Summer Events & Festivals in Nebraska
Need a reason to visit Nebraska this summer? How about some Nebraska summer events to plan a trip around?
Some of Nebraska's quirkiest and move beloved annual traditions come out during the summer months. So it's a great time for you to experience these only-in-Nebraska festivals and events. Join us for the Nebraska's biggest summer events as we celebrate with rubber chicken tosses, rodeo events, live music, Kool-Aid, dark night skies, hot air balloons, state fair food and more.
College World Series
Omaha
June 13–23, 2025
College baseball’s biggest celebration has lived in Omaha since 1950. Charles Schwab Field hosts this convergence of colors, pageantry and excitement. Downtown Omaha becomes a bustling hub, and the June atmosphere is just as much of a treat as the on-field action.
NEBRASKAland Days
North Platte
June 18–28, 2025
What better festival to attend than Nebraska’s official state celebration? Held every summer, there’s a little bit of everything at this event.
Wild West showman William “Buffalo Bill” Cody had his Scout’s Rest Ranch in North Platte, and his namesake, the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, is a can’t miss experience. Other highlights include a parade around the city and the Summer Jam Concert Series that has featured artists from Jason Aldean to Jelly Roll.
Oh, and there’s more food and fun than you could ever ask for, too.
Seward Fourth of July Celebration
Seward
July 4, 2025
For over 150 years, Seward, “Nebraska’s Official Fourth of July City,” has put on one of the top small-town celebrations in the nation. This city of less than 8,000 residents draws as many as 40,000 attendees for this patriotic party that includes a grand parade, car show, live entertainment, bubblegum blowing contest and, yes, fireworks. It runs multiple days, too, so if you can’t make it on the holiday, you can still experience all of the fun!
Fur Trade Days
Chadron
July 10–13, 2025
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
The Wayne Chicken Show
Wayne
July 11–13, 2025
While some of Nebraska’s big gatherings are traditional and a straightforward good time, others are a little more, well, unique…
With its motto, “Preserving Wayne’s past one pluck at a time,” The Wayne Chicken Show has been a staple since 1980 and takes place the second weekend of July. You’ll find egg-cellent events like the wing eating contest, egg drop contest, and the National Cluck-Off. There’s also a parade, car show, live music and food trucks.
Nebraska Star Party
Valentine
July 20–25, 2025
Night owls, this one is for you. This event is one of the nation’s premier stargazing events, held under the dark skies of Nebraska’s beautiful Sandhills. Set in Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, an International Dark Sky Place, the Star Party is your chance to see the heavens in a way you just can’t from an urban area. This gathering of astronomy enthusiasts also includes educational and recreational activities, and the backdrop of the Sandhills, one of Nebraska’s truly unique environments, offer no shortage of opportunities for exploration.
Nebraska’s Big Rodeo
Burwell
July 23–26, 2025
Experience classic rodeo events such as Saddle Broncs and the wild and woolly action of the Wild Horse Race and Canadian Chuck Wagon Races.
Maha Festival
Omaha
August 2, 2025
Music from national and local acts, talks and panels covering a wide variety of topics, and a regional craft beer experience can be found at this festival.
Columbus Days
Columbus
August 7–10, 2025
Live music, corn hole tournament, BBQ, a parade, various races and more await you at the largest block party in Nebraska.
Old West Balloon Fest
Gering, Scottsbluff, Mitchell
August 14–17, 2025
A must-attend event in the panhandle is one that takes place in August, Nebraska’s premier hot air balloon festival. Gaze at the fleet of unique hot air balloons filling the sky each morning and evening, and take advantage of the various food and merchandise vendors, kids activities and other entertainment during the day.
The setup of this festival is one of its strong points. Admission is charged by the carload, so you can load up your family and friends to save big. You’re also just a step away from Scottsbluff and Gering all of the scenic wonder of western Nebraska. Experience glow balloons, amazing hot air experiences and more.
Kool-Aid Days
Hastings
August 15–17, 2025
Kool-Aid was invented here over 90 years ago. Celebrate with three days of live music, fireworks, Kardboard Boat Races and a Kool-Aid drinking contest.
Nebraska State Fair
Grand Island
August 22–September 1, 2025
Nebraska celebrates its culture, traditions, talent, products and people at the state fair. A late-summer tradition celebrating Nebraska’s agricultural heritage and culture, the Nebraska State Fair offers livestock competitions, petting zoos, food vendors, live music, rides and plentiful vendor booths.
You’re also able to take home a piece of the state, with diverse exhibitors selling everything from handmade crafts to home décor and clothing. Stock up on deep-fried favorites like corn dogs and funnel cakes, plus just about fried-anything-else you could imagine.
Looking for more Nebraska events & festivals? Check out our calendar of events.
