney
June
Discover the history of the Sidney to Deadwood Gold Rush Trail through Wagon rides, craftsmen demonstrations, quick draw competitions and more at Sidney Gold Rush Days.

Fur Trade Days

Chadron
July
Don’t miss this historic multi-day celebration of traders, buck-skinners and Native Americans, which pays tribute to the town’s role in the fur trade.

Oregon Trail Days

Gering
July
Attend the oldest celebration in Nebraska, Oregon Trail Days. Guests can expect parades, concerts, an international food fair and more.

Old West Balloon Fest & National Hot Air Balloon Competition

Gering-Scottsbluff-Mitchell
August
Peep glow balloons and enjoy other amazing hot air experiences at Nebraska’s premier hot air balloon festival.

Monument Marathon

Gering
September
Towering natural landmarks, pine-covered hills and a rural landscape provide a stunning and tranquil race day experience for runners.

Chimney Rock Pioneer Days

Bayard
September
Celebrate Bayard’s pioneer heritage in this annual event that dates back to the 1940s.

Southwest

NEBRASKAland DAYS

North Platte
June
This North Platte Festival features some of the biggest country music stars and showcases the state's cowboy culture.

Kites & Castles

Ogallala
July
Enjoy the summer weather by flying kites and building sandcastles at Lake McConaughy.

Rail Days

North Platte
August
The world’s largest classification rail yard celebrates railroad history and heritage with tours and exhibits at this annual fest.

Summer Indian Rendezvous

Ogallala
September
Celebrate Ogallala’s colorful past with live music, shows, dancing, competitions, the Harvest Arts Market and more.

Heritage Days

McCook
September
Don’t miss vendors, live entertainment and the Heritage Days Parade at McCook’s largest annual event.

North Platte
December
Don’t miss this holiday celebration at Buffalo Bill’s Victorian Mansion. Get in the holiday spirit with horse-drawn rides, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, caroling and festive decorative displays.

South Central

Hastings Pride

Hastings
June
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Hastings. This Pride Month celebration features a parade, guest speakers and vendors.

Kearney Cruise Nite

Kearney
July
Featuring drag races, a Show & Shine and the annual Cruise Nite Parade, this multi-day event is a must for classic car enthusiasts.

Nebraska State Fair

Grand Island
August
Revel in the traditions, culture, products and people of Nebraska at the Nebraska State Fair.

Kool-Aid Days

Hastings
August
Take in a Kool-Aid drinking contest, fireworks, live music and Kardboard Boat Races in Hastings, where Kool-Aid was invented more than 90 years ago.

Junk Jaunt

Central Nebraska
September
The annual Junk Jaunt features garage sales, antiques and quirky finds across 500 miles of the Sandhills and South Central Nebraska.

Light of the World Pageant

Minden
November
See the Christmas story performed by locals under a stunning light display of over 12,000 bulbs at the Minden courthouse and the square.

Christmas Past & Present

Grand Island
December
At Christmas Past & Present, Stuhr Museum’s 1890s railroad town transforms into a winter wonderland filled with cookies, holiday shopping, Santa visits, craft stations and the Fantasy of Trees exhibit.

Southeast

Quack Off Duck Races

Avoca
January
Ready for a one-of-a-kind live duck racing experience? Avoca’s Quack Off Duck Races bring in thousands of spectators and benefit the local fire department.

Groundhog Day Celebration

Unadilla
February
No one celebrates Groundhog Day like Unadilla. Join this small village for a crafts fair, parade, food and more at this annual tradition.

Arbor Day Celebration

Nebraska City
April
Head to Nebraska City, where it all began, for the ultimate Arbor Day Celebration. Here, the tree planter’s holiday is celebrated with tours, shopping, activities and tons of plantings. Plus, you’ll find more Arbor Day events and festivities statewide.

Falls City Hot Air Balloon Festival

Falls City
June
Enjoy food, live music and tons of hot air balloons at this fest. Be sure to stay until dusk for the crowd-favorite balloon glow.

Lincoln Arts Festival

Lincoln
June
Take in art demonstrations, live performances and inspiring works from artists from around the nation at this two-day arts festival.

Testicle Festival

Ashland
June
Thousands flock to Ashland for live music, Rocky Mountain oysters and a ball-eating contest at this Father’s Day weekend festival.

Fourth of July Celebration

Seward
July
If you’re in Nebraska for the Fourth of July, head to Seward, “Nebraska’s Official 4th of July City,” for one of the nation’s best small-town celebrations.

AppleJack Festival

Nebraska City
September
From apple pie and apple donuts to caramel apples and apple cider, Nebraska City’s AppleJack Fest celebrates all things apple. Stop by for craft fairs, a carnival, a parade, a classic car show and all kinds of delicious apple treats.

Crete’s Great Pumpkin Festival

Crete
October
With pumpkin and scarecrow competitions, games, live entertainment, pumpkin carving demonstrations and the Great Pumpkin Giveaway, Crete’s Great Pumpkin Festival is the perfect way to celebrate fall.

Zoo Lights

Lincoln
December
Get in the holiday spirit with train rides, animal silhouettes, a tree canopy light walk and more at Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo.

Metro

Omaha Fashion Week

Omaha
February
Join us for this glamorous red carpet occasion. The Midwest’s premier fashion event showcases more than 65 designers and their fabulous creations each year.

FEI World Cup

Omaha
April
Every four years, the heartland hosts the world’s best equestrians for this global championship event.

Toast Nebraska Wine Festival

Omaha
May
Calling all wine lovers! Toast Nebraska Wine Festival invites you to sample more than 100 tasty wines. Plus, there’s live music, shopping, yard games, food and educational sessions.

Cinco De Mayo

Omaha
May
Celebrate Cinco De Mayo on historic South 24th Street with pageantry, live music, delicious food, a Que Chulo Dog Contest and more.

Omaha Freedom Festival

Omaha
June
With educational programming, local art, live music and family activities, you won’t want to miss this Juneteenth celebration.

College World Series

Omaha
June
Head to Omaha for America’s greatest pastime. The College World Series takes over the city for 12 days each June. Get your tickets today!

Midwest Pirate Festival

Papillion
August
Pirates, scallywags, wenches and first mates gather for parades, tasty grub and treasure hunts at the state’s largest Pirate Festival.

Omaha Holiday Lights Festival

Omaha
November
Visit Omaha when downtown is aglow with holiday spirit. Beginning with the Thanksgiving Lighting Ceremony and capping with New Year’s Eve Fireworks, the Omaha Holiday Lights Festival invites you to take in the holiday season with festive activities and stunning light displays.