Late summer events heat up the season
Nebraska heats up in the summer months with festivals, concerts, culinary events and much more. Here are some of our top late summer events from around the state. 
Capital City Ribfest, Lincoln, Aug. 9-12 America’s best BBQ pit bosses gather to serve up their award-winning barbecue at the capital city’s most popular summer festival. Barbecue fans can sample a world of styles, including Southern, Memphis, Texas, Southwestern and Australian. Live bands playing folk, classic rock, blues and country are also featured. Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s 19th Annual Powwow, Niobrara, Aug. 10-12 Niobrara State Park hosts the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s 19th Annual Powwow. Experience the tradition of days gone by as singers and drummers, bedecked in emblematic costumes, perform ceremonial songs and dances. Popcorn Days, North Loup, August 24-26 Crops of popcorn reach their peak in late summer, and each year North Loup celebrates with Popcorn Days. The festival features parades, a carnival, polka dancing, tractor pulls, talent shows, a flea market and, of course, all-you-can-eat free popcorn. 2012 Great Nebraska Beerfest, Papillion, Aug. 25 Local, regional and national brewers are featured at this celebration of American craft beer. The $10 admission gives beer lovers access to the outdoor festival and the opportunity to sample the wares of more than 70 brewers. Live bands and educational brewing seminars are also offered.
22nd Annual Kite Flight, Callaway, Sept. 1-2 Recognized by USA Today as one of the country's top 10 places to fly a kite, Callaway has a 200-acre prairie with open skies and plenty of Nebraska wind to power the colorful kites flown here every year by professional and amateur fliers. The event has hosted fliers from 27 states and 21 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Finland, India, Romania, South Korea, Ukraine and Vietnam.
Find more summer festivals, celebrations and events at VisitNebraska.gov.
