Notable Nebraska Events & Festivals This Fall
Need a reason to visit Nebraska this fall? How about a dozen? We have more, but you have to start somewhere.
The fall season brings out some the best in Nebraska - colorful fall foliage, delicious hand-picked apples, perfect sized pumpkins, the start of the holiday season and of course, festivals and events. Join us this fall as we celebrate with apples, pumpkins, live entertainment, parades, hayrack rides, holiday lights and more.
August
Cornhusker Football
Lincoln
Fall means football, and there’s no bigger fall tradition in Lincoln than cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Enjoy Nebraska’s favorite pastime with a home game at Memorial Stadium or head to one of the bars and restaurants around town when the team is on the road. Saturdays in autumn are for Nebraska football. If you prefer a small-town feel, check out one of the many local colleges such as the Chadron State Eagles!
North Platte Farmers Market
North Platte
Whether you’re looking for local produce or unique artisanal goods, you can find all of that and more at one of the many farmers markets across the state. Sample the land’s bounty when you shop from local and regional vendors at the North Platte Farmers Market, Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through October.
September
Summer Indian Rendezvous
Ogallala
Ogallala citizens come together in tradition to celebrate their colorful past with bands, live entertainment, dancing and a diverse array of local talents.
Junk Jaunt
Central Nebraska
The annual Junk Jaunt – like a flea market – spans nearly 500 miles of garage sales, collectibles, antiques, vintage items and quirky finds.
Oktoberfest
Norfolk
Northeast Nebraska celebrates the area’s German heritage and the fall harvest with this family festival. Join in on the fun with live music, German food, a beer garden and family entertainment.
AppleJack Festival
Nebraska City
Apple pie, apple cider, apple donuts, caramel apples and all things apple are found here. Every September, visitors from near and far flock to the annual AppleJack Festival. A Nebraska City tradition for over 50 years, the festival features a parade, a carnival, craft and vendor shows, the Food Truck Street Fair, a parade, a classic car show and the "All Things Apple" cooking contest.
October
Harvest Moon Fall Festival
Chadron
Head to Dawes County Fairgrounds in Chadron for tons of family fun at the annual Harvest Moon Fest. Sample and judge entries in the salsa contest or enjoy the haunted maze, scarecrow contests, a beer fest, live performances, face painting and dozens of vendors.
Crete’s Great Pumpkin Festival
Crete
Don't miss scarecrow and pumpkin competitions, carnival games, a petting zoo, carving demonstrations, live entertainment, zip lines and the Great Pumpkin Giveaway at Crete's Great Pumpkin Festival.
HallowFest
Ponca
Plan your visit around the annual Hallowfest at Ponca State Park. Haunted hayrack rides, a maze, campsite cabin-decorating contests, a pumpkin roll, Halloween-themed crafts and pumpkin carving all turn this state park into a Halloween extravaganza. This is one Halloween celebration you won’t want to miss.
November
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. The pageant takes place the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend and the first two Sundays in December.
Omaha Holiday Lights Festival
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.
