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10 great events to check out this summer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LINCOLN, NE (May 27, 2016) - This weekend marks the beginning of the busiest time of year for tourism, Nebraska’ third largest industry. Starting Memorial Day weekend, Nebraska livens up as attractions open for the season, the weather becomes perfect for outdoor activities and the travelers come rolling in.
Nebraska has plenty of festivals and events for people to attend. Here’s a list of ten fun events for anyone to join in on this season:
1. Great American Comedy Festival
June 15-18
Norfolk http://www.greatamericancomedyfestival.com/
Comedians from around the country honor Johnny Carson, Norfolk native and host of NBC’s The Tonight Show, by performing stand-up routines.
2. NEBRASKAland DAYS
June 15-25
North Platte http://nebraskalanddays.com/
Celebrate Nebraska with 4 nights of rodeo and the US Cellular Summer Jam Concert Series featuring Sam Hunt and Dierks Bentley.
3. NCAA Men’s College World Series
June 17-29
Omaha http://www.cwsomaha.com/
Head to TD Ameritrade Park to cheer on your favorite college baseball team as they compete for the Division 1 Championship.
4. Tour de Nebraska
June 22-26
Springview http://www.tourdenebraska.com/
A non-competitive, 5-day, scenic bicycle ride that starts and ends in Springview, ranging 45-70 miles a day.
6. Oregon Trail Days
July 7-10
Gering http://www.oregontraildays.com/
Art shows, chili cook-offs, car shows and more help to pay tribute to the Oregon Trail.
7. Cruise Nite
July 13-17
Kearney http://www.cruisenitekearney.com/
Classic car shows, downhill drag races and an all-around good time can be expected at this event.
8. Nebraska Star Party
July 31-August 5
Valentine http://www.nebraskastarparty.org/
Located at Merritt Reservoir’s Snake Campground, stargazers try and spot constellations and galaxies.
9. Nebraska’s Big Rodeo
July 27-30
Burwell http://www.nebraskasbigrodeo.com/
Enjoy the Wild Horse Race, Saddle Broncs, 4-H animals and more at a rodeo that has been around since 1921.
10. Nebraska State Fair
August 26-September 5
Grand Island http://www.statefair.org/
End the summer season with concerts, midway rides and good food at Nebraska’s annual state fair.
New this summer
Bootleg Brewers in Taylor
The new brewery is located on a working ranch, has an updated brewery building that houses a new 20 barrel brewing system, and includes a steakhouse and five cabins within walking distance of the brewery. http://visitnebraska.com/stays/bootleg-brewers
African Grasslands Exhibit at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
The $73 million, 28-acre African Grasslands Exhibit at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium was the largest project in the zoo’s history. Major exhibits for elephants, giraffes, white rhinos, cheetahs and mixed-species have been added along with animal wading pools, an interactive African pygmy goat petting area and interactive demonstration areas. The center of this outdoor, grasslands habitat is the African Lodge, a concession area with a new train station. http://visitnebraska.com/see_and_dos/omaha-s-henry-doorly-zoo-and-aquarium
Blue Blood Brewing Co.
Opened at a new location in April of this year, the Blue Blood Brewing Co. has added a new and unique experience for locals and travelers. The owners purchased Robber’s Cave. Robber’s Cave was said to be the hideout for Jesse James and was also home to Pioneer Brewing in the 1870’s. The cave has been closed for years and once it is opened, Blue Blood plans to give tours and hold special events there. http://visitnebraska.com/see_and_dos/blue-blood-brewing-company
The mission of the Nebraska Tourism Commission is to expand Nebraska’s dynamic and diverse travel industry making it more viable by creating awareness, attracting increased visitors which results in greater tourism revenue and economic gain throughout the state. To learn more, go to VisitNebraska.com.
