Nebraska statewide events

Step back in time at Oregon Trail Days in Gering, Nebraska's longest continuously running celebration. Enjoy four days of family-friendly fun, including a parade, Street Dance, Car Show, Chili Cook-Off, carnival, art show, vendors, live music, BBQ and local produce. We can't wait to see you! (July 9-12)

Designated as Nebraska's oldest celebration, this annual festival near the base of Scotts Bluff National Monument commemorates the pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail through the North Platte River Valley in the mid-1800s. Events include a parade, concerts, an international food fair, a carnival and historical programming honoring the role this stretch of western Nebraska played in one of the great migrations in American history.

Held at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in the Nebraska Sandhills near Valentine, this gathering takes advantage of some of the darkest skies in the continental United States at a site designated as an International Dark Sky Park. Astronomers and stargazing enthusiasts set up telescopes for public viewing sessions, while educational programs, guided sky tours, and the vast, flat Sandhills landscape combine to create one of the country's premier amateur astronomy events.

Gaze at the stars during the Nebraska Star Party at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, a designated Dark Sky Park. Enjoy premier stargazing under Sandhills skies, plus educational activities, a beginner field school, kids' astronomy, swimming and boating in this remarkable setting. (July 12–17)

A legendary four-day PRCA rodeo packed with bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, specialty acts, grand parades, 4-H exhibits and classic fair food — pure Nebraska cowboy culture at its finest. (July 22-25)

Watch the skies light up at the Old West Balloon Fest at Mitchell Airfield. This premier festival features mass ascensions, dazzling Night Glow shows, vendors and kids' activities. Admission is per carload. Plan your visit early and enjoy, weather permitting. (Aug. 10–16)

Celebrate Kool-Aid's 90-plus year origin at Kool-Aid Days, held at the Adams County Fairgrounds at Hastings Lake. Enjoy live music, fireworks, Kardboard Boat Races, a drinking contest, a 5K and free Kool-Aid. Don't miss the festive parade on Aug. 15. Full dates: Aug. 

Set sail for the Midwest Pirate Festival at Bellevue Berry Farm, Nebraska's largest pirate celebration. Enjoy five stages, sword fights, fire eating and a $100 treasure hunt. Explore a replica pirate ship, browse 50-plus vendors and visit the Pirate's Pub. Family fun awaits. (Aug. 22–23)

Celebrate late summer at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island. Enjoy livestock competitions, petting zoos and thrilling rides like the Ferris wheel and Zipper. Savor fried foods, catch national and regional music acts and explore a wide variety of vendors. (Aug. 28–Sept. 7)