Notable Nebraska Events & Festivals This Fall

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Need a reason to visit Nebraska this fall? How about a dozen? We have more, but you have to start somewhere.

Poppys Pumpkin Patch, Norfolk.

Poppy's Pumpkin Patch, Norfolk

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.

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 aple are found here, as well as craft fairs, a parade, classic car show and carnival.

A family with children enjoying caramel apples at Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City.
Arbor Day Farm, Nebraska City

October

Harvest Moon Fall Festival
Chadron 
Sample and judge entries in the salsa contest or enjoy the haunted maze, a beer fest, live performances, face painting and dozens of vendors onsite.

Crete’s Great Pumpkin Festival
Crete 
Previous years have featured scarecrow and pumpkin competitions, pumpkin carving demos, carnival games, live entertainment and the Great Pumpkin Giveaway.

HallowFest
Ponca 
Haunted hayrack rides, campsite cabin-decorating contests, pumpkin roll and pumpkin carving all turn Ponca State Park into a Halloween extravaganza.

Groups holding beer steins at Norfolk Oktoberfest.
Norfolk Oktoberfest | Photo Credit: Visit Norfolk Area NE

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.