Nebraska's many, many outdoor festivals fill the calendar from the first warm weekend to the first snow. Some of our favorites are the festivals that focus on food, and the Central Plains Ribfest in Holdrege (in Phelps County) is one that no one should miss.
Central Plains Ribfest is a competition that's open to the public. For $225, anyone can register to prove to the state that they make the best BBQ.
Swedish Days features one of the best parades in the state along with a full weekend of attractions, activities, and tons of fun for people of all ages.
The 2017 Central Plains Ribfest and the 28th annual Swedish Days Festival will take place in Holdrege on June 16th and 17th. There are events all weekend all throughout the town. Find out more from the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce or the event's Facebook page.
Another classic Nebraska festival is coming up on Memorial Day weekend - the Callaway Kite Flight!
It’s that time of year again when we get together for hot dogs, burgers, and beverages and celebrate Independence Day! The best part of the celebrations is taking in a brilliant fireworks display and seeing splashes of color across the Nebraska sky. If you're wondering where to watch fireworks near me, here are eight of the best fireworks in Nebraska for 2024.
Brownville has a whole slew of fun activities planned for this year at the Brownville Freedom Celebration. It kicks off with the annual Freedom Run and continues with a quilt display, a dog show, and a parade. There will be children’s activities and more, however, the river cruise will not be happening due to flooding. Everything else will take place including the fireworks which begin at 9:45 p.m.
Lincoln’s Oak Lake Park will be the site for the Uncle Sam Jam where live music will start at 7:15 p.m. followed by a Flag Ceremony and fireworks will get underway at 10 p.m. Free StarTran shuttles will provide rides from several locations in the city.
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3. Fourth of July Grillin’ and Chillin’, Alma
The charming little town of Alma will be hosting a Grillin’ and Chillin’ event with a Fun Run/Walk and a 5K and 10K race. A parade gets going at 10:30 a.m., and there is an Art in the Park show and Turtle Races. Fireworks will start at 10 p.m.
4. Big Bang Boom, Norfolk
Norfolk will have a row of inflatable bounce houses, various military displays, food vendors, and live music at Big Bang Boom. A preshow begins at 9:45 p.m. followed by a rather spectacular fireworks show. On July 3, there will be a Wing Fest and a car show in preparation for the Fourth.
The Gene Leahy Mall will host the Omaha Symphony at 8:30 p.m., which will be performing patriotic music, and there will be a dazzling fireworks display synchronized with music. Admission is free. There will be several other celebrations and fireworks displays in the city, as well, including the two-day Ralston Independence Day Celebration with pie-eating contests, parades, and a family street dance.
6. Community Fireworks, Arnold
The tiny, idyllic town of Arnold will host a wonderful fireworks display at Old Mill Park at 9:30 p.m. It’s been hailed as one of the best small-town fireworks displays in Nebraska.
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7. Crawford 4th of July, Crawford
The small town of Crawford does it up big on the 4th of July with a PRCA rodeo, a White River 5K Run/Walk, a parade, a BBQ Beef Ribs Cookoff, Turtle Races, and more, culminating in a fantastic fireworks show.
8. Fourth of July Celebration At Menominee Park, Oshkosh
Oshkosh kicks off its 4th of July with a parade starting downtown at 9 a.m. Menominee Park will have a large variety of food trucks starting at 3 p.m., and locals hang out and have fun in the park until the fireworks get going around 9:45 p.m. It’ll be a blast!
So, if you'd been wondering where to watch fireworks near me in Nebraska, now you have some ideas! Do you have a favorite Fourth of July fireworks display in Nebraska? Let us know about it in the comments. Summer is a wonderful time to bring the family on a road trip and see the natural beauty of Nebraska:
Get ready for a dose of holiday magic right here in Nebraska! I've rounded up seven light displays that are nothing short of pure enchantment, turning the state into a winter wonderland. From dazzling shows to twinkling spectacles, these displays are the perfect recipe for festive vibes and making memories that'll warm your heart. Let the holiday light adventure begin, and discover the best Christmas lights in Nebraska.
Get ready to experience the magic of the Holiday Lights Festival in Omaha! The festival has something for everyone, from the Lighting Ceremony that officially kicks off the holiday season to the stunning displays of holiday lights that illuminate downtown Omaha every night until January 1st.
You can also enjoy free admission to downtown Omaha's favorite attractions and holiday activities at the KETV Family Festival, along with a free trolley service to explore the area. And don't miss the fantastic New Year's Eve fireworks show near CHI Health Center to ring in the new year with a bang! The Holiday Lights Festival is a fantastic way to celebrate the holidays in Omaha with something for everyone to enjoy.
Get into the holiday spirit with Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Children's Zoo. The Zoo turns into a giant light show with light displays synced to holiday jams, hanging vine lights, and over 30 lit-up animal shapes. The event has holiday train rides, too, so don't miss out! And grab some s'mores or hot cocoa while you're at it. Best part? Your fun night out helps support the Zoo and its animals during the winter. So, join the festive fun and do some good during the holiday season.
Check out Santa's Rock N Lights – it's like a drive-thru party with over a mile of awesome lights jamming to music! Santa's Rock N Lights has got the biggest and coolest light show, with all sorts of displays – think color-changing lights, huge sculptures, and the classic twinklers. Picture cruising through 700 feet of light tunnels and spotting giant 3D dinosaurs, reindeer, and polar bears. And there's more – massive emojis, a snowflake world, and even Santa rocking it on the guitar.
Lauritzen Gardens is turning up the holiday magic! The floral hall and Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory will be all lit up, and they're keeping the garden open late to celebrate the season. Grab your crew and check out the dazzling indoor gardens with a massive 20-foot poinsettia tree and a tropical paradise. These nights are set to be your new holiday tradition – enjoy a crackling fire, write to Santa, shop for gifts, roast marshmallows with a S'mores kit, and have family-friendly fun in the Chill Zone. Experience the holiday joy and make memories in the garden this winter!
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5. Christmas Lights on the Kearney County Courthouse, Minden
Have you heard about Minden being renowned as the Christmas City of Nebraska? It all started in 1915 when J.C. Haws relocated the Christmas lights exhibit to the courthouse dome, which continues to illuminate the city today. The display is popularly referred to as Christmas Lights on the Kearney County Courthouse.
Another well-known local favorite is the "Light of the World" Christmas Pageant, which culminates in over 12,000 bulbs brightening up the courthouse and the square. You wouldn't want to miss out on this enchanting holiday experience!
Immerse yourself in the festive season at Creighton's SantaLand! The annual Christmas light show in Bruce Park is where it's at during December. Check out loads of outdoor displays and Santa's Workshop with its sixteen busy motorized elves. You can even have a chat with Santa and grab some tasty treats from local businesses.
Back in '95, locals donated many of the displays, and since then, the Creighton Area Chamber of Commerce and various volunteers, ages 5 to 82, set up SantaLand in early November. Over 2,000 hours of volunteer love go into making this holiday tradition a reality!
Christmas in Cody Park is happening in North Platte, and it's always a blast. There are tons of fun activities to enjoy, like wagon and carriage rides, free carousel and glider rides, and visits with Santa. You can also check out the beautiful light displays at the park throughout December.
Plus, there's a Children on Parade event, where you can dress up and play games for prizes. And if you want to take a break and watch a movie, St. Nick's Flicks in the Sticks movie nights are happening, too. Don't miss out on the fun!
Have you had the opportunity to check out these festive destinations? Do you consider them among the best Christmas lights in Nebraska? I love the vibe of the Holiday Lights Festival - how about you? Share your thoughts and recommendations!
And if you're gearing up for a winter road trip to explore these holiday hotspots, don't forget to make a road trip packing list. It'll add an extra layer of enjoyment to your adventure!
