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We are weeks away from the Nebraska State Fair, a beloved end of summer annual tradition in Grand Island, Nebraska. I want to tell you more about this popular state fair, including how to save money on tickets.
History of the Nebraska State Fair
The Nebraska State Fair has a long history. So much so that it has been around longer than Nebraska has been a state! It began back when Nebraska was a territory back in 1859.
2026 Nebraska State Fair Dates & Times
Fast-forward to today, it’s a great, 11-day event. In 2026, it will run from August 28, 2026, through September 7, 2026 (Labor Day).
What To Do at the Nebraska State Fair
There are plenty of fun things to do at the Nebraska State Fair!
Rides & Games
There are plenty of carnival-style games and rides, such as Kamikaze, Musicfest, and Mega Drop.
Shows
Prepared to be entertained by:
- Equine Shows
- Livestock Shows
- Cattle Dog Trials
Live Entertainment
There is plenty of free live music at the Nebraska State Fair:
- Exit 312
- Anyone Else
- The Zooeys
- Kiley Barwick & Company
- 512: The Selena Experience
- Mike Geiler
- Drew Phillips Band
- Fire & Lace
- Ultra Violet Fever
- Switchbak
- Lee Bowes & The Jupiter Rings
- Root Marm Chicken Farm
- Upset
- Bert & Scott
- 94 Strings
- Modern Kowboy
- AM/FM
- Galaxy of Stars Talent Search Finals
- Nebraska Nepalese Society
- Los Del Nuevo Delito
- Leo-Lonnie Duo
- Mariachi Los Caballeros
- Tim Zach
- Divas Through the Decades
- Mad Dog
- Bill Chrastil
- Paisty Jenny
- Scott Meradith
- Johnny Ray Gomez
- Ember & Oak
- The Riley Morgan Band
- Happy Endings Band Omaha
- Twisted Chrome
- Anthony Segovia
- Nebraska Chinese Association
- Dave Lerbakken Solo Show
- Humboldt’s Quid
- Kyle Sayler Band
- Hamilton County Community Band
- El Cachanilla
- Jimmy Weber Band
- Omaha Street Percussion
- Hansen Airship
- Phil Baker
- Dorothy’s Dishes
- Tom & Wes
- Get Loud Artist Showcase
- The Shockitanos
- Daniel Christian
- Mike Semrad & The Riverhawks
- Drew Fausett & The Breaking Point
- Rascal Martinez
- Ryan William
- Kevin McClure
- Love Town
- Josh Hoyer
- Sherwin Linton & The Cotton Kings
- Leo-Lonnie Orchestra Polka Band
- The Wicked
- Paul Stephen Duffy
- Jessy Karr Band
There’s other live entertainment at the fair in addition to the live music, such as:
- Hedrick’s Petting Zoo
- Jurassic Bark
- Wildlife Encounters
- Chicago Honey Bear Dancers
- Steve Trash
- Robo Cars
- Grupo Folklorico Sangre Azteca
- World Record Balloon Stunt Show
- Nowear BMX
- Flaki Dance
- Billy Kidd
- River City Shakers
- Dangerous Feats of Comedy
- Strolling Piano
- Chainsaw Carving
- Hispanic Arts Center of Omaha
- Hedrick’s Racing Pigs
- Bobbie the Barker
- The Flying Royals
- Rock-it the Robot
- Fantasy Drone Show
- Tiger Encounter
- Grupo Folklorico Belleza de Nuestra Tierra
- Many Moccasins
- Music Bingo
Competitive Exhibits
You can enter one of the many competitions at the Nebraska State Fair, such as:
- Food
- Horticulture
- Agricultural Products
- Photographs
- Quilts
- Textile Arts
- Visual Arts
- Bee Culture
- Education
Food & Vendors
There are plenty of food available at the Nebraska State Fair, such as burgers, corn dogs, BBQ, ice cream, pizza, seafood, and popcorn).
There are also plenty of vendors, so you can shop for products like jewelry, lawn & garden products, products for fishing & hunting, etc.
You can also get hand-drawn caricatures or face painting.
Coupons
Looking to save money on your Nebraska State Fair ticket? Purchase your ticket here, and you can save up to 25% on your ticket. No coupon code or promo code is even needed since the discount is automatic.