Festivals & Events

Step into the heartland’s warm welcome at the festivals and events of Southeast Nebraska. Experience the annual delights of apple picking, fairground thrills, and riverfront music. Our detailed event list below offers a guide to these can't-miss events where community and tradition come alive.

Sponsored Events in Southeast Nebraska

Thayer County Fair - Deshler, Nebraska

Experience the heart of community fun at the Thayer County Fair! Join us in August for a celebration filled with thrilling rides, live entertainment, and the ever-popular livestock shows. Don’t miss out on a summer tradition where families come together to create lasting memories. Click below for more information and exact dates!

Omaha Storm Chasers - Papillion, NE

Cheer on the Omaha Storm Chasers, the proud Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, at Werner Park! Experience the excitement of top-tier minor league baseball and see future Royals stars in action. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with engaging promotions, spectacular fireworks, and fun for fans of all ages.

Browse Featured Southeast Nebraska Events

January - February - March - April - May - June - July

August - September - October - November - December

Please note: Not all events are listed here, just our favorites! For a full list, please visit the county's website, or click here.

JANUARY

First Day Hikes Across Southeast NE

Kick off the New Year in the great outdoors by participating in First Day Hikes at Nebraska’s state parks! These annual guided hikes give you the chance to explore trails, snap photos, watch wildlife and participate in any planned activities. Click below for more information!

february

Groundhog Day Celebration, Unadilla, NE

Held on the first Saturday In February in the Groundhog Capital of Nebraska. This annual event includes Unadilla Bill coming out to see his shadow, a parade, a craft fair, lots of food, and more. Click below for more information!

March

St. Patricks Day Across Southeast NE

Information about the event here. Line number two goes here. Followed by line number three. Visit local county websites for more information and specific events!

Shamrock Shuffle - Nebraska City, NE

Sign up your team of four and shuffle between bars and restaurants to play games, drink, win cash prizes and enter the costume contest. Click below for more information and exact dates!

April

Arbor Day Festival Celebration - Nebraska City, NE

Usually the third weekend, including Friday in April. Plant trees, children's celebrations at the Arbor Lodge, a parade, craft fairs, and many family-friendly activities at Arbor Day Farm. Click below for more information and exact dates!

May

Brownville Flea Market - Brownville, NE

The flea market, held every Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day Weekend, has been an event in Brownville for over 60 years. With more than 250 vendors, it offers food, antiques, and many unique items. Click below for more information and exact dates!

June

Homestead Days - Beatrice, NE

The event offers a community parade, art displays, duck races, Ribfest with live music, Arts in the Park, Cruise Night, a car show, an outdoor movie, a flea market, and more! It attracts over 17,000 visitors annually. Click below for exact dates and more information.

Bellevue Rocks the Riverfront - Bellevue, NE

Bellevue celebrates its heritage along the Missouri River with live music, carnival rides and games, food trucks, and a beer garden. Click below for more information and exact dates!

Summer Sounds Concert Series - Auburn, NE

Join us for Auburn’s Summer Sounds Concert Series, featuring live music from classic rock to 70s throwbacks! Enjoy incredible bands, tasty food, refreshing drinks, and fun activities for the whole family. This community favorite includes events like the Show & Shine Car Show, perfect for celebrating summer in style. Don’t miss unforgettable nights of dancing and singing under the stars! Click below for details and exact dates.

July

Annual 4th of July Celebration - Seward, NE

The day opens with Anvil/Cannon Firing and Flag Raising and concludes with a Free Fireworks Display! The Family Fun-Filled Day features free concerts, historical speakers, a Grand Parade, a Crafts Show, a historic Nebraska National Guard Museum, a Food Alley, a Street Pole Vault, and a Car Show! Click below for more information!

August

Cass County Fair - Weeping Water, NE

This beloved annual free event features 4-H livestock, a carnival, tractor pulls, rodeo events, live entertainment, and more. Click below for more information and exact dates!

AVCA College Volleyball Showcase - Lincoln, NE

In August, eight of the top college programs in the country will compete at PBA Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Teams (as well as ticket sales) will be announced in February. Alongside the competition, a FanFest will be held in the Railyard each day. Click below for more information and exact dates!

September

AppleJack Festival - Nebraska City, NE

It’s a celebration of the apples being ready at the local orchards. U-Pick Apples, Apple Cider Donuts, Apple Pies, Caramel Apples, Cider Slushies. Parade, Flea Market, 5 K run, Live Music, Vendor and Craft Fairs, Carnival, Food Trucks, Wine Tastings, and much more! Click below for more information and exact dates!

Richardson County Fair - Humboldt, NE

The Richardson County Fair is 4 nights and 3 days in September. It begins with a crowing of a King and Queen and her court and a coronation program that follows to start off the rides and concessions and live performances each day. At our parade, most days, we usually have 8 to 10 bands march through the parade, and the Southeast Community Band performs a concert on Thursday nights before the free acts.

Yorkfest Celebration - York, NE

Yorkfest is the City of York’s Community Celebration. The annual fall event features a grand parade, food vendors, inflatables, a mini carnival, a skateboarding contest, a golf tournament, historical events, and other exciting activities.

October

GermanFest - Syracuse, NE

Join us as we celebrate our German heritage! GermanFest is a family-friendly event featuring many fun activities throughout the weekend. It's back on Main Street in downtown Syracuse. There will be a Volleyball Tournament, Burgermeister Open, Corn Hole Tournament, Beer Pong, Hammerschlagen, Masskrugstemmen, Craft Vendors, Food Trucks, and more. Click below for more information and exact dates!

Crete's Great Pumpkin Festival - Crete, NE

Crete’s Great Pumpkin Festival is hosted by the Crete Chamber of Commerce on the first full weekend of October, with the main event on Sunday from 12-5pm. It will be a day full of entertainment, food, games, and fun for the whole family to enjoy! Click below for more information and exact dates!

November

Hometown Christmas - Auburn, NE

Get ready for holiday cheer at Auburn’s Hometown Christmas! This three-day celebration is filled with festive fun for the whole family. Enjoy Santa lighting the Christmas tree, breakfast with Mrs. Claus, a free holiday movie, and our dazzling Christmas parade. Stroll through town, sip hot cocoa, and explore local shops for the perfect gifts. It’s a joyful celebration of community, tradition, and holiday magic! Click below for more information and exact dates!

December

Lincoln Zoo Lights - Lincoln, NE

Held at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, the last weekend in November - December 30. The zoo is transformed into one of the largest light displays in the Midwest. Experience multiple light shows, holiday music, hanging and vine lights, light tunnels, train rides, and over 30 animal light silhouettes. Lincoln's Zoo Lights are a truly unforgettable experience for all families and individuals. Click below to get more information & purchase tickets!

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