Summer Events & Festivals in Nebraska
Need a reason to visit Nebraska this summer? How about some Nebraska summer events to plan a trip around?
Nebraska doesn't just host summer events — we celebrate them with everything we've got. Rodeos, live music, Kool-Aid festivals, hot air balloons, dark night skies, and state fair food served up with the kind of heart and hospitality you won't find anywhere else. This is Nebraska. And we'd love to have you here this summer.
College World Series
June 12–22, 2026
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
June 17–27, 2026
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, which 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
July 4, 2026
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, which includes a grand parade, car show, live entertainment, a 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
July 9–12, 2026
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
July 10–12, 2026
The Wayne Chicken Show has been a beloved Nebraska tradition since 1980, returning every second weekend of July with the kind of community spirit this state does best. Expect a wing-eating contest, egg-drop contest and the National Cluck-Off — plus a parade, car show, live music, and food trucks to keep the celebration going all weekend long.
Nebraska Star Party
July 12–17, 2026
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 Park, 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, offers no shortage of opportunities for exploration.
Nebraska’s Big Rodeo
July 22–25, 2026
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
August 8, 2026
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
August 6–9, 2026
Live music, corn hole tournament, barbecue, a parade, various races and more await you at the largest block party in Nebraska.
Old West Balloon Fest
August 10–16, 2026
A must-attend event in the panhandle is 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 steps away from Scottsbluff, Gering and all of the scenic wonder of western Nebraska. Experience glow balloons, amazing hot-air experiences and more.
Kool-Aid Days
August 14–16, 2026
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
August 28–September 7, 2026
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, funnel cakes and just about fried-anything-else you could imagine.
Looking for more Nebraska events & festivals? Check out our calendar of events.
